F-Stop Collaborate and Listen - A Photography Podcast

Matt Payne
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Visual Arts
  • Updated weekly

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 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.

  1. 6 days ago

    The Soft Skills of Creative Longevity | Ajani Charles

    In episode 488 of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, Matt Payne interviews Ajani Charles, a Toronto-based visual strategist, photographer, and Canon Canada ambassador, about sustaining a major creative project over nearly two decades. The conversation centers on Project TDOT, Ajani Charles' long-term documentary effort capturing Toronto’s hip hop culture, which started as an unfunded black-and-white street photography project and has grown into public art exhibitions, a nonprofit, a coffee table book, and a touchscreen archival database. Ajani Charles shares lessons from enduring years of rejection, discusses the importance of curiosity, patience, and playing the long game, and emphasizes how his project’s longevity is rooted in genuine reverence for the subject. The episode dives into the psychological and emotional skills that fuel creative longevity—such as emotional regulation, mindfulness, and self-awareness—alongside technical and business skills. Ajani Charles also discusses handling criticism, building trust within a community for authentic documentation, and the evolution of his work, including future plans in Tokyo and Copenhagen. The episode underscores that internal development, resilience, and a passion for the work itself are as crucial as external validation or financial reward. Links and Resources: Ajani Charles Muench Workshops Giveaway Project T-Dot Canon Canada Canon Ignite Program Operation Prefrontal Cortex Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport Claude Watson Arts Program Jamel Shabazz Ernie Paniccioli Guy Tal's Article The Colorado Way by Matt Payne Support the show on Patreon

    The Soft Skills of Creative Longevity | Ajani Charles

  2. 17 Aug

    What Photography Can Still Do | Marc Asnin

    In episode 487 of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, Matt Payne interviews acclaimed documentary photographer Mark Asnin, whose deeply personal and collaborative approach has shaped seminal works such as his thirty-year project "Uncle Charlie" and the curated volume "Final Words", which presents the last statements of executed inmates alongside their mugshots. Mark Asnin discusses his Brooklyn upbringing surrounded by master storytellers, how personal history influences his long-term commitment to subjects, and his belief in the power of photography as both documentation and public memory. They explore the evolution of a photographer’s confidence, the ethical responsibilities of witnessing, and the ongoing tension between making art and documenting truth. The conversation also delves into "Act One: A Century in the Making," a 703-page collaborative book bringing together over a hundred photographers, scholars, and journalists to tell the story of the 21st century through images and essays. Throughout, the episode grapples with photography’s role in an age of image overload, artificial intelligence, and public mistrust, underscoring the importance of context, collaboration, and authenticity in photographic storytelling. Links: Mark Asnin Muench Workshops Giveaway Order Act One: A Century in the Making Support the show on Patreon Uncle Charlie by Marc Asnin Final Words by Marc Asnin Kensington Blues by Jeffrey Stockbridge Andrew Moore The Lake Project by David Maisel Gideon Mendel Daniel Beltrá Eugene Richards

    What Photography Can Still Do | Marc Asnin

  3. 10 Aug

    Telling Your Story with the Monochrome Collective Community | Darren Pellegrino

    Episode 486 of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen features Darren Pellegrino, a Boston photographer known for headshots and his new project, the Monochrome Collective. Darren Pellegrino discusses the challenge of balancing profitable commercial work with personally meaningful projects, sharing how building a community around black and white photography has provided fresh creative energy. They address industry shifts, including the rise of AI headshots and finding purpose beyond financial success. The episode also covers Darren Pellegrino's book "The Monochrome Triangle," which emphasizes light, composition, and story as foundations for compelling black and white images. The conversation is honest about career longevity, creative fulfillment, and what it takes to build something sustainable in today’s changing photography world. Resources and Links Discussed Muench Workshops Giveaway Darren Pellegrino Monochrome Collective The Monochrome Triangle Book (use code Triangle30 for 30% off the eBook) Foto App The Colorado Way book Support the show on Patreon LensWork Natural Landscape Photography Awards

