F-Stop Collaborate and Listen

Welcome to Episode 148 of the F-Stop Collaborate and Listen podcast.  This week's episode was recorded live at Out of Yosemite. I was lucky to be invited as an instructor and podcast host by the gracious Out of Chicago team. They put together a fantastic line up of instructors, activities, presentations, and excursions. Students and instructors were given the opportunity to interact and learn from each other in the birthplace of modern landscape photography - the Yosemite Valley. Ansel Adams' son and daughter-in-law were in attendance as well as two of Ansel's former assistants, Alan Ross and John Sexton. We had an all-star list of instructors spanning several decades and styles of work from film experts to the latest time-lapse and digital masters.  It was such an honor to be a small part of it.  On the final night of the conference I had the wonderful privilege to host a live podcast in front of about 40 people. Our panel included some fantastic photographers: Colleen Miniuk; Charlotte Gibb; Michael Frye; and, Alex Noriega. We covered a wide variety of topics, including: How do you find and apply inspiration in your photography? How has your photography evolved over time and why have you chosen to go the direction we have? How do we bridge the divide between the old school methods and new school methods of landscape photography? Why do you photograph? What are the positive and negative impacts of bringing large groups of people to the National Parks? What do you do when you’re not photographing and how does that influence your photography? What are the pros and cons of shooting alone vs. groups? What should students do after the conference? Over on Patreon this week, we have something special for listeners. Before the conference officially began, the instructors had a wonderful dinner and many drinks to celebrate the start of the conference and to get to know each other. After this dinner, Colleen Miniuk, Franka Gabler, Michael Shainblum, and Alex Noriega joined me for a drunk podcast recording. It was so much fun! Just head over to patreon.com/fstopandlisten for more info on how you can support the podcast and get awesome bonus content like this drunk recording.  Please consider supporting the podcast on Patreon! There's a ton of bonus content over there for subscribers!  Other items mentioned on the show: 1. Out of Moab Conference - use the code "PAYNE" for $250 off until Feb. 28. 2. Out of Acadia Conference - use the code "PAYNE" for $250 off until Feb. 28.

Welcome to Episode 147 of the F-Stop Collaborate and Listen podcast. This week's episode features a sales coach known as "The Sales Maven" - Nikki Rausch. After 25 years of experience selling in the corporate world, Nikki decided to trade in her road warrior status so she could help others sell in a way that builds relationships, creates true connection, and results in more closed deals and long-term clients. Now, as a sales coach, author, speaker and founder of Sales Maven, Nikki transforms the misunderstood process of “selling” into techniques, tools, and tips that can be successfully incorporated into a process that can be replicated by you. When she's not helping business owners move their clients along the 'Selling Staircase', Nikki enjoys taking in all the beauty that living in the Pacific Northwest affords her. Stay tuned because I think all artists will gain something practical from this episode.  Nikki and I covered a wide variety of topics this week, including: How to sell your artwork without feeling sleazy or slimy. The five steps of the "Selling Staircase": How to create a positive first impression Creating curiosity Discovery Delivering the high-end proposal Recognizing and responding to the buying signal Nikki's free e-book called "Closing the sale, which will help you uncover why you might be fumbling sales opportunities and what to do instead, how you can establish yourself as the expert, and language to use when asking for the sale. Over on Patreon this week, Nikki and I talk about an idea that will help you grow your client base and provide a product to them that is very unique to you. Head over to patreon.com/fstopandlisten for more info on how you can support the podcast and get bonus content at the same time. Please consider supporting the podcast on Patreon! There's a ton of bonus content over there for subscribers!  Here is who Nikki recommended for the podcast: 1. Melina Palmer - The Brainy Business. Other items mentioned on the show: 1. Out of Moab Conference - use the code "PAYNE" for $250 off until Feb. 28. 2. Out of Acadia Conference - use the code "PAYNE" for $250 off until Feb. 28.

Welcome to Episode 146 of the F-Stop Collaborate and Listen podcast.  This week's episode features an incredible aerial and commercial photographer, Toby Harriman. Toby and I covered a wide variety of topics this week, including: How he went from graphic web design to photography. Choosing a direction in photography. The business of photography. Mental health as it relates to being a full-time photographer. Labels for types of artists. Instagram's latest attempt at censorship for digital artists. The ethics and considerations around photo staging. His Myanmar project. and a lot more... Over on Patreon this week, Toby and I talk about the evolution of photography platforms and how they need to provide value. Please consider supporting the podcast on Patreon! There's a ton of bonus content over there for subscribers! Here are the photographers Toby recommended for the podcast: 1. Jaron Schneider. 2. Matthew Lavin. 3. Paul Nicklin. Other items mentioned on the show: 1. 60-day free trial to NPN. 2. Out of Moab Conference - use the code "PAYNE" for $250 off until Feb. 28. 3. Out of Acadia Conference - use the code "PAYNE" for $250 off until Feb. 28. 4. Arc Panel Luminosity Masks. 

