I want photography to be the mechanism through which I’m able to learn about philosophy. I want to learn about life. I want to learn about psychology. I want to learn about natural processes. I want to learn about the stories that are untold about different nuanced things that we find in nature.
Matt Payne
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From the breathtaking peaks of Colorado to the remote areas captured through his camera, Matt Payne’s journey is a clear example of a deep connection between adventure and art. His transition from walking up and down stairs to completing the Centennials with his camera in tow is a testament to his relentless pursuit of capturing the authentic beauty of our natural world.
Matt skillfully merges his love for the outdoors with his unique photographic vision, producing images that are as ethereal as they are grounded in reality. His commitment to preserving nature is evident in every image he takes, reflecting a strong respect for the wilderness he explores.
Through initiatives like the Natural Landscape Photography Awards and Nature First Photography, Matt advocates for ethical practices that safeguard the environments that inspire him. He is also the host of the F-Stop Collaborate and Listen Podcast, where he talks with various guests about nature and landscape photography.
In this episode, we talk about:
- Matt’s evolution from an avid mountaineer to a celebrated landscape photography guru.
- His philosophy on creating images that speak to the soul, without the need for digital embellishment.
- The impact and importance of his environmental initiatives in fostering responsible photography.
I was deeply inspired by my conversation with Matt, gaining insight into the mind of an artist who not only captures beauty but also champions its preservation. His influence in the photography community is undeniable, driving a movement towards more conscientious and sustainable photographic practices.
Enjoy the episode 🙂
Q: Is there a creative process you follow when going on photography shoots, or do you prefer to let the environment and the moment dictate your approach?
Matt Payne: In terms of my creative process, I prefer to let the environment and moment guide me. I like to put myself in interesting places during interesting times and see what inspires me, rather than sticking to a rigid plan.
Q: What advice would you give to someone starting out in photography who is worried about breaking their gear while hiking?
Matt Payne: When it comes to protecting your gear while hiking, I tend to not worry too much about babying my equipment. It’s designed to be used in the field. I do use a good backpack, like the Shimoda Action X50, which is customizable and offers great protection for my lenses and camera bodies.
Q: You’ve been involved in several photography initiatives, like the Natural Landscape Photography Awards and Nature First. Can you tell us what inspired you to start these projects and the impact you’ve seen from them?
Matt Payne: The Natural Landscape Photography Awards and Nature First were born out of a need to celebrate authentic landscape photography and address the negative impact of geotagging on fragile environments. We wanted to create platforms that promote ethical practices and recognize genuine, natural edits in photography.
Want to learn more about Matt and his work?
F-Stop Collaborate and Listen Podcast
Natural Landscape Photography Awards
