Episodes

  • 369: Beth Buelow - Beyond the Label: Exploring Creative Identity in Photography
    May 13 2024

    In this week's episode featuring Beth Buelow, the conversation explores the profound impact of labels on a photographer's creative journey. They discuss the dual nature of labels—how they can serve as useful cognitive shortcuts and create a sense of identity and confidence for photographers, but can also limit creative exploration and growth. By sharing personal experiences and examining the tension between embracing and resisting labels in the face of evolving technology like AI, Matt Payne and Beth Buelow encourage photographers to embrace challenges, adaptability, and failure as tools for creativity. The episode culminates with the introduction of Beth's platform, Pixels, which aims to inspire photographers through creativity cross-training, balancing the art and heart of photography while fostering a community for continual growth and evolving artistic identity.

    Resources Mentioned on the Podcast:

    • Sail the Chilean Fjords with me or see my other workshops
    • TJ Thorne
    • Landscape Photographer's Worldwide Discord Server
    • Out of Chicago LIVE conferences
    • David Whyte Poetry
    • The Introvert Entrepreneur
    • Beth's "Pixels: The Heart and Art of Photography" Channel
    • Support the podcast on Patreon, or join in on the conversation about this episode

    Photographers Recommended by Beth:

    • Stephanie Johnson
    • Erik Lee
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    1 hr and 19 mins
  • 368: Eric Bennett & David Thompson - Space | Stillness | Silence
    May 6 2024

    In a world where the constant noise of digital notifications attempts to claim our attention, seeking out space, stillness, and silence can be a radical act. On this week's episode we take a deep dive into Eric Bennett's new photography book and examine how reconnecting with nature can foster a deeper engagement with one's artistic process and personal well-being.

    Resources Mentioned on the Episode This Week:

    • Watch the episode on YouTube
    • Purchase Eric's book, "Space Stillness Silence"
    • Check out Eric's fun YouTube show, Brews N' Views
    • Support the podcast on Patreon

    Photographers Recommended This Week by David Thompson and Eric Bennett:

    • Jim Becia
    • Paul Bowman
    • Sho Hoshino
    • Krister Berg
    • Fredrik Boo
    • Erik Lee
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    1 hr and 32 mins
  • 367: Alex Armitage - The Truth About YouTube Content Creation
    Apr 29 2024

    In this profound episode of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, host Matt Payne sits down with photographer Alex Armitage to explore an array of poignant topics. Alex has been living out of his Toyota 4-Runner for 3 years straight. He a writer for Fstoppers, and a full-time YouTube creator. Alex reflects on the challenges of sustaining a nomadic lifestyle, the psychological toll of solo travel, and the introspective process that has led him to prioritize genuine human connections and authenticity in his work over catering to algorithms or pursuing financial gain.

    Environmental consciousness and a critical discussion on the impact of social media on travel locations round out this insightful conversation. Alex also shares his transformational journey in photography, detailing a significant shift from labor-intensive photo editing to a more streamlined approach influenced by the Natural Landscape Photography Awards and a challenge to diversify his photographic subjects. The dialogue delves deep into the ethics of photo manipulation, the pressure content creators face in the digital age to balance informational value with the demand for clicks, and the innate need for transparency in artistry. P.S. You Can Watch this Episode on YouTube.

    Links Discussed on the Podcast:

    • Support the podcast on Patreon
    • Alex's Video Recapping 2022
    • Nick Carver's 4Runner Build Video
    • Tony and Chelsea Northrup's Video on Quitting YouTube
    • Matti Haapoja's video on Quitting YouTube
    • Natural Landscape Photography Awards
    • Alex's Writing on F-Stoppers
    • Alex's Article Comparing the iPhone to a DSLR
    • Alex on Instagram
    • Ben Horne on YouTube

    Photographers Mentioned by Alex:

    • Jakob Lilja-Ruiz
    • Mat Marrash
    • Lucy Lumen
    • David Imel
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    1 hr and 57 mins
  • 366: Michael Rung - Authenticity and Full-Time Photography Challenges
    Apr 22 2024

    In this engaging podcast episode, host Matt Payne chats with photographer Michael Rung about the intricacies and challenges of producing photo folios, from meticulous print proofing to managing paper scarcity. Michael shares his journey from a corporate career to full-time photography, highlighting the emotional and financial nuances of the transition. Despite initial unease with YouTube, Michael has found a voice in authentic, unscripted content, resonating with his audience. The conversation delves into Michael's creative evolution towards more reactive photography and the balance between commercial viability and personal fulfillment. Throughout, both Matt and Michael touch on the complex dynamics of audience engagement, content authenticity, and the reality of pursuing one's passion in the unpredictable landscape of photography and social media.

