F-Stop Collaborate and Listen - A Photography Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Artful Aerial Photography & Mining Truth | Scott McCook Jul 20, 2026

Show notes

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:

Create Photographs Fearlessly | Rick Bebbington Jul 13, 2026

Show notes

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:

Making Extraordinary Photographs in Ordinary Places | Garrett Hess Jul 06, 2026

Show notes

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:

The Journey of the Emerging Professional Photographer | Ben Maze & Murray Livingston Jun 29, 2026

Show notes

In episode 480 of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, Matt Payne is joined by photographers Ben Maze and Murray Livingston, who share their journeys in landscape photography, growing up during the rise of social media and how it has influenced their artistic development for better and worse. The discussion covers their approach to intentional image-making, the importance of seeking inspiration beyond Instagram and learning from photographic history, and how they balance the pressure to produce with the creative rewards of slowing down. They explore the realities of building sustainable careers through education and workshops, especially running workshops in Scotland together, and reflect on the challenges and benefits of being younger professionals in the field. Throughout, they emphasize maintaining authenticity amidst commercial and algorithmic pressures, advocating for deep engagement with nature and diverse artistic influences over chasing trends for quick attention.
Links and Resources Mentioned:

Ben Maze & Murray Livingston
Muench Workshops Giveaway
Support the show on Patreon
The Colorado Way (Matt Payne's Book)
Peter Dombrovskis, Joe Cornish, Clark Little, Ray Collins, William Neill, Alex Noriega, Ken Duncan, Heesoo Chung, Andrea Celli, Andrea Pozzi, Luis Afonso
Looking at Photographs by John Szarkowski
Photography in Print by Vicki Goldberg
Photographers on Photography by Nathan Lyons
NLPA (Natural Landscape Photography Awards)
Discord Server for Landscape Photographers

Exploring the World of Photography Neuroarts | Nichole Vild Jun 22, 2026

Show notes

In episode 479 of "F-Stop Collaborate and Listen," Matt Payne talks with photographer and army veteran Nichole Vild about her unique journey from a 20-year military career to building a new life rooted in creativity and neuroscience. Nichole shares how her experiences moving around the world shaped her perspective, the role photography played in her transition out of the military, and her passion for the emerging field of neuroarts: the study of how creative and aesthetic experiences change the brain and enhance well-being. She discusses her new venture, Roaming Wild Adventures, which uses custom photo prompt cards and guided journals to strengthen curiosity, creativity, and emotional resilience (use code FSTOP79 - good June 22 -July 7). The conversation highlights the importance of getting outside, slowing down, and practicing mindful creativity as a strategy for navigating life’s transitions and building stronger neural connections.

Order Matt Payne's Book, The Colorado Way
Support the show on Patreon
Muench Workshops
Neuroarts Blueprint
Sally Mann
Rannveig Björk
Kerry-Ann Lecky Hepburn
The Nature Fix by Florence Williams
Tim Floyd's book

Follow Your Photography Passion to Wild Heights | Jason Bradley Jun 15, 2026

Show notes

In episode 478 of "F-Stop Collaborate and Listen," Matt Payne welcomes back Jason Bradley, publisher and content director of Wild Eye Magazine, to explore the intersection of passion, creativity, and photography publishing. Jason Bradley shares his journey from underwater photography to founding Wild Eye, gives insight into the evolving landscape of nature photography magazines, and stresses the importance of printing images for creative growth. The conversation covers how photographic history and community influence his work, tips for getting published, why writing matters, and the differences between fine art and "postcard" photography. There's also discussion about the revitalization of analog processes, building a photography community, and special giveaways for listeners.

