F-stop Collaborate And Listen

In this episode, photographer Brittany Colt delves into her distinctive approach to photography, discussing the influence of graphic design and the use of color and negative space to shape mood and draw viewer engagement. Exploring intimate landscapes through her unique vision, influenced by being born blind in one eye, Colt emphasizes the significance of emotional connection in photography and the transformative impact of following light in iconic locations like Yosemite and the Eastern Sierra. With a focus on female empowerment and self-love through her Flying Dress Experience and nude photo series, she addresses her professional evolution from weddings to landscape photography, her graphic design insights into composition, and the value of emotional storytelling in her art. Host Matt Payne and Brittany reflect on the importance of adapting teaching to individual learning styles, speak to the challenges and balance of authenticity in marketing their services, and advocate for personal creativity and passion

In this enriching episode of "F-Stop Collaborate and Listen," we delve into the remarkable legacy of Ansel Adams through the eyes of his former assistant and esteemed photographer, Alan Ross. Ross shares captivating anecdotes and insights from his time with Adams, reflecting on Ansel's people skills, his comfort with technology, and his humble approach to photography that embraced imperfections and learning from mistakes. Ross discusses his own varied career, from textbook photography to continuing Adams' tradition of special edition prints, and his personal philosophy of seeing photography as an expressive language that goes beyond mere documentation. Listeners are treated to a deep dive into photographic artistry, learning to appreciate the emotional conveyance in images, the importance of self-discovery, and the impactful advice to slow down and engage meaningfully with one's subject. Guest recommendations and a nod to the broader community of photographers round out an episode that's as much a tribute to

In this episode of "F-Stop Collaborate and Listen," host Matt Payne sits down with the celebrated photographer and 2023 International Landscape Photographer of the Year, Tony Hewitt. They delve into a deep discussion about Tony's diverse experience, touching on the nuances of fine art and landscape photography, the intention behind each shot, and the emotional experience involved in photography competitions. Tony asserts the importance of narrative and the photographer's voice in creating impactful imagery, sharing insights from his multifaceted career, his approach to photography as a storytelling medium, and his advice on developing a personal style. They also address the sensitive topics of judging integrity and favoritism in competitions, the role of standard setting in photographic art, and the significance of critiques and self-evaluation in a photographer's growth. The episode is not only overflowing with actionable advice for photographers of all levels but also offers a window into Tony's philosophy

In this week's episode featuring Beth Buelow, the conversation explores the profound impact of labels on a photographer's creative journey. They discuss the dual nature of labels—how they can serve as useful cognitive shortcuts and create a sense of identity and confidence for photographers, but can also limit creative exploration and growth. By sharing personal experiences and examining the tension between embracing and resisting labels in the face of evolving technology like AI, Matt Payne and Beth Buelow encourage photographers to embrace challenges, adaptability, and failure as tools for creativity. The episode culminates with the introduction of Beth's platform, Pixels, which aims to inspire photographers through creativity cross-training, balancing the art and heart of photography while fostering a community for continual growth and evolving artistic identity. Resources Mentioned on the Podcast: Sail the Chilean Fjords with me or see my other workshops TJ Thorne Landscape Photographer's Worldwide Discor

In a world where the constant noise of digital notifications attempts to claim our attention, seeking out space, stillness, and silence can be a radical act. On this week's episode we take a deep dive into Eric Bennett's new photography book and examine how reconnecting with nature can foster a deeper engagement with one's artistic process and personal well-being. Resources Mentioned on the Episode This Week: Watch the episode on YouTube Purchase Eric's book, "Space Stillness Silence" Check out Eric's fun YouTube show, Brews N' Views Support the podcast on Patreon Photographers Recommended This Week by David Thompson and Eric Bennett: Jim Becia Paul Bowman Sho Hoshino Krister Berg Fredrik Boo Erik Lee