    Telling Your Story with the Monochrome Collective Community | Darren Pellegrino

  4. 3 Aug

    Infrared Travel Photography | Nevada Wier

    Episode 485 features photographer Nevada Wier, an expert in infrared (IR) photography. We discuss the technical and creative aspects of shooting in IR, including camera and lens choices, scene selection, and the heavy post-processing required, especially for vibrant 590nm images. Nevada shares how her adventurous background and transition from black-and-white to color inspired her IR work and emphasizes the importance of understanding both light and color for compelling images. The episode also touches on balancing creative passion with professional demands and why IR photography can rejuvenate artistic vision for those feeling stagnant. Resources and Links Mentioned: Muench Workshops Giveaway Primer on Infrared Photography Nevada Wier Support the show on Patreon Santa Fe Workshops Obscura Gallery (Santa Fe) Kolari Vision (infrared filters and conversions) Infrared Diffraction Calculator George Nobechi Eddie Soloway Adobe DNG Profile Editor Asian Travel Photography Tropes – Bonus Episode (Patreon)

    Infrared Travel Photography | Nevada Wier

  5. 27 Jul

    The Ansel Adams of Yellowstone | Tom Murphy

    Episode 484 features legendary Yellowstone photographer Tom Murphy. We explore how Murphy’s ranching and anthropology background shapes his unique style and storytelling. Murphy shares advice on pursuing personal passion, observing nature deeply, and building a body of meaningful work. He emphasizes photographing wildlife in context, not just what an animal is, but who it is, and discusses the evolution of photographic technology, staying creatively engaged, and tips for strong composition. Murphy also stresses the value of giving back through conservation-focused photography and urges photographers to immerse themselves in places they love. Resources: Muench Workshops Giveaway Support the show on Patreon Tom Murphy Tom Murphy's Books Muench Workshops Buffalo Bill Center of the West Postage Stamp News

    The Ansel Adams of Yellowstone | Tom Murphy

  6. 20 Jul

    Artful Aerial Photography & Mining Truth | Scott McCook

    In episode 483 of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, host Matt Payne sits down in person with aerial photographer Scott McCook at the end of a photography tour through Western Australia. Known for his abstract aerial images capturing both the region’s dramatic coastlines and its vast mining infrastructure, Scott McCook discusses his journey to aerial photography, balancing a career in construction, and the unique, often unseen perspectives offered from above. The conversation explores the dichotomy between the beauty and environmental toll of Western Australia’s mining operations, including the vibrant yet toxic tailing ponds, and the impact this industry has on Aboriginal communities. Scott McCook shares how his work straddles the line between art and documentary, aiming to spark curiosity and dialogue rather than delivering pointed messages. Links and Resources: Muench Workshops Giveaway Scott McCook's Website Scott on Instagram Muench Workshops Rio Tinto's Destruction of Juukan Gorge Tom Putt (photographer recommended) Support the show on Patreon

    Artful Aerial Photography & Mining Truth | Scott McCook

  7. 13 Jul

    Create Photographs Fearlessly | Rick Bebbington

    Episode 482 features Rick Bebbington, a UK-based photographer, discussing how personal growth and life experiences deeply impact creative work. The conversation focused on overcoming common blocks like perfectionism and imposter syndrome by letting go of expectations, shifting away from external comparisons, and embracing photography as a fulfilling, evolving process, rather than a pursuit of perfection or gear. A key theme that emerged was the importance of introspection and being open to new subjects, with practical advice on how photographers can get unstuck and find renewed creative purpose. Resources and Links: Muench Workshops Giveaway Rick Bebbington The Colorado Way book Support the show on Patreon Muench Workshops Start With Why by Simon Sinek Ikigai (concept overview) Rachel Bixby Dani Connor Bonus Episode on the Magic Sweater

    Create Photographs Fearlessly | Rick Bebbington

  8. 6 Jul

    Making Extraordinary Photographs in Ordinary Places | Garrett Hess

    On this episode (481) of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, Garrett Hess, a colorblind photographer from Erie, Pennsylvania, talks with Matt Payne about building a creative practice centered around photographing the Great Lakes region, an area often overlooked by landscape photographers. They discuss how embracing local landscapes, weather extremes, and personal limitations like color vision deficiency can foster growth, uniqueness, and deeper connections to subject matter. Garrett Hess shares strategies for keeping local photography exciting, including studying microclimates, developing personal projects, and building a creative network. The conversation touches on the challenges of curating work for exhibitions, the emotional journey of making art close to home, and reframing one's relationship with the often-uninspiring places they live. Links Mentioned This Week: Muench Workshops Giveaway Garrett Hess Support the show on Patreon NLPA The Colorado Way book Muench Workshops Jonathan Buford Kyle McDougall YouTube Channel Tobias Yoder Photography Joshua Wallace Photography

    Making Extraordinary Photographs in Ordinary Places | Garrett Hess
See All (487)

About

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 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.

Information