Welcome to Episode 145 of the F-Stop Collaborate and Listen podcast.    This week's episode features a large and medium format film photographer from western Kansas, Michael Strickland.    Michael transitioned from digital to film and hasn't looked back. He was featured in a really interesting Geekwire YouTube video showcasing why he made the switch, which really piqued my interest.    Michael and I covered a wide variety of topics this week, including: Photographing panoramas using film. Photographing the Great Plains.  Drum Scanning.  Portraying mood and emotion through photography. Platinum Palladium prints. and a lot more... Over on Patreon this week, Michael gives us some tips on how to get started in film photography.  Head over to patreon.com/fstopandlisten for more info on how you can support the podcast and get bonus content at the same time.     Before we get started, I wanted to remind listeners that my good friend Gary Randall still has some workshop openings for his 2020 Alaska photography workshops. You could not meet a nicer guy than Gary so I really think you'll love going with him to photograph bears on the Kenai Peninsula. Check it out by going to gary-randall.com!

Welcome to Episode 144 of the F-Stop Collaborate and Listen podcast.  Heads-up! Stay tuned to the end of the show to hear who won our inaugural Landscape Conservation Award! This week's episode features a landscape photographer from Johnson City, Tennessee, Jerry Greer. Jerry matriculated from his 4x5 film camera to digital in 2007 and hasn't looked back. Don't worry film lovers, next week we go the opposite direction! Jerry also spent most of his career publishing books for himself and other photographers, and I really enjoyed tapping into his knowledge about that.  Jerry and I covered a wide variety of topics this week, including: Jerry's transition from film to digital His work on conservation and environmental assignments His publishing company, Mountain Trail Press His partnership with Ian Plant and Richard Bernabe Why he took a 5-year break from photography in 2014 and a lot more... Over on Patreon this week, Jerry shares some of his thoughts on how to approach a book project. I have been thinking about doing a book for awhile and talking to him was really helpful, so if you are thinking about doing this as well, this was a good talk. Head over to patreon.com/fstopandlisten for more info on how you can support the podcast and get bonus content at the same time. Here are the photographers Jerry recommended for the podcast: 1. Todd Caudle. 2. Richard Bernabe. 3. Joseph Rossbach. 4. Tony Sweet. 5. Mac Stone. 6. Clay Bolt. 7. Nye Simmons.

Welcome to Episode 143 of the F-Stop Collaborate and Listen podcast. This week's episode features a photographer that probably needs no introduction - Royce Bair. Royce is one of the pioneers of the modern movement of NightScape photography and runs the popular Facebook Group, NightScaper. Royce also organizes and runs the annual NightScape Photography Conference.  Royce and I covered a wide variety of topics this week, including: Learning to say no and the Greg McKeown book, "Essentialism" How Royce got into night photography Royce's Milky Way NightScapes eBook - Listeners can use discount code TWAN for $5.00 off at check out Our shared authorship of the Secrets from the Stars Kickstarter hardcover book — 8 night photography masterclasses, each written by a world-class, award-winning astrophotographer 2020 NightScaper Conference in Kanab, Utah - May 20-22. Podcast listeners can use the FSTOP100 Discount Coupon Code for $100.00 off their registration Nightscape ethics The importance of dark skies and the work of The International Dark Sky Association How to make night photography a more creative pursuit and a lot more... Over on Patreon this week, Royce and I recorded some bonus material where we talk all about the innovations of the past 10 years that have made night photography more accessible and some concrete techniques to improve your night photography. We also talk about the use of trackers for the night sky, Royce recommends the iOptron SkyTracker Pro Mount or the Sky-Watcher Star Adventurer. Both are about $300. The iOptron is easier to use in his opinion, but the Sky-Watcher will carry a heavier payload, if you decide to use a long telephoto lens for deep sky object tracking. All right, one quick announcement before we dive in: former guest and Canadian landscape photographer, Dani Lefrancois, has announced a really fun opportunity to photograph the Canadian Rockies in the springtime. Her workshop will get you up close and personal with some incredible subjects in the Banff National Park area and looks to be a really fun adventure. Just head to banffphotoworkshops.com/spring-awakening Please consider supporting the podcast on Patreon! There's a ton of bonus content over there for subscribers!  Here are the photographers Royce recommended for the podcast: 1. Ryan Smith 2. Jack Fusco 3. Mike Shaw 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.

Welcome to Episode 142 of the F-Stop Collaborate and Listen podcast. This week's episode is a special one! I assembled a cadre of some of the most well-respected landscape photographers in North America (our UK and Australian guests could not make it, unfortunately) for a discussion on photography education and creativity. This particular conversation really got me thinking and is full of interesting perspectives that will hopefully cause anyone listening to pause and think about their own photography. For this episode, I invited Guy Tal, Suzanne Mathia, Sean Bagshaw, David Cobb, and Alex Noriega.Thanks to listener and former guest, Len Metcalf for the idea of this week's podcast! Our incredible panel shared their thoughts on a wide variety of topics this week, including: Thoughts on the current philosophies of teaching photography. How current teaching approaches encourage or discourage creativity in photography. What do workshop customers demand and expect from their teachers. Defining and measuring creativity. and a lot more... Being the awesome guy that he is (hehe), Guy Tal is offering 10% off any order through 2020 on his website using the code FSTOP10 and he is also offering $50 off any workshop offering in 2020 or 2021 - just use the code FSTOP50 by the end of 2020. Be sure to check out the full liner notes for great photos from our guests! Also, here are some links to topics discussed on the podcast: The Creativity Crisis Desirable difficulties in learning Box experiment Guy Tal's article on photography education pedagogy NPN 2019 Editor's picks NPN Ask Me Anything / AMA Donate to the Landscape Conservation Award Secrets from the stars - Kickstarter Campaign Please consider supporting the podcast on Patreon! There's a ton of bonus content over there for subscribers! 

