F-Stop Collaborate and Listen - A Photography Podcast

Latest Episodes:

The Art of Photographing Aeroglyphs | Reuben Wu May 11, 2026

Show notes

In episode 473 of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, host Matt Payne sits down with acclaimed visual artist Reuben Wu, discussing Wu’s creative journey from industrial designer and musician to innovative landscape photographer. Wu shares how his interdisciplinary background shaped his approach, emphasizing craft, experimentation, and the joy of physically engaging with his subjects. They dive into Wu’s signature drone lighting techniques and “aeroglyphs”—light gestures made in landscapes—and the happy accidents that inspired them. The conversation touches on the importance of authenticity, authorship, ethical boundaries, and the challenge of balancing originality with influence. Wu also gives practical insights into printmaking, managing editions, collector relationships, and marketing, stressing the value of intentionality and connection over trends. The episode is rich with actionable advice for artists seeking to define their own vision while maintaining creative integrity.

Links and Resources:

How Over-Tourism is Quietly Destroying Japan | Shaun Keenan May 04, 2026

Show notes

In episode 472 of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, host Matt Payne chats with Shaun Keenan, an American photographer living in Hokkaido, Japan. They dive deep into the issue of over tourism, especially its impact on beloved photo locations in Japan and worldwide, and discuss the ethical dilemmas photographers face when sharing these places. Shaun Keenan shares his personal journey from theater and filmmaking to photography, touches on the importance of respecting local cultures, and offers his thoughts on creative motivation, community, and finding meaning in photography beyond metrics or monetization. Throughout, both speakers emphasize the value of thoughtful, respectful engagement with the land, and the importance of leading with personal values rather than simply chasing viral fame or financial gain. The episode is rich with wisdom for anyone interested in sustainable creativity and responsible travel photography.

Links and Resources:

What Photographing Loons Taught Me About Parenting and Loss | John Welch Apr 27, 2026

Show notes

In episode 471 of "F-Stop Collaborate and Listen," Matt Payne sits down with New Hampshire landscape and wildlife photographer John Welch to discuss his emotionally charged long-term project, "Healing from Loss: A Season with Loons." The conversation follows John Welch's journey of integrating photography with family life, shifting his focus from big bucket-list locations to meaningful local work due to necessity. The project becomes deeply personal after the loss of John Welch's mother, intertwining the life cycle of loons with his process of grieving, healing, and reflection. They also touch on the power of local projects, the importance of curiosity, and how working on a long-term photographic story can offer both creative fulfillment and personal growth. The episode is an inspiring look at how art, nature, and personal challenges can intersect to create meaningful work that resonates deeply with others.

Links:

John Welch: Website, Instagram
Muench Workshops
F-Stop Collaborate and Listen Podcast Patreon
Natural Landscape Photography Awards
Matt Payne's Book, The Colorado Way
John Welch's YouTube Channel, Nature's Stories
Loon Preservation Committee
Team MooseMan
Harry Lichtman Photography
Kraig Adams
Harmen Hoek
Morgan Heim’s Podcast Episode

How my Brother with Down Syndrome Shaped my Photography Journey | Joe Doherty Apr 20, 2026

Show notes

In episode 470 of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, host Matt Payne sits down with photographer Joe Doherty to discuss his deeply personal new book, "The Johnny Chronicles," which documents his brother Johnny's life with Down syndrome through decades of photographs and playful, touching stories. Joe Doherty shares the origins of the project, how photographing Johnny shaped his skills and perspective as an artist, and the emotional journey of assembling the book after Johnny’s passing. The conversation also delves into topics of photographic legacy, the value of archiving and shaping one’s work, the nature of storytelling in photography, and the evolving culture of the photography community from the competitive days of the ‘80s to today’s more collaborative and generous environment. Joe Doherty and Matt Payne reflect on mentorship, the power of intentional creative practice, and how aging out of the need to monetize art can reignite joy and artistry. The episode is full of warmth, gratitude, and practical wisdom for anyone interested in photography, legacy, or finding meaning in personal creative projects.
Links:

Photographing Yellowstone in Winter | Kathy Lichtendahl Apr 13, 2026

Show notes

In episode 469 of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, which was recorded in-person and is audio-only, I sit down with Kathy Lichtendahl, a certified Wyoming naturalist and conservation storyteller (and amazing photographer). We recorded this right after wrapping up our winter photography workshop in Yellowstone. We dive deep into what makes the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem unique, from dramatic seasonal changes and resilient wildlife adaptations to the vital role of humans in conservation stories. Kathy Lichtendahl explains the intricate balance of the park's biodiversity, the constantly evolving geothermal features, and the controversial reintroduction of wolves. She also offers practical advice for ethical wildlife photography, shares what being a naturalist brings to her photographic work, and highlights the importance of preserving Yellowstone for future generations. If you’re interested in viewing Yellowstone through a lens of wonder, responsibility, and conservation, this episode is a must-listen.

