The Nerdy Photographer Podcast

Nerdy Photographer
  • 5.0 (22)
  • Visual Arts
  • Updated Biweekly

Host Casey Fatchett brings an often humorous look at the photography industry, offering advice, telling stories, and interviewing working photographers - all while going on adventures with the crew of the starship Fibonacci. He's also sure to include just a little bit of useless information in every episode.

  1. 6d ago

    174 - The "Why" Behind Your Aperture – Beyond the Bokeh

    Many photographers learn aperture in two steps: wide for blur, narrow for sharpness. It's a reasonable starting point, but it skips the physics that actually determines how sharp your images are, and it leads to a habit that's quietly costing you image quality. And if you know anything about me at this point, you know I'm down for a physics discussion. We start with diffraction — the optical phenomenon that makes f/22 softer than f/8, even though everything is technically "in focus." When light is forced through a tiny aperture opening, it bends and spreads rather than travelling cleanly to the sensor. The result is a subtle mushiness that no amount of post-processing sharpening can fully recover, because the data simply wasn't captured cleanly in the first place. From there we cover the aperture sweet spot — the range, typically two to three stops from wide open, where most lenses perform at their sharpest from corner to corner. This varies by lens, which is why the episode homework is designed to help you find your specific lens's optimal aperture rather than relying on a general rule. Finally, we tackle one of the most persistent myths in photography: lens compression. Longer focal lengths don't actually compress a scene — distance does. Understanding why changes how you think about lens choice for portraits and environmental shots. Support The Nerdy Photographer Sign Up for The Power Up - https://nerdyphotographer.com/newsletter Get some artwork from the print shop - https://art.caseyfphoto.com Buy some Nerdy Photographer Merch - https://nerdyphoto.dashery.com Use our link to buy new gear from Adorama - https://nerdyphotographer.com/recommends/adorama Use our link to buy used gear from KEH - https://nerdyphotographer.com/recommends/keh Follow along with us on social media @thenerdyphoto About The Podcast The Nerdy Photographer Podcast is written and produced by Casey Fatchett. Casey is a professional photographer in the New York City / Northern New Jersey with more than 20 years of experience. He just wants to help people and make them laugh. You can view Casey's wedding work at https://fatchett.com or his non-wedding work at https://caseyfatchettphotography.com    If you have any questions or comments about this episode or any other episodes, OR if you would like to ask a photography related question or have ideas for a topic for a future episode, please reach out to us at https://nerdyphotographer.com/contact