Welcome to Episode 141 of the F-Stop Collaborate and Listen podcast. This week's episode features a landscape photographer and software developer from Slovenia, Luka Esenko. Luka is the creator of the new photo location app, PhotoHound. Luka also runs photography workshops in Slovenia and you can learn more about those here. Luka and I covered some fun topics this week, including: Luka's upbringing as the son of a published naturalist and the influence of that on his photography. Stories about photographers and the positive impact they are having. Differences between European photography locations and U.S. locations. How to responsibility share photo locations using PhotoHound. Leading tours in Europe and the changes Luka has seen there over the past decade. and a lot more... I wanted to let you know about an exciting online course being offered by my friend and former podcast guest, Shane McDermott. You might remember Shane from episode 108 where he shared his thoughts on "visual centricity," "awareness," and "constant creative flow" and how this approach to photography can change how you interact with the natural world through your photographs. Shane has created a 6-week online course all about post-processing your images in a way that ensures the final result reflects your actual experience in the field. Shane calls the course, "Transforming your Passion into Pixels - The Art of Enlightened Image Editing." In his course, Shane talks about how you can take creative control, learn to make the look and feel of every finished image as unique and vibrant as the moment you captured it.  As an exclusive offer to podcast listeners, if you register in the next week, you will receive a 25% off this 6-week online course. Use the code FStop25 at the time of purchase to receive your discount. Please consider supporting the podcast on Patreon! There's a ton of bonus content over there for subscribers!  Here are the photographers Luka recommended for the podcast: 1. Guy Edwardes: https://www.guyedwardes.com/ 2. Jeremy Woodhouse: https://www.pixelchrome.com/

Welcome to Episode 140 of the F-Stop Collaborate and Listen podcast. This week's episode features a "personal brand strategist" - Jonathan Tilley. Jonathan works with individuals to create customized branding and marketing strategies for their business, whether it be actors, photographers, artists, or small businesses. He helps with web design, web copy, and has proven real world strategies to get you in front of the clients you want to do business with.  Jonathan and I covered some fun topics this week, including: Personal branding for creative people. How to feel 100% like you online. Authentic marketing - how to market without looking like a spam bot. How to build your brand on Instagram one day at a time. Practical tips for photographers looking to Sell workshops. Sell prints. Land big clients. and a lot more... Over on Patreon this week, Jonathan shares all of his secrets for successful e-mail marketing and list building. Jonanthan offers a really awesome service on his other website called League of List Builders. There are some incredibly powerful tips in that bonus episode if you plan on doing any targeted marking whatsoever for your photography so I highly recommend you head over to Patreon, sign-up, and listen. As mentioned on the podcast, listeners of the podcast are also entitled to a 60-day trial on Nature Photographer's Network, the internet's premier community for landscape and nature photographers.  Head to our full liner notes to learn a lot more!

Welcome to Episode 139 of the F-Stop Collaborate and Listen podcast. This week's episode features an adventure and landscape photographer living in Canmore, Alberta near Banff National Park, Jeff Bartlett.  Jeff and I covered some fun topics this week, including: What exactly is adventure photography? Authenticity in photography. Minimizing our impact on nature. Shooting what you love. Why do you take photographs? and a lot more... Over on Patreon this week, Jeff and I talk about his relationship with the Instagram platform. Also, I wanted to let you know about an exciting online course being offered by my friend and former podcast guest, Shane McDermott. You might remember Shane from episode 108 where he shared his thoughts on "visual centricity," "awareness," and "constant creative flow" and how this approach to photography can change how you interact with the natural world through your photographs. Shane has created a 6-week online course all about post-processing your images in a way that ensures the final result reflects your actual experience in the field. Shane calls the course, "Transforming your Passion into Pixels - The Art of Enlightened Image Editing." In his course, Shane talks about how you can take creative control, learn to make the look and feel of every finished image as unique and vibrant as the moment you captured it.  As an exclusive offer to podcast listeners, if you register in the next 72 hours, you will receive a 25% off this 6-week online course. Use the code FStop25 at the time of purchase to receive your discount. Please consider supporting the podcast on Patreon! There's a ton of bonus content over there for subscribers!  Here is who Jeff recommended for the podcast: 1. Jack Fusco. 2. John Marriott. 3. Sarah Lindsey.