Creative Banter

Ben recently came back from his Fall trip to Zion National Park, bringing with him a few thoughts worth discussing, as well as some lessons learned. We also managed to find some time to discuss two Discord topics related to printmaking and the procedures within. LINKS Chamonix Alpinist X iPhone SOS & Rollercoasters Michael Strickland Micron Pigment 02 Pens Landscape Photographers Worldwide Dis...

Over on the Discord server, photographer Jay Tayag begs the question whether photography is considered an art or a craft, which led to quite an interesting discussion, though no solid answer may ever be etched in stone. After rambling on a bit, we found ourselves talking about electric vehicles and what the future may hold. LINKS Jay Tayag An Artist's Journey - On Landscape Article Ben's eBook Riv...

This week, we allocate most of our discussion toward zines and journals. Sparked by Ben’s recent trip to the Sierra Nevada, and his experiences there, we have seemingly come up with a fresh take on exploring new-to-us locations. LINKS Moleskin Journals Craig Mod - Walking Rules SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Our Patreon Join The Discussion Save 10% on your Nature Photographers Network membership Use offer...

This week, we are discussing the realities of being a full-time photographer, as pointed by a recent video from Thomas Heaton. This shifts us toward discussing our own approaches to heading into the wilderness, including whether we should take trips without our camera from time to time. We end with two topic suggestions as placed by individuals in the Discord group. LINKS Leica Rumors M6 Heaton Vi...

I recently made my way down to Washington DC for the first time in a few years to see an exhibition of Robert Adams’ photography. Adams is a wonderfully inspiring photographer whose work is unlike most I look at anymore. In other words, he isn’t solely focused on nature. This got me thinking quite a bit about my own work, both in terms of print sizes (like usual) and subject matter. After a bit of...

In this week’s episode, our conversation is driven by thoughts on composition and visual theory. We talk about the unfortunate attitudes had revolving around compositional rules, which have the potential of harming one’s creativity. We then speak on wet plate photography, which leads us to talking a bit about orthocromatic film. And if that isn’t enough, we also speak a bit about footwear, leaving...

There have been two announcements regarding new film cameras which caught my eye recently, though neither of them are within an affordable price range. Still, it’s nice to see new film equipment being released in 2022. Our primary interest in the episode, however, regards Peter Jackson’s comment on hypnosis and how he wishes he could have forgotten all the inner workings of the Lord of the Rings m...

This week, I am joined by special guest Murray Livingston. We discuss photographing in black and white, alternative printing processes, and how our work changes when pursuing specific projects, rather than single images.  LINKS Murray Livingston's Website Tim Carpenter Book Matt Day - Monochrome Books SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Our Patreon Save 10% on your Nature Photographers Network membership U...

After explaining a bit about why I had to cancel my September trip to Acadia - which I should have been leaving for this upcoming Sunday already - we move the conversation to something a bit more important in the long-run: paper choice. This ties sweetly into what we were talking about in Episode Sixteen, Environmental Impact. Clearly that episode has made an impact on my own thinking. And while s...

For the past two weeks, Ben and I have attempted to speak on the idea of titles, such as landscape versus wilderness photographer. Well, we finally got around to it. This led to talk about the professional versus amateur designations, as well as the starving artist trope.  LINKS Ben's 2022 Print Portfolio Nikon Z9 'Pre-Release' - Petapixel Article Real Artists Don't Starve by Jeff Goins SUPPO...

This week, as we battle the heat, we thought it apt to discuss our environmental impact as photographers. This led us into discussing Ben's new print portfolios, as he's made alterations to lessen the waste. And, of course, we found ourselves shifting topics a bit to that of money and motivation.  LINKS Carbon Footprint Calculator Ben's 2022 Print Portfolio Tyndell Brooks Jensen Folios Thomas...

From our Patreon officially launching to naming photographs, to limited editions and the idea of too many photographs, there's a lot to unpack in this episode. So buckle up, grab a cup of coffee...and let's dive right into it, shall we?  LINKS F-Stop Collaborate and Listen Podcast Richard Boutwell Ben's 2022 Print Portfolio Cole Thompson SUPPORT THE SHOW Join Our Patreon Save 10% on your Natu...

In talking about Guy Tal's More Than A Rock , Ben and I find ourselves thinking about success and the idea of fading into obscurity.  LINKS Patreon Daniel Egger More Than A Rock by Guy Tal Clyde Butcher BeReal PetaPixel Article Vero Grainery Nature Photographers Network Save 10% on your Nature Photographers Network membership Use offer code CODY10 at https://www.naturephotographers.network/?r...

