
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

Dec 18, 2023 • 1h 22min
348: David duChemin - Focusing on Voice and Vision
We live in a gear-obsessed world as photographers, with new lenses and cameras being touted as the magic solutions to improve our photography. While gear does play a role in helping us get the photographs we envision, there's so much more that goes into making quality, personally-meaningful photographs that are uniquely ours.
Today's guest on the F-Stop Collaborate and Listen Podcast, David duChemin, is a world & humanitarian assignment photographer, best-selling author, digital publisher, podcaster, and international workshop leader based in Vancouver Island, Canada. David refers to himself as a voice for human creativity in an industry that dwells too much on the technical.
On this week's episode, we discuss:
David's journey as a photographer.
David's inspiring books that helped me as a photographer (these are affiliate links that help the show).
Defining voice and vision in photography and their importance in improving as a photographer.
Creativity and tips for improving creativity as photographers.
Finding inspiration as photographers.
And a lot more!
On Patreon this week, David duChemin shares the story behind his foot amputation and we discuss how this life-changing event has impacted his photography.
Other topics/links discussed on the podcast this week:
Support the podcast on Patreon, or make a one-time donation on PayPal.
Join Nature Photographer's Network to improve your photography and subscribe to Nature Vision Magazine for inspiration.
David's contact sheets.
Watch podcast episodes on YouTube.
Here is who David recommended on the podcast this week:
Sam Abell.
Elliott Erwitt.
Fred Herzog.
Ernst Haas.
Willy Ronis.
Paul Nicklen.
Vincent Munier.
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.

Dec 11, 2023 • 46min
347: Jassen Todorov - Creating Award Winning Aerial Photographs
As photographers, we often seek validation for our work, which can come from various sources. For some, this helps to propel us forward to create more interesting photographs, helping us to push the envelope. While external validation isn't something everyone seeks, it certainly can be a powerful motivator.
Today's guest on the F-Stop Collaborate and Listen Podcast, Jassen Todorov, is an award-winning aerial photographer who has been recognized for his outstanding ability to tell compelling stories through his aerial images. In today's podcast, I wanted to dig deeper into what motivates Jassen to create his jaw-dropping aerial images.
On this week's episode, we discuss:
How Jassen got into aerial photography.
Jassen's career as a musician, pilot, and now, photographer.
How Jassen creates compelling photographs while piloting his small plane.
How and why Jassen is motivated by photography competitions.
Jassen's experience with judging competitions for National Geographic.
Tips for creating more exciting photographs.
And a lot more!
Please note, there is no YouTube upload this week due to technical difficulties with Jassen's audio and video set-up.
On Patreon this week, Jassen shared some harrowing near-miss experiences that he's had while piloting his plane as a photographer.
Other topics/links discussed on the podcast this week:
Support the podcast on Patreon, or make a one-time donation on PayPal.
Here is who Jassen recommended on the podcast this week:
Ivo Danchev.
Anuar Floriuk.
Mia Collis.
Dimpy Bhalotia.
F. Dilek Yurdakul.
Ami Vitale.
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.

Dec 4, 2023 • 52min
346: Kirsten Elstner - National Geographic Photo Camp
Photography can be one of the most powerful story-telling mediums that exists. Empowering at-risk or under-served youth to utilize this tool to tell their stories can result in uplifting and life-changing results.
Today's guest on the F-Stop Collaborate and Listen Podcast, Kirsten Elstner is the founder and director of National Geographic Photo Camp, whose mission is to work with youth from diverse communities worldwide, guiding them as they use photography to tell their own stories and develop meaningful connections with others. Since 2003, she has worked in over 35 countries and designed over 145 programs, with the intention of inspiring and encouraging young people to see the power of their own voices.
On this week's episode, we discuss:
What National Geographic Photo Camp is, how it was started, and what impacts it is making across the globe.
How Photo Camp operates, including the selection process and funding.
Advice for capturing more meaningful stories of our own.
How Photo Camp looks to evolve in the future.
How to get started with National Geographic as a photographer.
And a lot more!
Other topics/links discussed on the podcast this week:
Support the podcast on Patreon.
National Geographic Society Educational Resources.
The National Geographic Photo Camp book: Photo Camp Stories: Our World Through the Lens of Young Photographers. (This is an affiliate link which supports the show!)
National Geographic Photo Camp on Instagram.
Watch podcast episodes on YouTube, where we overlay photos with our conversation via video.
Here is who Kirsten recommended on the podcast this week:
Lynn Johnson.
Podcast Artwork: Cover of National Geographic's PHOTO CAMP STORIES book. Photo by Aye MayZan/National Geographic, Myanmar 2018.

