Photography is Nothing

Episode 33 - In this episode, Zach & Courtney talk about their recent trip to the ballpark and learn about a photographer from the golden age of baseball. Charles M. Conlon photographed baseball between 1904-1941, taking absolutely gorgeous photos of some of the game’s most famous names.“Photography is nothing–it's life that interests me.” - Henri Cartier-Bresson Index0:00 - Intro: Photographers need to share their photos0:53 - Going to an Indianapolis Indians baseball game6:15 - Photos of being a spectator at the baseball game9:04 - One of the greatest baseball photographers: Charles M. Conlon12:05 - Photo of Ty Cobb sliding into third base17:49 - Portraits from the golden age of baseball by Charles Conlon24:25 - Conlon photographs Shoeless Joe Jackson w/ Black Betsy26:53 - Cornelius McGillicuddy aka Connie Mack28:16 - Rube Waddell31:14 - Charles Conlon focused on the people & personalities32:48 - Masking photos the old fashioned way40:07 - Charles Albert “Chief” Bender41:01 - Photographing players’ wives and children44:05 - Why Charles Conlon destroyed half of his negatives45:51 - Part of being a photographer is sharing your workFind ZachWebsite: https://zachdobson.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zachdobsonphoto/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zachdobsonphotoThreads: https://www.threads.com/@zachdobsonphotoFind CourtneyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/courtneymccracken_/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@happy_life_lessonsThreads: https://www.threads.com/@courtneymccracken_About the PodcastPhotography is Nothing with Zach Dobson and Courtney McCracken is a weekly conversation about photography and all its impact. Each week Zach and Courtney discuss their latest adventures, life lessons, and anything else that sounds interesting. Photography is Nothing invites you into the conversations they were already having as a married couple running a photography and media company in the current world.Fair Use StatementThis document contains copyrighted material, the use of which has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. I have determined this to be "fair use" of the copyrighted material as referenced and provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. If you wish to use any copyrighted material from this document for purposes of your own that go beyond fair use, you must obtain express permission from the copyright owner.

Episode 31 - Zach & Courtney talk about a trip to Hoeft State Park located on the beautiful shores of Lake Huron in Rogers City, Michigan. They stayed in a 1929 Sears Roebuck house just 100 yards from the beach, visited 40 Mile Point Lighthouse and Rogers City Marina, and took in a super early morning sunrise.Zach & Courtney talk about the trip, life lessons they learned, and the photos Zach took along the way.“Photography is nothing–it's life that interests me.” - Henri Cartier-Bresson Index0:00 - Intro: Adventures lead to personal growth0:55 - Visiting Lake Huron in Michigan2:32 - How to find an amazing cabin in Michigan10:55 - Courtney loves the Edmund Fitzgerald15:03 - All about the cabin at Hoeft State Park18:20 - Kids don’t care if the water is cold22:57 - Visiting Rogers City and the Marina24:10 - Zach’s favorite photo at the marina26:26 - Going fishing inland Michigan28:06 - Packing food for a whole trip29:30 - Why it’s important for families to have adventures31:36 - Our teen insisted on seeing the sunrise over Lake Huron33:50 - Visiting the 40 Mile Point Lighthouse40:27 - Telling a story in a photo41:10 - Taking a family photo during our adventuresFind ZachWebsite: https://zachdobson.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zachdobsonphoto/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zachdobsonphotoThreads: https://www.threads.com/@zachdobsonphotoFind CourtneyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/courtneymccracken_/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@happy_life_lessonsThreads: https://www.threads.com/@courtneymccracken_About the PodcastPhotography is Nothing with Zach Dobson and Courtney McCracken is a weekly conversation about photography and all its impact. Each week Zach and Courtney discuss their latest adventures, life lessons, and anything else that sounds interesting. Photography is Nothing invites you into the conversations they were already having as a married couple running a photography and media company in the current world.Fair Use StatementThis document contains copyrighted material, the use of which has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. I have determined this to be "fair use" of the copyrighted material as referenced and provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. If you wish to use any copyrighted material from this document for purposes of your own that go beyond fair use, you must obtain express permission from the copyright owner.

