97. Matt Payne on Landscape Photography and The Colorado Way: Living and Creating in Alignment with Personal Values and Authentic Pride

Landscape Photography with Matt Payne, the Colorado Way, Personal Vision and Pride, Authenticity, and Vulnerability. Matt Payne is a landscape photographer, accomplished mountaineer, podcaster, and now published author. He has climbed Colorado’s 100 highest mountains, completed the entire 500-mile Colorado Trail, and spent more than a decade building his landscape photography podcast, F-Stop, Collaborate and Listen . His new book, The Colorado Way , pairs his photography with essays on the lessons he’s drawn from a life in the high country—resilience, discipline, and the pursuit of meaning. Matt’s accomplishments extend beyond the mountains and the camera. With a background in psychology and years in nonprofit work, he has woven service, art, and storytelling into a unique career. He leads workshops around the world with Muench Workshops and now steps into the role of author with a book that blends memoir, philosophy, and visual art. In our conversation, we talk about his journey to full-time photography, the rigors of climbing and trekking, the discipline behind his success, and why he believes the outdoors is the ultimate teacher. Notable Links: Matt Payne Website Matt Payne Instagram 'The Colorado Way' Kickstarter Campaign F-Stop Collaborate and Listen Podcast ***** If you’re looking for that next-level boost to your creativity and photography skills, you’ve got to check out my Beyond The Lens Newsletter on Substack . It’s like having a backstage pass to everything I explore with my guests here on the podcast - delivered straight to your email inbox. Think practical photography tips, mind-expanding ideas for personal vision, and real-world tactics to level up your craft. Plus I’m sharing my thoughts on travel, conservation, creativity and more. It’s straight to the point, super actionable, and it shows you how to see the world in an entirely new way. So if that sounds like your vibe, head on over to beyondthelens.fm/go and prepare to take your creative game to new heights. ***** This episode is brought to you by Kase Filters. I travel the world with my camera, and I can use any photography filters I like, and I’ve tried all of them, but in recent years I’ve landed on Kase Filters. Kase filters are made with premium materials, HD optical glass, shockproof, with zero color cast, round and square filter designs, magnetic systems, filter holders, adapters, step-up rings, and everything I need so I never miss a moment. And now, my listeners can get 10% off the Kase Filters Amazon page when they visit. beyondthelens.fm/kase and use coupon code BERNABE10 Kase Filters, Capture with Confidence.