

F-Stop Collaborate and Listen
Matt Payne
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 11, 2020 • 1h 14min
186: Jerry Monkman - Using Photography to Conserve Open Spaces
Welcome to episode 186 of the F-Stop Collaborate and Listen podcast.
This week on the podcast, I was joined by conservationist, author, filmmaker, and photographer, Jerry Monkman.
Jerry is revered in the Northeast United States as a photography powerhouse, having authored eight books which have inspired many to take up photography in Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont.
Jerry is also known for his conservation documentary videos, which have had major positive impacts on the protection of critical public lands in his area.
Jerry and I discuss some interesting topics this week, including:
His journey through the years as a photographer.
Using photography to conserve open spaces and public land.
Photo guidebooks and their impact on the craft and various locations.
The "why" of outdoor photography.
How photography has changed since the 1990's.
How to balance the commercial needs of a landscape photographer and messages of conservation.
... and more!
Over on Patreon this week, join over 140 of your peers in supporting the podcast financially and listen to Jerry and I talk about the importance of thinking about what we are trying to say with our photographs.
I hope you enjoy our conversations!

Nov 4, 2020 • 1h 18min
185: Juan Pablo de Miguel - Judging the Epson Pano Awards
Welcome to episode 185 of the F-Stop Collaborate and Listen podcast.
This week on the podcast, I had a wonderful time chatting with our first guest from Spain, Juan Pablo de Miguel.
Juan Pablo is a long-standing judge for the Epson Pano Awards, a photography educator, and fantastic landscape photographer located in Madrid Spain.
Juan Pablo and I discuss some interesting topics this week, including:
His journey from engineering into landscape photography.
The role of world travel in his photography.
His philosophy on post-processing.
The new sky replacement tool in Photoshop.
Various business models for landscape photography.
The Epson Pano Awards, his role as a judge, what he looks for in good images, and more.
... and more!
I hope you enjoy our conversation.
Other items mentioned on the show:
1. 60-day Trial to Nature Photographer's Network.
2. Support the show on Patreon.
Here are the photographers that Juan Pablo recommended on the podcast:
1. Paul Apal'kin.
2. Michael Sidofsky.
3. Joel Santos.
4. Enrico Fossati.
5. Merr Watson.
6. Pablo Ruiz Garcia.
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.
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.

Oct 28, 2020 • 56min
184: Remembering Jack Curran
Welcome to episode 184 of the F-Stop Collaborate and Listen podcast.
This week on the podcast, I invited several past guests to join me in honoring the life and photography of another former guest, Jack Curran.
Jack passed away on September 24, 2020 and his black and white photography was an inspiration to many photographers; however, he was more than a photographer to so many - he was a generous, thoughtful, funny, and caring soul who helped so many others in life. He was also an early supporter of this podcast and was one of the most generous people I've met in our community.
For this panel episode, our panelists and I shared fond memories of Jack and his photography. Our panel includes Jennifer King, John Barclay, Chuck Kimmerle, and Brooks Jensen.
In Jack's obituary, he asked for donations to the following charities:
Trout Unlimited, Harris House Treatment and Recovery Center, and International Photography Hall of Fame.
I hope you enjoy our conversation.
In honor of Jack, what will you do to help out a fellow photographer? I'd love to hear about your commitment on Instagram.
As always, I appreciate any support you can provide to the show over on Patreon.
Other items mentioned on the show:
1. Photography for the Fight Against Breast Cancer.
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.
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.

Oct 21, 2020 • 1h 12min
183: Ben Williamson - Photographing New England & Working for a Magazine
Welcome to episode 183 of the F-Stop Collaborate and Listen podcast. For the full show notes and a transcript, head to my blog.
This week on the podcast, I had a wonderful conversation with a photographer that I have long admired from afar. Ben Williamson hails from the state of Maine and has amassed a fantastic collection of what he mostly describes as "scenic" photography from New England. Whatever you want to call it, his work exudes passion and a love for where he lives. Ben works for Down East Magazine as a staff photographer and leads workshops.
Ben and I discuss some interesting topics this week, including:
His journey into photography.
What it is like working for a small regional magazine and how other photographers could think about collaborating with magazines local to them.
Teaching photography and what Ben loves about it.
How Ben has partnered with other photographers on his journey.
How Ben includes man-made objects in his photography to make them more emotionally connective.
How Ben balances shooting for himself vs. shooting to please others.
... and more!
Over on Patreon, this week, you can join over 100 of your peers in supporting the podcast financially and hear Ben and I talk about his obsession with weather and how he leverages that obsession to improve his photography.
I hope you enjoy our conversations.
Other items mentioned on the show:
1. Gary Randall Calendars.
2. My OnLandscape column.
Here are the photographers that Ben recommended on the podcast:
1. Jerry Monkman.
2. John Putnam.
3. Michael Blanchette.
4. Greta Rybus.
5. Jamie Walter.
6. Dave Dostie.