    10 min

  2. Jun 25

    Building What Didn't Exist: Creating Space for Black Women in Nature Photography

    Nature photography is often associated with solitude, exploration, and connection to the outdoors. But for many photographers, especially Black women, entering those spaces hasn't always been welcoming - or safe. In this episode of The Nerdy Photographer Podcast, I sit down with wildlife and nature photographer Angela Ledyard to discuss the importance of representation in outdoor photography, building community, and creating spaces where more Black women feel encouraged to explore nature photography. We also talk about Angela's own photographic journey, the evolution of her work, and the long solo trips she takes in pursuit of wildlife and landscape images. Why Representation in Nature Photography Matters For decades, outdoor and wildlife photography spaces have lacked diversity in visibility, leadership, and community support. Angela discusses how that absence affects participation.  It affects who feels comfortable entering these spaces and who sees photography as being 'for them. Creating visibility matters because people often need to see themselves reflected somewhere before they feel they belong there. Through her work and community-building efforts, Angela is helping redefine what nature photography spaces can look like. Why Visibility Changes Possibility One of the most meaningful ideas from this episode is simple: visibility expands possibility. When photographers see others who look like them succeeding in a space, it changes what feels achievable. Angela's work not only creates photographs - it creates permission! Permission to explore, travel, take up space, and pursue creative work in environments that may have felt inaccessible. That impact extends far beyond photography itself. Episode Promos Siteground Web Hosting - https://siteground.com/go/nerdy Stylecloud Website Templates - https://stylecloud.co/ref/380/ On1 Photo Editing Software - https://nerdyphotographer.com/recommends/on1/ Aftershoot AI Culling, Editing, and Retouching - https://aftershoot.com/?ref=nerdyphoto Support The Nerdy Photographer Sign Up for The Power Up - https://nerdyphotographer.com/newsletter Get some artwork from the print shop - https://art.caseyfphoto.com Buy some Nerdy Photographer Merch - https://nerdyphoto.dashery.com Use our link to buy new gear from Adorama - https://nerdyphotographer.com/recommends/adorama Use our link to buy used gear from KEH - https://nerdyphotographer.com/recommends/keh Follow along with us on social media @thenerdyphoto About My Guest Angela Ledyard is a nature and wildlife photographer whose work focuses on birds, landscapes, macro subjects, and the quiet details of the natural world. Her photography is shaped by a deep love of travel, exploration, and time spent outdoors, with images inspired by experiences across the United States, Alaska, Puerto Rico, and parts of South america. She is especially drawn to moments that connect beauty, behavior, and place. In addition to creating her own work, Angela has led photography tours on the West Coast and in Alaska, helping others slow down, observe more deeply, and build confidence behind the camera. Through her photography, travel, and storytelling, she aims to inspire curiosity, connection, and appreciation for the natural world. You can view Angela's work on her Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/angelaledyard.photography/ - or connect with her on her Youtube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/c/AngelaLedyard About The Podcast The Nerdy Photographer Podcast is written and produced by Casey Fatchett. Casey is a professional photographer in the New York City / Northern New Jersey with more than 20 years of experience. He just wants to help people and make them laugh. You can view Casey's work at https://caseyfphoto.com   If you have any questions or comments about this episode or any other episodes, OR if you would like to ask a photography related question or have ideas for a topic for a future episode, please reach out to us at https://nerdyphotographer.com/contact

    1h 12m

  3. Jun 11

    The Power of Black & White: Your Photo Archive Through the Monochrome Lens

    Most photographers have thousands, or even tens of thousands, of forgotten images sitting on hard drives. But what if some of your best work is already there, waiting to be rediscovered? In this episode of The Nerdy Photographer Podcast, I sit down with photographer Ian Plant to discuss the process of revisiting a massive photographic archive and selecting images to convert into black and white. What begins as a conversation about monochrome photography quickly becomes something deeper: a discussion about how changing the way you see an image can completely transform the way you evaluate your work. Why Revisit Your Photography Archive? Most photographers move forward constantly - new shoots, new gear, new edits, new projects. Rarely do we stop and revisit older work with fresh eyes. Ian discusses the surprising experience of combing through tens of thousands of images and realizing that photographs overlooked years ago suddenly carried new emotional or artistic weight when viewed differently. Distance matters. As photographers grow creatively, their ability to recognize strong composition, light, texture, mood, and storytelling evolves too. Images that once seemed ordinary may reveal entirely new potential years later. Key Takeaways from the Episode Your archive may contain some of your strongest unseen work Time and distance can completely change how you evaluate images Black and white photography emphasizes composition, light, and emotion Revisiting older work helps refine your creative voice Not every image needs color to be powerful Episode Promos Learn photography at your own pace - https://nerdyphotographer.com/learn StyleCloud Photography Website Templates - https://stylecloud.co/ref/380/ Siteground Web Hosting - https://siteground.com/go/nerdy Luminar NEO Photo Editing Software - https://nerdyphotographer.com/recommends/luminar Support The Nerdy Photographer Sign Up for The Power Up - https://nerdyphotographer.com/newsletter Get some artwork from the print shop - https://art.caseyfphoto.com Buy some Nerdy Photographer Merch - https://nerdyphoto.dashery.com Use our link to buy new gear from Adorama - https://nerdyphotographer.com/recommends/adorama Use our link to buy used gear from KEH - https://nerdyphotographer.com/recommends/keh Follow along with us on social media @thenerdyphoto About My Guest Whether hanging over the rim of an active volcano or braving the elements to photograph critically endangered species, Ian Plant has spent the past two decades traveling the globe in his never-ending quest to capture the beauty of our world with his camera. Ian has reached hundreds of thousands of people in his mission to inspire and educate others in the art of photography. Ian is the author of dozens of books and instructional videos, an instructor for KelbyOne and other photography education outlets, and founder of Photo Masters, a site dedicated to photography education and inspiration. You can view Ian's work on his website Ianplant.com - learn from Ian at photomasters.com - or find him on Instagram @ianplantphoto About The Podcast The Nerdy Photographer Podcast is written and produced by Casey Fatchett. Casey is a professional photographer in the New York City / Northern New Jersey with more than 20 years of experience. He just wants to help people and make them laugh. You can view Casey's wedding work at https://fatchett.com or his non-wedding work at https://caseyfatchettphotography.com    If you have any questions or comments about this episode or any other episodes, OR if you would like to ask a photography related question or have ideas for a topic for a future episode, please reach out to us at https://nerdyphotographer.com/contact