Zach & Courtney talk about Zach’s six selections for all-time best basketball photos. Plus, they take a look at the photography of Walter Iooss, Jr., who has photographed professional sports in 7 different decades!“Photography is nothing–it's life that interests me.” - Henri Cartier-Bresson Index0:00 - Intro - Zach didn’t know he once worked for Atlantic Records2:16 - What is the criteria for best basketball photos of all time?7:33 - Some of the most famous/infamous photos of basketball in Indiana9:57 - Wilt Chamberlain photographed by Paul Vathis. 1962.14:32 - 16 year-old Kareem Abdul-Jabber photographed by Richard Avedon. 1963.20:41 - The Big Three. Miami Heat. Photographed by Morry Gash. 2010.22:39 - NC State Championship. Photographed by Malcom Emmons. 1983.32:46 - Dennis Rodman photographed by Sam Forencich. 1997.35:20 - Michael Jordan game-winning shot photographed by Fernando Medina. 1998.44:57 - The basketball photography of Walter Iooss, Jr.58:30 - Kobe Bryant photographed by Walter Iooss, Jr.Find ZachWebsite: https://zachdobson.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zachdobsonphoto/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zachdobsonphotoThreads: https://www.threads.com/@zachdobsonphotoFind CourtneyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/courtneymccracken_/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@happy_life_lessonsThreads: https://www.threads.com/@courtneymccracken_About the PodcastPhotography is Nothing with Zach Dobson and Courtney McCracken is a weekly conversation about photography and all its impact. Each week Zach and Courtney discuss their latest adventures, life lessons, and anything else that sounds interesting. Photography is Nothing invites you into the conversations they were already having as a married couple running a photography and media company in the current world.Fair Use StatementThis document contains copyrighted material, the use of which has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. I have determined this to be "fair use" of the copyrighted material as referenced and provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. If you wish to use any copyrighted material from this document for purposes of your own that go beyond fair use, you must obtain express permission from the copyright owner.

Zach & Courtney take the family to the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Indianapolis, IN. They talk about the experience while looking through Zach’s documentary photography from the event. Courtney tells Zach what she learned about Irish photographer Jane Shackleton (1843-1909) and they go through some of her photos together.“Photography is nothing–it's life that interests me.” - Henri Cartier-Bresson Index0:00 - Courtney wants to talk with Irish people0:56 - Zach, Courtney, and family at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade2:40 - Where do you get a St. Patrick’s Day suit?4:49 - How do you get access to photograph a parade?8:15 - Photographing the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Indianapolis23:36 - Making sure to get a family photo at every event24:46 - Courtney’s advice to parents with small kids32:26 - The best Irish TV shows35:43 - Must Know Photographer: Jane Shackleton44:33 - Slideshows were the social media of the 20th century47:01 - Talking through our favorite Jane Shackleton photos52:04 - It’s not always easy to find historical women photographersFind ZachWebsite: https://zachdobson.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zachdobsonphoto/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zachdobsonphotoThreads: https://www.threads.com/@zachdobsonphotoFind CourtneyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/courtneymccracken_/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@happy_life_lessonsThreads: https://www.threads.com/@courtneymccracken_About the PodcastPhotography is Nothing with Zach Dobson and Courtney McCracken is a weekly conversation about photography and all its impact. Each week Zach and Courtney discuss their latest adventures, life lessons, and anything else that sounds interesting. Photography is Nothing invites you into the conversations they were already having as a married couple running a photography and media company in the current world.Fair Use StatementThis document contains copyrighted material, the use of which has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. I have determined this to be "fair use" of the copyrighted material as referenced and provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. If you wish to use any copyrighted material from this document for purposes of your own that go beyond fair use, you must obtain express permission from the copyright owner.