Oct 14, 2020 • 1h 40min
182: Michael Remke - The Intersection of Landscape Photography & Ecological Science
Welcome to episode 182 of the F-Stop Collaborate and Listen podcast.
This week on the podcast I recorded a socially-distanced, in-person podcast episode with my friend, fellow Durango resident, and fellow photographer, Michael Remke. Michael is a professor at Fort Lewis College and has a Ph.D. in Forest Science. Michael pairs his passion for the outdoors and photography with his passion for ecological systems to create a symbiotic marriage of ideas that informs how he sees the world as both a photographer and as a scientist.
Michael's scientific research is currently focused on active forest management to promote the ecological, social, and economic well being of communities. His past research was focused on plant - soil interactions in the context of changing climates, restoration, and conservation. I personally really love how he uses his science knowledge to show us hidden parts of the world through the lens.
Michael and I discuss some interesting topics this week, including:
Using photography as a conservation and communication tool.
How science influences his photographic compositions.
How photography influences his scientific research.
How we can empower photographers to work with others to see intentional photography as a tool to protect special places.
The impact of climate science and the changing climate on landscape photography.
Why we think some prominent landscape photographers who rely on nature for their income have a negative view of climate science.
... and more!
This week I decided to keep the episode in it's entirety for free here because it felt like it would break up the conversation too much, so there is no bonus episode on Patreon, but your support is still appreciated!
I hope you enjoy our conversation.
Other items mentioned on the show:
1. Nature Photographer's Network.
2. Atlantic article on Galen Rowell.
3. Rob Blair's Eastern San Juans Mountain book.
4. Rob Blair's Western San Juan Mountains book.
5. Roadside Geology books.
These are affiliate links and using them does financially support the podcast.

Oct 7, 2020 • 1h 24min
181: Eric Bennett - Conversations with Nature
Welcome to episode 181 of the F-Stop Collaborate and Listen podcast.
This week on the podcast I sat down and visited with one of our first guests, Eric Bennett.
Eric is arguably one of the best landscape photographers of the past decade. He has a unique vision and style that I greatly appreciate. He is also a fellow co-founder of the Nature First Photography Alliance, and a fellow beer connoisseur.
Eric is one of the most passionate stewards of public lands I have ever met and it really shines in his photography. I really enjoyed our discussion this week and I hope you will as well.
Eric and I discuss some interesting topics this week, including:
Eric's approach to organizing and curating his online photography gallery.
Eric's approach to making personally meaningful photographs.
Eric's new book called "Conversations with Nature."
... and more!
Over on Patreon this week, Eric and I discuss the power of mentor-ship in a digital world and how we have leveraged these relationships in our pursuit of better photography.
Here is who Eric recommended listeners check out:
1. Jimmy Gekas.
2. You can also check out my OnLandscape article on Jimmy.
Don't forget, you can find a transcript of this week's episode over on my website.
Thanks for your support! Cheers.

Sep 30, 2020 • 46min
180: George McCane - Healing Veterans Through Photography
Welcome to episode 180 of the F-Stop Collaborate and Listen podcast.
For this week's episode of the podcast I had a conversation with a photographer who uses photography to help veterans suffering from various ailments in Austin, Texas - George McCane.
George and I discuss some interesting topics this week, including:
His history as a veteran and how he engages other veterans through the photographic arts.
Helping veterans manage anger through photography.
... and more!
Over on Patreon this week, George shares his approach to photography which he calls the "Photographer's Foundation of Knowledge."
I hope you enjoy our conversations!
Here are the people that George recommended listeners check out:
1. Mike Jackson.
2. Kevin Adams.
3. Susan Kanfer.
4. Alain Gutierrez.
5. Kaylee Greer.
Other items mentioned on the show:
1. Nature Photographer's Network.

Sep 23, 2020 • 1h 8min
179: Nicoli Alexander - How Photographers Can Collaborate With Interior Designers
Nicoli Alexander, a talented interior designer from Denver, shares insights on the synergy between photography and interior design. He discusses how photographers can effectively collaborate with designers, especially in the wake of COVID-19. Nicoli also explains the balance between stock photography and original works, while emphasizing the importance of landscapes in design projects. He encourages creatives to maintain genuine connections and adapt to evolving aesthetics, all while highlighting the profound impact of art on mental health and well-being.

Sep 16, 2020 • 1h 8min
178: Cole Thompson - Discovering Your Vision in Landscape Photography
Hey everyone!
Welcome to episode 178 of the F-Stop Collaborate and Listen podcast.
For this week's episode of the podcast I finally got the opportunity to sit down and have a conversation with one of my favorite black and white photographers and someone whom I have always admired, Cole Thompson.
Cole has a totally unique philosophical approach to photography which is often misunderstood by many people. It is something he refers to as photographic celibacy and I think it has tremendous merit.
Cole and I discuss some interesting topics this week, including:
How he got his start in photography,
Why he has chosen black and white as his medium,
External validation of our photography and its impact on our creative vision,
How to develop a personal vision in your photography,
The influence of praise,
... and more!
Over on Patreon this week, Cole and I explore the question, "Do you need to go to great locations to get great photographs?"
I hope you enjoy our conversations!
Here are the people that Cole recommended listeners check out:
1. Edward Weston's Daybooks.
2. Hamidah Glascow & The Center for Fine Art Photography.
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.
Thanks for stopping in, collaborating with us, and listening. See you next week.

Sep 9, 2020 • 1h 2min
177: Marc Muench - Lessons Learned from Teaching Landscape Photography
Welcome to episode 177 of the F-Stop Collaborate and Listen podcast.
For this week's episode of the podcast I was able to sit down and chat with none other than Marc Muench.
Marc is an internationally renowned landscape photographer with eleven book titles to his name. Marc is a third-generation landscape photographer following in the family tradition started by his grandfather Josef and then his father David. Marc currently runs photography classes and workshops around the world with his company Muench Workshops.
Marc and I discuss some interesting topics, including:
How he got his start in landscape photography,
How his relationship with his father influenced his photography,
Teaching photography and what he has learned as a result of teaching,
Creating his own legacy as a photographer,
How Marc built his workshop brand and has maintained fidelity to the brand over the years,
Marc's new e-book titled, "The Art of Luminosity,"
... and more!
Over on Patreon this week, Marc and I discuss his views on what characteristics good workshop students have and how he has seen students do amazing things.
I hope you enjoy our conversations!
Here are the people that Marc recommended for the podcast:
1. Lisa LaPointe.
2. Kevin Pepper.
3. Knapp & Ella Hudson.
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.
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.