F-Stop Collaborate and Listen

In this episode of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, host Matt Payne sits down with Swedish photographer and musician Erik Malm for a fascinating conversation about the intersection of photography, music, and lived experience. Erik Malm discusses his unique approach to intentional camera movement (ICM), emphasizing it as a tool for emotional expression rather than a mere gimmick. The discussion covers how his background as a conductor...

In this episode of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, host Matt Payne sits down with Ohio-based landscape photographer Jeffrey Tadlock for a thoughtful conversation about building a creative and sustainable photography ecosystem. The discussion explores Jeffrey Tadlock's journey from documenting outdoor adventures in his youth, through a corporate hiatus, and back into the world of photography—this time focusing on making meaningful im...

In this episode of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, Matt Payne sits down with amateur photographer Colleen Parker for an open, insightful chat about staying inspired, steering clear of creative ruts, and enjoying a personal and meaningful photographic journey. Colleen Parker, a retired radiologist, discusses how her scientific background intersects with her artistry and how letting go of expectations—both internal and external—has al...

In this episode of "F-Stop Collaborate and Listen," host Matt Payne sits down with Patrick Krohn, winner of the Natural Landscape Photography Awards’ "In Your Backyard" special award. Patrick Krohn shares his journey from photojournalism and sales into a deeply rooted local photography practice centered around his hometown of Aiken, South Carolina. The conversation dives into the value of photographing locally—both for developing c...

In this engaging conversation, Kavin Chawla shares his journey as an abstract photographer, discussing how his upbringing in Thailand and experiences in nature have shaped his artistic vision. He emphasizes the importance of curiosity, playfulness, and embracing imperfection in photography. Kavin also reflects on the meditative aspects of being in nature and how it influences his creative process. He encourages aspiring photographe...

In this conversation, Adrian Vila (AOWS) shares his journey from a computer engineer to a full-time photographer, discussing the importance of daily practice, finding beauty in local spaces, and the creative process behind making images. He emphasizes the significance of limitations in fostering creativity and the balance between personal expression and audience expectations. Adrian also delves into the nuances of black and white p...

In this episode of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, Matt Payne sits down with Adobe’s Senior Product Manager for Photoshop, Stephen Nielsen, to dive into the rapidly evolving world of AI in photography. They discuss the tension and anxiety many photographers feel about AI-generated images overshadowing authentic work, and how Adobe is thinking about authenticity, transparency, and ethics in this new era. Stephen Nielsen shares how ...

In this episode of "F-Stop Collaborate and Listen," host Matt Payne interviews wilderness photographer Joy Kachina, who recently won the Natural Landscape Photography Awards for her evocative work documenting Tasmania’s endangered cider gums. Joy Kachina shares her deep love and spiritual connection with Tasmania’s unique forests, particularly the threatened cider gum, and discusses how her photography is both a form of creative ex...

Warning: We say some cuss words.   In this episode of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, Matt Payne sits down with fellow Colorado-based photographer Jason Hatfield for a candid discussion on the intersection of landscape photography, endurance, ethics, and the controversial topic of gatekeeping locations. They explore why both are drawn to remote, hard-to-reach places and the unique creative mindset those environments foster, as wel...

This episode of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen is a heartfelt tribute to the podcast's Patreon community, showcasing the collective creativity and passion that fuels the show. Rather than focusing on technical details or individual stories, Matt Payne honors the spirit of collaboration, sharing a diverse range of voices as members talk about their latest projects, personal growth, and unique journeys in photography. The episode emph...

In this episode of "F-Stop Collaborate and Listen," host Matt Payne sits down with photographer Mark Schumann to discuss his powerful multiyear documentary project capturing homelessness across America. Mark Schumann shares his journey photographing and interviewing hundreds of individuals experiencing homelessness in over 70 cities, focusing on portraying them with dignity, humanity, and nuance rather than stereotypes. The convers...

In this episode of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, Matt Payne sits down with mountain photographer Scott Kranz to explore Scott’s dramatic shift from a legal career to full-time outdoor photography in the Cascades. They dive into Scott’s deep connection with Washington’s mountains, especially the North Cascades, and the physical and mental challenges of documenting them. Scott shares insights from his massive projects—the 50 Peaks a...

In this episode of "F-Stop Collaborate and Listen," UK photographer Tom Dauben joins host Matt Payne to discuss his unique approach to landscape photography: creating completely unedited, in-camera images. Tom Dauben shares how he became disillusioned with heavily manipulated photos and found renewed joy and mindfulness by focusing on authenticity and creative constraints, such as shooting only JPEGs and avoiding post-processing. T...

In this episode of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, host Matt Payne sits down with macro photographer Dara Ojo to explore the fascinating and often overlooked world of insects and arthropods. Dara Ojo shares how macro photography transformed his perception of these tiny creatures, inspiring empathy and respect for their crucial ecological roles. The conversation delves into his creative journey, the technical challenges and joys of c...

In this episode of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, host Matt Payne talks with New England-based photographer and hiker Mike Weinhold about balancing the goals of list hiking with the creative process of nature photography. Mike shares his journey from a casual hiker to completing the New Hampshire 48 (the state’s 48 mountains over 4,000 feet) while always carrying his camera, navigating the tension between summiting for the checkl...

In this episode of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, host Matt Payne talks with Justin Tedford, a combat veteran and photographer, about his unique approach to using photography as a healing tool to combat PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Justin shares his journey from small-town Iowa to working for the Department of Corrections, and describes how creative expression, specifically Polaroid emulsion lifts, became a therapeutic outlet d...

In this episode of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, host Matt Payne sits down with legendary Australian climbing photographer Simon Carter. Simon shares his journey from a teenage photography enthusiast and avid climber to building a decades-long career capturing some of the most iconic and artistic climbing images in the world. He discusses the challenges and unique techniques of shooting in vertical, often extreme, environments, ...

In this episode of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, host Matt Payne talks with Marc Muench and Sara Linssen, co-owners of Muench Workshops, about what it takes to create world-class photography workshops. They dive into the backstory of Muench Workshops, sharing how it all began with a desire to offer immersive, learning-focused experiences rather than conventional tours. The conversation covers the evolving landscape of travel, th...

In this episode of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, host Matt Payne sits down with renowned bird photographer Owen Deutsch to explore his fascinating journey from a 20-year career in fashion photography to a passion-driven life capturing birds in the wild. Owen shares the story of his early love for photography, the creative and technical lessons he carried from fashion to wildlife, and his deep commitment to conservation through v...