F-Stop Collaborate and Listen

In this episode of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, host Matt Payne sits down with photographer Eric Bennett [https://www.bennettfilm.com/] 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 other photographers recently used social media for a worthwhile cause, organizing a successful print fundraiser to support National Park Service employees affected by layoffs. Throughout the episode, they emphasize the importance of maintaining meaningful connections to nature, curating personal work, and leading audiences toward deeper experiences beyond social media, like curated websites and printed work. The conversation wraps up with advice on how to avoid social media burnout and the encouragement to create and share with intention, rather than chasing fleeting online validation. Links to items discussed: * Matt's N [https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mattpaynephoto/the-colorado-way-a-book-of-mountains-trails-and-growth]EW [https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mattpaynephoto/the-colorado-way-a-book-of-mountains-trails-and-growth]book on Kickstarter [https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mattpaynephoto/the-colorado-way-a-book-of-mountains-trails-and-growth]! * Eric's website [https://www.bennettfilm.com/] * Eric's National Park Service Print Sale [https://www.bennettfilm.com/Print-Collection] * Eric's blog post on social media [https://www.bennettfilm.com/TheMeansNotTheEnd] * Eric's book, Space, Stillness, and Silence [https://www.bennettfilm.com/SpaceStillnessSilence] * Eric's Kozu Zine [https://www.bennettfilm.com/MOMENTSV1] * Michael Strickland: https://www.michaelstricklandimages.com/ [https://www.michaelstricklandimages.com/] * FLM Canada [https://www.flmcanada.com] (use the code HOUSEOFPAYNE for 10% off entire order) * Sign up to my newsletter [https://www.mattpaynephotography.com/page/email-newsletter-signup/]

In this episode of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, host Matt Payne sits down with Denver-based pet photographer Karen Hoglund [https://karenhoglundphotography.com/] 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 reactive pets and capturing cats indoors versus dogs outdoors), the creative flow involved in pet photography, and the importance of managing client expectations. They also discuss gear, scouting locations, leave no trace principles, and how Karen balances artistic vision with the realities of unpredictable animal behavior. Whether you’re a pet lover, portrait artist, or landscape photographer, there are plenty of actionable insights and amusing anecdotes in this episode. Links Discussed: 1. Karen's pet photography website [https://karenhoglundphotography.com/] 2. Profoto A2 Flash [https://bhpho.to/4krk5Mn] 3. Support the podcast on Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/fstopandlisten] 4. Join my newsletter [https://www.mattpaynephotography.com/page/email-newsletter-signup/] 5. Karen Julia [https://photoseolab.com/] - SEO for photographers 6. Shelley Paulson [https://www.shelleypaulson.com/] - Horse Photography 7. Cowgirls with Cameras [https://cowgirlswithcameras.com/]

In this episode of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, host Matt Payne chats with photographer Geoffrey Giebelhaus [https://photography.ggiebelhaus.ca/] 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, community-focused space to share their work. The conversation covers the learning curve of moving to decentralized platforms, the importance of hashtags and alt text, tips for getting started, and how the Fediverse empowers users to keep their followers and content, no matter where they go. They also touch on the deeper creativity and connections fostered by this new social media landscape, and close with Geoffrey’s advocacy for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada. If you’re fed up with mainstream social media and want to learn about a more authentic and user-driven alternative, this episode is for you. Links: 1. Geoff's awesome blog about the Fediverse [https://photography.ggiebelhaus.ca/posts/the-fediverse---for-photographers/] 2. Support the podcast on Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/fstopandlisten] 3. Join my newsletter [https://www.mattpaynephotography.com/page/email-newsletter-signup/] 4. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society [https://www.bloodcancers.ca/]

In this episode of "F-Stop Collaborate and Listen," host Matt Payne sits down with Margot Raggett [https://margotraggettphotography.com/], founder of the Remembering Wildlife [https://buyrememberingwildlife.com/] 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 more than $1.5 million for conservation. The conversation dives into the complexities of wildlife conservation, including poaching, human-wildlife conflict, and the importance of supporting local communities and education initiatives. Margot also addresses the ethics of wildlife photography and over tourism, and explains how the Remembering Wildlife series both raises crucial funds and spreads awareness for endangered species around the world. The episode wraps up with a look ahead to the series' tenth book, highlighting pangolins, and practical advice for photographers who want to make a positive difference through their work. Links Discussed * Remembering Wildlife [https://buyrememberingwildlife.com/] Books * Jonathan and Angela Scott [https://www.instagram.com/thebigcatpeople/?hl=en] * FLM Tripods [https://flmcanada.com/] (use code HOUSEOFPAYNE for 10% off through October 1, 2025) * Support the Podcast on Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/fstopandlisten]

In this episode of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, host Matt Payne sits down with acclaimed sports photographer Carrie Giordano [https://www.carriegiordano.com/], 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 emotional highs of photographing high-stakes professional sporting events like the World Series and championship parades, as well as the technical and logistical demands of the fast-paced environment. Carrie also highlights how her background in landscape photography shapes her creative vision, offers practical career advice for aspiring sports photographers, and opens up about balancing the demands of career and motherhood.   Watch on YouTube [https://youtu.be/2vgM3At-gkU] Links: * Carrie Giordano on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/carriegphoto/] * Mountain Light [https://amzn.to/3YL9Hqd] by Galen Rowell * Moab Photography Symposium [https://www.mps25.com/] * Carrie's Feature in Time Magazine for Kids [https://www.timeforkids.com/g34/your-hot-job-getting-the-shot-g3/] * My OnLandscape Article [https://www.onlandscape.co.uk/2025/04/torsten-pull/] on Torsten Pull * Support the podcast on Patreon [https://www.patreon.com/fstopandlisten]