Episode 25 - Bringing you the best action and documentary photography from the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games! Zach scoured the internet to find the greatest photos of the Olympics so he and Courtney could discuss the making, the meaning, and the impact they’ve had on our view of the games.In this episode we talk about… Women showing up in numbers and making fantastic photos at the 2026 OlympicsTech used by Getty including remote cameras, thermal images, composites, and an old Graflex camera.Photos that set a scene and draw us in with excellent compositionGreat moments caught on camera that will come to define these Olympic GamesSome of Zach’s favorite photographers from this Olympics: Kohjiro Kinno, Florence Pernet, Pauline Ballet, and Gabbie Bhaskar.“Photography is nothing–it's life that interests me.” - Henri Cartier-Bresson Index0:00 - Athletes being photographed by the best photographers in the world1:57 - Great women photographers at the 2026 Olympics5:13 - 2026 Olympics photos with great composition16:34 - Photography helps define the most important moments of the Olympics25:24 - Photographers capturing the same moment from different angles. 29:14 - Photography tech used at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games30:11 - Remote cameras32:00 - Thermal cameras at the Olympics33:47 - Getty’s vintage Graflex camera with modern upgrades34:51 - Composite photos from Getty photographers38:06 - Kohjiro Kinno39:52 - Florence Pernet41:32 - Gabbie Bhaskar43:44 - Pauline Ballet46:29 - Wow! 25 episodes! Thanks for watching.Find ZachWebsite: https://zachdobson.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zachdobsonphoto/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zachdobsonphotoThreads: https://www.threads.com/@zachdobsonphotoFind CourtneyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/courtneymccracken_/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@happy_life_lessonsThreads: https://www.threads.com/@courtneymccracken_About the PodcastPhotography is Nothing with Zach Dobson and Courtney McCracken is a weekly conversation about photography and all its impact. Each week Zach and Courtney discuss their latest adventures, life lessons, and anything else that sounds interesting. Photography is Nothing invites you into the conversations they were already having as a married couple running a photography and media company in the current world.Fair Use StatementThis document contains copyrighted material, the use of which has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. I have determined this to be "fair use" of the copyrighted material as referenced and provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. If you wish to use any copyrighted material from this document for purposes of your own that go beyond fair use, you must obtain express permission from the copyright owner.

Episode 23 - What focal length lens do you use for backstage photography? Do you ever use “silent shutter” mode? Do you use fixed focal length? Do you have insurance on all your cameras & gear?What do people who are actually from working class areas of England think of Martin Parr’s documentation of New Brighton?In this episode, we answer questions and read comments from viewers and talk about retiring the Mystery Zine. We also address some of the most common questions we’ve received in the 4 years of printing our quarterly magazine. “Photography is nothing–it's life that interests me.” - Henri Cartier-Bresson Index0:00 - What happens when your camera gear damages property?0:16 - Want to learn about photography? Ask us your questions!3:05 - What do people think of Martin Parr’s The Last Resort?9:30 - Should I use “silent shutter” mode on a DSLR?11:16 - What is “rolling shutter effect”?14:08 - What focal length to use when you’re close to people?18:25 - Film vs Digital21:06 - How important is the camera lens?23:19 - Should I use the same brand camera & lens?24:53 - Camera & general liability insurance for photographers28:00 - What happens if I damage on a photoshoot (a story)29:47 - Is a laptop or desktop better for photographers?32:22 - What the sigma?35:01 - How to start publishing a photography zineFind the Mystery Zinehttps://zachdobson.bigcartel.com/product/mystery-zine-17Find ZachWebsite: https://zachdobson.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zachdobsonphoto/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zachdobsonphotoThreads: https://www.threads.com/@zachdobsonphotoFind CourtneyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/courtneymccracken_/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@happy_life_lessonsThreads: https://www.threads.com/@courtneymccracken_About the PodcastPhotography is Nothing with Zach Dobson and Courtney McCracken is a weekly conversation about photography and all its impact. Each week Zach and Courtney discuss their latest adventures, life lessons, and anything else that sounds interesting. Photography is Nothing invites you into the conversations they were already having as a married couple running a photography and media company in the current world.Fair Use StatementThis document contains copyrighted material, the use of which has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. I have determined this to be "fair use" of the copyrighted material as referenced and provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. If you wish to use any copyrighted material from this document for purposes of your own that go beyond fair use, you must obtain express permission from the copyright owner.

