439: Lucia Rollow - Building Community in the Darkroom
In this episode of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, host Matt Payne talks with Lucia Rollow, founder of the Bushwick Community Darkroom in Brooklyn, New York. Lucia shares how her personal need for a darkroom evolved into a thriving communal space that fosters creativity, collaboration, and real-world connection in an increasingly digital world. The conversation explores the therapeutic and social aspects of analog photography, how community spaces like hers combat loneliness and bring people together, and the ups and downs of running such a unique business for nearly 15 years. Lucia also delves into the challenges of sustaining a creative community, the importance of shared passion, and offers advice for anyone wanting to build similar spaces or incorporate analog processes into their photography. Throughout, she highlights the value of hands-on, in-person interactions for creative growth and meaningful human connection.
Links and Resources:
1. Bushwick Community Darkroom
2. Lucia Rollow's FLM Tripods (use the code HOUSEOFPAYNE for 10% off)
4. Penumbra Foundation (Antique/Alternative Process Workshops)
5. Midwest Center for Photography (Open Calls)
6. Bowling Alone by Robert Putnam—on the importance of social Capital and community in modern life (Affiliate Link)
7. Print LHC, a high-end digital printing lab in Brooklyn led by Lacey Wethersbee
8. Film Camera Recommendation: Pentax K1000 (perfect for beginners and landscape / analog enthusiasts)
9. OK McCausland
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1:12:37
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1:12:37
438: Seth Robbins - Exploring Orthodox Jewish Culture from the Inside
In this episode of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, host Matt Payne sits down with photographer Seth Robbins to explore his intimate new photo book, "A Trustworthy Home," which documents Orthodox Jewish weddings from an insider’s perspective. Robbins discusses his approach to avoiding cliched or trophy-driven images, instead emphasizing the power of trust, cultural understanding, and authentic connection with his subjects. The conversation delves into themes of individuality within community, the challenges and rewards of photographing from the inside, and the importance of storytelling over spectacle—lessons that landscape and nature photographers can also apply. The episode wraps with practical insights about producing art books and balancing the desire for reach with production costs, plus some inspiring recommendations for photographers to check out.
Resources and Links:
1. Check out Seth's book, "A Trustworthy Home"
2. Sam Abell's B+H Space Talk
3. Alex Webb
4. Henri Cartier-Bression
5. Mixam Books
6. Matt's Printique Book Review
7. Support the Podcast on Patreon
8. Photographer's Recommended by Seth: Mark Maio, Lynsey Addario, Cindy Hansen
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1:18:13
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1:18:13
437: Jonas Paurell - Saving the Arctic Through Photography
In this episode of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, host Matt Payne sits down with fine art and conservation photographer Jonas Paurell to discuss his Arctic Transcendence series, which explores the fragile beauty of the Arctic region. Jonas shares his journey from human rights lawyer to full-time photographer, recounting the life-changing health scare that prompted him to pursue his passion for photography and conservation. They dive into his creative approach—using negative space and minimalism to highlight the impermanence and vulnerability of Arctic landscapes—while also exploring the deeper purpose behind his art: inspiring love for nature as a means to protect it. Jonas and Matt touch on the challenges and ethics of photographing wildlife in threatened environments, the importance of community in photography workshops, and the balance between commercial success and personal creativity. Jonas also discusses his upcoming exhibition at the Hasselblad Foundation and the evolving regulations in Arctic photography. Throughout, the episode offers thoughtful reflections on finding purpose, the role of art in conservation, and the power of long-term commitment to a single project.
Resources Mentioned:
Support the podcast on Patreon
Find Jonas on Instagram
Hasselblad Foundation Exhibition
FLM Tripods (use the code HOUSEOFPAYNE for 10% off)
Nick Brandt, Gregory Crewdson
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1:13:10
436: John Noltner - Photography as a Bridge to Empathy
In this episode of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, host Matt Payne interviews photographer and storyteller John Noltner about his transformative "A Peace of My Mind" project and his experiences living a nomadic life for over two years. John shares how he and his wife sold their house during the pandemic and traveled 93,000 miles across the U.S., gathering hundreds of human stories that explore themes like conflict, empathy, and connection. They dive into the power of storytelling and photography as tools for bridging divides, fostering compassion, and inspiring change, even when tackling tough topics like immigration, racial justice, and homelessness. John discusses the challenges of funding mission-driven creative work, the importance of vulnerability and listening, and how living simply on the road reshaped his outlook on life and art. The episode is full of personal insights, practical advice for storytellers, and inspiration for anyone hoping to use creativity to make a positive impact.
Watch on YouTube.
Resources and Links:
John's new book, Lessons on the Road to Peace
John's project, A Peace of My Mind
Support the podcast on Patreon
Steve Weworka
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435: Klaus Axelsen - Capturing the Artwork of Nature
In this episode of "F-Stop Collaborate and Listen," host Matt Payne chats with Norwegian photographer Klaus Axelsen about his journey from corporate consultant to passionate nature photographer. Klaus shares how photography and spending time in nature became key tools for managing his mental health, leading him toward creating deeply intimate and expressive images of Norway’s lesser-known natural details. The conversation delves into the evolution of Klaus’ artistic vision, the challenges and rewards of curating his upcoming book "The Artwork of Nature," and the importance of setting creative limitations and embracing solitude. They also discuss the realities of running workshops, breaking free from self-imposed artistic snobbery, and how slowing down and focusing on the small things can transform both photography and personal well-being. Klaus wraps up with book details and recommendations for other inspiring photographers to check out.
Watch on YouTube
Resources and Links:
Klaus Axelsen’s Book & Website
Lofoten Tours
Natural Landscape Photography Awards
On Landscape Magazine
Be Extraordinary by Guy Tal
FLM Tripods (Use the code HOUSEOFPAYNE for 10% off through Nov. 1, 2025)
Support the Podcast
Sign up to Matt's Newsletter
Bill Ferngren, Elvis Dallie, Arild Heitmann, Stian Klo
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.
Ireland