    1 hr

  4. Jun 4 ·  Bonus

    Colorizing an Icon - The Danziger Gallery's Moonrise Controversy

    Some stories in the art world land with a quiet thud and then just keep reverberating louder and louder. The decision by Danziger Gallery to display, and sell, an AI-colorized version of Ansel Adams' Moonrise, Hernandez, New Mexico at this year's AIPAD Photography Show in New York is one of those stories. It touches something raw about authorship, consent, the art market's relationship with living artists, and the particular discomfort of watching a technology reshape the legacy of someone who can no longer speak for themselves. I sat down with Helen Stoilas — former Contributing Editor at The Art Newspaper and current freelance art journalist, who has reported on political and social issues affecting artists and institutions since 2003 — to work through what actually happened and what it means.  Helen brings her long experience covering the art market and artist rights to all of this — including where this fits in the broader pattern of AI entering spaces built by and for human artists, and what the art world's institutions are and aren't equipped to do about it. You can check out more of Helen's work at https://helenstoilas.com or listen to her podcast at https://yourenofun.com/ Support The Nerdy Photographer Sign Up for The Power Up - https://nerdyphotographer.com/newsletter Get some artwork from the print shop - https://art.caseyfphoto.com Buy some Nerdy Photographer Merch - https://nerdyphoto.dashery.com Use our link to buy new gear from Adorama - https://nerdyphotographer.com/recommends/adorama Use our link to buy used gear from KEH - https://nerdyphotographer.com/recommends/keh Follow along with us on social media @thenerdyphoto About The Podcast The Nerdy Photographer Podcast is written and produced by Casey Fatchett. Casey is a professional photographer in the New York City / Northern New Jersey with more than 20 years of experience. He just wants to help people and make them laugh. You can view Casey's wedding work at https://fatchett.com or his non-wedding work at https://caseyfatchettphotography.com    If you have any questions or comments about this episode or any other episodes, OR if you would like to ask a photography related question or have ideas for a topic for a future episode, please reach out to us at https://nerdyphotographer.com/contact

