The Nerdy Photographer Podcast

Nerdy Photographer
  • 5.0 (21)
  • 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. 3d ago

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. Apr 2

    Is Photography Still a Viable Career? The Shifting State of the Industry

    The photography industry isn't "dying." But it is changing, and it is doing so QUICKLY. In this episode of The Nerdy Photographer Podcast, we talk with industry icon, Joe McNally, and take an honest look at the seismic shifts happening in photography right now: technology, AI, oversaturation, social media economics, shifting client expectations, and what it actually takes to get started today. The industry isn't collapsing. It's restructuring. Episode Promos Adorama - https://nerdyphotographer.com/recommends/adorama/ Stylecloud Website Templates - https://stylecloud.co/ref/380/ On1 Photo Editing Software - https://nerdyphotographer.com/recommends/on1/ 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! Tell your friends about the podcast Sign up for the newsletter - https://nerdyphotographer.com/newsletter Subscribe to our YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@CaseyFatchett 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://nerdyphoto.dashery.com If you're feeling extra generous, check out our support page - https://nerdyphotographer.com/support-nerdy-photographer/ About My Guest Joe McNally is an internationally acclaimed, award-winning photographer whose prolific career includes assignments in nearly 70 countries. McNally is often described as: Authentic, articulate, an exceptional technical photographer whose varied skill set means he is called upon often for the "unusual" or "challenging" job. But no job is too big or too small for McNally because he loves photographing anything or anyone interesting in front of his lens. Joe McNally is also known world-wide for his unmatched visual creativeness and extraordinary imagination. He is calm under pressure and excels in the field whether it is a portrait of a celebrity or corporate CEO to an unwieldy fashion shoot with a crew of 60. Joe McNally's credit list includes FIVE covers of the National Geographic, (amongst an overall 15 coverages for the magazine), SEVEN Covers of Life Magazine and FOUR successful Olympic coverages. McNally has also climbed the Empire State Building 4x and the Burj Khalifa tower 2x. A proud Nikon Ambassador, he is the rare photographer to make the bridge between photojournalism and commercial photography and has the distinct ability to come away with a photograph no matter the twist or turns he might encounter on assignment. You can find Joe on Instagram @joemcnallyphoto or check out his new community for photographers https://betterpictureswithjoe.com (use promo code 26POD to save!) 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 13m

  8. Mar 19

    Casting Light and Shadow: Photography as a Modern Form of Magic

    Is photography a form of magic? In this episode of The Nerdy Photographer, we explore how art transforms the unseen into something tangible. From photographing witch-centric and paranormal businesses to using intuition, ritual, and atmosphere in the creative process, this conversation dives deep into the mystical side of photography. If you believe art is more than just technique, this episode is for you. Why This Conversation Matters At a time when photography is often reduced to trends, algorithms, and performance metrics, this episode is a reminder that art still has the power to be mysterious, personal, and transformative. Photography doesn't just show us what is. At its best, it invites us to consider what might be. Episode Promos This episode contains promos for: On1 Photo Raw - https://nerdyphotographer.com/recommends/on1/ Siteground Web Hosting - https://aftershoot.com/?ref=nerdyphoto StyleCloud WP Website Themes - https://stylecloud.co/ref/380/ Adorama - https://nerdyphotographer.com/recommends/adorama 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 and tell your friends - sharing is caring! Sign up for the newsletter - https://nerdyphotographer.com/newsletter Subscribe to our YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@CaseyFatchett 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://nerdyphoto.dashery.com If you're feeling extra generous, check out our support page - https://nerdyphotographer.com/support-nerdy-photographer/ About My Guest A lifelong photographer, Justine J. Kenahan started her photography journey as a teen and focused her studies in college on art and communication. While balancing a career in advertising, she created Piquant Photo as a freelance business in order to fulfill her dream of being a professional artist. She is motivated by capturing the authenticity of her subjects and telling visual stories of truth, magic, passion, and personal power. Her work often explores the intersections of fashion and identity, as well as women-centric motifs and metaphysical themes. Justine has taught workshops, worked with brands and influencers, and has been featured in various publications and galleries locally and nationally. Outside of photography, Justine shares her life with her husband, young daughter, and beloved dog. She enjoys boating, food, and catching up on TV shows. You can learn more about Justine and view her work at https://piquantphoto.com & https://inhermagic.com 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 9m
See All (206)

Trailer

5
out of 5
21 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
    206
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © https://nerdyphotographer.com/podcast-copyright-information/
  • Show Website
    The Nerdy Photographer Podcast

You Might Also Like