Matt Payne is one of the pros on our team here at Muench Workshops. Read on to find out more, and check out his pro page to see which workshops he’s leading.
How did you get into photography?
My photography journey started as a means of documenting my mountain climbing trips. In 2008, I set off to climb the highest 100 mountains in Colorado. As I progressed through that journey, I wanted to learn more about photography because I was finding myself in some pretty amazing places.
Where are you from, and where are you now?
I’m a fifth-generation Colorado native. I’m originally from Colorado Springs, Colorado, and now live in Durango, Colorado.
What made you want to work for Muench Workshops?
My friend and fellow Muench Workshops Pro Wayne Suggs was on my podcast, “F-Stop Collaborate and Listen,” several times. We met up to photograph at White Sands National Park, where he recruited me to work for Muench Workshops. I knew that Muench Workshops had a fantastic reputation, and I was looking for a way to make photography my full-time vocation. The rest is history!
What camera system do you use and why?
I’m currently a Sony photographer. In 2017, I switched from the full-frame Nikon system to reduce the weight and size of my kit since most of my photography trips were high-altitude backpacking excursions in Colorado. Sony offers the best image quality in the smallest package, so here we are!
What is your favorite aspect of teaching photography?
I love showing people a technique or subject they might not have thought of that enables them to express themselves creatively in a new way. It’s an absolute joy to see people get into the creative side of photography!
Do you specialize in any photography technique or style? If yes, what is it?
Even though I’m mostly a landscape and nature photographer, I consider myself a jack of all trades. I am probably more well-known for my miniature, intimate scenes of nature in the fall. Still, I also love a grand scenic image! I would say I specialize in trying to find unique photographs that express something.
What is your favorite Muench Workshop destination? Why?
My favorite destination is in my backyard—the Colorado mountains in the fall; however, I love visiting South America and Antarctica for areas outside my home. The thrill of adventure and the sense of being in an exotic place invigorates me as a photographer!
What is something valuable you’ve learned through photography that you might not have otherwise learned?
I’ve learned that photography can be an excellent medium for expressive communication that might not be feasible using words or other means.
How do you define success as a photographer?
I believe success is measured by the amount of joy and happiness that the photographic process brings you. I also love that photography is a life-long learning adventure that never ends if you keep your mind open.
Do you have a favorite book? If so, what is it and why?
My favorite book is “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor Frankl. I love the existential message.
What are your favorite photography resources, i.e. podcasts, YouTube channels, blogs, etc.?
Other than my own podcast, where I learn from the most exciting people in our field, I am a massive fan of photography books, including one that I help to produce, the Natural Landscape Photography Awards annual book, which is full of inspiring and varied photography from all over the world. Consuming a lot of photography helps me to be a better photographer in the field.
What’s one place you have not visited yet but want to?
Deep inside of Patagonia! I would love to spend a month backpacking these incredible mountains.
What is something interesting about you that we might not already know?!
I played baseball growing up and ended up pitching at the collegiate level.
What’s your most thrilling photography moment?
My most thrilling moment was witnessing one of the most spectacular sunrises of my life on top of a 14,000-foot mountain deep inside the San Juan Mountains of Colorado with a group of mountain goats just below me.
What’s your favorite image by another photographer?
“Midnight Oil” by Mac Stone. It is a photograph of a reflection in a dark pond of oils created by decaying leaves. The reflection in the water looks like the moon (but it isn’t the moon at all). It’s a masterpiece.
Who has influenced your work?
Many of my contemporaries have influenced my work, including Kane Engelbert, Sarah Marino, Alex Noriega, Jennifer Renwick, David Kingham, David Thompson, and Ron Coscorossa. They all have a quieter style that evokes emotion from more “mundane” subjects.
Were there any “ah ha” moments for you while learning photography?
In 2017, I had a big “ah-ha” moment when chasing the sunrise light in the fall at some classic locations. After several days of not getting “the photo I wanted,” I was frustrated, so I went hiking and discovered one of the most spectacular scenes I’ve ever photographed. It forced me to slow down and look for beauty all around me instead of seeking out the classic shots that have already been done before.
What do you like about post-processing?
I love how post-processing can be a way for the photographer to put their unique stamp on a scene.
Where do you look for continuing inspiration?
Photography books, podcasts, and gallery releases on my favorite photographer’s websites.
