In this episode of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, host Matt Payne talks with New England-based photographer and hiker Mike Weinhold about balancing the goals of list hiking with the creative process of nature photography. Mike shares his journey from a casual hiker to completing the New Hampshire 48 (the state’s 48 mountains over 4,000 feet) while always carrying his camera, navigating the tension between summiting for the checklist and slowing down for great images. They discuss motivations behind list hiking, its upsides and controversies, and how long-term projects shape one’s work and connection to the outdoors. Mike also delves into managing family life, curating large photo archives, the importance of intention in the photographic process, and blending writing with images to create deeper stories. The episode ends with thoughts on community, growth, and keeping passion alive even with a busy life and young children.

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