This episode of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen is a heartfelt tribute to the podcast's Patreon community, showcasing the collective creativity and passion that fuels the show. Rather than focusing on technical details or individual stories, Matt Payne honors the spirit of collaboration, sharing a diverse range of voices as members talk about their latest projects, personal growth, and unique journeys in photography. The episode emphasizes how the community supports and inspires each other, and celebrates the connections, encouragement, and ongoing learning that come from being part of this engaged group. It’s a reminder that the podcast thrives because of its listeners, and an invitation to anyone seeking a welcoming creative space to get involved and help keep the community growing.

P.S. You might benefit from watching on YouTube this week! Thank you to everyone who participated! It was amazing to see your projects!

Links:

1. Drishti Arya
2. Trail Option (D. Craig Young)
3. Shutter Nonsense Podcast (Michael Rung & Jeffrey Tadlock)
4. Michael Rung Photography
5. Photo Pack Pro (Michael Rung)
6. Light of Day Gallery (Steve Caputo)
7. Astrid Preisz
8. Alex Berger
9. Natalie Grybiene
10. James Vooght
11. Madeleine Lenagh
12. Joe Doherty
13. Jeffrey Tadlock Photography
14. Patrick Krohn / One Eyed Dog Studios

In this episode of "F-Stop Collaborate and Listen," host Matt Payne sits down with photographer Mark Schumann to discuss his powerful multiyear documentary project capturing homelessness across America. Mark Schumann shares his journey photographing and interviewing hundreds of individuals experiencing homelessness in over 70 cities, focusing on portraying them with dignity, humanity, and nuance rather than stereotypes. The conversation explores the complexities and misconceptions of homelessness, the ethical challenges of documentary work, the importance of personal connection in portraiture, and Mark Schumann's choice to shoot the project entirely on film for its historical resonance. The episode also offers reflections on the broader impact of storytelling in photography and advice for other photographers interested in meaningful long-term projects. If you're interested in the intersection of ethics, empathy, and visual storytelling, this episode is a must-listen.

Resources and Links Discussed

1. Mark Schumann's Website
2. Robert Turner
3. Dorothea Lange's book - Grab a Hunk of Lightning
4. Nathan Benn's book - Florida: A Peculiar Paradise
5. Arthur Meyerson's book - The Color of Light
6. Support this podcast on Patreon

In this episode of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, Matt Payne sits down with mountain photographer Scott Kranz to explore Scott’s dramatic shift from a legal career to full-time outdoor photography in the Cascades. They dive into Scott’s deep connection with Washington’s mountains, especially the North Cascades, and the physical and mental challenges of documenting them. Scott shares insights from his massive projects—the 50 Peaks and Washington 100—to celebrate these landscapes and the effort required to capture their rugged beauty. The conversation also covers the importance of local passion projects, building relationships with brands, navigating risk and logistics in alpine photography, and Scott’s process for curating his upcoming book, Cascade High, which blends storytelling, adventure, and meaningful imagery. If you’re looking for inspiration around creative risk, project-building in photography, and the transformative power of the mountains, this episode won’t disappoint.

Resources and Links:

• Scott Kranz's Books
• Snow & Spire by John Scurlock
• Light on the Landscape by William Neill
• Support this podcast on Patreon
• Gina Danza (Wild Gina)
• Elizabeth Gadd
• Scott Rinckenberger
• Matt's book, "The Colorado Way"
• Watch the episode on YouTube

In this episode of "F-Stop Collaborate and Listen," UK photographer Tom Dauben joins host Matt Payne to discuss his unique approach to landscape photography: creating completely unedited, in-camera images. Tom Dauben shares how he became disillusioned with heavily manipulated photos and found renewed joy and mindfulness by focusing on authenticity and creative constraints, such as shooting only JPEGs and avoiding post-processing. The conversation delves into how his background in the environmental sector has shaped his storytelling with photography, the benefits and challenges of embracing limits, how landscape can influence photographic style, and why honesty in presenting images matters in today’s world of AI and heavy editing. They also touch on Tom Dauben's book "Dartmoor Unedited," his work with environmental nonprofits, and recommendations for photographers with a similar ethos.

Links and Resources:

• Support the Podcast on Patreon
• Brian Lackey on YouTube
• Christophe Jacrot
• Kyle McDougall
• Stuart McGlennon

In this episode of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, host Matt Payne sits down with macro photographer Dara Ojo to explore the fascinating and often overlooked world of insects and arthropods. Dara Ojo shares how macro photography transformed his perception of these tiny creatures, inspiring empathy and respect for their crucial ecological roles. The conversation delves into his creative journey, the technical challenges and joys of capturing live insects up close, and the importance of ethical practices—steering clear of shortcuts like photographing dead specimens. They also discuss how macro photography can reshape public attitudes, support conservation efforts, and provide personal healing and connection to nature. With stories of surprising field discoveries, cultural perspectives, and the power of persistence, Dara Ojo highlights how small wonders can ignite big inspiration and why these subjects deserve greater appreciation in both art and science.

Links and Resources:

1. Dara Ojo's Website
2. Cygnustech Diffusers
3. Godox Flashes
4. Helicon Focus
5. PBS Bugs That Rule the World
6. Support the podcast on Patreon

In this episode of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, host Matt Payne talks with New England-based photographer and hiker Mike Weinhold about balancing the goals of list hiking with the creative process of nature photography. Mike shares his journey from a casual hiker to completing the New Hampshire 48 (the state’s 48 mountains over 4,000 feet) while always carrying his camera, navigating the tension between summiting for the checklist and slowing down for great images. They discuss motivations behind list hiking, its upsides and controversies, and how long-term projects shape one’s work and connection to the outdoors. Mike also delves into managing family life, curating large photo archives, the importance of intention in the photographic process, and blending writing with images to create deeper stories. The episode ends with thoughts on community, growth, and keeping passion alive even with a busy life and young children.

Watch on YouTube

Resources and Links:

1. Mike Weinhold
2. Support the show on Patreon
3. Appalachian Mountain Club (NH 48 Patch)
4. NLPA (Natural Landscape Photography Awards)
5. Brooks Jensen (LensWork Podcast)
6. Moultonborough Public Library (Exhibit Venue)
7. Affiliate Links: B&H | Amazon

Books & Authors Mentioned:

1. "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson
2. “Cuckoo Cloudland” (Book referenced)

Organizations & Hiking Lists:

1. New Hampshire 48 Four Thousand Footers List
2. Adirondack 46ers

People Referenced for Podcast Recommendations:

1. Nick Becker
2. John Welch
3. Subhasish Dutta
4. Kristen Weinhold
5. Jack Crohn
6. Harry Lichtman

In this episode of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, host Matt Payne talks with Justin Tedford, a combat veteran and photographer, about his unique approach to using photography as a healing tool to combat PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Justin shares his journey from small-town Iowa to working for the Department of Corrections, and describes how creative expression, specifically Polaroid emulsion lifts, became a therapeutic outlet during difficult times. The conversation delves into the tactile, imperfect process of transforming digital images into analog art, and how embracing imperfection mirrored Justin’s personal healing journey. They discuss creative ruts, the value of personal projects, and reconnecting with the “why” behind making images, along with Justin’s experience mentoring other veterans and photographers through mental health struggles and creative challenges.

Watch on YouTube

1. Justin Tedford
2. Brenda Petrella’s Podcast
3. Professional Photographers of America (PPA)
4. Professional Photographers of Iowa (PPI)
5. Fstoppers
6. Polaroid Print Lab
7. Lensbaby Lenses
8. Bryan Minear
9. Support the show on Patreon
10. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

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)