    39 min

  5. May 28

    Why Imperfection Is Becoming the Most Powerful Style in Photography

    In a time when photography is more accessible, and more polished, than ever, something unexpected is happening: imperfection is making a comeback. In this episode of The Nerdy Photographer Podcast, I sit down with wedding photographer Inbal Sivan to talk about the growing appeal of the imperfect aesthetic, and why what feels like a "trend" is actually a return to something much deeper and more human. But this conversation goes far beyond style. It's about voice, influence, and how photographers can create meaningful work in a world flooded with images. Is Imperfection Really a Trend? From film grain overlays to motion blur, unconventional composition, and raw, unpolished moments, the "imperfect" look is everywhere right now. But as Inbal points out, this isn't new. Photography has always had space for imperfection—whether in documentary work, early film limitations, or expressive portraiture. What we're seeing now is less of a trend and more of a reaction: a pushback against overly curated, hyper-polished imagery dominating social media. The real question isn't why imperfection is popular - it's why perfection became the default in the first place. Episode Promos This episode includes promos for the following: Let's Be Real Unposed Photography Prompts Stylecloud Website Templates Nerdy Photographer Contract Templates Aftershoot AI Culling, Editing, and Retouching Support the Podcast There are many ways you can support The Nerdy Photographer Podcast: Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform! Sign up for our newsletter Use our affiliate link to buy from Amazon – if you are going to be there anyway, help us out Shop our store for photography resources – from contracts to prompts and more! Buy Nerdy Photographer merchandise – this stuff makes you look both cool and nerdy! Make a Donation – just because you want to show us how much you care About My Guest Inbal Has Been A Full-Time Wedding Photographer Since 2008, Following Graduating With A Degree In Photography From The School Of Visual Arts In New York And Several Years Of Teaching Photography At The College Level. Inbal's Fine Art Work Has Been Exhibited Nationally And Published Internationally. A Lighting Specialist, She Has Been Invited To Speak At Conferences About Her Lighting Techniques, Most Recently At Wedding MBA In Las Vegas. Inbal Has Won Dozens Of Awards For Her Wedding Photography, Notably From Fearless Photographers And WPJA As Well As Others. You can view Inbal's work at www.inbalsivan.com or on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/inbalsivanphoto/ About The Podcast The Nerdy Photographer Podcast is written and produced by Casey Fatchett. Casey is a professional photographer in the New York City / Northern New Jersey with more than 20 years of experience. He just wants to help people and make them laugh. You can view Casey's wedding work at https://fatchett.com or his non-wedding work at https://caseyfatchettphotography.com    If you have any questions or comments about this episode or any other episodes, OR if you would like to ask a photography related question or have ideas for a topic for a future episode, please reach out to us at https://nerdyphotographer.com/contact

