F-Stop Collaborate and Listen

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)

In this episode of "F-Stop Collaborate and Listen," host Matt Payne interviews wilderness photographer Joy Kachina, who recently won the Natural Landscape Photography Awards for her evocative work documenting Tasmania’s endangered cider gums. Joy Kachina shares her deep love and spiritual connection with Tasmania’s unique forests, particularly the threatened cider gum, and discusses how her photography is both a form of creative expression and environmental advocacy. The conversation touches on her process of intuitively capturing the “personality” of trees, the challenges of balancing aesthetic beauty with honest depictions of environmental loss, and the role of exhibitions and community in conservation efforts. The episode is an inspiring exploration of using art to celebrate natural wonders and shine a light on pressing conservation issues.

Resources Mentioned

Joy Kachina Photography

Natural Landscape Photography Awards (NLPA)

Support the show on Patreon

The Meaning in the Making by Sean Tucker

The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben

Collapse by Jared Diamond

The Giants (film)

Tasmanian Land Conservancy

Bob Brown Foundation

The Ancients by Andrew Darby

Joy Kachina on Instagram

Photographers & Artists Mentioned

Jeff Freestone

Steve Parish

Ken Duncan

Wendy Bagnall

Sally Mason

Beth Buelow

Karen Waller

Martin Osner

Mieka Boynton

Luke Tscharke

Paul Hoelen

Martin Rak

Hanneke van Camp

Warning: We say some cuss words.
 
In this episode of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, Matt Payne sits down with fellow Colorado-based photographer Jason Hatfield for a candid discussion on the intersection of landscape photography, endurance, ethics, and the controversial topic of gatekeeping locations. They explore why both are drawn to remote, hard-to-reach places and the unique creative mindset those environments foster, as well as the practical juggling act between athleticism and artistic intent in the field. The heart of the conversation centers around the ethics of location sharing, the environmental and social impact of geotagging and “hidden gem” guides, and why both have chosen to pull back from sharing specific spots despite the popularity (and potential profitability) of doing so. They examine the difference between responsible restraint and exclusionary gatekeeping, the increasing pressures on public lands, and the real-world consequences of prioritizing fame or profit over stewardship. The episode closes with honest advice for photographers seeking to build a career without sacrificing their values, plus actionable conservation tips and a few heartfelt success stories in advocacy.

Links: 

Jason Hatfield’s Photography

Matt Payne’s Photography & Book: The Colorado Way

F-Stop Collaborate and Listen Patreon

Colorado West Land Trust

San Juan Mountains Association

Western Watersheds Project

National Wildlife Federation

Nick Stover Photography

Corey Aaron Photography

Alex Burke Photography

Andrew Tanasescu on Instagram