Nov 27, 2023 • 1h 27min
345: Alex Nail - The Great Wilderness
As photographers we are often trying to figure out what we should do with our photographs. Of late, it has become more popular to produce a coffee table style book to showcase our work; however, not all photography books of this style are created equal.
Today's guest on the F-Stop Collaborate and Listen Podcast, Alex Nail, is one of my absolute favorite landscape photographers. He authored and produced one of my favorite photography books a few years back and now he's getting ready to release his second book, The Great Wilderness. His second book was a massive undertaking involving hundreds of miles of hiking over more than four years. Alex's dedication to the craft of landscape photography is nearly unparalleled in today's environment where editing used to make up for a lack of amazing conditions has become commonplace.
On this week's episode, we discuss:
How Alex's opinions have gotten him into hot water over the years and how he's adapted over time.
Why Alex got involved as a co-founder of the Natural Landscape Photography Awards.
Alex's approach to making photographs for his latest book.
The nuts and bolts to making a high quality photography book, including color space.
How much Alex's book cost and why.
Alex's approach to shipping his book internationally.
What to expect from Alex's book.
Design considerations for a photography book.
And a lot more!
P.S. The first 20 listeners to use the code “USFSTOP” will get a £10 discount on shipping of Alex's book!
Other topics/links discussed on the podcast this week:
Support the podcast on Patreon.
Alex's first appearance on the podcast.
The ultimate processing debate episode with Alex Nail and Erin Babnik.
David Ward.
Joe Cornish.
Theo Bosboom.
Sandra Bartocha.
Natural Landscape Photography Awards (NLPA).
Kozu Books.
Watch podcast episodes on YouTube, where we overlay photos with our conversation via video.
Here is who Alex recommended on the podcast this week:
Mark Littlejohn.
Kenny Muir.
Brian Pollock.
My article about Brian's photography in On Landscape Magazine.
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.

Nov 20, 2023 • 2h 19min
344: Thru-hiking the Colorado Trail as a Landscape Photographer
I recently embarked on a 35-day journey to hike the entire Colorado Trail, starting in Denver and ending in my home town of Durango. I embarked on this journey as a full-time professional landscape photographer with the hopes of capturing some incredible images and to have a transformative experience. Since returning, I've been bombarded with amazing questions about my experience and I figured why not turn this into a podcast episode!?
Today's episode of the F-Stop Collaborate and Listen Podcast is a little bit different! We have Brie Stockwell hosting the show and I'm in the hot seat! We collected all of your burning questions about what it was like to thru-hike all 491-miles of the Colorado Trail (via the Collegiate West route of course) as a photographer.
On this week's episode, we discuss:
What is the Colorado Trail and what is involved in thru-hiking it.
Gear considerations for the Colorado Trail. Check out my Colorado Trail Gear Guide!
Training and logistical preparation needed to do the Colorado Trail.
Hygiene challenges including... pooping on the trail, laundry, and water filtration.
Photography choices and balancing hiking with making photographs while doing a thru-hike.
How I charged my photography gear while on the trail.
Lots and lots of stories from the Colorado Trail.
Discussions about philosophy and psychology relating to my experience on the Colorado Trail.
And a lot more!
Other topics/links discussed on the podcast this week:
Support the podcast on Patreon.
Holy Hiker Backpacking Bidet.
Gear Skeptic YouTube Videos on backpacking food and nutrition.
My podcast conversation with Sean Tucker.
Brie's podcasts, A Creative Affair, and Wild Women in Photography.
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.