    1h 45m

  6. May 14

    From the Midwest to NYC With No Degree: A Self-Taught Photographer's Journey

    What does it take to completely reinvent yourself as a photographer? In this episode of The Nerdy Photographer Podcast, I sit down with photographer Steve Vaccariello to explore a career path that's anything but conventional. Steve's journey spans from the highly technical world of medical photography and the storytelling demands of photojournalism in Ohio to the fast-paced, creative landscape of portrait, fashion, beauty, and dance photography in New York City. This conversation dives into what it really means to be self-taught; and how curiosity, persistence, and adaptability can shape a long-term creative career. Episode Promos This episode includes promos for the following: Siteground Web Hosting - https://siteground.com/go/nerdy Nerdy Photographer Contract Templates - https://nerdyphotographer.com/product-tag/contracts/ Aftershoot AI Culling, Editing, and Retouching - https://aftershoot.com/?ref=nerdyphoto The Power Up - a newsletter for photographers looking to level up their photography game! - https://nerdyphotographer.com/newsletter About My Guest "Steve Vaccariello is not just a photographer; he embodies the art of photography itself. "Photography isn't what I do; it's what I am," he asserts with conviction. For Vaccariello, the essence of his craft lies in the image, transcending mere technique or fleeting trends. He invites viewers to discover the beauty in simplicity, capturing the often-overlooked moments that reveal the extraordinary in the ordinary. His vivid and sensual imagery is characterized by suggestive lighting, evocative shadow play, and innovative printing methods. Vaccariello's work delves into the realms of ethereal beauty and physical expression, artfully exploring the nuances of form and the spectrum of emotional depth. "I'm a purist at heart," he explains, emphasizing his commitment to the foundational elements of photography—camera, light, and composition—striving for a unique yet timeless aesthetic. Vaccariello's artistry has garnered significant recognition, including a feature in the highly esteemed relaunch issue of Nikon World, which showcased him as a leading figure in contemporary photography. His work has also graced the pages of prominent publications such as Digital Pro Photo, American Photographer, PDN, and Nikon World. An award-winning photographer, his images have been included in several influential books, including the best-selling "The Male Nude" (Taschen, 1998), "A Thousand Hounds" (Taschen, 2000), and "Graphis Nudes III" (Graphis, 2000). His striking prints are coveted by notable collectors, including Bruce Weber, Mark Balet, and Kevin Aucoin, as well as the esteemed contemporary art collection of Progressive Insurance. Vaccariello's work is also part of the permanent archives at the Leslie Lohman Gay Art Foundation. Born in Cleveland in 1965, Vaccariello now calls New York home, where he continues to create and travel extensively for assignments around the globe. Through his lens, he invites us to see the world anew, celebrating the delicate interplay of light and form that defines our shared human experience." You can view Steve's work on his website - www.stevevacc.com - or on Instagram - https://instagram.com/steve_vacc and https://instagram.com/steve.vacc About The Podcast The Nerdy Photographer Podcast is written and produced by Casey Fatchett. Casey is a professional photographer in the New York City / Northern New Jersey with more than 20 years of experience. He just wants to help people and make them laugh. You can view Casey's wedding work at https://fatchett.com or his non-wedding work at https://caseyfatchettphotography.com    If you have any questions or comments about this episode or any other episodes, OR if you would like to ask a photography related question or have ideas for a topic for a future episode, please reach out to us at https://nerdyphotographer.com/contact

    1h 17m

  7. Apr 30

    Scrolling Ourselves Numb: Photography, Identity, and Social Media Addiction

    Social media has completely reshaped what it means to be a visual storyteller. Images travel faster, reach wider audiences, and generate instant feedback, but at a cost many photographers are only beginning to understand. In this episode of The Nerdy Photographer Podcast, we unpack the complex relationship photographers have with social media today. From chasing algorithms to questioning the value of our work through likes and shares, this conversation examines how storytelling has changed, and how social media addiction quietly creeps into the creative process. Being a visual storyteller today means navigating more than light, composition, and subject matter. It means managing attention, mental health, and identity in a system designed to keep you scrolling. This episode of The Nerdy Photographer Podcast is an honest conversation about the emotional and creative realities photographers face, and a reminder that meaning doesn't come from algorithms. Episode Promos On1 Photo Raw - https://nerdyphotographer.com/recommends/on1/ Aftershoot AI Culling, Editing, and Retouching - https://aftershoot.com/?ref=nerdyphoto StyleCloud WP Website Themes - https://stylecloud.co/ref/380/ Siteground Web Hosting - https://siteground.com/go/nerdy Support The Nerdy Photographer Want to help The Nerdy Photographer Podcast? Here are a few simple (and mostly free) ways you can do that: Subscribe to the podcast and tell your friends to listen Sign up for the newsletter - https://nerdyphotographer.com/newsletter Buy a print from the print shop - https://art.caseyfphoto.com Follow on Instagram - https://instagram.com/thenerdyphoto Follow on Threads - https://threads.net/@thenerdyphoto Follow on BlueSky - https://bsky.app/profile/thenerdyphoto.bsky.social Follow in Tiktok - https://tiktok.com/@thenerdyphoto Get some Nerdy Photographer merchandise - https://www.teepublic.com/stores/nerdy-photographer If you're feeling extra generous, check out our support page - https://nerdyphotographer.com/support-nerdy-photographer/ About My Guest "I'm a London-based photographer, videographer, and visual storyteller with a love for street, travel, and urban photography. I'm drawn to everyday moments, movement, and atmosphere, and I try to capture photos in a way that feels cinematic, honest, and human." You can view Anthony's work on his website - https://anthonyrosner.com - or on Instagram @antronoid. You can also view his gaming documentary on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrKjNwejhfg About The Podcast The Nerdy Photographer Podcast is written and produced by Casey Fatchett. Casey is a professional photographer in the New York City / Northern New Jersey with more than 20 years of experience. He just wants to help people and make them laugh. You can view Casey's work at https://caseyfphoto.com   If you have any questions or comments about this episode or any other episodes, OR if you would like to ask a photography related question or have ideas for a topic for a future episode, please reach out to us at https://nerdyphotographer.com/contact

