F-Stop Collaborate and Listen

In this episode of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, host Matt Payne interviews wildlife photographer and conservationist Ian Wood, delving into his impactful work raising awareness for orangutans and badgers. Ian Wood shares the story behind his award-winning urban badger photograph, which sparked renewed public attention and activism regarding the controversial UK badger cull, ultimately contributing to policy change. He discusses his passion for conservation-driven photography, from rewilding land in Dorset to fundraising for the Orangutan Foundation UK, and offers practical wisdom about making a difference, the importance of passion, and the responsibilities photographers have when their work intersects with public opinion and policy. Throughout, Ian Wood highlights hopeful conservation stories and encourages photographers to follow their passion, build relationships, and trust in their ability to drive change.

Links and Resources:

Ian Wood

Ian Wood's Instagram

Ian's winning image on Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Muench Workshops

Support the show on Patreon

Orangutan Foundation UK

Badger Trust

Protect the Wild

Chris Packham

Save Me Trust (Brian May)

Gorilla Doctors

Jane Goodall Institute

Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Ross Hoddinott (Recommended Photographer)

In this episode of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, host Matt Payne interviews Belgian photographer Hanneke Van Camp, whose work is rooted in her deep love for nature and her background in biology and science communication. Hanneke Van Camp shares the motivations behind her award-winning “Sápmi Living Landscapes” project, which explores the land and culture of Northern Scandinavia and the indigenous Sami people, as well as her experiences living seasonally in the Arctic for most of the year. The conversation delves into topics like the importance of presence over production in photography, the unique connection between environment and culture in the far north, practical ways photographers can infuse storytelling and meaning into their work, and how a values-driven approach—such as sustainability and giving back—can shape your creative life. They also discuss the process and challenges of turning a long-term project into a book, the impact of print vs. digital, and the influence of other photographers and storytellers on her journey.

Links and Resources:

Hanneke Van Camp

Natural Landscape Photography Awards (NLPA)

Order the Sápmi Book by Hanneke Van Camp

Muench Workshops

Vital Impacts (Amy Vitale's organization)

Mother Magazine (Melissa Schäfer)

Kevin Morgans – Prince of Puffins

Feli Hansen (referenced project "Guilty Trashures")

Marcus Westberg

Freedom to Roam (Allemansrätten)

Rewilding Europe

Rewilding Sweden

Matt's Arborglyphs Project

Bonus Episode here on Patreon

In this episode of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, host Matt Payne chats with photographer Ulana Switucha about her deeply intentional, minimalist landscape photography and her decade-long project photographing Torii gates across Japan’s spiritual and geographic landscapes. Ulana Switucha shares how living in Asia and practicing long exposure photography has shaped her contemplative approach, blending meditation, yoga philosophy, and presence in nature. The episode covers her photographic journey from childhood, her involvement in documentary street photography projects, the creative process behind her new book, and the technical and emotional challenges of sequencing and publishing a cohesive body of work.

Listeners get tips on curating projects, insight into Japan’s geography and spiritual traditions, and recommendations for other inspiring photographers to follow.

Links and Resources:

Ulana Switucha

Ulana Switucha’s Book, Torii

Muench Workshops

Support the show on Patreon

Michael Kenna Photography

Olivier Robert Photography

Kino Seido

Yukari Chikura

Gui Christ

Mark Kogel

Austin Bell

Matt Payne's Book, The Colorado Way

In this episode of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, host Matt Payne sits down with acclaimed visual artist Reuben Wu, discussing Wu’s creative journey from industrial designer and musician to innovative landscape photographer. Wu shares how his interdisciplinary background shaped his approach, emphasizing craft, experimentation, and the joy of physically engaging with his subjects. They dive into Wu’s signature drone lighting techniques and “aeroglyphs”—light gestures made in landscapes—and the happy accidents that inspired them. The conversation touches on the importance of authenticity, authorship, ethical boundaries, and the challenge of balancing originality with influence. Wu also gives practical insights into printmaking, managing editions, collector relationships, and marketing, stressing the value of intentionality and connection over trends. The episode is rich with actionable advice for artists seeking to define their own vision while maintaining creative integrity.

Links and Resources:

Reuben Wu on Instagram

Natural Landscape Photography Awards

Muench Workshops

Support the show on Patreon

Ladytron

Tycho

Latitude

National Geographic

Adobe Max

Eddie Adams Workshop

Dan Winters

Acacia Johnson

Elliot Ross

In this episode of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, host Matt Payne chats with Shaun Keenan, an American photographer living in Hokkaido, Japan. They dive deep into the issue of over tourism, especially its impact on beloved photo locations in Japan and worldwide, and discuss the ethical dilemmas photographers face when sharing these places. Shaun Keenan shares his personal journey from theater and filmmaking to photography, touches on the importance of respecting local cultures, and offers his thoughts on creative motivation, community, and finding meaning in photography beyond metrics or monetization. Throughout, both speakers emphasize the value of thoughtful, respectful engagement with the land, and the importance of leading with personal values rather than simply chasing viral fame or financial gain. The episode is rich with wisdom for anyone interested in sustainable creativity and responsible travel photography.

Links and Resources:

Shaun Keenan

Shaun Keenan on YouTube

Shaun’s Hokkaido Video

Muench Workshops

Natural Landscape Photography Awards

Nature First

Simon Booth

Pete Leong

Eiji Ohashi

Michael Yamashita

Support the show on Patreon