F-Stop Collaborate and Listen - A Photography Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Mixing Words with Photos in a Compelling Way | Caroline Van Hemert Jun 10, 2024

Show notes

In episode 373 of "F-Stop Collaborate and Listen," Caroline Van Hemert and Matt Payne dive into the nuances of blending storytelling with photography, as Caroline shares her riveting personal experiences from the Arctic and discusses the environmental changes she's witnessed. Drawing from her background as a wildlife biologist and adventurer, she reflects on her family's sailboat explorations and the challenges of environmental storytelling aimed at inspiring action. Caroline and Matt exchange thoughts on overcoming negative media narratives about wildlife, the importance of authenticity in storytelling, and the role of various media in capturing the essence of the outdoors. They also discuss the practical aspects of self-publishing, book marketing, and the balance between personal narratives and scientific research in engaging an audience.

Resources Mentioned on the Podcast:

Caroline's article in the New York Times
Caroline's articles in Outside Magazine
American Wolf Book (affiliate link)
The Sun is a Compass book (affiliate link)
Ethan Beute's article & podcast
Watch the podcast on YouTube
Support the podcast on Patreon and engage in conversation about the episode

Photographers Recommended on the Podcast:

Evocative Photography from Yosemite and the Eastern Sierra | Brittany Colt Jun 03, 2024

Show notes

In episode 372, 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 the craft of photography.

Resources Mentioned on the Podcast:

Support the podcast on Patreon
Matt's OnLandscape Article about Brittany's Photography
Nature's Daughters Project
Flying Dress Experience
Watch the podcast on YouTube

Photographer's Mentioned on the Podcast:

The Legacy of Ansel Adams | Alan Ross May 27, 2024

Show notes

In episode 371 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:

Judging Bias in Photography Competitions | Tony Hewitt May 20, 2024

Show notes

In episode 370 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:

Beyond the Label: Exploring Creative Identity in Photography | Beth Buelow May 13, 2024

Show notes

In episode 369 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:

The Importance of Space, Stillness and Silence in Landscape Photography | Eric Bennett & David Thompson May 06, 2024

Show notes

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 episode 368, 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:

The Truth About YouTube Content Creation | Alex Armitage Apr 29, 2024

Show notes

In episode 367 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:

Authenticity and Full-Time Photography Challenges | Michael Rung Apr 22, 2024

Show notes

In episode 366, 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

Is Conservation Photography Actually Doing Anything? | Art Wolfe Apr 15, 2024

Show notes

Hello and welcome to another episode of "F-Stop Collaborate and Listen," with your host, Matt Payne. In episode 365, 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 his archive for posterity.

Today, Art is here not just to reminisce but to inspire with his latest project, a powerful book called "Wild Lives," focusing on the resurgence and hope within wildlife populations, a joyful counter-narrative to the oft-dismal news cycle.

Support the Podcast

If you enjoyed this conversation and are eager to hear more stories of photographic success, consider supporting us on Patreon. Your engagement helps us continue to bring thought-provoking content and celebrated guests like Art Wolfe to the photography community.

Resources Mentioned

Art Wolfe's New Book: Discover Art Wolfe's inspiring work in his latest book, "Wild Lives," available on his website, Amazon, Powell's Books, Tattered Cover, or Elliott Bay Book Company.

Travels to the Edge : Immerse yourself in Art Wolfe's adventures with his TV series available on Amazon and Vimeo.

Photography Classes : According to Art, taking natural history, art, and drawing classes can significantly complement your photography skills and success.

Connect with Art Wolfe : Learn more about Art's workshops, tours, and his expansive portfolio.

Atlantic Magazine Article from 1998.

Photographers Art Wolfe Mentioned

1. Frans Lanting.

2. Galen Rowell.

3. Thomas Mangelsen.

4. Jim Brandenburg.

Photographing Spokane's Unidentified | Michael McMullen Apr 08, 2024

Show notes

In episode 364 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:

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