The Nerdy Photographer Podcast

Tired of seeing photographers bash others online just to gain clout? In this episode of The Nerdy Photographer Podcast, we tackle the trend of newer photographers criticizing more experienced pros, and explore how to spend your energy more productively. We cover: Why rage-baiting backfires – the short-term attention versus long-term impact. Learning from experience – how respecting seasoned photographers can accelerate your growth. Building your voice authentically – growing your presence without negativity. The value of collaboration – how mentorship and community foster success. Investing in yourself – using time and energy on projects, skills, and learning instead of online drama. If you've ever felt caught up in comparison or online conflict, this episode provides practical advice for focusing on your craft, building meaningful connections, and contributing positively to the photography community. Listen now to learn how to rise above the noise and grow as a photographer with purpose. Episode Promos This episode contains promos for: Nerdy Photographer Let's Be Real Unposed Photography Prompts StyleCloud WordPress Website Templates Siteground Web Hosting Backblaze Cloud Data Backup 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 Brandi Potter is a destination wedding photographer with a love for darkness and emotion. She likes her dogs and the winter time. You can find her work on her website – brandi-potter.com – or on Instagram @bran.potter 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

Every year, as the holidays approach, photographers are bombarded with ads promising that the next lens, light, or gadget will finally take their work to the next level. The deals are tempting, the pressure is real—and it's easy to believe that "better gear" equals "better photographer." In this episode of The Nerdy Photographer Podcast, we dive into how to survive the holiday marketing frenzy and refocus your energy on growth that actually matters. Instead of chasing discounts, this conversation is about investing in yourself: your creativity, your craft, and your purpose. We explore how to tune out the noise, resist the constant call to consume, and make intentional choices about where to expand in your photography journey - whether that means learning new skills, starting a personal project, or refining your artistic vision. Here's what you'll take away from this episode: Recognizing the Hype – How the photo industry's marketing cycle is designed to create FOMO and how to step back from it. Purposeful Expansion – Ways to grow as a photographer without spending a dime—through experimentation, education, and community. Mindful Purchasing – How to evaluate what you actually need versus what marketers tell you you're missing. Refocusing on Creativity – Why the best investments often come from time, attention, and curiosity—not gear. Building a Sustainable Mindset – Approaching your photography career with balance and long-term purpose instead of impulse-driven consumption. This episode is a reminder that no sale can buy skill, vision, or passion. True growth comes from practice, purpose, and presence - not your credit card balance. Tune in now to hear how you can thrive during the holiday marketing season and make meaningful, lasting investments in your photography journey. If you ARE in the market for some useful tools for your photography business and want to take advantage of the deals available this time of year, check out our compiled list of the ultimate Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals for photographers - https://nerdyphotographer.com/news/black-friday-deals-photographers/

Tired of feeling like you have to follow every social media trend to get noticed? Authenticity wins. In this episode of The Nerdy Photographer Podcast, we talk with California photographer Linda Alida about how photographers can build a genuine presence, both online and in person, without compromising their voice or values. We dive into: Authenticity online – how to share real work and personality instead of copying trends. Meaningful connections in person – building trust with clients, collaborators, and peers. Balancing visibility and integrity – growing your reach while staying true to your vision. Consistency over virality – why long-term presence matters more than chasing fleeting trends. Defining your voice – tips for creating a recognizable, authentic style. If you've ever felt pressured to post what's popular rather than what's real, this episode gives you practical tools for standing out in a trend-driven industry while staying true to yourself. Listen now to learn how authenticity - online and off - can help you build a lasting presence in photography. Episode Promos This episode contains promos for: Let's Be Real Unposed Photography Prompts - https://nerdyphotographer.com/lets-be-real Style Cloud Website Templates - https://stylecloud.co/ref/380/ Siteground Website Hosting - https://siteground.com/go/nerdy Nerdy Photographer Contract Templates - https://nerdyphotographer.com/product-tag/contract/ 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 Join our mailing list - https://nerdyphotographer.com/newsletter Subscribe to our YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@CaseyFatchett Buy a print from the print shop - https://caseyfatchettphotography.pic-time.com/art 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 Linda Alida is a California-based photographer with a knack for making magic out of messes—whether that's a chaotic wedding timeline or a dandelion growing through concrete. She blends emotional honesty with a wild sense of humor, capturing real moments that feel like memories you forgot you had. Known for saying the quiet parts out loud (sometimes too loud), Linda has built a fast-growing audience on Threads by being as unfiltered in her words as she is intentional in her art. Weddings, portraits, macro, landscapes—whatever the subject, she shows up with heart, a camera, and probably a weird face. You can see more of Linda's work on her website - https://lindaalida.com - or on Instagram https://instagram.com/linda_alida_ 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

