
F-Stop Collaborate and Listen
This photography podcast takes you well beyond camera gear each week with weekly interviews and panel discussions with professional photographers, industry insiders, enthusiasts, and hobbyists alike. Our candid but laid-back conversations deeply explore the craft of photography and psychological drivers relating to creativity, motivation, inspiration, and workflow. We also discuss social media, photography business practices, marketing, sales, and hot topics impacting photographers from all genres, with a particular focus on landscape, nature, and wildlife photography. The show is hosted by Matt Payne, a professional full-time nature photographer and the co-founder of the internationally renowned photography competition, the Natural Landscape Photography Awards. Matt is also a mountaineer, climbing the highest 100 mountains in Colorado. Matt leverages skills he gained in pursuit of his Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology to dig deeply into the hearts and minds of his passionate guests, revealing secrets and inspiration in every episode.
Latest episodes

Sep 1, 2021 • 1h 19min
228: James Rodewald - Inspiration | Our Nemesis | Meditation
Welcome to episode 228 of the F-Stop Collaborate and Listen podcast!
This week on the podcast I was joined by James Rodewald.
James is a photographer and science teacher residing in the State of New York. He started his photographic journey back in the early 1980s with a 35-mm film camera. Although his portfolio of film and digital work spans many years, one can see a few common themes emerge. One of those central themes is a long-term attempt to capture scenes of the natural world seemingly untouched by humanity: nature in its natural state.
We discuss:
Balancing art with a full-time career and parenthood
Using meditation to help channel creativity on a busy schedule
Finding ongoing inspiration in local subjects
Finding ongoing inspiration while returning to frequented locations and or familiar subjects
Your photographic nemesis -- Identifying what draws you to a subject but yet evades your ability to record or express it
Supporting conservation efforts through photography
Over on Patreon this week, James and I discuss our thoughts on overcoming burnout.
Here's who James recommended for the podcast this week:
Chris Murray
Paulo Valdivia
Eric Erleubeusch
Saikat Chakraborty
Karen Waller
Marianthi Lainas
Huibo Hou
Ami Vitale
Other items mentioned on the show:
1. Nature Photographer's Network Special Offer.
2. James Rodewald's Animal Abstracts Book.
3. Matt Payne's Private 1:1 Photography Workshops.
4. Charity Watch.
5. Charity Navigator.
Support the show on Patreon.

Aug 25, 2021 • 1h 16min
227: NFTs and Landscape Photography - A Panel Discussion
Welcome to episode 227 of the F-Stop Collaborate and Listen podcast!
This week on the podcast I was joined by Brynn Schmidt, Alex Noriega, and Alex Nail to talk about the most controversial and divisive topics in the landscape and nature photography community at the present moment - NFTs.
In today's episode, you can expect to hear four adults have a very respectful and cordial conversation and debate about NFTs which has been sorely lacking from social media as of late.
You can also expect to learn quite a bit and gain some perspectives, no matter what side of the argument you find yourself, or perhaps gain a better understanding if you don't find yourself on one side at all.
We discuss:
What are NFTs and how do they and their marketplaces work?
The various positives and negatives of NFTs,
The newly formed community of NFT photographers on Twitter,
The carbon and environmental impacts of NFTs and how we can openly discuss those,
Why certain NFTs are selling and others are not,
And a lot more!
Thank you to Brynn, Alex, and Alex for joining for the vulnerable but important conversation!
Please check out Brynn, Alex, and Alex's work below!
Other items mentioned on the show:
1. Clubhouse Club for the Podcast.
Support the show on Patreon.
I love hearing from the podcast listeners! Reach out to me via Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter if you'd like to be on the podcast or if you have an idea of a topic we can talk about. Join the discussion over on Nature Photographer's Network! We have weekly discussions about each episode of the podcast. It's also free! We also have an Instagram page and a Facebook page for updates.
We also have a searchable transcript of every episode!
Thanks for stopping in, collaborating with us, and listening. See you next week.

Aug 18, 2021 • 1h 23min
226: Jordan Inglee - Flow States | Workflows | Nature vs. Money
Welcome to episode 226 of the F-Stop Collaborate and Listen podcast!
This week on the podcast I was joined by Jordan Inglee, a landscape photographer living in Portland, Oregon who has an extensive background in video production and live event production. I was fortunate to meet Jordan at last year's Out of Chicago Live conference and have been enjoying bantering with him on Twitter. Jordan and I discuss a variety of topics this week, including:
Venue and concert video production,
Shifting to photography as an income,
Struggles with making money and conserving nature,
Flow states,
Digital workflows,
And a lot more.
There is no bonus episode on Patreon this week because I wanted to keep all of our conversation in one episode - so basically everyone gets a free Patreon bonus episode this week!
Here's who Jordan recommended for the podcast this week:
Paul Grossman
Francois Casanova
Ben Strauss
Jen Grand
Gabe Rodriquez
Other items mentioned on the show:
1. Natural Landscape Photography Awards - Use the code PAYNE15 for 15% off
2. Clubhouse Club for the Podcast
Support the show on Patreon.
I love hearing from the podcast listeners! Reach out to me via Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter if you'd like to be on the podcast or if you have an idea of a topic we can talk about. Join the discussion over on Nature Photographer's Network! We have weekly discussions about each episode of the podcast. It's also free! We also have an Instagram page and a Facebook page for updates.
We also have a searchable transcript of every episode!
Thanks for stopping in, collaborating with us, and listening. See you next week.
As a reminder, you can also support the podcast by shopping at B+H for your photography gear using our Affiliate Link.

