UPDATE: New insights from photographer Fox reveal how your mood drastically influences your photography, especially when the conditions seem perfect. This urgent video, shot on December 31, 2025, in London, highlights the unseen factors that can make or break your best shots.
In the candid video, Fox stands under a dismal gray sky in Covent Garden, reflecting on how his plans for capturing a stunning sunrise fell flat. Despite meticulous preparations, including booking a hotel nearby, he admits that mood often overshadows technical skill when it comes to photography. This realization resonates with anyone who has felt uninspired, even in ideal shooting conditions.
Fox emphasizes that your emotional state directly affects what you notice and ultimately capture. He shares anecdotes about days where he felt mentally stuck, resulting in a lack of compelling images, even while bustling streets surrounded him. This phenomenon leaves many photographers questioning their creativity during challenging times.
Recognizing the overwhelming noise from news and social media, Fox argues that this distraction pulls attention away from the small, beautiful moments that elevate street photography. He encourages viewers to cultivate empathy but cautions against letting external negativity cloud their artistic vision.
Shifting gears, Fox discusses two travel shows that unexpectedly inspire him—“Parts Unknown” and the “Long Way” series. He questions why these programs resonate so powerfully, despite their focus on themes he usually disregards, like food and motorcycles. His conclusion? The hosts’ romantic perspectives on life and their attention to detail make all the difference.
Fox frames this as a crucial mental posture for photographers: allowing oneself to be moved by ordinary scenes instead of treating daily outings as a mere checklist. This fresh mindset can transform your experience and output without imitating anyone else’s style.
As the video progresses, Fox delivers a provocative piece of advice: prioritize enjoying your day over capturing the perfect shot. He insists that personal photography should not hinge on whether you leave with a masterpiece but rather on the joy of the experience itself. This sentiment is particularly relevant in a world where social media pressures can distort the purpose of creativity.
Fox underscores the distinction between paid and personal work, emphasizing that the latter should be about exploration and fulfillment rather than the pursuit of approval. His candid reflections reveal the mental battles photographers face, from the pressure to produce high-quality work on demand to the disappointment of feeling unproductive.
Another key point raised by Fox is the irregular nature of great photography—he notes that brilliant shots often come in bursts rather than a steady stream. Photographers may experience dry spells interspersed with moments of brilliance, highlighting the unpredictable nature of creativity.
As his reflections draw to a close, Fox touches on the importance of rest. He shares his own experiences of burnout from relentless travel schedules, which left him hesitant to pick up his camera. However, he captures a shift in energy when the light finally cooperates, showcasing how the right conditions can reignite passion.
This insightful video is a must-watch for anyone passionate about photography. Check it out above for Fox’s complete breakdown of how mood and mindset can influence your best shots.
For those interested in photography, these revelations from Alex Cooke, a Cleveland-based photographer and meteorologist, provide significant food for thought. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an enthusiastic amateur, the message is clear: your emotional state plays a crucial role in your creative output, and embracing the journey is just as important as the final image.
