F-Stop Collaborate and Listen

In this episode of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, Matt Payne sits down with amateur photographer Colleen Parker for an open, insightful chat about staying inspired, steering clear of creative ruts, and enjoying a personal and meaningful photographic journey. Colleen Parker, a retired radiologist, discusses how her scientific background intersects with her artistry and how letting go of expectations—both internal and external—has allowed her creativity to flourish. The conversation delves into the pressures of social media, the importance of personal growth over style conformity, the pitfalls and benefits of seeking validation, finding purpose in photography (from conservation to simply bringing joy), and how to move from imitation to authentic self-expression. Whether you’re just starting out or decades into your craft, this episode offers practical wisdom on making photography a fulfilling, lifelong pursuit.


P.S. don't miss our insightful and fun bonus episode on Patreon!

Links and Resources:

Colleen Parker

Support the show on Patreon

Matt Payne’s Book, The Colorado Way

Natural Landscape Photography Awards

Art Wolfe

Alex Noriega

Rachel Talibart

Paul Nicklen

Cristina Mittermeier

Alex Rohde

April Norman

Becky Kuperstein

Nader Daii

Ambarish Goswami (naturewithambarish)

Maria Ruggieri

Feli Hansen, “Guilty Trashures” Project (NLPA)

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:

Patrick Krohn (One Eyed Dog Studios)

Support the Show on Patreon

Natural Landscape Photography Awards (NLPA)

Out of Chicago Workshops

Chicago Botanic Garden

Center for Photographic Art, Carmel, CA

Anne Belmont

Carol Guzy

Beth Young

Stephanie Johnson

Seth Godin – Purple Cow

John Sexton

Freeman Patterson

Matt Payne’s Infrared Photography Article

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:

Kavin Chawla: Instagram

Support the show on Patreon

The Colorado Way book

Natural Landscape Photography Awards (NLPA)

Richard Martin: Wabi Sabi gallery

Brent Clark’s Website

Michael Shainblum

David Southern

Robert Hecht: Instagram

Jack Krohn: Instagram

Scott Oller: Instagram

Eric Bennett

Matt Payne / Sean Tucker: Podcast

Brooks Jensen: LensWork

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:

AOWS on Instagram

AOWS on YouTube

Support the Podcast on Patreon

Buy Matt's Book - The Colorado Way

Christophe Jacrot

Aitor Lara

Martin Rak

Trent Parke

Eva Chupikova

In this episode of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, Matt Payne sits down with Adobe’s Senior Product Manager for Photoshop, Stephen Nielsen, to dive into the rapidly evolving world of AI in photography. They discuss the tension and anxiety many photographers feel about AI-generated images overshadowing authentic work, and how Adobe is thinking about authenticity, transparency, and ethics in this new era. Stephen Nielsen shares how Adobe is prioritizing tools that empower artists rather than replace them, explains the Content Authenticity Initiative, and reveals how new features are designed to support creative intent without undermining documentary and nature photography. The episode offers a nuanced look at both the opportunities and ethical challenges presented by AI, highlighting Adobe’s efforts to keep art and trust at the heart of digital creativity.

Support the show on Patreon

Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI) from Adobe

Adobe Stock

Adobe Fresco

Adobe Firefly

PetaPixel Article

Ted Chiang article in The New Yorker

Jerry Uelsmann

Andy Parsons (Content Authenticity Initiative at Adobe)

The Met (Metropolitan Museum of Art)