F-Stop Collaborate and Listen - A Photography Podcast

In episode 488 of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, Matt Payne interviews Ajani Charles, a Toronto-based visual strategist, photographer, and Canon Canada ambassador, about sustaining a major creative project over nearly two decades. The conversation centers on Project TDOT, Ajani Charles' long-term documentary effort capturing Toronto’s hip hop culture, which started as an unfunded black-and-white street photography project and has grown into public art exhibitions, a nonprofit, a coffee table book, and a touchscreen archival database. Ajani Charles shares lessons from enduring years of rejection, discusses the importance of curiosity, patience, and playing the long game, and emphasizes how his project’s longevity is rooted in genuine reverence for the subject. The episode dives into the psychological and emotional skills that fuel creative longevity—such as emotional regulation, mindfulness, and self-awareness—alongside technical and business skills. Ajani Charles also discusses handling criticism, building trust within a community for authentic documentation, and the evolution of his work, including future plans in Tokyo and Copenhagen. The episode underscores that internal development, resilience, and a passion for the work itself are as crucial as external validation or financial reward.

Links and Resources:

Ajani Charles

Muench Workshops Giveaway

Project T-Dot

Canon Canada

Canon Ignite Program

Operation Prefrontal Cortex

Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport

Claude Watson Arts Program

Jamel Shabazz

Ernie Paniccioli

Guy Tal's Article

The Colorado Way by Matt Payne

Support the show on Patreon

In episode 487 of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, Matt Payne interviews acclaimed documentary photographer Mark Asnin, whose deeply personal and collaborative approach has shaped seminal works such as his thirty-year project "Uncle Charlie" and the curated volume "Final Words", which presents the last statements of executed inmates alongside their mugshots. Mark Asnin discusses his Brooklyn upbringing surrounded by master storytellers, how personal history influences his long-term commitment to subjects, and his belief in the power of photography as both documentation and public memory. They explore the evolution of a photographer’s confidence, the ethical responsibilities of witnessing, and the ongoing tension between making art and documenting truth. The conversation also delves into "Act One: A Century in the Making," a 703-page collaborative book bringing together over a hundred photographers, scholars, and journalists to tell the story of the 21st century through images and essays. Throughout, the episode grapples with photography’s role in an age of image overload, artificial intelligence, and public mistrust, underscoring the importance of context, collaboration, and authenticity in photographic storytelling.

Links:

Mark Asnin

Muench Workshops Giveaway

Order Act One: A Century in the Making

Support the show on Patreon

Uncle Charlie by Marc Asnin

Final Words by Marc Asnin

Kensington Blues by Jeffrey Stockbridge

Andrew Moore

The Lake Project by David Maisel

Gideon Mendel

Daniel Beltrá

Eugene Richards

Episode 486 of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen features Darren Pellegrino, a Boston photographer known for headshots and his new project, the Monochrome Collective. Darren Pellegrino discusses the challenge of balancing profitable commercial work with personally meaningful projects, sharing how building a community around black and white photography has provided fresh creative energy. They address industry shifts, including the rise of AI headshots and finding purpose beyond financial success. The episode also covers Darren Pellegrino's book "The Monochrome Triangle," which emphasizes light, composition, and story as foundations for compelling black and white images. The conversation is honest about career longevity, creative fulfillment, and what it takes to build something sustainable in today’s changing photography world.

Resources and Links Discussed

Muench Workshops Giveaway

Darren Pellegrino

Monochrome Collective

The Monochrome Triangle Book (use code Triangle30 for 30% off the eBook)

Foto App

The Colorado Way book

Support the show on Patreon

LensWork

Natural Landscape Photography Awards

Episode 485 features photographer Nevada Wier, an expert in infrared (IR) photography. We discuss the technical and creative aspects of shooting in IR, including camera and lens choices, scene selection, and the heavy post-processing required, especially for vibrant 590nm images. Nevada shares how her adventurous background and transition from black-and-white to color inspired her IR work and emphasizes the importance of understanding both light and color for compelling images. The episode also touches on balancing creative passion with professional demands and why IR photography can rejuvenate artistic vision for those feeling stagnant.

Resources and Links Mentioned:

Muench Workshops Giveaway

Primer on Infrared Photography

Nevada Wier

Support the show on Patreon

Santa Fe Workshops

Obscura Gallery (Santa Fe)

Kolari Vision (infrared filters and conversions)

Infrared Diffraction Calculator

George Nobechi

Eddie Soloway

Adobe DNG Profile Editor

Asian Travel Photography Tropes – Bonus Episode (Patreon)

Episode 484 features legendary Yellowstone photographer Tom Murphy. We explore how Murphy’s ranching and anthropology background shapes his unique style and storytelling. Murphy shares advice on pursuing personal passion, observing nature deeply, and building a body of meaningful work. He emphasizes photographing wildlife in context, not just what an animal is, but who it is, and discusses the evolution of photographic technology, staying creatively engaged, and tips for strong composition. Murphy also stresses the value of giving back through conservation-focused photography and urges photographers to immerse themselves in places they love.


Resources:

Muench Workshops Giveaway

Support the show on Patreon

Tom Murphy

Tom Murphy's Books

Muench Workshops

Buffalo Bill Center of the West

Postage Stamp News