Aug 11, 2021 • 1h 15min
225: Scott Wilson - A Photographer's Battle with Colon Cancer
Welcome to episode 225 of the F-Stop Collaborate and Listen podcast!
This week on the podcast I was joined by Scott Wilson, a landscape, wildlife, cityscape, and portrait photographer who recently has overcome a stage 4 Colon Cancer diagnosis. Scott leveraged his love for photography to overcome his diagnosis and has leveraged his recovery as a catalyst to take his artwork to new levels. On today's show, you will be inspired by Scott's story and his attitude on photography.
Scott and I discuss a variety of topics this week, including:
Scott's varied interests in different genres in photography and how they inform each other.
Scott's battle with Colon Cancer and the role photography played in his recovery.
How to use photography to advocate for various causes you are passionate about.
Photographing wild mustangs.
Opening a gallery during COVID and his approach to running the business.
And a lot more.
Over on Patreon this week, Scott and I discuss our shared passion for Seascapes and the sense of camaraderie you can have when photographing with friends.
Here's who Scott recommended for the podcast this week:
Lee Jeffries.
Dawn Wilson.
Mark Littlejohn.
Other items mentioned on the show:
1. Scott's book, "Through the Window."
2. Nature Photographer's Network Special Offer.
Support the show on Patreon.
I love hearing from the podcast listeners! Reach out to me via Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter if you'd like to be on the podcast or if you have an idea of a topic we can talk about. Join the discussion over on Nature Photographer's Network! We have weekly discussions about each episode of the podcast. It's also free! We also have an Instagram page and a Facebook page for updates.
We also have a searchable transcript of every episode!
Thanks for stopping in, collaborating with us, and listening. See you next week.

Aug 4, 2021 • 1h 27min
224: Chris Murray - Quiet Scenes & the Difficulties with Full-Time Artistry
Welcome to episode 224 of the F-Stop Collaborate and Listen podcast!
This week on the podcast I was joined by Chris Murray, a professional full-time nature photographer living in Syracuse, New York. Chris' photography predominately features the the woods, lakes, mountains, and streams of New York State. Chris is a geologist by training and his lens is typically focused on quiet scenes of nature in his own backyard.
Chris and I discuss a variety of topics this week, including:
The connection between the study of natural sciences and nature photography.
The role that the history of our artform has on his work.
Copying other photographers work.
The difficulties of being a full-time artist.
And a lot more.
Here are the individuals that Chris recommended on the podcast:
Thomas Fleckenstein.
Jaume Llorens.
Nader Daii.
Matt Oliver.
Mark Bowie.
Other items mentioned on the show:
1. Natural Landscape Photography Awards.
2. Guy Tal's Book, "More Than a Rock" - use code GUYTAL35 for 35% off!
Support the show on Patreon.

Jul 28, 2021 • 1h 13min
223: Danielle Hayden - Finance & Accounting for Photographers
Welcome to episode 223 of the F-Stop Collaborate and Listen podcast!
This week on the podcast I was joined by Danielle Hayden, who owns Kickstart Accounting. While Danielle is not a photographer, she's an expert in helping entrepreneurs think about and attain their financial goals. As photographers, many of us are independent creators and therefore entrepreneurs, but some of us are hobbyists who just want to take pretty photographs or express ourselves artistically. No matter which camp you find yourself in, you will find some value from listening to this episode as it will help you think strategically about your business or hobby.
Danielle and I discuss many financially related topics this week that will help you with your photography, including:
Budgeting.
Tax write-offs for photographers.
Money fears and entrepreneurship.
Transitioning from part-time to full-time as a photographer.
Looking at our numbers to help us financially.
And a lot more.
Other items mentioned on the show:
1. Alaska Workshops with Gary Randall.
Support the show on Patreon.
I love hearing from the podcast listeners! Reach out to me via Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter if you'd like to be on the podcast or if you have an idea of a topic we can talk about. Join the discussion over on Nature Photographer's Network! We have weekly discussions about each episode of the podcast. It's also free! We also have an Instagram page and a Facebook page for updates.
We also have a searchable transcript of every episode!
Thanks for stopping in, collaborating with us, and listening. See you next week.
As a reminder, you can also support the podcast by shopping at B+H for your photography gear using our Affiliate Link.