Episode 21 - This week we talk about the late great Martin Parr. Starting in the black & white documentary tradition in the 1970s, Parr’s work took a bold turn to color accentuated by flash in 1982. While still documentary in nature, in that he didn’t stage or pose scenes, Parr acknowledged that his photos were more of a personal interpretation of reality than a strict document of fact. He said…“I want to try and leave a set of images that sort of tell us about the times we live in and my relationship to it. My pictures are fictional in the sense that i'm often using flash so it's not something you would see with the human eye. I’m trying to ally it to my … feelings but it is still based on the reality that's out there so it's not lies, it's just an interpretation. So it's my personal interpretation of what i see in front of me, which is somewhat exaggerated.”Zach & Courtney go through some of Parr’s most famous, and lesser known, works to talk about his influence on the photography world and on them personally. They also talk about the Martin Parr Foundation and its mission to give back to the photographic community at large.“Photography is nothing–it's life that interests me.” - Henri Cartier-Bresson Index0:00 - “A dedicated enemy to everything I believe in.” 0:35 - An introduction to photographer Martin Parr.4:50 - I really love your early work.9:36 - Prestwich Mental Hospital. 1972.11:28 - The Non-Conformists. 1975-79.19:47 - Why Martin Parr switched to color photography. 1982.20:40 - The Last Resort. 1983-85.27:27 - The Cost of Living. 1989-92.29:47 - Photojournalist Philip Jones Griffiths doesn’t want Parr in Magnum Photos.36:23 - Tourists at the Leaning Tower of Pisa. 1990.38:26 - Documenting leisure pursuits of the Western World.40:05 - Tourists at the Grand Canyon, Arizona. 1994.41:18 - Martin Parr photographed a lot of cell phones.46:28 - A photo that Martin Parr regretted missing.48:48 - How Martin Parr influences Zach today.InterviewsThe World According to Parr. 2003.https://youtu.be/MCRyB2SFQZ4?si=JO_GUTdlclHZb5Rq"First priority is to make an entertaining picture." | Photographer Martin Parr | Louisiana Channel. 2022.https://youtu.be/ibqDOm3i0eA?si=he49WecFDjp-qR_3Framelines: A Conversation with Martin Parr. 2025https://youtu.be/S7ULlEIwqTs?si=CXHsz_3FBVJkyO2SFind ZachWebsite: https://zachdobson.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zachdobsonphoto/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zachdobsonphotoThreads: https://www.threads.com/@zachdobsonphotoFind CourtneyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/courtneymccracken_/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@happy_life_lessonsThreads: https://www.threads.com/@courtneymccracken_About the PodcastPhotography is Nothing with Zach Dobson and Courtney McCracken is a weekly conversation about photography and all its impact. Each week Zach and Courtney discuss their latest adventures, life lessons, and anything else that sounds interesting. Photography is Nothing invites you into the conversations they were already having as a married couple running a photography and media company in the current world.Fair Use StatementThis document contains copyrighted material, the use of which has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. I have determined this to be "fair use" of the copyrighted material as referenced and provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. If you wish to use any copyrighted material from this document for purposes of your own that go beyond fair use, you must obtain express permission from the copyright owner.

Episode 19 - Indiana University is our alma mater and we love it! After IU football's Rose Bowl victory over Alabama, we decided to talk about our love for the school on this week's episode.In addition to football, we talk basketball (of course), soccer, Little 500, plus architecture, school history, and famous programs like the Kinsey Institute.“Photography is nothing–it's life that interests me.” - Henri Cartier-Bresson Index0:00 - Zach likes the tuba part from IU's fight song.1:18 - Indiana Football wins the Rose Bowl. And our hearts.2:53 - What’s great about Bloomington, Indiana6:29 - IU Footbal in the late 1800s8:25 - Early IU basketball and Branch McCracken9:01 - Courtney MCCRACKEN has a family connection to IU.10:12 - Branch McCracken and John Wooden17:13 - Indiana University soccer is an elite program19:30 - Learn about the Little 500 bike race26:05 - Nick’s English Hut is a Bloomington institution30:56 - The history of the Sample Gates at IU34:28 - A building by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe at IU35:31 - Buildings and landmarks around the Indiana University campus49:45 - The Lilly Library continuing education as adults59:06 - A brief intro to The Kinsey InstituteFind ZachWebsite: https://zachdobson.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zachdobsonphoto/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zachdobsonphotoThreads: https://www.threads.com/@zachdobsonphotoFind CourtneyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/courtneymccracken_/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@happy_life_lessonsThreads: https://www.threads.com/@courtneymccracken_About the PodcastPhotography is Nothing with Zach Dobson and Courtney McCracken is a weekly conversation about photography and all its impact. Each week Zach and Courtney discuss their latest adventures, life lessons, and anything else that sounds interesting. Photography is Nothing invites you into the conversations they were already having as a married couple running a photography and media company in the current world.Fair Use StatementThis document contains copyrighted material, the use of which has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. I have determined this to be "fair use" of the copyrighted material as referenced and provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. If you wish to use any copyrighted material from this document for purposes of your own that go beyond fair use, you must obtain express permission from the copyright owner.