Nov 13, 2023 • 1h 23min
343: Chris Saunders - Making the Mundane Fun in Landscape Photography
For many photographers, planning our photography trips can be a chore or can feel like a waste of time. That resonates with me and I rarely spend a lot of time planning my adventures because I personally have not found it to be very helpful in my success as a photographer; however, I see great value in the process and appreciate those who dedicate themselves to doing it well.
Today's guest on the F-Stop Collaborate and Listen Podcast, Chris Saunders, is well-respected by his peers in Australia and is producing some of the most evocative aerial work that can be found. One of the keys to his success revolves around meticulous planning and an attention to detail - something he has developed as an engineer.
On this week's episode, we discuss:
Chris' journey as a photographer and engineer.
Starting with the end in mind before setting out to create work.
Finding ways to make the mundane aspects of photography more fun.
Approaches to planning photography projects.
The benefits and challenges of collaboration.
How to collaborate as an introvert.
Printing our work from home.
And a lot more!
On Patreon this week, Chris and I recorded a juicy chat where we discuss processing of aerial images. Join in on the conversations about each episode by joining for free.
Other topics/links discussed on the podcast this week:
Support the podcast on Patreon.
Simon Sinek - Starting with Why.
Murray Fredericks.
Watch podcast episodes on YouTube, where we overlay photos with our conversation via video.
Here is who Chris recommended on the podcast this week:
Chris Dark.
Tony Hewitt.
Ewan Dunsmuir.
John Woodhouse.
Tania Malkin.
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.

Nov 6, 2023 • 1h 37min
342: Eileen Rafferty - Elevating Your Photography With Alternative Printmaking
Most photographers, including myself, only think to print on photographic paper or other traditional mediums; however, countless other mediums and formats for printing can ultimately elevate the presentation of your work. This is known as alternative printmaking and is one way in which photographers can embrace and leverage the physical attributes that prints can possess to stand out or just have fun.
Today's guest on the F-Stop Collaborate and Listen Podcast, Eileen Rafferty, is known as one of the leaders in the alternative printmaking world and has carved out a very cool niche for herself by teaching other photographers all about it. She's also an industry leader in creativity and has many thoughts about how photographers can get more in touch with their creative side.
On this week's episode, we discuss:
Eileen's journey as a photographer and artist.
Getting more in touch with the creative process.
Elevating your photography by focusing on ideas and the process of making images.
Paths to get out of creative ruts.
Alternative printmaking, including transfer prints and printing on alternative surfaces.
And a lot more!
On Patreon this week, Eileen and I recorded a fun bonus episode all about abstract photography. Join in on the conversations about each episode by joining for free.
Other topics/links discussed on the podcast this week:
Support the podcast on Patreon.
Sign up for one of Eileen's workshops.
Ink Aid.
Yasunari Kawabata.
Watch podcast episodes on YouTube, where we overlay photos with our conversation via video.
Here is who Eileen recommended on the podcast this week:
Forest Woodward.
Tim Cooper.
Gabriel Biderman.
Doug Johnson.
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.

