In this episode of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, host Matt Payne sits down with legendary Australian climbing photographer Simon Carter. Simon shares his journey from a teenage photography enthusiast and avid climber to building a decades-long career capturing some of the most iconic and artistic climbing images in the world. He discusses the challenges and unique techniques of shooting in vertical, often extreme, environments, including the development of remote camera setups and the creative process behind balancing climber, rock architecture, and landscape in each composition. Simon also reflects on the vital role of climbing guidebooks and niche focus in sustaining his career, and talks about his latest book, "The Art of Climbing." The episode offers inspiring insights for photographers of all backgrounds about persistence, innovation, and staying true to one’s creative vision in a specialized field.

Watch on YouTube

1. Simon Carter’s Website
2. The Art of Climbing (Simon Carter's Book)
3. Support the show on Patreon
4. Simon Carter No Filter YouTube Channel
5. Jim Thornburg (recommended photographer)
6. Nikon Z8 (camera mentioned)
7. DJI Osmo Pocket (video equipment)
8. Mavic Mini 4 Pro (drone mentioned)

1. Everest the Hard Way by Chris Bonington
2. The White Spider by Heinrich Harrer
3. Rock Stars by Heinz Zak

1. Blue Mountains, Australia
2. Mount Arapiles, Australia
3. The Grampians (Gariwerd), Australia
4. Devil’s Tower, Wyoming

1. Jimmy Chin
2. Keith Ladzinski
3. Stefan Glowacz
4. Chris Bonington (Mountaineer & Author)
5. Heinrich Harrer (Author)

In this episode of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, host Matt Payne talks with Marc Muench and Sara Linssen, co-owners of Muench Workshops, about what it takes to create world-class photography workshops. They dive into the backstory of Muench Workshops, sharing how it all began with a desire to offer immersive, learning-focused experiences rather than conventional tours. The conversation covers the evolving landscape of travel, the importance of ethical practices, and how they balance growth with maintaining quality. Sara discusses the business challenges behind the scenes, and Marc reflects on the value of sharing authentic experiences to inspire both creativity and environmental stewardship. They also touch on building a positive team culture, the role of local guides, and what it means to truly delight participants. The episode is packed with practical advice for aspiring workshop leaders and anyone interested in elevating their own photography journey.

Resources:

1. Muench Workshops
2. Muench Workshops Social Media:
   1. Instagram
   2. TikTok
3. Leave No Trace
4. F-Stop Collaborate and Listen Patreon
5. If you have any questions about the workshops, email the Muench Workshops team
6. Stay up to date:
   1. Muench Workshops Mailing List Signup
   2. Matt Payne's Upcoming Workshops

In this episode of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, host Matt Payne sits down with renowned bird photographer Owen Deutsch to explore his fascinating journey from a 20-year career in fashion photography to a passion-driven life capturing birds in the wild. Owen shares the story of his early love for photography, the creative and technical lessons he carried from fashion to wildlife, and his deep commitment to conservation through visual storytelling. The conversation touches on practical bird photography tips—like getting low, using shallow depth of field, and understanding light—as well as ethical considerations and ways photographers can inspire others to care about birds and conservation. Owen also discusses his new book, "Birds of the Tropical Andes," his collaborations with conservation organizations, and offers advice for both beginners and those photographing closer to home. The episode is packed with inspiration for anyone interested in blending art, nature, and purpose in their creative work.

Watch on Youtube

Resources and Links:

1. Owen Deutsch's Website
2. Howard Schatz
3. American Bird Conservancy
4. Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary (Magic Hedge)
5. eBird
6. Cornell Lab of Ornithology
7. Order Owen Deutsch’s Book "Birds of the Tropical Andes"
8. Support the show on Patreon