In this episode of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, host Matt Payne sits down with photographer Eric Bennett for a deep dive into the impact of social media on photographers and their relationship with nature. They discuss the traps of “algorithm-driven culture,” including the pressure to post frequently, follow trends, and cater to platform requirements, often at the cost of authenticity and creativity. Eric explains how he and other photographers recently used social media for a worthwhile cause, organizing a successful print fundraiser to support National Park Service employees affected by layoffs. Throughout the episode, they emphasize the importance of maintaining meaningful connections to nature, curating personal work, and leading audiences toward deeper experiences beyond social media, like curated websites and printed work. The conversation wraps up with advice on how to avoid social media burnout and the encouragement to create and share with intention, rather than chasing fleeting online validation.

Links to items discussed:

Matt's N EW book on Kickstarter!
Eric's website
Eric's National Park Service Print Sale
Eric's blog post on social media
Eric's book, Space, Stillness, and Silence
Eric's Kozu Zine
Michael Strickland: https://www.michaelstricklandimages.com/
FLM Canada (use the code HOUSEOFPAYNE for 10% off entire order)
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432: Eric Bennett - Rethinking Our Approach to Social Media