F-Stop Collaborate and Listen - A Photography Podcast

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

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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

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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

In episode 483 of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, host Matt Payne sits down in person with aerial photographer Scott McCook at the end of a photography tour through Western Australia. Known for his abstract aerial images capturing both the region’s dramatic coastlines and its vast mining infrastructure, Scott McCook discusses his journey to aerial photography, balancing a career in construction, and the unique, often unseen perspectives offered from above. The conversation explores the dichotomy between the beauty and environmental toll of Western Australia’s mining operations, including the vibrant yet toxic tailing ponds, and the impact this industry has on Aboriginal communities. Scott McCook shares how his work straddles the line between art and documentary, aiming to spark curiosity and dialogue rather than delivering pointed messages.

Links and Resources:

Muench Workshops Giveaway

Scott McCook's Website

Scott on Instagram

Muench Workshops

Rio Tinto's Destruction of Juukan Gorge

Tom Putt (photographer recommended)

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