Oct 30, 2023 • 50min
341: Anders Spetz - A Journey from CEO to Photographer
Our lives can change in the blink of an eye. One moment, we are sitting on top of the world - the best in our industry; the next - we are facing some of the most challenging times of our lives. Such is the case of this week's guest on the podcast.
Today's guest on the F-Stop Collaborate and Listen Podcast, Anders Spetz, found himself the victim of an excruciating car accident, having been hit by a car traveling 175 miles per hour. Anders awoke from this accident nearly unscathed physically; however, it profoundly impacted his mental health and state of mind. Through therapy and by rediscovering the power of photography, Anders made monumental changes to his life and resigned as the CEO of a chemical company. He now focuses on his family, friends, photography, and small consulting business and has a newfound appreciation for life.
On this week's episode, we discuss:
Anders' journey from CEO to photographer.
How photography changed Anders' life.
Focusing on the photographic process rather than the outcome.
Using our senses to maximize the photographic outcome.
Using writing to enhance the photography experience.
Marketing and photography.
And a lot more!
On Patreon this week, Anders and I recorded a fun bonus episode all about Flow State.
Other topics/links discussed on the podcast this week:
Support the podcast on Patreon.
Reach out to Anders for his 1:1 sessions.
Watch podcast episodes on YouTube, where we overlay photos with our conversation via video.
Here is who Anders recommended on the podcast this week:
Helene Schmitz.
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.

Oct 23, 2023 • 1h 3min
340: Clyde Butcher - Master of the Florida Swamps
A lot can be gleaned by studying the photographs of the masters who came before us. After all, we are all standing on the shoulders of giants and so paying homage to those giants and recognizing their impact on our work is an important step to becoming a better photographer. As such, getting this week's guest on the podcast was an absolute honor.
Today's guest on the F-Stop Collaborate and Listen Podcast, Clyde Butcher, a large format black and white photographer who has made it his living photographing the chaotic swamps of the Florida Everglades. Clyde has been called the next Ansel Adams by Popular Photography magazine, awarded as a humanitarian for acting for the betterment of his community, and recognized as a conservationist for bringing issues to the forefront of public consciousness through his art. His long and illustrious career is nicely outlined over on his website.
On this week's episode, we discuss:
Clyde's journey as a photographer,
Methods for photographing chaotic areas like the swamp,
Clyde's obsession with tilt-shift lenses,
The differences between large format and digital photography,
Transitioning from large format to digital,
Getting involved in conservation causes as a photographer,
Learning from the past masters,
And a lot more!
Other topics/links discussed on the podcast this week:
Support the podcast on Patreon.
Clyde's Photoshop tutorials on YouTube.
Free e-books from the Muench Workshops team.
My photography gear tool.
Watch podcast episodes on YouTube, where we overlay photos with our conversation via video.
Here is who Clyde recommended on the podcast this week:
Bruce Barnbaum.
Wynn Bullock.
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.

Oct 16, 2023 • 1h 10min
339: Cat Coquillette - How to License Your Artwork
One of the great mysteries for artists is monetization. Two paths of monetization often overlooked include print on demand services and art licensing. Each can represent a large amount of income if leveraged well, yet so many of us have not cracked the code to be able to do so.
Today's guest on the F-Stop Collaborate and Listen Podcast, Cat Coquillette, has mastered the art of art licensing and selling via print on demand. While Cat's not a landscape photographer, she has invaluable wisdom and provides us with a huge amount of information and inspiration to go forth and prosper. Her artwork is on products in Target, Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, and more.
On this week's episode, we discuss:
Cat's journey as an artist what led her to where she's at now.
Transitioning from a full-time job into a full-time hustle.
Print on demand platforms and how to use them.
Making a living by licensing artwork.
The nuts and bolts of art licensing.
What inspires Cat's artwork.
Artist retreats.
Cat's online classes for creatives.
Teaching platforms like Skillshare.
Passive income streams.
Drawing prompts and more resources for artists.
And a lot more!
On Patreon this week, Cat shares what her digital nomad lifestyle is like if anyone is curious about doing the same thing.
Other topics/links discussed on the podcast this week:
Support the podcast on Patreon.
Never Split the Difference: Negotiating as if Your Life Depended on It by Chris Voss.
Cat's PDF for creative entrepreneurs.
Procreate drawing app.
Watch podcast episodes on YouTube, where we overlay photos with our conversation via video.
Here is who Cat recommended on the podcast this week:
Shawn Dalton.
Charly Clements.
Brooke Glaser.
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.
Scroll down to see more of Cat's awesome artwork!