Episode 17 - In this episode Zach & Courtney talk about two photographers with opposite approaches of photographing the science of winter.Wilson “Snowflake” Bentley photographed closeup images of single snowflakes in the early era of photography (1885-1931). Esther Horvath is a photographer working today documenting climate science research, taking a broad view of the planet that spans its entire history.“Photography is nothing–it's life that interests me.” - Henri Cartier-Bresson Index0:00 - Photographers contributing to winter and snow research.2:26 - Introduction to photographer Wilson “Snowflake” Bentley.6:14 - Wilson Bentley gets his first camera and modifies it with a microscope.9:03 - Creating an aperture was the missing component.10:54 - Bentley creates a custom focusing system for his camera.11:57 - Wilson Bentley employed a similar method to Edward Weston.13:14 - Bentley donates photos to the Smithsonian in 1904.17:00 - How did Wilson Bentley contribute to scientific research on snow?20:55 - “Snowflake Bentley” is an award-winning children’s book from 199922:44 - William Bentley’s book “Snow Crystals” was published in 1931.25:10 - Introduction to photographer Esther Horvath.27:13 - Photographing the climate research ship Polarstern.28:06 - Photos in the arctic at night.29:38 - Brilliant colors in the polar regions.30:26 - Photos of life doing climate research.33:09 - Photographing women doing climate research.35:02 - Photography is used to take everything from a microscopic view to a global view of our world.Find ZachWebsite: https://zachdobson.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zachdobsonphoto/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zachdobsonphotoThreads: https://www.threads.com/@zachdobsonphotoFind CourtneyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/courtneymccracken_/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@happy_life_lessonsThreads: https://www.threads.com/@courtneymccracken_About the PodcastPhotography is Nothing with Zach Dobson and Courtney McCracken is a weekly conversation about photography and all its impact. Each week Zach and Courtney discuss their latest adventures, life lessons, and anything else that sounds interesting. Photography is Nothing invites you into the conversations they were already having as a married couple running a photography and media company in the current world.Fair Use StatementThis document contains copyrighted material, the use of which has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. I have determined this to be "fair use" of the copyrighted material as referenced and provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. If you wish to use any copyrighted material from this document for purposes of your own that go beyond fair use, you must obtain express permission from the copyright owner.

Episode 15 - Photographers love to talk about bokeh. So let's get into it. We talk about the origins of the word and just how recently this came into the photography lexicon.Also, more important to us than how it works from a technical standpoint is how it's used in photos to direct a viewer's eye or tell a story.“Photography is nothing–it's life that interests me.” - Henri Cartier-Bresson Index0:00 - We’re in a new location1:43 - Today’s topic: Bokeh!2:14 - Etymology of the word “bokeh”2:31 - The first time “bokeh” appeared in western media3:41 - “How do you get that background blur?”4:19 - What is bokeh? How do you use it?7:56 - Bokeh happens a lot in low light8:26 - Photographing holiday lights with lots of bokeh10:02 - Getting maximum bokeh photographing holiday lights14:48 - Big foreground bokeh17:57 - Using bokeh to direct people’s eyes22:04 - Why street photographers don’t use bokeh much23:21 - How Gueorgui Pinkhassov uses bokeh34:37 - Bokeh is great for capturing the vibes of a placeFind ZachWebsite: https://zachdobson.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zachdobsonphoto/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zachdobsonphotoThreads: https://www.threads.com/@zachdobsonphotoFind CourtneyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/courtneymccracken_/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@happy_life_lessonsThreads: https://www.threads.com/@courtneymccracken_About the PodcastPhotography is Nothing with Zach Dobson and Courtney McCracken is a weekly conversation about photography and all its impact. Each week Zach and Courtney discuss their latest adventures, life lessons, and anything else that sounds interesting. Photography is Nothing invites you into the conversations they were already having as a married couple running a photography and media company in the current world.Fair Use StatementThis document contains copyrighted material, the use of which has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. I have determined this to be "fair use" of the copyrighted material as referenced and provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. If you wish to use any copyrighted material from this document for purposes of your own that go beyond fair use, you must obtain express permission from the copyright owner.