    P.S. You can also watch this podcast episode on YouTube!

    Resources / Links Mentioned
    • Star Street Creative - Michael's partner Heather's graphic design business
    • Michael's Folios
    • Michael's YouTube video where he discusses his new approach to photography
    • Michael's Utah eBook
    • Landscape Photographer's Worldwide on Discord
    • Ben Horne
    • Creative Banter Podcast
    • Support the Podcast on Patreon
    Photographers Recommended This Week
    • Jack Lodge
    • Jack Krohn
    • Shanda Akin
    • Natalie Oberg
    • Jeffrey Tadlock
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    1 hr and 42 mins
  • 365: Art Wolfe - Is Conservation Photography Actually Doing Anything?
    Apr 15 2024

    Hello and welcome to another episode of "F-Stop Collaborate and Listen," with your host, Matt Payne. In today's awe-inspiring episode, we're incredibly honored to sit down with the legendary nature photographer, Art Wolfe. Wolfe brings to us tales of passion, adventure, and a relentless pursuit of excellence that has defined his illustrious career behind the lens.

    From his early switch from painting to photography to traversing the globe capturing life in its myriad forms, Art has constantly pushed the boundaries of the craft. He has conveyed the importance of observing and understanding the behavior of wildlife in photography, and he approaches each project with a meticulous and organized method.

    Art will share insights into the creative process, the tricky balance of inspiration versus emulation, and offer a behind-the-scenes look at his television series, Travels to the Edge. He also addresses the complexities of maintaining a legacy, detailing his desire to establish a foundation to preserve his work and his archive for posterity.

    Today, Art is here not just to reminisce but to inspire with his latest project, a powerful book called "Wild Lives," focusing on the resurgence and hope within wildlife populations, a joyful counter-narrative to the oft-dismal news cycle.

    Support the Podcast

    If you enjoyed this conversation and are eager to hear more stories of photographic success, consider supporting us on Patreon. Your engagement helps us continue to bring thought-provoking content and celebrated guests like Art Wolfe to the photography community.

    Resources Mentioned

    Art Wolfe's New Book: Discover Art Wolfe's inspiring work in his latest book, "Wild Lives," available on his website, Amazon, Powell's Books, Tattered Cover, or Elliott Bay Book Company.

    Travels to the Edge : Immerse yourself in Art Wolfe's adventures with his TV series available on Amazon and Vimeo.

    Photography Classes : According to Art, taking natural history, art, and drawing classes can significantly complement your photography skills and success.

    Connect with Art Wolfe : Learn more about Art's workshops, tours, and his expansive portfolio.

    Atlantic Magazine Article from 1998.

    Photographers Art Wolfe Mentioned

    1. Frans Lanting.

    2. Galen Rowell.

    3. Thomas Mangelsen.

    4. Jim Brandenburg.

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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • 364: Michael McMullen - Revealing Spokane's Unidentified
    Apr 8 2024

    In this episode of "F-Stop Collaborate and Listen," host Matt Payne speaks with photographer Michael McMullen about his poignant photography project "Unidentified," which documents locations of found unidentified bodies in Spokane to shed light on the issues of homelessness and unidentified individuals. McMullen shares his process from inception to execution, including the challenges of mental health and his own experiences with ADHD. The project also serves to remind of the fragility of life and the societal need to address these matters more proactively. Beyond his book, Michael discusses his and his wife's Etsy store, their approach to photography, and expresses hopes for the obsolescence of his book with the resolution of the unidentified persons issue.

