

F-Stop Collaborate and Listen
Matt Payne
This photography podcast takes you well beyond camera gear each week with weekly interviews and panel discussions with professional photographers, industry insiders, enthusiasts, and hobbyists alike. Our candid but laid-back conversations deeply explore the craft of photography and psychological drivers relating to creativity, motivation, inspiration, and workflow. We also discuss social media, photography business practices, marketing, sales, and hot topics impacting photographers from all genres, with a particular focus on landscape, nature, and wildlife photography. The show is hosted by Matt Payne, a professional full-time nature photographer and the co-founder of the internationally renowned photography competition, the Natural Landscape Photography Awards. Matt is also a mountaineer, climbing the highest 100 mountains in Colorado. Matt leverages skills he gained in pursuit of his Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology to dig deeply into the hearts and minds of his passionate guests, revealing secrets and inspiration in every episode.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 2, 2024 • 1h 8min
398: Stephanie Johnson - Breaking Free From Creative Restraints in Photography
In this episode of "F-Stop Collaborate and Listen," host Matt Payne engages with photographer Stephanie Johnson, who delves into her journey from seeking external validation to embracing an authentic creative process driven by personal passion. Stephanie sheds light on her evolution in Intentional Camera Movement (ICM) and her shift from results-driven to process-driven artistry, encouraging creative freedom and expression. They discuss the balance between financial sustainability and internal motivations in creative pursuits, along with Stephanie's teaching philosophy, her inspirations, and her work on the ICM Photography Magazine. Highlighting the importance of artistic experimentation and the personal joy found in creation, both share insights on letting go of expectations to enhance the creative experience.
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Resources Mentioned on the Podcast
Elements Photography Magazine (use the code FSTOP 15 for 15% off)
Stephanie Johnson's website
ICM Photography Magazine
David DuChemin's book "A Beautiful Anarchy"
Support the podcast on Patreon
Photographers Mentioned on the Podcast
Bill Ward
Glenys Garnett
Charles Needle
Anne Belmont

Nov 25, 2024 • 1h 4min
397: Dave Showalter - Living River - The Promise of the Mighty Colorado
In the latest episode of "F-Stop Collaborate and Listen," host Matt Payne delves into the passion and perseverance required in the field of conservation photography with guest Dave Showalter. The conversation starts with the exploration of perseverance—a crucial trait for photographers. Many individuals face frustrations when trying to discover their unique voice and vision, often encountering rejections and funding challenges, particularly in conservation work. Showalter recounts his experience of long-term dedication, underscoring the necessity of pushing through setbacks and rejections. He even shares practical tips from his personal journey, like opting to sleep in his truck to save costs.
Explore practical strategies for organizing and executing impactful conservation projects, which can transform your approach to storytelling and advocacy in photography. Join us for a discussion that will surely inspire you to get out there and make meaningful photographs!
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Resources Mentioned on the Podcast
Elements Photo Magazine
Dave Showalter’s Book - Living River
Support the podcast on Patreon
Western Rivers Action Network
Platte Basin Time Lapse
The Land Desk Blog by Jonathan Thompson
Matt's Colorado Trail Podcast episode
Tribal Water Center
Kerrin Burke Lahr's Svalbard images and stories
The Creative Act by Rick Rubin (Affiliate Link)
Photographers Recommended
Michael Forsberg
Amy Gulick
Clay Bolt
Alan Murabayashi

Nov 18, 2024 • 1h 1min
396: Tracey Halladay - How an Organ Donation and Photography Saved Me
In the latest episode of the "F-Stop Collaborate and Listen" podcast, sponsored by Elements Magazine, host Matt Payne sits down with the remarkably resilient Tracey Halladay. Tracey’s story is an extraordinary journey through life-changing health challenges and a profound evolution in her visual art. Episode 396 offers listeners an inside look at how Tracey's perspective on life and photography was transformed by a life-saving kidney transplant.
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Watch on YouTube
Resources Mentioned:
Elements Magazine
Support the Podcast on Patreon
Lee Nordbye's podcast episode
Offbeat Photography Community
OnLandscape Magazine
Nature Vision Magazine
Support Tracey's sister Tara to get her transplant
Photographer's Recommended:
Dara Ojo
Monika Deviat
Wayne Simpson
Dana Pitts
Tim Osborne
Kris Andres

Nov 11, 2024 • 1h 11min
395: Chris Wright - Photography for a Better World
In this episode of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, host Matt Payne interviews Chris Wright, an academic and photographer dedicated to documenting the environmental impacts of climate change. Wright's key project focuses on coal ash waste sites near Lake Macquarie, using drone photography to highlight the "toxic sublime"—stunning yet harmful landscapes. Wright delves into the significant health risks posed by these sites, shares insights from his broader photography work on fossil fuel addiction, and discusses his academic research on corporate and governmental responses to climate change. Emphasizing the importance of visual storytelling, Wright also touches on the challenges photographers face in bringing environmental issues to light, while advocating for a deeper interconnection between photography and conservation efforts.
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Resources Mentioned:
Support the podcast on Patreon
Hidden Brain podcast episode on Climate Change inaction
Chris' book: "Organizing Responses to Climate Change: The Politics of Mitigation, Adaptation, and Suffering"
Planetary Boundaries in Climate Change
Paul Hoelen's podcast episode
Dan Winters' photograph, "Julia Butterfly Hill"
Pascal's Wager & The Precautionary Principle
Michaela Skovranova
Chris Eyre-Walker
Phil Norton

Nov 4, 2024 • 1h 13min
394: Mary Jo Hoffman - The Transformative Power of Dailiness
Mary Jo Hoffman, a renowned nature photographer and creator of the 'Still' project, discusses the beauty of everyday life through her daily photography practice. She shares her journey from aerospace engineering to embracing creativity, emphasizing how routine can spark artistic growth. Hoffman explores the art of noticing ordinary beauty, inspiring listeners to appreciate the mundane. She reflects on the challenges of capturing fleeting moments in nature and draws inspiration from both historical and contemporary photographers.

