417: Sara Kushner - The Healing Power of Self-Portrait Photography
In this episode of "F-Stop Collaborate and Listen," host Matt Payne engages in a captivating conversation with Sara Kushner, a talented self-portrait photographer with 16 years of experience. Sara delves into her journey, explaining how self-portraiture functions as a form of therapy, allowing her to process emotions and express vulnerability. She contrasts her art with the influencer-driven self-portrait culture, emphasizing authenticity and artistic intent. The discussion also touches on Sara’s dual role as an anti-diet registered dietitian, her plans to combine her passions in future workshops, and the technical aspects and emotional depth of self-portrait photography. Sara shares how she navigates judgment and the unique blend of landscape and self-portraiture in her work, striving to evoke emotions and authenticity in her audience.
Links:
Follow Sara on Instagram
Stay connected with Sara on her newsletter
Learn more about the Natural Landscape Photography Awards
Stay connected with Matt on his newsletter
Support the podcast on Patreon
Sara's offering 10% our listeners/watchers on her prints, use the code FSTOP10
Sara's recommended photographers: Katie Lingan, Van Gachnang
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1:29:48
416: Matt Redfern - Hunting for Meaning in Photography
In this episode of "F Stop, Collaborate, and Listen," host Matt Payne interviews photographer Matt Redfern about his evolution from capturing popular social media scenes to focusing on more personally fulfilling and unique nature photography. Redfern, influenced by his outdoor upbringing and hunting background, shares how his meticulous observation skills have shaped his artistic approach. The conversation delves into his journey from initial interest sparked during travels, to finding his true calling in nature photography after moving to Oregon. They discuss the importance of continuous learning, meaningful work, and their shared experiences in healthcare IT. The episode also highlights the Natural Landscape Photography Awards and Redfern's aspirations to physically display his work, contributing to the community, and the value of creativity in photography.
Watch on Youtube
Links:
Natural Landscape Photography Awards
Brews N' Views
Out of Chicago
Muench Workshops
Guy Tal's Books
Support the podcast
Recommended photographers: Alex Jones, Nader Daii, Jack Krohn, Eric Busch, and Maria Ruggieri
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1:10:54
415: Reflections on Eight Years of Podcasting
In this retrospective episode of "F-Stop Collaborate and Listen," hosts Matt Payne and Nic Stover dive into the podcast’s journey over the last eight years, celebrating landmark moments and lessons learned. Payne reflects on producing over 400 episodes and handling extensive content management, including panels on artificial intelligence and NFTs, which spurred fascinating and often polarizing discussions within the landscape photography community. The hosts emphasize the importance of maintaining fresh and diverse podcast content by featuring guest-recommended subjects and delving into broader photography genres like street and wedding photography.
Payne also highlights the personal growth he's experienced through podcasting, including increased open-mindedness and the ability to balance professional and personal life effectively. Nic Stover underscores the podcast's community-building impact, such as the successful speaker series supporting nonprofit organizations. Both hosts share insights into podcast monetization challenges and strategies for enduring success, including Patreon support, which offers bonus episodes and early access.
Celebrating over 1.5 million downloads, this episode focuses on the sustained passion for photography and podcasting, addressing Payne's struggles with imposter syndrome and audience contentment. Subscribe to the F-Stop Collaborate and Listen podcast newsletter for exclusive updates, and use discount code "FSTOP" for 10% off upcoming nature photography courses through Nic's great platform.
Resources Mentioned
Nature Photography Classes (use the code FSTOP10 for 10% off)
Matt's podcast newsletter
Support the show
AI Panel episode
NFT Panel episode
My article on IR Photography
Cole Thompson's article on popularity
Mary Jo Hoffman's episode
Matt Beaty's episode
Enter the Natural Landscape Photography Awards
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1:04:56
414: Alex Berger - Embrace Authenticity Over Perfection
In this episode of "F-Stop Collaborate and Listen," host Matt Payne chats with travel blogger, writer, and photographer Alex Berger. Berger discusses his journey in travel blogging, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and creating content that resonates emotionally with audiences. He shares insights from his experience creating YouTube videos about Danish culture and repurposing them into a successful podcast format. The conversation delves into the challenges of managing creative projects alongside other life responsibilities, balancing perfection with authenticity, and the joys and struggles of maintaining a generalist approach in photography. Berger also talks about his product Mist Defender, highlighting the lessons learned from its development and launch. They reflect on how their varied experiences enhance their photography practices and discuss the importance of finding new passions to sustain creative enthusiasm.
Resources Mentioned on the Podcast:
Jeppe Michael Jensen podcast episode
Support the podcast on Patreon
Join Matt's Podcast Mailing List
Alex's book, Practical Curiosity
Alex's lens cloth invention - Mist Defender
Alex Blog, Virtual Wayfarer
Alex's YouTube videos on Danish Culture
Alex's recommended photographers: Anders Nordsted, Charly van den Braack, Frank Otto Pedersen
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1:32:29
413: Tom Watson - Glass: The Photography Community Free from Algorithms
In episode 413 of "F-Stop Collaborate and Listen," Tom Watson, co-founder of the photography platform Glass, joins host Matt Payne to discuss Glass's user-centric approach, its expansion to multiple devices, and commitment to a quality user experience without ads or manipulative algorithms. Watson highlights Glass's unique features like high-quality image profiles, community-driven engagements, and a sustainable subscription model aimed at fostering genuine connections among photographers. Tom also underscores the importance of privacy, user feedback in development, and the platform's stance against AI-generated content.
Resources:
Join Glass and get 25% off using the code FSTOP
Support the Podcast on Patreon
Recommended Photographers: Amanda Powell, Markus Naarttijärvi, Molly Carstater
This photography podcast takes you well beyond camera gear each week with weekly interviews and panel discussions with professional photographers, industry insiders, enthusiasts, and hobbyists alike. Our candid but laid-back conversations deeply explore the craft of photography and psychological drivers relating to creativity, motivation, inspiration, and workflow. We also discuss social media, photography business practices, marketing, sales, and hot topics impacting photographers from all genres, with a particular focus on landscape, nature, and wildlife photography. The show is hosted by Matt Payne, a professional full-time nature photographer and the co-founder of the internationally renowned photography competition, the Natural Landscape Photography Awards. Matt is also a mountaineer, climbing the highest 100 mountains in Colorado. Matt leverages skills he gained in pursuit of his Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology to dig deeply into the hearts and minds of his passionate guests, revealing secrets and inspiration in every episode.