Links and Resources Mentioned This Week

Jason Bradley / Bradley Photographic Lab
Wild Eye Magazine
Muench Workshops
John Shaw Book
Ansel Adams: A Biography by Mary Street Alinder
John Sexton
Ted Orland
Vital Impacts (Amy Vitale's foundation)
Patterns by Jon McCormick
Bob Talbot
Crush It by Gary Vaynerchuk
Support the show on Patreon
Support Matt Payne's Book
Wild Eye Magazine promo code "FSTOP": wildeyemagazine.com (use code at checkout)
Bradley Photographic Print Lab promo code "FSTOP": bradleyprintandphoto.com (mention code at checkout)

Balancing Life, Art, and Social Media as a Photographer | Grant Swinbourne Jun 08, 2026

Show notes

In episode 477 of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, host Matt Payne welcomes landscape photographer and podcast host Grant Swinbourne for an insightful conversation about Grant's journey from a childhood fascination with photography to becoming more intentional and artistic in his work, especially after retirement. Grant shares how life events, including a lengthy IT career, family priorities, and the impact of COVID lockdowns, have shaped his practice and outlook, leading him to slow down and focus on the creative process rather than volume. The discussion covers the evolving role of photography in the art world, challenges with social media and image theft, the balance between personal satisfaction and business, and the lessons learned through podcasting. Both speakers reflect on how engaging with a diverse community of photographers has enriched their perspectives and creativity, offering listeners plenty to contemplate about their own approach to photography.
Links and Resources:

The Man on a Photographic Mission to Save the Badger | Ian Wood Jun 01, 2026

Show notes

In episode 476 of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, host Matt Payne interviews wildlife photographer and conservationist Ian Wood, delving into his impactful work raising awareness for orangutans and badgers. Ian Wood shares the story behind his award-winning urban badger photograph, which sparked renewed public attention and activism regarding the controversial UK badger cull, ultimately contributing to policy change. He discusses his passion for conservation-driven photography, from rewilding land in Dorset to fundraising for the Orangutan Foundation UK, and offers practical wisdom about making a difference, the importance of passion, and the responsibilities photographers have when their work intersects with public opinion and policy. Throughout, Ian Wood highlights hopeful conservation stories and encourages photographers to follow their passion, build relationships, and trust in their ability to drive change.
Links and Resources:

Ian Wood
Ian Wood's Instagram
Ian's winning image on Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Muench Workshops
Support the show on Patreon
Orangutan Foundation UK
Badger Trust
Protect the Wild
Chris Packham
Save Me Trust (Brian May)
Gorilla Doctors
Jane Goodall Institute
Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Ross Hoddinott (Recommended Photographer)

Photographing the Magic of Sápmi | Hanneke Van Camp May 25, 2026

Show notes

In episode 475 of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, host Matt Payne interviews Belgian photographer Hanneke Van Camp, whose work is rooted in her deep love for nature and her background in biology and science communication. Hanneke Van Camp shares the motivations behind her award-winning “Sápmi Living Landscapes” project, which explores the land and culture of Northern Scandinavia and the indigenous Sami people, as well as her experiences living seasonally in the Arctic for most of the year. The conversation delves into topics like the importance of presence over production in photography, the unique connection between environment and culture in the far north, practical ways photographers can infuse storytelling and meaning into their work, and how a values-driven approach—such as sustainability and giving back—can shape your creative life. They also discuss the process and challenges of turning a long-term project into a book, the impact of print vs. digital, and the influence of other photographers and storytellers on her journey.
Links and Resources:

Hanneke Van Camp
Natural Landscape Photography Awards (NLPA)
Order the Sápmi Book by Hanneke Van Camp
Muench Workshops
Vital Impacts (Amy Vitale's organization)
Mother Magazine (Melissa Schäfer)
Kevin Morgans – Prince of Puffins
Feli Hansen (referenced project "Guilty Trashures")
Marcus Westberg
Freedom to Roam (Allemansrätten)
Rewilding Europe
Rewilding Sweden
Matt's Arborglyphs Project
Bonus Episode here on Patreon

Photographing Japan's Spiritual Landscapes | Ulana Switucha May 18, 2026

Show notes

In episode 474 of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, host Matt Payne chats with photographer Ulana Switucha about her deeply intentional, minimalist landscape photography and her decade-long project photographing Torii gates across Japan’s spiritual and geographic landscapes. Ulana Switucha shares how living in Asia and practicing long exposure photography has shaped her contemplative approach, blending meditation, yoga philosophy, and presence in nature. The episode covers her photographic journey from childhood, her involvement in documentary street photography projects, the creative process behind her new book, and the technical and emotional challenges of sequencing and publishing a cohesive body of work.

Listeners get tips on curating projects, insight into Japan’s geography and spiritual traditions, and recommendations for other inspiring photographers to follow.

Links and Resources:

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