Free Webinar:Â Â AI, Ethics, and Nature Photography: Questions and Attempted Responses
Is now the best or worst time to be a photographer? With digital cameras, sophisticated software, and the ease of sharing and distributing our work, the possibilities are endless. On the other hand, with a few prompts and clicks, AI-generated images can be produced that are almost indistinguishable from the work of our favorite photographers. Are we in a time of doom or a boom in creativity? Matt Payne and Beth Buelow will take on the topic from various angles, including general ethical concerns; what will keep photography relevant; AI's impact on creativity and doing business; and how to maintain the integrity of our work while leveraging available tools. We’ll explore a key question: when people say we need to, "adapt or die," how does a nature photographer "adapt" to AI without losing the core of what it means to be a nature photographer?
LIVE Webinar June 30, 2026 at 7:00 PM ET
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
To help focus the conversation on what's top of mind for you, we want your questions about AI, ethics, and photography. We'll consider your submissions and do our best to respond during the webinar.
Deadline for submissions is Monday, June 15.
Send Questions HereMeet your Instructors
Beth Buelow
Beth Buelow is a Michigan-based artist, coach, and educator specializing in abstract and minimalist photography. Beth's creative philosophy is simple: If you’re not amazed, you’re not paying attention. Her work doesn’t fit into one genre or subject, as she aims to reflect the incredible world around us. Inspired by Walt Whitman’s words, "I am large, I contain multitudes," Beth's photography explores themes of calm, order, mystery, balance, and experimentation. These elements may seem at odds, but they reflect her playful approach to creativity.
Her podcast, “Pixels,” features conversations with leading photographers, exploring the heart and art of photography. Beth is the author of “The Introvert Entrepreneur: Amplify Your Strengths and Create Success on Your Own Terms.”
She’s been coaching since 2008 and is a Professional Certified Coach, recognized by the International Coaching Federation.
Meet Matt Payne
Matt Payne is a nature and landscape photographer based in Durango, Colorado. Raised among the state’s rugged peaks, his early adventures as a climber and mountaineer—culminating in summiting Colorado’s 100 highest mountains—inspired a deep connection with wild places. Over time, photography became his way to express that connection, capturing the grandeur and fragility of remote landscapes.
Matt is a strong advocate for ethical and realistic photography. He co-founded Nature First Photography to promote responsible practices and co-created the Natural Landscape Photography Awards, which celebrate integrity in landscape imagery. Through his podcast, F-Stop Collaborate and Listen, he explores photography, conservation, and creativity with voices from around the world.
For Matt, photography is more than image-making—it’s about honoring nature, telling authentic stories, and inspiring others to protect the places that move us.
