462: Patrick Krohn - Building a Meaningful Local Photography Practice
23/02/2026 | 1h 30min
In this episode of "F-Stop Collaborate and Listen," host Matt Payne sits down with Patrick Krohn, winner of the Natural Landscape Photography Awards’ "In Your Backyard" special award. Patrick Krohn shares his journey from photojournalism and sales into a deeply rooted local photography practice centered around his hometown of Aiken, South Carolina. The conversation dives into the value of photographing locally—both for developing creative consistency and for lowering the stakes so you can experiment, learn from mistakes, and hone your skills daily. Patrick Krohn discusses the parallels between sales tenacity and artistic growth, emphasizes the importance of community connections, and makes a compelling case for finding your own audience rather than chasing external trends. Sprinkled with practical advice and thoughtful anecdotes, this episode is packed with actionable insights for photographers looking to find meaning and improvement without traveling far from home or bending to outside pressures.
Links and Resources:
Patrick Krohn (One Eyed Dog Studios)
Support the Show on Patreon
Natural Landscape Photography Awards (NLPA)
Out of Chicago Workshops
Chicago Botanic Garden
Center for Photographic Art, Carmel, CA
Anne Belmont
Carol Guzy
Beth Young
Stephanie Johnson
Seth Godin – Purple Cow
John Sexton
Freeman Patterson
Matt Payne’s Infrared Photography Article
Slow Photography Movement – Episode 210
461: Kavin Chawla - The Art of Noticing: A Journey Through Abstract Photography
16/02/2026 | 1h 3min
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
460: Adrian Vila - Setting Creative Limitations in Photography
09/02/2026 | 55min
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
459: Stephen Nielsen - AI, Adobe & The Quest for Truth in Creativity
02/02/2026 | 51min
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)
458: Joy Kachina - Capturing the Spirit of Endangered Landscapes
26/01/2026 | 1h 12min
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.
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.
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