In this profound episode of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, host Matt Payne sits down with photographer Alex Armitage to explore an array of poignant topics. Alex has been living out of his Toyota 4-Runner for 3 years straight. He a writer for Fstoppers, and a full-time YouTube creator. Alex reflects on the challenges of sustaining a nomadic lifestyle, the psychological toll of solo travel, and the introspective process that has led him to prioritize genuine human connections and authenticity in his work over catering to algorithms or pursuing financial gain. Environmental consciousness and a critical discussion on the impact of social media on travel locations round out this insightful conversation. Alex also shares his transformational journey in photography, detailing a significant shift from labor-intensive photo editing to a more streamlined approach influenced by the Natural Landscape Photography Awards and a challenge to diversify his photographic subjects. The dialogue delves deep into the ethics of ph

In this engaging podcast episode, host Matt Payne chats with photographer Michael Rung about the intricacies and challenges of producing photo folios, from meticulous print proofing to managing paper scarcity. Michael shares his journey from a corporate career to full-time photography, highlighting the emotional and financial nuances of the transition. Despite initial unease with YouTube, Michael has found a voice in authentic, unscripted content, resonating with his audience. The conversation delves into Michael's creative evolution towards more reactive photography and the balance between commercial viability and personal fulfillment. Throughout, both Matt and Michael touch on the complex dynamics of audience engagement, content authenticity, and the reality of pursuing one's passion in the unpredictable landscape of photography and social media. P.S. You can also watch this podcast episode on YouTube! Resources / Links Mentioned Star Street Creative - Michael's partner Heather's graphic design business Mic

Hello and welcome to another episode of "F-Stop Collaborate and Listen," with your host, Matt Payne. In today's awe-inspiring episode, we're incredibly honored to sit down with the legendary nature photographer, Art Wolfe. Wolfe brings to us tales of passion, adventure, and a relentless pursuit of excellence that has defined his illustrious career behind the lens. From his early switch from painting to photography to traversing the globe capturing life in its myriad forms, Art has constantly pushed the boundaries of the craft. He has conveyed the importance of observing and understanding the behavior of wildlife in photography, and he approaches each project with a meticulous and organized method. Art will share insights into the creative process, the tricky balance of inspiration versus emulation, and offer a behind-the-scenes look at his television series, Travels to the Edge. He also addresses the complexities of maintaining a legacy, detailing his desire to establish a foundation to preserve his work and

In this episode of "F-Stop Collaborate and Listen," host Matt Payne speaks with photographer Michael McMullen about his poignant photography project "Unidentified," which documents locations of found unidentified bodies in Spokane to shed light on the issues of homelessness and unidentified individuals. McMullen shares his process from inception to execution, including the challenges of mental health and his own experiences with ADHD. The project also serves to remind of the fragility of life and the societal need to address these matters more proactively. Beyond his book, Michael discusses his and his wife's Etsy store, their approach to photography, and expresses hopes for the obsolescence of his book with the resolution of the unidentified persons issue. Links Discussed on the Podcast: Michael's Etsy Page. Michael on Instagram. Michael's book, Unidentified. Support the podcast on Patreon. Photographers that Michael mentioned on the Podcast: Chloe Dewes Mathews Nick Fancher Jan C. Schlegel

Welcome to another captivating episode of "F-Stop Collaborate and Listen," with your host, Matt Payne. Today we're joined by Kent Burkhardsmeier, a landscape photographer and poet whose appreciation for nature's whispers inspires his unique blend of photography and poetry. In this episode, Kent takes us on a journey through his transformation from a corporate world veteran to embracing a nomadic lifestyle driven by his passion for capturing minimalist landscapes and quiet moments. We'll uncover how living across various countries shaped his artistic vision, leading him to self-publish photo books like "Stillness" and "Awareness" from his "Whispers from Nature" series. Kent shares the profound experience of creating photo poem books, a meditative exploration where each image is coupled with a poem, and the logistical challenges of self-publishing. He reflects on the personal and global events that shape his work, emphasizing authenticity and the personal connection with his art over external validation. With K

