F-Stop Collaborate and Listen
Episodes
Monday Oct 02, 2023
337: William Neill - Portfolio Development & New Yosemite Book
Monday Oct 02, 2023
Monday Oct 02, 2023
The importance of developing a cohesive portfolio cannot be understated for landscape photography. It is quite possible one of the most challenging things we face in order to showcase our work and to develop as artists. It can lead to better presentation of our work and a more well-rounded collection of images. Additionally, it is the corner-stone for the development of any print or book project.
Today's guest on the F-Stop Collaborate and Listen Podcast, William Neill, is a legend in the landscape photography world. Having worked worked at the Ansel Adams Gallery in the 1980's, William's work is prolific. He has been a writer for Outdoor Photography Magazine for over 20 years, he has published over 10 books, and is widely seen as one of the foremost experts on photographing Yosemite National Park.
On this week's episode, we discuss:
How working for Ansel Adams influenced William's career.
Minor White's influence on William's approach to making images.
The impetus behind William's new book, Yosemite: Sanctuary in Stone.
In depth discussion about the images that were selected for his new book.
Common mistakes photographers make when presenting their portfolios.
How to become better curators of our own work.
William's book, The Photographer's Portfolio Development Workshop (use the code WNEILL40 for 40% off ANY Rocky Nook book)!
A discussion about various formats for photograph gallery presentations on the web.
The implosion of Outdoor Photographer Magazine.
And a lot more!
Other topics/links discussed on the podcast this week:
Support the podcast on Patreon.
Watch podcast episodes on YouTube, where we overlay photos with our conversation via video.
Here is who William recommended on the podcast this week:
Lewis Kemper.
John Weller.
Brad Rank.
Mike DiMeola.
I love hearing from the podcast listeners! Reach out to me via Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter if you'd like to be on the podcast or if you have an idea of a topic we can talk about. We also have an Instagram page, a Facebook Page, and a Facebook Group - so don't be shy!
We also have a searchable transcript of every episode!
Thanks for stopping in, collaborating with us, and listening. See you next week.
P.S. you can also support the podcast by purchasing items through our B+H affiliate link.
Monday Nov 22, 2021
Monday Nov 22, 2021
Welcome to episode 240 of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen!
This week on the podcast I was joined by William McIntosh - a landscape photographer and choral music professor at Mt. San Antonio College in Southern California. William and I have been exchanging long and thoughtful e-mails for several years and I finally decided that it would be much more fun to debate our ideas publicly on the podcast instead of via e-mail, so I invited him to join me. I'm so glad he agreed!
On this week's episode we discuss:
How photography became an outlet for William after losing his wife to cancer,
The differences between absolute art and programmatic art,
Is landscape photography art, and when is it art?
Chasing the light vs. slowing down,
Why William has no qualms chasing the icons and epic light,
Our motivations for creating images and how that helps shape the types of images we create,
And a lot more!
Here's who William recommended for the podcast this week:
Bruno Pisani.
Noel Casaje.
Eric Gail.
Greg Boratyn.
Todd Miller.
Other items mentioned on the show:
1. Support Michael Tokildsen's Kickstarter Project.
2. Nature Photographer's Network Special Offer.
3. Support the show on Patreon.
4. Simonton Scale of Creativity.
5. Bartle Test of Gamer (and maybe Photographer) Psychology.
By the way, if anyone is curious, here's how I scored (Matt Payne):You are 67% Explorer
What Bartle says:
Explorers delight in having the game expose its internal machinations to them. They try progressively esoteric actions in wild, out-of-the-way places, looking for interesting features (i.e. bugs) and figuring out how things work. Scoring points may be necessary to enter some next phase of exploration, but it's tedious, and anyone with half a brain can do it. Killing is quicker, and might be a constructive exercise in its own right, but it causes too much hassle in the long run if the deceased return to seek retribution. Socializing can be informative as a source of new ideas to try out, but most of what people say is irrelevant or old hat. The real fun comes only from discovery, and making the most complete set of maps in existence.