Links:

Kathy Lichtendahl
Muench Workshops
Draper Natural History Museum
Greater Yellowstone Coalition
Master Naturalist Programs by State
Excelsior Geyser (4,000 gallons per minute!)
Support the podcast on Patreon

Processing Landscape Photographs with Integrity | Greg Boratyn Apr 06, 2026

Show notes

In episode 468 of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, Matt Payne chats with landscape photographer Greg Boratyn about the importance of keeping post-processing subtle to honor the authenticity of a scene. The conversation digs into the challenges and rewards of photographing iconic locations, navigating the pressures of social media, and the value of passion over likes or hype. They also discuss photography competitions, editing philosophies, and why physical fitness and personal experience can help photographers stand out. Whether you’re chasing epic conditions or making the most of bad weather, this episode delivers honest advice and inspiration for photographers invested in authentic, meaningful work.
Links and Resources:

Balancing Passion and Profit in Photography | David Shaw Mar 30, 2026

Show notes

In episode 467 of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, Matt Payne interviews David Shaw, a Colorado-based photographer with a background in wildlife biology. They explore how David Shaw’s scientific training shapes his photographic approach, emphasizing the importance of understanding one’s subject and using photography as a way to have more meaningful experiences outdoors. David Shaw shares insights from his career transition, his philosophy on balancing artistic creativity with commercial viability, and his experiences guiding wilderness and photo tours. The conversation highlights the value of pursuing personal projects, staying open to experimentation, and finding joy in the process—not just the end product. The episode wraps with a discussion about the challenges of making photography a business and recommendations for future podcast guests.

Links and Resources

David Shaw
Support the show on Patreon
The Colorado Way
Carl Johnson
David DuChemin’s Podcast Episode
Paul Nicklen’s eBook, Photographing Wild

Embracing Adventure in Photography | Hilary Bralove Mar 23, 2026

Show notes

In episode 466 of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, host Matt Payne talks with Hilary Bralove, a Colorado-based photographer, about the deep personal value of experiencing nature through photography. Hilary Bralove shares her journey from city life to the wild outdoors, the lessons learned from a diverse background in resource management, scuba diving, and music, and the joy of letting curiosity—and not the pursuit of perfect images—drive her creative process. Together, they discuss the importance of observation, solitude, learning through failure, and embracing unpredictability, especially when photographing wildlife and landscapes. The conversation is an inspiring reflection on finding fulfillment in the process itself, keeping expectations low, and remembering that every photo is attached to a unique memory and experience, above all else.

Links and Resources:

Support the show on Patreon
Hilary Bralove on Instagram
Kristi Odom
Jamie Bollschweiler
Lisa Langell
Brett Wood
Landscape Photographers Worldwide Discord
Kane Engelbert’s Utah Aerial Photography
Jack Brauer
Daro Ojo

Capturing Emotion with ICM: A Photographer's Symphony | Erik Malm Mar 16, 2026

Show notes

In episode 465 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 and musician deeply shapes his visual work, the importance of blending art forms, and the challenges of conveying both beauty and urgency in environmental storytelling. There’s practical insight into his photographic technique, encouragement to seek inspiration from diverse art forms, and advice for photographers striving for authenticity even when social media trends push for conformity. The episode is an inspiring look at using creativity to explore our relationship with nature and existence, with recommendations for other artists who think deeply about these themes.

Resources and Links:

How to Build a Thriving Photography Ecosystem | Jeffrey Tadlock Mar 09, 2026

Show notes

In episode 464 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 images in non-iconic locations like Ohio's Hocking Hills. They dig into topics such as the importance of practicing locally, navigating imposter syndrome within a talented photography community, the technical and emotional aspects of teaching workshops, and the challenges of balancing creative pursuits with life and business. The episode also touches on the frustrations and rewards of social media, and why finding passion, community, and impact make all the effort worthwhile. If you’re a landscape photographer, workshop leader, or simply someone passionate about creativity, this episode offers a real look at what it takes to keep going—and growing—in a crowded field.
Resources and Links

F-Stop Collaborate and Listen Patreon
Landscape Photographers Worldwide (LPW) Discord
Jeffrey Tadlock’s Website & Workshops
Jeffrey Tadlock YouTube Channel
Shutter Nonsense Podcast
Natural Landscape Photography Awards (NLPA)
Garrett Hess
Caleb McKinney
Shanda Akin
Horizons Photo Conference

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