Episode 13 - For any household with Swifties, the number 13 has special meaning. So for this 13th episode of Photography is Nothing, Zach & Courtney invite their daughters to discuss the meaning and evolution of Taylor Swift's album art through the eras.As Taylor Swift worked her way from teen country artist to international pop phenomenon, her album photography changed, too. It's no surprise that while she was taking control of her music and image, she also played larger roles in the direction of her photography.Today, we'll go through the various photoshoots for her 12 albums and talk about how the photography reflects the mood and themes of the albums. We get into the photography of The Eras Tour as well.“Photography is nothing–it's life that interests me.” - Henri Cartier-Bresson Index0:00 - Taylor Swift Album Photography Intro2:32 - Our girls' favorite photos6:23 - Debut (2006) - 📷 Andrew Orth9:50 - Fearless (2008) - 📷 Joseph Anthony Baker, Ash Newell, and Sheryl Nields12:52 - What does Taylor's Version mean?15:40 - Fearless (Taylor's Version) - 📷 Beth Garrabrant17:23 - Speak Now (2010) - 📷 Joseph Anthony Baker19:41 - Speak Now (Taylor's Version) - 📷 Beth Garrabrant21:10 - Red (2012) - 📷 Lowfield*24:09 - Red (Taylor's Version) - 📷 Beth Garrabrant25:53 - 1989 (2014) - 📷 Lowfield30:45 - 1989 (Taylor's Version) - 📷 Beth Garrabrant32:21 - Reputation - 📷 Mert & Marcus**40:21 - Lover - 📷 Valheria Rocha46:02 - Folklore - 📷 Beth Garrabrant54:02 - Evermore - 📷 Beth Garrabrant56:54 - Midnights - 📷 Beth Garrabrant1:03:14 - The Tortured Poets Department - 📷 Beth Garrabrant1:07:20 - The Life of a Showgirl - 📷 Mert & Marcus1:15:55 - The Eras Tour Photography1:20:53 - The Eras Tour Indianapolis N2 Outfits1:24:00 - Did The Eras Tour photography capture the experience?1:25:04 - Zach's photos documenting outside The Eras Tour*Lowfield is the team of Sarah Barlow & Stephen Schofield** Mert & Marcus is the duo of Mert Alaş & Marcus PiggottFind ZachWebsite: https://zachdobson.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zachdobsonphoto/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zachdobsonphotoThreads: https://www.threads.com/@zachdobsonphotoFind CourtneyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/courtneymccracken_/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@happy_life_lessonsThreads: https://www.threads.com/@courtneymccracken_About the PodcastPhotography is Nothing with Zach Dobson and Courtney McCracken is a weekly conversation about photography and all its impact. Each week Zach and Courtney discuss their latest adventures, life lessons, and anything else that sounds interesting. Photography is Nothing invites you into the conversations they were already having as a married couple running a photography and media company in the current world.Fair Use StatementThis document contains copyrighted material, the use of which has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. I have determined this to be "fair use" of the copyrighted material as referenced and provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. If you wish to use any copyrighted material from this document for purposes of your own that go beyond fair use, you must obtain express permission from the copyright owner.

