F-Stop Collaborate and Listen

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.

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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)

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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

This episode of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen is a heartfelt tribute to the podcast's Patreon community, showcasing the collective creativity and passion that fuels the show. Rather than focusing on technical details or individual stories, Matt Payne honors the spirit of collaboration, sharing a diverse range of voices as members talk about their latest projects, personal growth, and unique journeys in photography. The episode emphasizes how the community supports and inspires each other, and celebrates the connections, encouragement, and ongoing learning that come from being part of this engaged group. It’s a reminder that the podcast thrives because of its listeners, and an invitation to anyone seeking a welcoming creative space to get involved and help keep the community growing.

P.S. You might benefit from watching on YouTube this week!

Thank you to everyone who participated! It was amazing to see your projects!

Links:

Drishti Arya

Trail Option (D. Craig Young)

Shutter Nonsense Podcast (Michael Rung & Jeffrey Tadlock)

Michael Rung Photography

Photo Pack Pro (Michael Rung)

Light of Day Gallery (Steve Caputo)

Astrid Preisz

Alex Berger

Natalie Grybiene

James Vooght

Madeleine Lenagh

Joe Doherty

Jeffrey Tadlock Photography

Patrick Krohn / One Eyed Dog Studios

In this episode of "F-Stop Collaborate and Listen," host Matt Payne sits down with photographer Mark Schumann to discuss his powerful multiyear documentary project capturing homelessness across America. Mark Schumann shares his journey photographing and interviewing hundreds of individuals experiencing homelessness in over 70 cities, focusing on portraying them with dignity, humanity, and nuance rather than stereotypes. The conversation explores the complexities and misconceptions of homelessness, the ethical challenges of documentary work, the importance of personal connection in portraiture, and Mark Schumann's choice to shoot the project entirely on film for its historical resonance. The episode also offers reflections on the broader impact of storytelling in photography and advice for other photographers interested in meaningful long-term projects. If you're interested in the intersection of ethics, empathy, and visual storytelling, this episode is a must-listen.

Resources and Links Discussed

Mark Schumann's Website

Robert Turner

Dorothea Lange's book - Grab a Hunk of Lightning

Nathan Benn's book - Florida: A Peculiar Paradise

Arthur Meyerson's book - The Color of Light

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