You are also:
60% Achiever
40% Killer
33% Socializer
I've thought about how this relates to my style of photography and it makes a lot of sense! I'd love to hear about your scores and how it relates to your style of photography.
I love hearing from the podcast listeners! Reach out to me via Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter if you'd like to be on the podcast or if you have an idea of a topic we can talk about. We also have an Instagram page, a Facebook Page, and a Facebook Group - so don't be shy!
We also have a searchable transcript of every episode!
Thanks for stopping in, collaborating with us, and listening. See you next week.
Wednesday Dec 30, 2020
Robb Hirsch - Curiosity of the Natural World - Photographing Yosemite
Wednesday Dec 30, 2020
Wednesday Dec 30, 2020
Welcome to episode 193 of the F-Stop Collaborate and Listen podcast. This week on the podcast, I was happy to be joined by Robb Hirsch, a landscape photographer from California.
Robb is a biologist by training, naturalist by heart, and photographer by passion. Robb has an intimate relationship with the natural world. This connection was established early during annual childhood visits to Yosemite, which forged his bond with this magical place. After receiving his undergraduate degree from the University of California–Irvine, Robb began a career as a field biologist, working on a variety of projects for California State Parks, the US Geological Survey, and several private firms. His love for traveling and exploration has taken him through Africa, Central America, Tasmania and the western United States. Initially photography was a means to document his work and travels, but it soon became the focus. Robb’s photography has been featured in international competitions, calendars, magazines, and gallery showings, and he leads customized, small group and private photography workshops in Yosemite and surrounding Sierra Nevada.
Robb and I discuss some interesting topics this week, including:
How Robb got into landscape photography as a biologist.
Robb's incredible book, "The Nature of Yosemite - A Visual Journey",
Robb's love affair with Yosemite National Park and the Yosemite Conservancy,
How curiosity of the natural world and geological processes informs and guides his photography,
His method of composition in landscape photography,
Using photography to inspire others to experience their own connections to a place,
The importance of understanding the history of the places we photograph,
And much, much more.
Over on Patreon this week, Robb and I discuss the importance of developing personal relationships with other people as landscape photographers.
Here are the photographers that Kristen recommended on the podcast:
1. Jerry Dodrill.
2. Ian Shive.
3. Ed Callert.
4. James McGrew.
Other items mentioned on the show this week:
1. Gary Randall and Chris Byrne Columbia River Gorge workshop.
2. Nature First Photography.
I love hearing from the podcast listeners! Reach out to me via Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter if you'd like to be on the podcast or if you have an idea of a topic we can talk about. Join the discussion over on Nature Photographer's Network! We have weekly discussions about each episode of the podcast. It's also free! We also have an Instagram page and a Facebook page for updates.
Thanks for stopping in, collaborating with us, and listening. See you next week.
Please support the show on Patreon.
As a reminder, you can also support the podcast by shopping at B+H for your photography gear using our Affiliate Link.
Wednesday Jul 29, 2020
William Neill - Reflecting on 40 Years of Landscape Photography
Wednesday Jul 29, 2020
Wednesday Jul 29, 2020
Welcome to episode 171 of the F-Stop Collaborate and Listen podcast.
This week's episode features a photographer who probably does not need much introduction as he is widely considered one of the most accomplished modern landscape and nature photographers. William Neill got his roots and upbringing in landscape photography while living in the Yosemite Valley and working in Ansel Adams' gallery beginning in 1980 and began writing columns for Outdoor Photographer Magazine in 1986. Suffice to say, he has a lifetime's worth of incredible photographic product and has a wealth of knowledge and perspective, which we attempted to tap into on the podcast. William and I discuss some interesting topics, including:
How he got his beginning in photography and writing for Outdoor Photographer Magazine.
What it was like learning from the greats in landscape photography like Ansel Adams.
Various media formats to consume and learn about landscape photography such as OnLandscape, NPN, and LensWork.
William's secret for staying creative over many years in this field.
His new book, Light on the Landscape.