    1h 23m

  8. Apr 16

    Photographing What's Real: Film, Trust, and Truth

    In an industry often driven by trends, shot lists, and repeatable formulas, wedding photographer John Dolan has built a career by doing the opposite: showing up with an open mind, a few film cameras, and a deep respect for what actually unfolds on a wedding day. In this episode of The Nerdy Photographer Podcast, John and I dig into what it really means to be "true" to a couple's experience. Rather than manufacturing moments or chasing perfection, John approaches weddings as a blank slate, allowing the day to reveal itself organically. That philosophy carries through every aspect of his work, from how he interacts with couples to his continued commitment to shooting film in an overwhelmingly digital world. If you're a wedding photographer feeling burned out by formulas, overwhelmed by the pressure to perform for social media, or simply curious about a more honest, grounded approach to storytelling, this episode offers a refreshing reminder: you don't need to invent meaning - sometimes your job is just to notice it. Episode Promos This episode includes promos for the following: Siteground Web Hosting - https://siteground.com/go.nerdy Stylecloud Website Templates - https://stylecloud.co/ref/380/ Luminar NEO Image Editing Software - https://nerdyphotographer.com/recommends/luminar Aftershoot AI Culling, Editing, and Retouching - https://aftershoot.com/?ref=nerdyphoto Support The Nerdy Photographer Want to help The Nerdy Photographer Podcast? Here are a few simple (and mostly free) ways you can do that: Subscribe to the podcast and tell your friends (and enemies!) Sign up for the newsletter - https://nerdyphotographer.com/newsletter Buy a print from the print shop - https://art.caseyfphoto.com Follow on Instagram - https://instagram.com/thenerdyphoto Follow on Threads - https://threads.net/@thenerdyphoto Follow on BlueSky - https://bsky.app/profile/thenerdyphoto.bsky.social Follow in Tiktok - https://tiktok.com/@thenerdyphoto Get some Nerdy Photographer merchandise - https://www.teepublic.com/stores/nerdy-photographer If you're feeling extra generous, check out our support page - https://nerdyphotographer.com/support-nerdy-photographer/ About My Guest John Dolan is a long time photographer. You can learn more about his book, The Perfect Imperfect on his website - https://www.johndolan.com/book-shop/p/the-perfect-imperfect-book-2nd-edition About The Podcast The Nerdy Photographer Podcast is written and produced by Casey Fatchett. Casey is a professional photographer in the New York City / Northern New Jersey with more than 20 years of experience. He just wants to help people and make them laugh. You can view Casey's wedding work at https://fatchett.com or his non-wedding work at https://caseyfatchettphotography.com    If you have any questions or comments about this episode or any other episodes, OR if you would like to ask a photography related question or have ideas for a topic for a future episode, please reach out to us at https://nerdyphotographer.com/contact

    1h 1m
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Trailer

5
out of 5
22 Ratings

About

Host Casey Fatchett brings an often humorous look at the photography industry, offering advice, telling stories, and interviewing working photographers - all while going on adventures with the crew of the starship Fibonacci. He's also sure to include just a little bit of useless information in every episode.

Information

  • Creator
    Nerdy Photographer
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    208
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © https://nerdyphotographer.com/podcast-copyright-information/
  • Show Website
    The Nerdy Photographer Podcast

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