Episode 11 - This week Zach & Courtney discuss photographing road trips, including Zach’s photos on the road and in the Florida Keys, plus Joel Sternfeld’s project from the 1970s and 80s, American Prospects.“Photography is nothing–it's life that interests me.” - Henri Cartier-Bresson Index0:00 - Intro - Missing a great moment because he ran out of film0:45 - We loved road trips growing up3:18 - Road trips were more fun/dangerous in the 80s & 90s4:43 - Zach’s photos from rest stops and gas stations on the way to Florida 📷9:22 - A road trip through the Florida Keys 📷17:16 - Joel Sternfeld’s American Prospects feels like a road trip across the United States.17:38 - McLean, Virginia, December 1978. 📷18:01 - Joel Sternfeld’s idea behind American Prospects20:17 - After a Flash Flood. Rancho Mirage, California. 1979. 📷20:42 - The Space Shuttle Columbia Lands at Kelly Air Force Base. San Antonio, Texas. March 1979.📷21:21 - Exhausted Renegade Elephant. Woodland, Washington. June 1979.📷23:33 - Glen Canyon Dam. Page, Arizona. 1983.📷24:19 - Wet ’n’ Wild Aquatic Theme Park. Orlando, Florida. 1980.📷25:05 - Buckingham, Pennsylvania. August 1978.📷25:43 - Bikini Contest. Fort Lauderdale, Florida. March 1983.📷27:22 - Near Akron, Ohio. May 1983.📷28:26 - Portage Glacier, Alaska. August 1984.📷29:15 - Lake Oswego, Oregon. June 1979.📷30:38 - Canyon Country, California. June 1983.📷31:52 - Courtney says this series is a great introduction to the vastness of the United States.33:32 - This project helped Zach to realize that there’s wild stuff happening everywhere all the time if you’re looking for it.35:01 - West Aztec Avenue. Gallup, New Mexico. September 1982.📷35:25 - Great Salt Lake, Utah. August 1979.📷For links to all the sources for this episode, check out our resources page here...https://blog.zachdobson.com/2025/09/photography-is-nothing-ep11/Find ZachWebsite: https://zachdobson.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zachdobsonphoto/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zachdobsonphotoThreads: https://www.threads.com/@zachdobsonphotoFind CourtneyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/courtneymccracken_/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@happy_life_lessonsThreads: https://www.threads.com/@courtneymccracken_About the PodcastPhotography is Nothing with Zach Dobson and Courtney McCracken is a weekly conversation about photography and all its impact. Each week Zach and Courtney discuss their latest adventures, life lessons, and anything else that sounds interesting. Photography is Nothing invites you into the conversations they were already having as a married couple running a photography and media company in the current world.Fair Use StatementThis document contains copyrighted material, the use of which has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. I have determined this to be "fair use" of the copyrighted material as referenced and provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. If you wish to use any copyrighted material from this document for purposes of your own that go beyond fair use, you must obtain express permission from the copyright owner.

Episode 09 - This week Zach & Courtney discuss starting a photography business and a family at the same time and how they work to fully integrate their lives together.“Photography is nothing–it's life that interests me.” - Henri Cartier-Bresson NotesWhere it says, “Photo stories with the family,” on the screen from 35:31 until the end, what that means is for every one of those images, we were all together as a family, or Zach was out with the kids. Clearly some of the photos have the kids in them, but many are documentary images of the places we’re visiting. We wanted to show the breadth of work it’s possible for us to do when we’re together. Courtney mentions a Helena Bonham Carter quote. Here it is…“I think everything in life is art. What you do. How you dress. The way you love someone, and how you talk. Your smile and your personality. What you believe in, and all your dreams. The way you drink your tea. How you decorate your home. Or party. Your grocery list. The food you make. How your writing looks. And the way you feel. Life is art.”Index0:00 - The parameters are there to help us grow.1:33 - Who are Zach & Courtney?2:11 - Meeting at Indiana University and sharing an interest in travel & storytelling.3:17 - Zach started his photography career in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.5:01 - Courtney moves to Chicago and Zach follows.6:12 - Zach & Courtney start their photography business in Indianapolis in 200615:17 - Working as a documentary commercial photographer17:52 - Booking our own weddings as a photographer18:58 - A special visitor to the set20:12 - Multiple streams of photography income. 21:44 - Courtney solo parenting while Zach works nights.25:26 - Why we decided to homeschool our kids.30:00 - Being in charge of our own time.33:14 - The Personal Legend Project35:40 - Creating stability at work and home40:00 - Society wants perfection. The interesting is in the mess.Find ZachWebsite: https://zachdobson.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zachdobsonphoto/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zachdobsonphotoThreads: https://www.threads.com/@zachdobsonphotoFind CourtneyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/courtneymccracken_/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@happy_life_lessonsThreads: https://www.threads.com/@courtneymccracken_About the PodcastPhotography is Nothing with Zach Dobson and Courtney McCracken is a weekly conversation about photography and all its impact. Each week Zach and Courtney discuss their latest adventures, life lessons, and anything else that sounds interesting. Photography is Nothing invites you into the conversations they were already having as a married couple running a photography and media company in the current world.Fair Use StatementThis document contains copyrighted material, the use of which has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. I have determined this to be "fair use" of the copyrighted material as referenced and provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. If you wish to use any copyrighted material from this document for purposes of your own that go beyond fair use, you must obtain express permission from the copyright owner.