    Links Discussed on the Podcast:

    • Michael's Etsy Page.
    • Michael on Instagram.
    • Michael's book, Unidentified.
    • Support the podcast on Patreon.

    Photographers that Michael mentioned on the Podcast:

    • Chloe Dewes Mathews
    • Nick Fancher
    • Jan C. Schlegel
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    45 mins
  • 363: Kent Burkhardsmeier - Merging Poetry with Photography
    Apr 1 2024

    Welcome to another captivating episode of "F-Stop Collaborate and Listen," with your host, Matt Payne. Today we're joined by Kent Burkhardsmeier, a landscape photographer and poet whose appreciation for nature's whispers inspires his unique blend of photography and poetry. In this episode, Kent takes us on a journey through his transformation from a corporate world veteran to embracing a nomadic lifestyle driven by his passion for capturing minimalist landscapes and quiet moments. We'll uncover how living across various countries shaped his artistic vision, leading him to self-publish photo books like "Stillness" and "Awareness" from his "Whispers from Nature" series.

    Kent shares the profound experience of creating photo poem books, a meditative exploration where each image is coupled with a poem, and the logistical challenges of self-publishing. He reflects on the personal and global events that shape his work, emphasizing authenticity and the personal connection with his art over external validation.

    With Kent's tales of his RV travels throughout North America and details about his upcoming solo exhibition "Invite Nature Inside with Whispers," you're in for an episode that's as insightful as it is inspiring. His commitment to collaboration, whether through his photographic collective in South Florida or working alongside other artists, shows how synergy can lead to transformational art.

    So, grab your favorite headphones, settle in, and let's delve into the world where photography and poetry intersect, with the profound insights and serene artistry of Kent Burkhardsmeier. Get ready to be inspired to find your own whispers in nature. Links discussed on the podcast this week:

    • Kent's books, Stillness & Awareness - Use the code F-STOP15 for a discount on his books!
    • Matt's article on Nature Photography and Wellness
    • The Nature Fix book (affiliate link)
    • Timm Chapman's episode on this podcast
    • Discussions about each episode over on Patreon
    • Kent's upcoming gallery exhibition

    Artists Kent Recommended on the Show:

    • Jeanine Henebry
    • Marleen Van Hove
    • Michael Scandling
    • Sherri Mabe
    • David Hendley
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • 362: Paul Wakefield - Insights from a Lifelong Journey in Photography
    Mar 25 2024

    Welcome to another episode of "F-Stop Collaborate and Listen," the podcast for landscape and nature photographers. I'm your host, Matt Payne, and today we have the pleasure of diving deep into the photographic journey of the distinguished UK photographer, Paul Wakefield. Known for his evocative landscape work and particularly for his seminal book "The Landscape," Paul joins us to unravel the layers of his photography career that began in the 1970s and branched out into the demanding world of commercial photography.

    In episode 362, we'll get an intimate look at Paul's process of capturing images that distill the essence of a scene, his thoughtful approach to composition over light, and the personal and creative risks that come with making decisive, in-the-moment choices on film – a discipline that sees him capture no more than 10 images a day.

    Paul will share details about his new book and how his explorations in India lent new perspectives to his craft, while reflecting on the impact of critical assistance from loved ones, and the logistical challenges of self-publishing.

    We will also touch on the broader conversation about the influence of social media on professional photography, with Paul sharing his initial hesitations and ultimate embrace of Instagram for marketing his work.

    Throughout the discussion, Paul will offer insights on the importance of learning from other artists, the meticulous curation necessary for compelling photography books, and how he blurs the lines between landscape and street photography with his signature style.

    So adjust your dials as we explore the emotional and technical terrain of landscape photography with Paul Wakefield and consider what elevates a photograph from good to great. Don't forget to check out his books if you're looking for profound photographic inspiration.

    Links mentioned in the Episode
    • Join us on Nature Photographer's Network
    • Support the podcast on Patreon
    • Paul's book, The Landscape
    • Purchase Paul's new book, Indian Rights - Signs of Devotion
    • David Ward
    • Sara Macel
    • Yukari Chikura
    • Evgenia Arbugaeva
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    1 hr and 36 mins