Matt Payne on Landscape Photography, The Colorado Way & the Natural Landscape Photography Awards

In this episode of Shutter Trails, I sit down with Colorado-based landscape photographer, adventurer, educator, and podcast host Matt Payne.Matt is the creator of the long-running photography podcast F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, co-founder of the Natural Landscape Photography Awards, and an accomplished mountaineer who has climbed the 100 highest peaks in Colorado. His passion for adventure and photography has taken him across the world teaching workshops and exploring wild landscapes.We discuss Matt’s journey from working in clinical psychology to becoming a full-time photographer and educator, how climbing Colorado’s highest mountains shaped his photographic vision, and what he’s learned after interviewing hundreds of the world’s best photographers.We also dive into:The biggest lessons Matt has learned from 460+ photography interviewsWhy authentic landscape photography mattersThe ethics of editing, composites, and AI in photographyHow the Natural Landscape Photography Awards promote honesty in nature photographyTeaching workshops and finding unique compositions at iconic locationsMatt’s new book “The Colorado Way”, inspired by hiking the 500-mile Colorado TrailMatt also shares advice for photographers looking to develop their own creative voice and improve their work.If you care about landscape photography, creativity, ethics, and the experience of photographing nature, this conversation is packed with insights.🎧 Topics coveredLandscape photography inspirationPhotography ethics and editingThe Natural Landscape Photography AwardsTeaching photography workshopsClimbing Colorado’s highest mountainsHiking the Colorado TrailBuilding a photography podcastFinding your creative voiceFor more about Matt and his various projects check out:Matt's WebsiteThe Colorado WayNatural Landscape Photography AwardsMuench WorkshopsInstagramBlue SkyYouTubeYou can contact me or get more information at: Sooke Photography AdventuresThis video was recorded using my Canon R5 camera.