Today, we discuss a bit about music - how it affects us and the power it has to transport us into the past. We also speak on delayed gratification and the idea behind organizing chaos in our photography.  LINKS Patreon   Save 10% on your Nature Photographers Network membership Use offer code HORNE10 at https://www.naturephotographers.network/?ref=benhorne CONNECT WITH BEN Website: https:...

Today, we are discussing how we change. Not necessarily as artists but, rather, how we change as we grow older, from being a kid to an adult. This goes hand-in-hand with the realization that the mental difference isn't so straightforward, isn't so exact. We also speak a bit about mental health and the consequences it has on how we change, as well.  LINKS Kodak 35mm 1/2 Frame Holga 120 Ben AMA...

In this episode, we discuss my latest trip to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, including a pretty...uhm, interesting experience. We also talk about backpacking gear, as well as how to stay clean on extended trips.  LINKS Print Shop - Help Fund A New Bag ZPacks Tarptent On Landscape Magazine Tim Parkin Snowpeak Lightweight Stove Save 10% on your Nature Photographers Network membership...

In this episode, we discuss a bit about developing black and white film, along with Ben's continued interest in the medium. Further, we talk about how we learn and how mistakes ultimately help us to improve, both in life and photography. LINKS Cody's Group Photo Caffenol.org Stearman Press 8x10 Mat Marrash Ryan Gillespie Sean Tucker Save 10% on your Nature Photographers Network membership Use offe...

In this episode, Ben and I discuss the monetization of photography projects - specifically through Patreon - along with our influences through landscape photography, and how we can use jealousy as motivation, rather than allowing it to bring us down.  LINKS Ansel Adams Eliot Porter Guy Tal Joel Truckenbrod Simon Baxter Michael Fatali Philip Hyde Desert Solitaire by Edward Abbey Canyon Wren Wi...

In this week's episode, Ben and I discuss the principles of location sharing, the destruction of old prints, and my personal yearning for intimate prints. Also, there's something I have to admit, regarding last week's episode.  LINKS Therm-A-Rest Uberlite Monolith Utah Nature First Marie Kondo Edward Weston Jack Lowe Michael Kenna David Rathbone Saw & Mitre Joel Truckenbrod John Foxe Shee...

In this episode, Ben and I discuss what it means to be a full time photographer, what it's actually like as compared to how it appears on social media, and how it affects our creativity and mental state, specifically when it comes to burnout and the apparent glorification of it.  LINKS Scott Walton Gary Vaynerchuk Save 10% on your Nature Photographers Network membership Use offer code HORNE10...

In this episode, Ben and I discuss the morality of manipulating landscape photographs, my new venture with Nature Photographers Network, and the pricing of artwork.  LINKS Nature Photographers Network Detritus by Cody Schultz Eternal Optimist by Ben Horne African Child with Buzzard/Vulture Symphony in Green by Ben Horne Leaves & Frost by Ben Horne Michael Strickland David Brookover Clyde...

In this episode, we discuss Ben's recent spring trip to the backwoods of Utah, and how our appreciation for nature improves as we learn the intimacies of the location.  LINKS Fitbit Where the Crawdads Sing Loren J. Root Jim Becia Alex Burke PetaPixel Article Gregory Backpacks Chamonix View Cameras CONNECT WITH BEN Website: https://www.benhorne.com Twitter: @benhorne Instagram: @benhorne YouTu...

In this episode, Ben and I discuss the passage of time and how it relates to various aspects of photography: from breaking out of a routine; to long term goals; to hanging it all up at the end of the day.  LINKS John Mayer On Landscape - Cody's Articles Kozu - Ben's Book Simon Baxter's Book Christopher Burkett Jeffery Saddoris CONNECT WITH BEN Website: https://www.benhorne.com Twitter: @benho...

In this episode, Ben and I discuss the idea of starting fresh with our photography, based upon a pull I have felt since going back to large format film after a few months with digital. We speak on connecting more deeply to nature - including using our senses while in the wild - and how large format is conducive to this deeper connection. LINKS Ben's eBook Store Guy Tal Sarah Marino CONNECT WITH BE...

In this episode, Ben and I speak on the editing of film and how there is a certain trust within the process, especially when it comes to traditional darkroom printmaking. Branching from this, we speak on expectations, along with how they can often ruin your experience while in the wilderness.  LINKS Bruce Percy Michael Kenna Edward Weston's Darkroom On Expectations Ben's eBook Store Cole Thom...