F-Stop Collaborate and Listen

In this episode of "F-Stop Collaborate and Listen," host Matt Payne chats with Jeroen Van Nieuwenhove, a Belgian-born, Iceland-based landscape and nature photographer renowned for his dramatic imagery of Iceland's volcanoes and highlands. Jeroen describes how photographing his first volcanic eruption reignited his creative passion and profoundly shaped his approach to storytelling and visual art, emphasizing authentic experiences...

In this "Artists Asking Artists" episode of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, hosts Matt Payne and Brie Stockwell sit down with renowned Norwegian landscape photographer Arild Heitmann. Arild discusses his evolution as a photographer, sharing insights into his creative process, the influence of his upbringing in Northern Norway, and his passion for moody, atmospheric imagery. He opens up about balancing a busy workshop business with...

In this episode of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, host Matt Payne sits down with filmmaker and video editor Kalee Isbell to explore how video can be a transformative tool for memory-keeping, creativity, and connection. Kalee shares her journey from using video as a form of self-care during postpartum depression to founding Isbell Family Films, a business devoted to helping people turn their everyday moments into meaningful storie...

In this episode of "F-Stop Collaborate and Listen," host Matt Payne sits down with photographer Casey Fatchett, who shares insights from his 25-year career capturing weddings, portraits, and events. Casey reveals how his background in acting and stand-up comedy has influenced his approach to connecting authentically with clients and disarming tense situations, especially as an introvert. He emphasizes the importance of emotional ...

In this episode of "F-Stop Collaborate and Listen," host Matt Payne talks with Maria Ruggieri, a retired cancer biologist and accomplished photographer with a passion for abstract and detail-oriented nature photography. Maria shares how her scientific background informs her creative vision, and discusses how nature serves as a safe, restorative space—her “church”—especially in retirement. The conversation explores the importance ...

In this episode of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, host Matt Payne talks with Lucia Rollow, founder of the Bushwick Community Darkroom in Brooklyn, New York. Lucia shares how her personal need for a darkroom evolved into a thriving communal space that fosters creativity, collaboration, and real-world connection in an increasingly digital world. The conversation explores the therapeutic and social aspects of analog photography, how...

In this episode of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, host Matt Payne sits down with photographer Seth Robbins to explore his intimate new photo book, "A Trustworthy Home," which documents Orthodox Jewish weddings from an insider’s perspective. Robbins discusses his approach to avoiding cliched or trophy-driven images, instead emphasizing the power of trust, cultural understanding, and authentic connection with his subjects. The conv...

In this episode of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, host Matt Payne sits down with fine art and conservation photographer Jonas Paurell to discuss his Arctic Transcendence series, which explores the fragile beauty of the Arctic region. Jonas shares his journey from human rights lawyer to full-time photographer, recounting the life-changing health scare that prompted him to pursue his passion for photography and conservation. They d...

In this episode of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, host Matt Payne interviews photographer and storyteller John Noltner about his transformative "A Peace of My Mind" project and his experiences living a nomadic life for over two years. John shares how he and his wife sold their house during the pandemic and traveled 93,000 miles across the U.S., gathering hundreds of human stories that explore themes like conflict, empathy, and conn...

In this episode of "F-Stop Collaborate and Listen," host Matt Payne chats with Norwegian photographer Klaus Axelsen about his journey from corporate consultant to passionate nature photographer. Klaus shares how photography and spending time in nature became key tools for managing his mental health, leading him toward creating deeply intimate and expressive images of Norway’s lesser-known natural details. The conversation delves ...

In this episode of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, host Matt Payne chats with Nico Trinkhaus, a fine art travel photographer and founder of PhotoClaim, about the pervasive problem of image theft and the realities of copyright protection. Nico shares his personal journey from hobbyist to professional, including the eye-opening moment when he discovered his photos being widely stolen and sold as souvenirs without his permission. The...

In this episode of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, host Matt Payne sits down with Steven Adams, a humanitarian photographer with a diverse background in biology, veterinary medicine, and global health. They discuss Steven’s journey from scientific research to international development and how those experiences shape his visual storytelling, especially his focus on hope and agency rather than suffering. Steven shares engaging stori...

In this episode of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, host Matt Payne sits down with photographer Eric Bennett for a deep dive into the impact of social media on photographers and their relationship with nature. They discuss the traps of “algorithm-driven culture,” including the pressure to post frequently, follow trends, and cater to platform requirements, often at the cost of authenticity and creativity. Eric explains how he and othe...

In this episode of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, host Matt Payne sits down with Denver-based pet photographer Karen Hoglund to explore the art and business of photographing dogs and cats. Karen shares how her background in fine art and graphic design informs her approach to composition, use of color, and working in both urban and natural settings. The conversation covers practical challenges (like working with energetic or react...

In this episode of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, host Matt Payne chats with photographer Geoffrey Giebelhaus about the Fediverse—a decentralized network of social media platforms like Mastodon and PixelFed that offer an alternative to the algorithm-driven, ad-heavy giants like Instagram and Facebook. Geoffrey breaks down what the Fediverse is, how it works, and why it's a great fit for photographers seeking a more ethical, commu...

In this episode of "F-Stop Collaborate and Listen," host Matt Payne sits down with Margot Raggett, founder of the Remembering Wildlife book series, to discuss her journey from PR professional to wildlife photographer and conservationist. Margot shares how a heartbreaking encounter with a poached elephant inspired her to launch a collaborative photography project that has since rallied over 280 top wildlife photographers and raised ...

In this episode of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, host Matt Payne sits down with acclaimed sports photographer Carrie Giordano, one of the team photographers for the LA Dodgers and LA Rams. Carrie shares her fascinating journey from falling in love with photography in her Ohio childhood, through early burnout, to discovering her passion for sports photography in Los Angeles. She discusses the unique challenges, adrenaline, and emot...

In this episode of "F-Stop Collaborate and Listen," host Matt Payne talks with the team behind the Horizons Photography Conference, including guests Martha Montiel, Nic Stover, and Shanda Akin. They discuss the unique aspects of this new photography conference taking place in Durango, Colorado, emphasizing the importance of in-person connections in a digital-heavy world. The event is designed to foster community and creativity amon...

In this episode of "F-Stop Collaborate and Listen," host Matt Payne talks with Arizona-based photographer and conservation advocate Ashley Petefish, known as "Ashley Goes Hiking" on Instagram and Threads. They explore the intersection of photography, public lands, and conservation ethics. Ashley shares her journey growing up in Arizona, deeply rooted in its landscapes, which fueled her passion for protecting these areas. They discu...