... and more!
Over on Patreon this week, William shares his advice on how to best grow as a photographer and we discuss his approach to portfolio development.
I hope you enjoy our conversations!
Here are the photographers that William recommended for the podcast:
1. John Wawrzonek.
2. Joseph Holmes.
3. Lewis Kemper.
4. Charlie Cramer.
5. Bruce Percy.
6. John Sexton.
Other items mentioned on the show:
1. Nature First Photography.
2. My YouTube Channel.
3. William's portfolio development courses (discussed on Patreon).
I love hearing from the podcast listeners! Reach out to me via Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter if you'd like to be on the podcast or if you have an idea of a topic we can talk about. Join the discussion over on Nature Photographer's Network! We have weekly discussions about each episode of the podcast. It's also free! We also have an Instagram page and a Facebook page for updates.
Thanks for stopping in, collaborating with us, and listening. See you next week.
As a reminder, you can also support the podcast by shopping at B+H for your photography gear using our Affiliate Link.
Wednesday Feb 19, 2020
Live from the Out of Yosemite Conference
Wednesday Feb 19, 2020
Wednesday Feb 19, 2020
Welcome to Episode 148 of the F-Stop Collaborate and Listen podcast.
This week's episode was recorded live at Out of Yosemite. I was lucky to be invited as an instructor and podcast host by the gracious Out of Chicago team. They put together a fantastic line up of instructors, activities, presentations, and excursions. Students and instructors were given the opportunity to interact and learn from each other in the birthplace of modern landscape photography - the Yosemite Valley. Ansel Adams' son and daughter-in-law were in attendance as well as two of Ansel's former assistants, Alan Ross and John Sexton. We had an all-star list of instructors spanning several decades and styles of work from film experts to the latest time-lapse and digital masters.
It was such an honor to be a small part of it.
On the final night of the conference I had the wonderful privilege to host a live podcast in front of about 40 people. Our panel included some fantastic photographers:
Colleen Miniuk;
Charlotte Gibb;
Michael Frye; and,
Alex Noriega.
We covered a wide variety of topics, including:
How do you find and apply inspiration in your photography?
How has your photography evolved over time and why have you chosen to go the direction we have?
How do we bridge the divide between the old school methods and new school methods of landscape photography?
Why do you photograph?
What are the positive and negative impacts of bringing large groups of people to the National Parks?
What do you do when you’re not photographing and how does that influence your photography?
What are the pros and cons of shooting alone vs. groups?
What should students do after the conference?
Over on Patreon this week, we have something special for listeners. Before the conference officially began, the instructors had a wonderful dinner and many drinks to celebrate the start of the conference and to get to know each other. After this dinner, Colleen Miniuk, Franka Gabler, Michael Shainblum, and Alex Noriega joined me for a drunk podcast recording. It was so much fun! Just head over to patreon.com/fstopandlisten for more info on how you can support the podcast and get awesome bonus content like this drunk recording. Please consider supporting the podcast on Patreon! There's a ton of bonus content over there for subscribers!
Other items mentioned on the show:
1. Out of Moab Conference - use the code "PAYNE" for $250 off until Feb. 28.
2. Out of Acadia Conference - use the code "PAYNE" for $250 off until Feb. 28.
Wednesday Nov 13, 2019
Michael Frye - In the Footsteps of Ansel Adams and the Great Masters
Wednesday Nov 13, 2019
Wednesday Nov 13, 2019
Welcome to Episode 134 of the F-Stop Collaborate and Listen podcast. This week's episode features a nature and landscape photographer from Mariposa, California near Yosemite National Park - Michael Frye! Michael is the author and/or principal photographer of five books, including Digital Landscape Photography: In the Footsteps of Ansel Adams and the Great Masters; The Photographer’s Guide to Yosemite; and three books in the Yosemite Meditations series. He's also written three e-books, including Exposure for Outdoor Photography, and Landscapes in Lightroom 5: The Essential Step-by-Step Guide.