Welcome to another episode of "F-Stop Collaborate and Listen," the podcast for landscape and nature photographers. I'm your host, Matt Payne, and today we have the pleasure of diving deep into the photographic journey of the distinguished UK photographer, Paul Wakefield. Known for his evocative landscape work and particularly for his seminal book "The Landscape," Paul joins us to unravel the layers of his photography career that began in the 1970s and branched out into the demanding world of commercial photography. In episode 362, we'll get an intimate look at Paul's process of capturing images that distill the essence of a scene, his thoughtful approach to composition over light, and the personal and creative risks that come with making decisive, in-the-moment choices on film – a discipline that sees him capture no more than 10 images a day. Paul will share details about his new book and how his explorations in India lent new perspectives to his craft, while reflecting on the impact of critical assistance fr

In this episode of "F-Stop Collaborate and Listen," host Matt Payne interviews wildlife and conservation photographer Peter Mather, who shares his captivating experiences with camera trapping elusive creatures like wolverines and grizzly bears in the Arctic, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in environmental photography. They discuss the challenging economics of photography, from the unpredictability of print sales to the high costs of publishing photography books, and touch on the personal aspects of their lives, including outdoor adventures and family dynamics. The conversation also dives into themes of integrity in photography and the impact of climate change on wildlife, with Mather expressing his commitment to long-term projects that highlight the interconnectedness of nature and the importance of environmental preservation. Links Discussed on This Week's Episode  Sonny Parker  Chris Steppig (Summit Workshops) Katie Schuler Caleb Charlie PetaPixel Article on Kittiya Pawlowski Natural Landscape P

Welcome to another episode of "F-Stop Collaborate and Listen," with your host Matt Payne. Today, we're joined by Marcus McAdam, a multifaceted photographer based in Scotland, who has made a significant mark on the photography landscape. With a background in radio production, Marcus has seamlessly transitioned into full-time photography, embracing not only the art of capturing stunning imagery but also the intricate dance of leading highly desired photography workshops across Europe. In this episode, we'll dive deep with Marcus into the authenticity of photography, the importance of transparency in photo editing, and his personal journey from working in radio to leading his photography venture. He'll share his insights on the art of planning shots, working with film, and his passion for subjects with rich backstories. Marcus also discusses the challenges and rewards of producing high-quality content for his YouTube channel, Photography Online, all while navigating the changing landscapes of digital media, work

Welcome to another episode of "F-Stop Collaborate and Listen," with your host, Matt Payne. Today, we bring you the incredible journey of Tim Geoffrion, a man who traded in his financial career and embraced transformation through photography and the exploration of America's national parks. Known on Instagram as "This Walking Life," Tim's voyage to visit and photograph every U.S. National Park is a testament to living authentically and embracing the unpredictability of life. In this episode, we'll uncover the personal trials and moments of serendipity that shaped Tim's path: from the collapse and rebuilding of his personal life, including his marriage and the loss of his grandmother, to the struggles and enlightenment found in nature. We'll delve into how Tim's quest for connectedness with the natural world and his own emotions led to not only stunning photographs but also lasting personal transformations. Hear Tim's candid stories of car camping adventures, unexpected friendships, and his philosophical musings

Welcome to another episode of "F-Stop Collaborate and Listen," where we fuse the world of photography and delightful camaraderie. I'm your host, Matt Payne, and today we've got a treat for all you photography enthusiasts. Joining us is Mike DiMeola, not only a physician in Vermont but also a rising star in nature photography and co-host of the YouTube channel, Brews n' Views. As an anesthesiologist, Mike's professional life is characterized by precision and control, but when it comes to his photography, he seeks an escape, an outlet to balance the pressures of his intense work life. We'll learn how he carves out time for photography and allows his creativity to flow freely without concrete goals, embracing the peacefulness that naturally draws him in. Mike is an advocate for environmental conservation, donating all of his print sales profits to the National Forest Foundation. He shares with us the importance of mentorship in his life, from the impact TJ Thorne has had on him, to his own experiences mentoring

