421: Greg McCown - Electrifying Lightning and Storm Photography!
In this episode of "F-Stop Collaborate and Listen," host Matt Payne interviews storm and landscape photographer Greg McCown, delving into his passion for capturing epic desert storms and lightning. Greg, who balances photography with a career in real estate, discusses his meticulous approach to storm chasing, which involves extensive location scouting and using multiple cameras to maximize capture opportunities. The conversation covers Greg's strategies for teaching storm photography workshops, his experiences with weather patterns, and his use of technology like lightning triggers, his expert camera settings for lightning, and he shares personal stories that highlight the excitement and unpredictability of storm photography.
Watch on YouTube
Resources / Links:
Support the Podcast on Patreon
GAIA GPS
Pivotal Weather
Radar Scope: Apple / Android
Satsquatch
FLM Tripods | Matt's Tripod Recommendation - use code HOUSEOFPAYNE for 10% off thru Oct 1, 2025!
Stepping Stone Lightning Trigger
Sony A1-2
Nikon D850
Storm Photo Tours
Recommended Photographers: John Sirlin, Sean Parker, Danilo Faria, Donna Ruthruff, Lori Bailey
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1:09:38
420: Greg Vaughn - The Art of Photography Guidebooks
In this episode of "F-Stop Collaborate and Listen," host Matt Payne sits down with accomplished photographer Greg Vaughn to discuss his journey in photography, ethics in location sharing, and the nuances of workshop teaching. Vaughn, known for his photography guidebooks on Oregon and Washington, talks about how he chooses locations carefully to preserve sensitive environments. They also explore challenges like maintaining a balance between publicizing beautiful places and preventing environmental degradation. Vaughn shares insights from his career, which spans over four decades, emphasizing the importance of business skills in photography and the value of having a love for teaching when leading workshops.
Check out the episode on YouTube
Resources Mentioned:
Greg's books - Photographing Oregon & Photographing Washington
Muench Workshops - please email me if you're interested in joining me!
NANPA
Arthelper
Support the podcast on Patreon
Photographers Recommended: Dewitt Jones, Laurent Martres, Tom Kirkendall
Greg is a photographer, traveler, writer, and photo educator. During his 40+ years as a full-time pro, Greg has worked in multiple photographic genres, including years as a freelance commercial and editorial assignment photographer in Hawaii. He was the campaign photographer for two of Hawaii’s governors and was the official photographer of the Ironman Triathlon in Kona. Greg is a proud alumnus of the University of Hawaii, earning a degree in Zoology at the advent of the 1970’s Ecology movement.
Greg is now based in Eugene, Oregon. He and his wife/partner/soulmate Penelope love living in the Pacific Northwest, travel as much as possible, and especially enjoy exploring Mexico.
Greg’s photos have been published by National Geographic, Backpacker, Sierra Club, Audubon, The Nature Conservancy, Travel + Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler, and many other travel, conservation, and lifestyle magazines and websites.
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1:02:09
419: Jason Bradley - From Outdoor Photographer to Wild Eye Magazine
In this episode of "F-Stop Collaborate and Listen," host Matt Payne interviews Jason Bradley, who discusses the collapse of Outdoor Photographer Magazine and the launch of his new publication, Wild Eye Magazine. Wild Eye is designed to fill the void left by Outdoor Photographer but aims to differentiate itself by not including gear reviews or basic how-to articles. Instead, it focuses on high-quality, curated portfolios in landscape, nature, wildlife, and underwater photography with a strong emphasis on conservation. Jason also runs a unique fine art print lab specializing in premium metal prints, which he describes as superior to typical metal prints in color and detail. The episode touches on the importance of community in photography, the challenges of managing multiple projects, and offers advice for photographers looking to get published. Jason also provides a special subscription offer for listeners.
Resources Mentioned on the Podcast
Wild Eye Magazine (use the code FSTOP for a huge discount)
Jason Bradley's Print Services
Jason's Lightroom Live Videos
Arthelper - an awesome AI tool for artists
Support the podcast on Patreon
Recommended Photographers: Joe Platco, Bob Talbot, Jon McCormack
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1:12:30
418: Stacy Garfield - The Art and Business of Elopement Photography
In episode 418 of "F-Stop Collaborate and Listen," host Matt Payne chats with Stacy Garfield, a former aerospace engineer turned elopement photographer. Stacy shares her journey from aerospace engineering to photography, driven by her love for nature and a serendipitous proposal she captured at Ruby Beach. She explains elopement photography, highlighting the importance of planning, knowing the location, and understanding Leave No Trace principles. Stacy also discusses the challenges and joys of capturing intimate weddings in nature, incorporating night photography in her sessions, and her new mentorship programs for aspiring photographers. This episode offers a deep dive into Stacy's unique niche and dedication to creating memorable experiences for couples.
Resources Mentioned:
Support the show on Patreon
Leave No Trace
Castleton Valley Elopement Photography Disaster Story
Stacy's Mentorship Program
Matt's Photography Newsletter
Stacy's Recommended Photographers: Autumn Schrock, Melissa Schaefer, Dan Zafra, James McGivern, Deb Heyer
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1:21:26
417: Sara Kushner - The Healing Power of Self-Portrait Photography
In this episode of "F-Stop Collaborate and Listen," host Matt Payne engages in a captivating conversation with Sara Kushner, a talented self-portrait photographer with 16 years of experience. Sara delves into her journey, explaining how self-portraiture functions as a form of therapy, allowing her to process emotions and express vulnerability. She contrasts her art with the influencer-driven self-portrait culture, emphasizing authenticity and artistic intent. The discussion also touches on Sara’s dual role as an anti-diet registered dietitian, her plans to combine her passions in future workshops, and the technical aspects and emotional depth of self-portrait photography. Sara shares how she navigates judgment and the unique blend of landscape and self-portraiture in her work, striving to evoke emotions and authenticity in her audience.
Links:
Follow Sara on Instagram
Stay connected with Sara on her newsletter
Learn more about the Natural Landscape Photography Awards
Stay connected with Matt on his newsletter
Support the podcast on Patreon
Sara's offering 10% our listeners/watchers on her prints, use the code FSTOP10
Sara's recommended photographers: Katie Lingan, Van Gachnang
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.