Michael and I had a wonderful conversation and explored several interesting topics this week, including:
His early career as a photographer.
Photographers that influenced his work and whether or not having photographers that influence our work is beneficial or not.
The pros and cons of photographing the same places over and over again.
Things that get in the way of creativity and how to avoid them.
Creating depth in your landscape photography.
and a lot more.
Over on Patreon this week, Michael and I talk all about his use of Lightroom as his primary editing platform and how he processes images for feeling.
Be sure to join in on the conversation about each podcast episode over on Nature Photographer's Network. Not only is NPN the best place to get critiques on your landscape and nature photography, it is also home to some of most informative, thought-provoking, and inspiring articles on landscape photography I've found. I highly recommend you become a member today.
Women photographers - I want to tell you about another one of our Patreon supporters, Dani Lefrancois, the amazing photographer behind Banff Photo Workshops & Tours in the beautiful Canadian Rockies. Dani is hosting a Women's Winter Adventure workshop in January that I think sounds like a lot of fun. This Women's Adventure is a 5-day, 5-night workshop based primarily in Banff National Park. Sounds amazing to me. To learn more about it - head to www.banffphotoworkshops.com/women-series Please consider supporting the podcast on Patreon! There's a ton of bonus content over there for subscribers!
Also, check out the full liner notes!
Wednesday Oct 02, 2019
Franka Gabler - Unique Yosemite Landscape Photography
Wednesday Oct 02, 2019
Wednesday Oct 02, 2019
Welcome to Episode 128 of the F-Stop Collaborate and Listen podcast. This week's episode features a photographer known for her exceptional work in the Yosemite Valley of California, Franka Gabler.
Born and raised in Croatia, Franka developed a strong fascination and admiration for nature early in life. Moving to California in 1997, and soon after experiencing her first wilderness backpacking trip in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains, Franka fell in love with the amazing landscapes before her. Now spending as much time as possible hiking and exploring wilderness areas, Franka always carries her camera and tripod, capturing her unique impressions.She lives in the Sierra foothills, in the small mountain town of Coarsegold, not far from Yosemite National Park.
Franka and I covered a lot of fun ground this week, including:
Her journey as a landscape photographer.
Her creative process for finding intimate landscape scenes.
Her philosophy of looking for light before the subject.
The role of mood in her photography.
...lots more!
On Patreon this week:
Franka tells us all about her journey printing her photography and being represented by several galleries in California.
Well, speaking of Yosemite, I have officially joined as an instructor at the esteemed Landscape Photography Conference, Out of Yosemite - February 5-9, 2020. I will be teaching, recording podcasts, and hosting panel discussions with some of our favorite photographers and past guests, including Alex Noriega, Coleen Miniuk, Charlotte Gibb, Jack Curran, Michael Frye, and more. I hope to see you there! If you're interested in attending, register to attend and use the code "fstop250" for $250 off your registration.
Here are the photographers that Franka recommended for the podcast:1. Dan Mitchell.
2. David Hoffman.
3. Jonathan Bock.
I'm really excited to announce that we have finally reached our $1,000 / mo goal on Patreon and we have officially launched our Landscape Conservation Award.
We aim to grow the total award amount through donations and sponsorships. We are looking for nominations for the award. You can nominate yourself or someone else through the google form linked in the liner notes. Since our launch we have raised $550 towards the award and have garnered some great sponsorships from some great photography brands.
So far we have been able to get support from the following awesome companies:
Shimoda Designs - Shimoda is donating to the winner of the Landscape Conservation Award a camera bag of their choice, a core unit, and a roller and accessory case - a $779 value!
Reed Art & Imaging - Reed is donating to the winner a $500 credit towards the purchase of a Acrylic Print.
Tamron - the camera lens manufacturer is donating to the winner a 45mm f/1.8 Di VC lens- a $599 value!
QT Luong is donating a limited edition copy of his award winning photo book, "Treasured Lands." Treasured Lands is a book about all the 61 U.S. national parks with location/photography notes for each photograph. This limited edition version is valued at $245.