Welcome to another captivating episode of "F-Stop Collaborate and Listen." This week we delve deep into the lush landscapes of Japan with the extraordinary Mark Davis, a 24-year veteran of the U.S. armed forces turned passionate forest photographer. In this episode, we'll explore how Mark, now settled outside Tokyo with his family, has navigated his struggles with PTSD and the challenges of a military career through the lens of his camera, finding sanctuary amidst the serene Japanese beech trees. Together, we'll unpack the cultural nuances of photography in Japan—a place where silence and respect for nature prevail, where a deep curiosity about the subject matter reigns, and where community and connections pave the way for opportunities, including exciting photography workshops Mark plans to continue. We'll tap into the importance of mentorship and how seeking honest feedback transformed Mark’s work, confronting ego and the crucial learning that comes from intimate knowledge of your environment. Mark shares a

Infrared is gaining in popularity among landscape and nature photographers, but can feel overwhelming and daunting if you're not sure where to start. I've been wanting to dabble in it myself, but haven't really figured out where I need to look to start my journey.  One particular photographer has garnered my attention as being an expert in infrared nature photography. On this week’s F-Stop Collaborate and Listen podcast, we sit down and talk with Tony Sweet. Tony is a Nikon Legend Behind the Len. After a successful career as a jazz musician, Tony settled on photography as his chosen means for personal expression. Over the last 30 years, Tony has become an in-demand speaker throughout the United States and Canada on Photography and creativity. Stay up to date on the latest podcast episodes by subscribing to our newsletter! On this week's episode, we discuss: Tony's journey into nature photography. The role that finding a mentor played in Tony's progression as a photographer. Tips on finding a good mentor. Tony

In this episode of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, host Matt Payne interviews Kamal X, the first street and documentary photographer to be featured on the podcast. Kamal shares his journey as a photographer and discusses the importance of capturing compelling street photographs that evoke emotion and tell powerful stories. They also delve into Kamal's latest book, "Black Astronaut," which documents the George Floyd protests and explores the complexities of American society. Tune in to gain insights into the art of street photography and the impact it can have on viewers, including insightful comparisons between landscape photography and street photography. Stay up to date on the latest podcast episodes by subscribing to our newsletter! Links: Kamal's Website. Black Astronaut Book. Support the Show on Patreon. Daniel Milnor on YouTube. Mentioned on the podcast: Andre Wagner. Luisanna Tejada. Join in on the conversation for free on Patreon.

One of my favorite things about hosting a podcast is that I get to dig a little bit deeper into what motivates some of my favorite photographers. I'm so lucky to be able to sit down with these excellent photographers and discuss their origins, their processes for making images, the numerous challenges they face as creatives, and the inner workings of their minds. As such, it was an absolute pleasure to record this podcast in person with one of my co-instructors at Muench Workshops, Richard Bernabe. Richard is the host of another great podcast, Beyond the Lens, and has been one of my photographic heroes for a long time. Richard and I recorded this podcast while crossing the tumultuous Drake Passage on a non-stabilized expedition boat, the Polar Pioneer. We were returning from a 21-day voyage to Antarctica, where we were lucky enough to photograph elephant seals, emperor penguins, massive icebergs, and incredible sunsets. If you'd like to see a few of those photographs, please check out the my gallery. Stay u

In this conversation, Matt Payne interviews Steve Gettle, a nature photographer, about his photography journey and the challenges of monetizing photography. They discuss the process of finding a unique photographic voice and the balance between emulation and inspiration. They also explore the impact of social media on the photography industry and the changing landscape of making a living as a nature photographer. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the future of workshops and photo tours. The conversation covers topics such as the demographic shift and its impact on the landscape of photography, changing learning methods, the value of workshops and photo tours, the importance of critiques, the decline of camera clubs, traveling as a wildlife photographer, creating a nature photography paradise, and the debate around digital manipulation of nature photography. Stay up to date on the latest podcast episodes by subscribing to our newsletter! Links Natural Landscapes Books Support the podcast on Patre