F-Stop Collaborate and Listen

Welcome to another episode of "F-Stop Collaborate and Listen," where we fuse the world of photography and delightful camaraderie. I'm your host, Matt Payne, and today we've got a treat for all you photography enthusiasts. Joining us is Mike DiMeola, not only a physician in Vermont but also a rising star in nature photography and co-host of the YouTube channel, Brews n' Views. As an anesthesiologist, Mike's professional life is characterized by precision and control, but when it comes to his photography, he seeks an escape, an outlet to balance the pressures of his intense work life. We'll learn how he carves out time for photography and allows his creativity to flow freely without concrete goals, embracing the peacefulness that naturally draws him in. Mike is an advocate for environmental conservation, donating all of his print sales profits to the National Forest Foundation. He shares with us the importance of mentorship in his life, from the impact TJ Thorne has had on him, to his own experiences mentoring a young nature photographer. Beyond the lens, Mike participates in the beer and photo showcases of Brews n' Views, digging into good beer and spotlighting underappreciated photographers. Join us as we explore how Mike's minimalist approach to equipment, his preference for local scenes in Vermont, and his passion for capturing the serene essence of winter align with his overall philosophy to photography. This episode is packed full of insight, recommendations, and stories you won't want to miss. Links: Nick Becker Podcast Episode Brews n' Views on YouTube James Rodewald Podcast Episode TJ Thorne Paul Bowman Eric Bennett Caleb Kenna Abby Raeder Garrett Hess Adrian Vila Jesse Brown Nelson Support the Podcast on Patreon Pitch me your idea for a Podcast

Welcome to another captivating episode of "F-Stop Collaborate and Listen." This week we delve deep into the lush landscapes of Japan with the extraordinary Mark Davis, a 24-year veteran of the U.S. armed forces turned passionate forest photographer. In this episode, we'll explore how Mark, now settled outside Tokyo with his family, has navigated his struggles with PTSD and the challenges of a military career through the lens of his camera, finding sanctuary amidst the serene Japanese beech trees. Together, we'll unpack the cultural nuances of photography in Japan—a place where silence and respect for nature prevail, where a deep curiosity about the subject matter reigns, and where community and connections pave the way for opportunities, including exciting photography workshops Mark plans to continue. We'll tap into the importance of mentorship and how seeking honest feedback transformed Mark’s work, confronting ego and the crucial learning that comes from intimate knowledge of your environment. Mark shares anecdotes about the humorous side of language barriers, how he sidesteps the social media algorithm game to focus on content, and offers sage advice on networking. Listen in as we contrast the Japanese approach to nature with the West's, discuss the integration of military precision and spontaneity in photography, and highlight the mental health benefits of connecting with nature. Links 1. NPN: use the code FSTOP10 for a 10% discount 2. Support the show on Patreon 3. Subscribe for e-mail updates 4. Sho Hoshino 5. Misaki Nagao 6. Bill Ferngren 7. Kristin Weinhold 8. Jared Boaz 9. Yokota Shinji 10. David Thompson

Infrared is gaining in popularity among landscape and nature photographers, but can feel overwhelming and daunting if you're not sure where to start. I've been wanting to dabble in it myself, but haven't really figured out where I need to look to start my journey.  One particular photographer has garnered my attention as being an expert in infrared nature photography. On this week’s F-Stop Collaborate and Listen podcast, we sit down and talk with Tony Sweet. Tony is a Nikon Legend Behind the Len. After a successful career as a jazz musician, Tony settled on photography as his chosen means for personal expression. Over the last 30 years, Tony has become an in-demand speaker throughout the United States and Canada on Photography and creativity. Stay up to date on the latest podcast episodes by subscribing to our newsletter! On this week's episode, we discuss: Tony's journey into nature photography. The role that finding a mentor played in Tony's progression as a photographer. Tips on finding a good mentor. Tony's obsession with infrared nature photography. Actional tips on how to get into infrared nature photography, including nanometer choices and resources. And a lot more! Over on Patreon this week, Tony and I recorded a bonus episode all about his approach to making photographs, which I think you will enjoy a great deal! Other topics/links discussed on the podcast this week: Support the podcast on Patreon, or make a one-time donation on PayPal. Kolari Vision. Life Pixel. Mentorship with Tony. Watch podcast episodes on YouTube. Here is who Tony recommended on the podcast this week: Ellen Anon. Joseph Rossbach. I love hearing from the podcast listeners! Contact me via Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter if you’d like to be on the podcast or have an idea of a topic we can discuss. We also have an Instagram page, a Facebook Page, and a Facebook Group - so don’t be shy! We also have a searchable transcript of every episode! Thanks for stopping in, collaborating with us, and listening. See you next week. P.S. You can also support the podcast by purchasing items through our B+H affiliate link.