Oct 28, 2024 • 1h 5min
393: Nina Fuller - Finding Your Niche in Photography
In this episode of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, host Matt Payne sits down with Nina Fuller, a seasoned photographer and dedicated shepherdess. Along with the subject of finding your niche in photography, they delve into a myriad of topics ranging from the nuances of gallery representation to the therapeutic aspects of sheep photography. Join us as we unveil the unique journey of Nina Fuller and her relationship with photography, art, and nature.
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Watch on YouTube
Resources Mentioned on the Podcast
John Cohen
Bryan Hansel Article on the Photographic Illusion
Portland Art Gallery
Down East Article on Gina Fuller
Nature Photographer's Network and Nature Vision Magazine
Support the Podcast on Patreon
Photographer's Recommended on the Podcast
Whitney Legge
Nancy Brown
Gina Danza

Oct 21, 2024 • 1h 5min
392: Brad Carr - Vulnerability and Human Connection Through Photography
In the latest episode of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, host Matt Payne explores the transformative journey of Brad Carr, a landscape photographer whose past trauma fuels his artistic passion. Brad and his family fled the busy cityscape of Portsmouth to escape a dangerous stepfather, finding solace in the tranquil town of Welshpool in Mid Wales. This move marked the beginning of Brad’s intimate relationship with nature—a therapeutic bond that began to form during the lockdowns of 2020. The picturesque countryside of Welshpool, with its sprawling landscapes and ancient woodlands, became both Brad's sanctuary and creative muse, setting the stage for a profound journey of self-discovery and emotional healing.
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Resources Mentioned on the Podcast
Guy Tal's Essay: The Mindful Photographer
'Iron John' by Robert Bly (affiliate link)
Brad Carr's Photo Book: "Finding Light" (Use code fstop10 for a 10% discount)
Brad's article, "A Bridge Between Two Worlds"
My OnLandscape Essay about Bill Ferngren's Photography
Support the podcast on Patreon, and engage in listener discussions about each episode
Photographer's Mentioned on the Podcast
Bill Ferngren
Wendy Bagnall
Simon Baxter
Nigel Danson
Thomas Heaton

Oct 14, 2024 • 1h 14min
391: Fiona McLean - Where Are the Women in Landscape Photography?
In this episode of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, Matt Payne interviews landscape photographer Fiona McLean, who, along with her colleague Viktoria Haack, founded Women Photographers Canada to address barriers facing female photographers, including safety concerns, lack of companionship, and feeling unwelcome. They discuss how these issues, along with challenges like childcare, cultural conditioning, and financial constraints, limit women's participation in photography. Fiona reflects on her personal journey through grief and burnout, finding healing in nature and photography. The conversation also delves into evolving photography styles, the importance of supporting women in male-dominated fields, and Fiona's future plans to conduct women-only workshops to foster a more inclusive community.
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Photographer's Mentioned:
Ashley Voykin
Chiara Talia
Courtney Victoria
Daisy Gillardini
Dani Watson
Resources Mentioned:
Women Photographers Canada
The Artist's Way
Fiona's Survey
Fiona on Instagram
Support the Podcast

Oct 7, 2024 • 1h 11min
390: Jack Lodge - Just Be Yourself in Landscape Photography
In this episode of "F-Stop Collaborate and Listen," landscape photographer Jack Lodge joins host Matt Payne. Jack shares insights into his passion for photography, the meticulous process from planning to printing, and his approach to social media, emphasizing authenticity and engagement. He offers a discount on his Woodland Photography online course and talks about the challenges of transitioning to a full-time photography career, the importance of flexibility and creativity, and the rewarding experience of running workshops. The conversation also highlights the significance of human connections, market challenges for selling prints, and the influence of seasonal changes on photographic opportunities.
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Resources Mentioned on the Show
Jack Lodge's Woodland Photography Online Course
Colin Prior's episode on the OnLandscape's podcast
FotoSpeed Paper (use the code LODGE20 for 20% off)
Watch the episode on YouTube
Support the podcast on Patreon
Photographer's Mentioned on the Show
Mark Bauer
Ross Hoddinott
Colin Prior

Sep 30, 2024 • 56min
389: Michael Engelhard - An Anthropologist's Perspective on Landscape Photography
In today's episode of the podcast, I chat with Michael Engelhard, a writer and cultural anthropologist. You’ll explore his new wilderness books, the centennial of America's first wilderness area, landscape photography’s cultural implications, and the importance of combining storytelling with nature photography for deeper narratives.
Resources Mentioned:
Michael's Books
Nature First
Aldo Leopold: "Think Like a Mountain"
Support the Podcast
Photographers Mentioned:
Brian Adams
Matika Wilbur
Kiliii Yuyan
Watch on YouTube instead.


