Matt Payne

Matt Payne (USA) is a nature and landscape photographer, mountaineer and podcaster based in Durango, Colorado. A fifth-generation Coloradan, Matt grew up exploring the rugged mountains around him, developing a deep connection with nature that continues to shape both his photography and way of life.

Matt initially experienced the landscape as a climber, driven by the challenge of reaching Colorado’s highest summits. After completing all of the state’s fourteeners in 2012 and the 100 highest mountains in Colorado in 2018, his relationship with the mountains gradually changed. Rather than simply reaching the summit, he wanted to slow down and capture the beauty, scale and sense of solitude that had inspired him along the way.

As the host of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, Matt connects with photographers and industry leaders around the world through thoughtful conversations about creativity, ethics, conservation and the challenges facing landscape photography. He is also a co-founder of Nature First: The Alliance for Responsible Nature Photography, promoting practices that place the well-being of nature above the photograph.

Matt is also a co-creator of the Natural Landscape Photography Awards, an international competition celebrating photographers committed to realistic representation and transparent editing practices. Through his photography, podcasting and community work, he encourages others to build a more meaningful relationship with the landscape while approaching nature with honesty, curiosity and care.