In this episode of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, host Matt Payne interviews Kamal X, the first street and documentary photographer to be featured on the podcast. Kamal shares his journey as a photographer and discusses the importance of capturing compelling street photographs that evoke emotion and tell powerful stories. They also delve into Kamal's latest book, "Black Astronaut," which documents the George Floyd protests and explores the complexities of American society. Tune in to gain insights into the art of street photography and the impact it can have on viewers, including insightful comparisons between landscape photography and street photography. Stay up to date on the latest podcast episodes by subscribing to our newsletter! Links: Kamal's Website. Black Astronaut Book. Support the Show on Patreon. Daniel Milnor on YouTube. Mentioned on the podcast: Andre Wagner. Luisanna Tejada. Join in on the conversation for free on Patreon.

One of my favorite things about hosting a podcast is that I get to dig a little bit deeper into what motivates some of my favorite photographers. I'm so lucky to be able to sit down with these excellent photographers and discuss their origins, their processes for making images, the numerous challenges they face as creatives, and the inner workings of their minds. As such, it was an absolute pleasure to record this podcast in person with one of my co-instructors at Muench Workshops, Richard Bernabe. Richard is the host of another great podcast, Beyond the Lens, and has been one of my photographic heroes for a long time. Richard and I recorded this podcast while crossing the tumultuous Drake Passage on a non-stabilized expedition boat, the Polar Pioneer. We were returning from a 21-day voyage to Antarctica, where we were lucky enough to photograph elephant seals, emperor penguins, massive icebergs, and incredible sunsets. If you'd like to see a few of those photographs, please check out the my gallery. Stay up to date on the latest podcast episodes by subscribing to our newsletter! On this week's episode, we discuss: Stories from our 21-day trip to Antarctica on the Polar Pioneer. Our favorite moments from our expedition. How Richard got into nature photography. The challenges of making images as a workshop instructor. The realities of being an introvert and a successful photographer. The importance of ancillary skills to augment our photography as professionals. And a lot more! Other topics/links discussed on the podcast this week: Support the podcast on Patreon. Richard's podcast, Beyond the Lens. Richard's Substack. Muench Workshops. My Colorado Trail podcast episode. Watch podcast episodes on YouTube, where we overlay photos with our conversation via video. 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. We also have an Instagram page, a Facebook Page, and a Facebook Group - so don't be shy! We also have a searchable transcript of every episode! Thanks for stopping in, collaborating with us, and listening. See you next week. P.S. you can also support the podcast by purchasing items through our B+H affiliate link.

In this conversation, Matt Payne interviews Steve Gettle, a nature photographer, about his photography journey and the challenges of monetizing photography. They discuss the process of finding a unique photographic voice and the balance between emulation and inspiration. They also explore the impact of social media on the photography industry and the changing landscape of making a living as a nature photographer. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the future of workshops and photo tours. The conversation covers topics such as the demographic shift and its impact on the landscape of photography, changing learning methods, the value of workshops and photo tours, the importance of critiques, the decline of camera clubs, traveling as a wildlife photographer, creating a nature photography paradise, and the debate around digital manipulation of nature photography. Stay up to date on the latest podcast episodes by subscribing to our newsletter! Links Natural Landscapes Books Support the podcast on Patreon. Watch the podcast onYouTube. Here is who Steve Recommended for the Podcast Tom Mangelsen. Marsel Van Oosten. Takeaways Finding a unique photographic voice takes time and requires putting in the hours to develop skills and a portfolio. Emulation of other photographers' work can be a valuable learning tool, but it's important to find one's own style and put a unique spin on images. Social media can be a double-edged sword, providing validation and exposure but also creating a gap between public perception and experienced photographers' opinions. Monetizing photography in today's digital age requires a diverse set of skills, including marketing, business acumen, and teaching abilities. Workshops and photo tours continue to be popular, but the market is becoming more competitive as more photographers enter the industry. The demographic shift, particularly the aging population, will impact the landscape of photography and who is able and willing to participate in trips and workshops. The way people learn photography has changed, with a shift towards online tutorials and self-teaching through platforms like YouTube. Camera clubs, once a valuable source of education and critique, are declining in popularity, and the younger generation is less likely to participate in them. Traveling as a wildlife photographer requires careful planning and consideration of logistics, including gear transportation. Creating a nature photography paradise in one's backyard can provide opportunities for portfolio-worthy images and a deeper connection with nature. The debate around digital manipulation of nature photography centers on the importance of honesty and transparency in representing the natural world. Critiques and feedback are essential for growth and improvement in photography, but the way they are delivered should be constructive and respectful. The public's perception of photography is often based on the perceived honesty of the medium, and photographers should strive to maintain that trust.

