F-Stop Collaborate and Listen Matt Payne

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

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.

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

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

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

In this episode of "F-Stop Collaborate and Listen," host Matt Payne interviews wildlife and conservation photographer Peter Mather, who shares his captivating experiences with camera trapping elusive creatures like wolverines and grizzly bears in the Arctic, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in environmental photography. They discuss the challenging economics of photography, from the unpredictability of print sales to the high costs of publishing photography books, and touch on the personal aspects of their lives, including outdoor adventures and family dynamics. The conversation also dives into themes of integrity in photography and the impact of climate change on wildlife, with Mather expressing his commitment to long-term projects that highlight the interconnectedness of nature and the importance of environmental preservation.
Links Discussed on This Week's Episode 
Sonny Parker 
Chris Steppig (Summit Workshops)
Katie Schuler
Caleb Charlie
PetaPixel Article on Kittiya Pawlowski
Natural Landscape Photography Awards
Landscape Photographer's Worldwide on Discord
Colorado Trail Episode on YouTube
Support the podcast on Patreon
Contact me
Watch full episodes on YouTube.