Jul 21, 2021 • 1h 22min
222: Julian Elliott - Becoming a Generalist in Photography
Welcome to episode 222 of the F-Stop Collaborate and Listen podcast!
This week on the podcast I was joined by a photographer living in France and originally from the United Kingdom: Julian Elliott.
Julian and I discuss a wide variety of topics this week, including:
The advantages of generalizing across many forms of photography vs. sticking to just one.
Julian's thoughts and experiences in collaborating with other photographers.
Respecting new cultures and getting the most out of your travel experiences.
And a lot more.
Over on Patreon this week, Julian talks about stock photography and his experiences in fighting copyright infringement.
Other items mentioned on the show:
1. Natural Landscape Photography Awards.
2. Pixsy.com - Copyright Infringement
Support the show on Patreon. Pretty please?

Jul 14, 2021 • 1h 6min
221: Mark Denney - From Corporate Life to YouTube Sensation
Welcome to episode 221 of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen with your host Matt Payne.
This week on the podcast I was joined by a landscape photographer and YouTube creator who recently quit his full-time job to pursue photography full-time: Mark Denney.
Mark and I discuss his brave journey into photography and what compelled him to make the leap as well as all of the challenges that lay before anyone looking to do the same thing.
We also discuss his recent van conversion project, his love for teaching, and a whole lot more!
Over on Patreon this week, Mark and I discuss all of our tricks and tips to photographing waterfalls, one of Mark's favorite passions.
Here's who Mark recommended for the podcast this week:
Tommy White.
Seven O Savage.
Other items mentioned on the show:
1. Clubhouse Club for the Podcast.
2. Nature Photographer's Network Special Offer.
Support the show on Patreon.
I love hearing from the podcast listeners! Reach out to me via Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter if you'd like to be on the podcast or if you have an idea of a topic we can talk about. Join the discussion over on Nature Photographer's Network! We have weekly discussions about each episode of the podcast. It's also free! We also have an Instagram page and a Facebook page for updates.
We also have a searchable transcript of every episode!
Thanks for stopping in, collaborating with us, and listening. See you next week.
As a reminder, you can also support the podcast by shopping at B+H for your photography gear using our Affiliate Link.

Jul 7, 2021 • 1h 4min
220: Cath Simard - Composite Photographic Artwork
Welcome to episode 220 of the F-Stop Collaborate and Listen podcast!
This week on the podcast I was joined by a photographer and digital artist who lives in Quebec, Canada: Cath Simard.
Cath is a self-proclaimed composite artist whose work has a very consistent look and feel. Her artwork combines various elements from spectacular locations across the globe. Perhaps what is most refreshing about Cath's approach to her artwork is how she has embraced describing her methodology in detail when she shares it - inspiring others to learn how to create similar work themselves.
Over on Patreon this week, Cath and I discuss NFTs. Cath breaks down the NFT marketplace for us and discusses how you can break into this emerging market if you are interested. We also discuss the climate impacts of NFTs.
Here's who Cath recommended for the podcast this week:
Ryan Newburn.
Max Rive.
Other items mentioned on the show:
1. Clubhouse Club for the Podcast.
2. ARC Panel.
3. Cath's Shades of Blue Preset Pack.
Support the show on Patreon.
I love hearing from the podcast listeners! Reach out to me via Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter if you'd like to be on the podcast or if you have an idea of a topic we can talk about. Join the discussion over on Nature Photographer's Network! We have weekly discussions about each episode of the podcast. It's also free! We also have an Instagram page and a Facebook page for updates.
We also have a searchable transcript of every episode!
Thanks for stopping in, collaborating with us, and listening. See you next week.
As a reminder, you can also support the podcast by shopping at B+H for your photography gear using our Affiliate Link.

Jun 30, 2021 • 1h 2min
219: Lisa LaPointe - Seafaring Nature Photography
Welcome to episode 219 of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen!
This week on the podcast I was joined by a wildlife and nature photographer who spends most of her time leading workshops based out of sea vessels - Lisa LaPointe.
Lisa is a naturalist with a huge passion for sea expeditions, wildlife photography, conservation, and education programs designed to spark the same passions in others. She leads workshops with the Muench Workshops team and has a fabulous body of photographic work.
Lisa and I discuss a wide variety of interesting topics this week - so sit back and enjoy!
Over on Patreon this week, Lisa and I discuss a variety of ethical considerations as they relate to nature and wildlife photography.
Here's who Lisa recommended for the podcast this week:
Talor Stone.
Greg Vaughn.
Other items mentioned on the show:
1. Clubhouse Club for the Podcast.
2. Natural Landscape Photography Awards.
Support the show on Patreon.
I love hearing from the podcast listeners! Reach out to me via Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter if you'd like to be on the podcast or if you have an idea of a topic we can talk about. Join the discussion over on Nature Photographer's Network! We have weekly discussions about each episode of the podcast. It's also free! We also have an Instagram page and a Facebook page for updates.
We also have a searchable transcript of every episode!
Head on over to my website for the full show notes.
Thanks for stopping in, collaborating with us, and listening. See you next week.
As a reminder, you can also support the podcast by shopping at B+H for your photography gear using our Affiliate Link.