F-Stop Collaborate and Listen Matt Payne

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 an icon as it is a masterclass in the craft of photography.
Resources Mentioned:
Mary Street Alinder's Ansel Adams Biography
Ansel Adams Yosemite Special Edition Prints
Support the podcast on Patreon and engage in conversation on today's episode
Photographer's Mentioned:

David Kennerly


Michael Kirchoff


Dan Burkholder

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 and his mastermind groups, aimed at guiding individuals on their unique creative journeys.
Resources Discussed:
Support the podcast on Patreon
Learn more about the Natural Landscape Photography Awards
Tony's Master Mind Group
Stay in touch with the Podcast on Instagram
Watch the podcast on YouTube
Photographers Mentioned:
Chris Dark
Tanya Niwa
Doug Porter
Jordan Cantelo

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 Discord Server
Out of Chicago LIVE conferences
David Whyte Poetry
The Introvert Entrepreneur
Beth's "Pixels: The Heart and Art of Photography" Channel
Support the podcast on Patreon, or join in on the conversation about this episode
Photographers Recommended by Beth:
Stephanie Johnson
Erik Lee

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 photo manipulation, the pressure content creators face in the digital age to balance informational value with the demand for clicks, and the innate need for transparency in artistry.P.S. You Can Watch this Episode on YouTube. 
Links Discussed on the Podcast:
Support the podcast on Patreon
Alex's Video Recapping 2022
Nick Carver's 4Runner Build Video
Tony and Chelsea Northrup's Video on Quitting YouTube
Matti Haapoja's video on Quitting YouTube
Natural Landscape Photography Awards
Alex's Writing on F-Stoppers
Alex's Article Comparing the iPhone to a DSLR
Alex on Instagram
Ben Horne on YouTube
Photographers Mentioned by Alex:
Jakob Lilja-Ruiz
Mat Marrash
Lucy Lumen
David Imel

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
Michael's Folios
Michael's YouTube video where he discusses his new approach to photography
Michael's Utah eBook
Landscape Photographer's Worldwide on Discord
Ben Horne
Creative Banter Podcast
Support the Podcast on Patreon
Photographers Recommended This Week
Jack Lodge
Jack Krohn
Shanda Akin
Natalie Oberg
Jeffrey Tadlock