In this week's podcast, I sit down for a conversation with Tania Malkin, a photographer and artist. Tania discusses her journey in photography and the influence of other artistic mediums on her work. She shares the story behind one of her most impactful images and explains her approach to capturing photographs, particularly in aerial photography.  Tania also discusses the importance of pre-visualization and the role of instinct in her image-making process. She highlights the connection between her photography and other art forms, such as painting and ceramics. Additionally, Tania shares practical tips for getting into aerial photography and emphasizes the need to respect and acknowledge the indigenous owners of the land she photographs. In this conversation, Tania discusses the importance of appreciating the moment and taking the time to truly experience and understand the landscape. She also shares her hope that her photography can evoke an emotive response and promote the conservation of landscapes, regardless of their scale. Tania highlights the need to create awareness through photography and avoid desensitizing people to environmental issues. She talks about her experience as the winner of the Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year and her ongoing project. Stay up to date on the latest podcast episodes by subscribing to our newsletter! Other topics/links discussed on the podcast this week: Support the podcast on Patreon, or make a one-time donation on PayPal. Fuji GFX Challenge Grants. Watch podcast episodes on YouTube. Here is who Tania recommended on the podcast this week: Krystle Wright. Guy Havell. Huibo Hou. Jodi Bilske. I love hearing from the podcast listeners! Contact me via Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter if you’d like to be on the podcast or have an idea of a topic we can discuss. We also have an Instagram page, a Facebook Page, and a Facebook Group - so don’t be shy! We also have a searchable transcript of every episode! Thanks for stopping in, collaborating with us, and listening. See you next week. P.S. You can also support the podcast by purchasing items through our B+H affiliate link. Takeaways The process of capturing photographs involves considering the story and purpose behind the image, as well as the use of light and color to guide the viewer's attention. Aerial photography requires a combination of planning and instinct to capture unique and compelling images from the sky. Engaging with other artistic mediums can inform and enhance one's approach to photography, particularly in terms of understanding light, color, and composition. Increasing awareness and respect for the indigenous owners of the land is important in photography, and efforts should be made to acknowledge and share their stories and cultural significance.

Photographer Wayne Suggs joins host Matt Payne to discuss the value of photography workshops. They share insights on choosing workshops, physical capabilities, and preparing for workshops. They highlight the importance of instructors, hidden benefits like connections and learning, and their own experiences with workshops. A bonus episode on Patreon is also mentioned.

Refining our voice and vision as nature photographers is an ongoing process of discovery, experimentation, failure, and struggle. Fortunately, those who stick to what excites them about photography can tap into some really exciting photography that differentiates them as artists. One such artist that I have come to appreciate is this week’s F-Stop Collaborate and Listen podcast: Ian Gaston. Ian is based in Santa Cruz, California, and has moved away from cinematic grand landscapes. He now focuses his work on smaller scenes found in nature such as intricate wood grain and patterns found on sandy beaches. On this week's episode, we discuss: Ian's journey in landscape photography which began in the 500px era of cinematic grand landscapes, Ian's process for finding smaller scenes in nature, How Ian's processing of photographs has shifted since he began, The importance of letting go of expectations that may increase anxiety about what one finds in the field as a landscape photographer, And a lot more! Other topics/links discussed on the podcast this week: Support the podcast on Patreon, or make a one-time donation on PayPal. David Southern. My Spain coastal photographs. Discord server for landscape photographers. Join us on Nature Photographer's Network. Watch podcast episodes on YouTube. Here is who Ian recommended on the podcast this week: Tania Malkin. Patrick McDonald. Elvis Dallie. Klaus Axelsen; my article about Klaus in On Landscape. Kavin Chawla. I love hearing from the podcast listeners! Contact me via Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter if you’d like to be on the podcast or have an idea of a topic we can discuss. We also have an Instagram page, a Facebook Page, and a Facebook Group - so don’t be shy! We also have a searchable transcript of every episode! Thanks for stopping in, collaborating with us, and listening. See you next week. P.S. You can also support the podcast by purchasing items through our B+H affiliate link.

Finding ways to do more with our photography is something many photographers struggle with. While there's certainly nothing wrong with creating beautiful images to showcase beauty, there are other ways to make an impact. This week's F-Stop Collaborate and Listen podcast guest is conservation photographer and author Amy Gulick. Amy has been on a mission for over a decade to tell the story of Salmon in the Pacific Northwest. On this week's episode, we discuss: Amy's journey as a photographer. The importance of nature to humanity. Tips for conservation photography. Amy's work to tell the story of the salmon. Storytelling and photography. Making a lasting impact through photographs. And a lot more! Other topics/links discussed on the podcast this week: Support the podcast on Patreon, or make a one-time donation on PayPal. Amy's book: The Salmon Way: An Alaska State of Mind. Amy's book: Salmon in the Trees: Life in Alaska’s Tongass Rain Forest. Watch podcast episodes on YouTube. Here is who Amy recommended on the podcast this week: Steve Winter. James Balog. Art Wolfe. Britta Jaschinski. Cole Thompson. Cristina Mittermeier. 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. We also have an Instagram page, a Facebook Page, and a Facebook Group - so don't be shy! We also have a searchable transcript of every episode! Thanks for stopping in, collaborating with us, and listening. See you next week. P.S. you can also support the podcast by purchasing items through our B+H affiliate link.