In this episode of "F-Stop Collaborate and Listen," host Matt Payne sits down with Patrick Krohn, winner of the Natural Landscape Photography Awards’ "In Your Backyard" special award. Patrick Krohn shares his journey from photojournalism and sales into a deeply rooted local photography practice centered around his hometown of Aiken, South Carolina. The conversation dives into the value of photographing locally—both for developing creative consistency and for lowering the stakes so you can experiment, learn from mistakes, and hone your skills daily. Patrick Krohn discusses the parallels between sales tenacity and artistic growth, emphasizes the importance of community connections, and makes a compelling case for finding your own audience rather than chasing external trends. Sprinkled with practical advice and thoughtful anecdotes, this episode is packed with actionable insights for photographers looking to find meaning and improvement without traveling far from home or bending to outside pressures.

Links and Resources:

1. Patrick Krohn (One Eyed Dog Studios)
2. Support the Show on Patreon
3. Natural Landscape Photography Awards (NLPA)
4. Out of Chicago Workshops
5. Chicago Botanic Garden
6. Center for Photographic Art, Carmel, CA
7. Anne Belmont
8. Carol Guzy
9. Beth Young
10. Stephanie Johnson
11. Seth Godin – Purple Cow
12. John Sexton
13. Freeman Patterson
14. Matt Payne’s Infrared Photography Article
15. Slow Photography Movement – Episode 210

In this engaging conversation, Kavin Chawla shares his journey as an abstract photographer, discussing how his upbringing in Thailand and experiences in nature have shaped his artistic vision. He emphasizes the importance of curiosity, playfulness, and embracing imperfection in photography. Kavin also reflects on the meditative aspects of being in nature and how it influences his creative process. He encourages aspiring photographers to stay true to their unique vision while drawing inspiration from others. As he prepares to launch his website, Kavin contemplates how to present his work authentically, moving away from conventional styles. The discussion concludes with recommendations for fellow photographers who embody similar values in their work.

Links and Recommended Photographers:

1. Kavin Chawla: Instagram
2. Support the show on Patreon
3. The Colorado Way book
4. Natural Landscape Photography Awards (NLPA)
5. Richard Martin: Wabi Sabi gallery
6. Brent Clark’s Website
7. Michael Shainblum
8. David Southern
9. Robert Hecht: Instagram
10. Jack Krohn: Instagram
11. Scott Oller: Instagram
12. Eric Bennett
13. Matt Payne / Sean Tucker: Podcast
14. Brooks Jensen: LensWork
15. Erik Malm: Instagram

In this conversation, Adrian Vila (AOWS) shares his journey from a computer engineer to a full-time photographer, discussing the importance of daily practice, finding beauty in local spaces, and the creative process behind making images. He emphasizes the significance of limitations in fostering creativity and the balance between personal expression and audience expectations. Adrian also delves into the nuances of black and white photography, the power of local photography, and the lessons learned during the pandemic lockdown.

Links and Resources:

1. AOWS on Instagram
2. AOWS on YouTube
3. Support the Podcast on Patreon
4. Buy Matt's Book - The Colorado Way
5. Christophe Jacrot
6. Aitor Lara
7. Martin Rak
8. Trent Parke
9. Eva Chupikova