Want to take better photos? The secret isn't just planning every detail or just winging it. Great photography comes from balancing structure with spontaneity. In this episode of The Nerdy Photographer Podcast, I talk with photographer Jonathan Pitts-Wiley about how building a framework for your work while staying open to unexpected moments can transform your images and your creative process. We dive into: The power of structure – why routines, systems, and preparation keep you growing. The importance of flexibility – how to capture magic when plans change. Training adaptability – staying creative when conditions aren't perfect. Finding the balance – using both structure and spontaneity to fuel creativity. If you've ever felt torn between rigid planning and going with the flow, this conversation will help you find the sweet spot. Learn how to stay intentional and adaptable, so you're always ready when the perfect moment unfolds. Tune in now and discover how flexibility and structure work hand-in-hand to make you a better photographer. Episode Promos This episode contains promos for: StyleCloud WordPress Website Templates - https://stylecloud.co/ref/380/ Siteground Web Hosting - https://siteground.com/go/nerdy Backblaze Cloud Data Backup - https://www.backblaze.com/cloud-backup/personal#afc32p Nerdy Photographer Contract Templates - https://nerdyphotographer.com/product-tag/contracts/ 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 Join our mailing list - https://nerdyphotographer.com/newsletter Subscribe to our YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@CaseyFatchett Buy a print from the print shop - https://caseyfatchettphotography.pic-time.com/art 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 A Rhode Island native and 2007 Yale graduate, Jonathan Pitts-Wiley is a portrait photographer whose work seeks to reflect humanity at the intersection of strength and vulnerability. In 2020, he co-founded The Vanta Guild, an RI-based Black photographers collective. In 2021, he collaborated with renowned documentary photographer Mary Beth Meehan to produce Witness, an exhibit on the life and times of his late grandmother, Annye Raye Pitts. In 2022, one of his works was selected for Providence's "Who We Are Now" public art banner project. In 2023, Jonathan's first solo show, All the Worlds, opened at Providence's World's Fair Gallery. In 2024, he was named an Elected Artist Member with visual arts organization Art League RI and in the spring of 2025, he was invited to participate in NetWorks RI's Growing the NetWorks exhibition at Providence's WaterFire Arts Center. You can learn more about Jonathan and view his work on his website - jpittswiley.com - or on Instagram https://instagram.com/JPITTSWILEY 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

In this episode of the Nerdy Photographer Podcast, we're taking to the skies—literally. I sat down with award-winning photographer and author Chase Guttman, whose groundbreaking book on drone photography helped launch an entire generation of aerial image-makers. As one of the earliest voices in the drone photography space, Chase brings insight, experience, and a healthy dose of sky-high inspiration. We talk about what it means to compose an image when your camera is 400 feet off the ground, how to think three-dimensionally when navigating space and light, and the gear that every aspiring drone photographer should consider. Whether you're just getting started or looking to take your drone work to the next level (pun definitely intended), this conversation is packed with valuable tips and tools. Chase also shares his thoughts on the creative freedom drones offer photographers, the importance of storytelling from above, and how to stay legally safe and respectful while flying. Spoiler: it's not just about dodging birds and watching your battery life—although those are important too. So if you've ever looked up at the sky and wondered what your photography might look like from that vantage point, this episode is for you. Tune in to learn from one of the pioneers of drone imagery and find out how you can bring new perspective—literally and creatively—to your work. Episode Promos This episode contains promos for: Luminar Neo Photo Editing Software - https://skylum.evyy.net/c/1337833/1318151/3255 Elementor Website Builder - https://nerdyphotographer.com/recommends/elementor/ Pic-Time Photo Galleries - https://nerdyphotographer.com/recommends/pic-time/ Narrative AI Culling, Editing, and Publishing - https://narrative.so/select?affiliate=casey2746 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! Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, GoodPods, or Podchaser! Tell your friends about the podcast 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 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 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 Chase Guttman is a three-time recipient and first American to win Young Travel Photographer of the Year, a prestigious international competition judged by museum curators and magazine editors, he was named a World's Top Travel Photographer by Condé Nast Traveler, a Rising Star by Instagram and won the Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Storytelling and Exploration—a lifetime achievement level honor. His book, The Handbook of Drone Photography, was one of the first written on the topic and received critical acclaim from publications such as The Telegraph, Business Insider, The Daily Mail and the New York Post, among others. He also won an Emmy Award for his aerial cinematography in a documentary that he shot for PBS. 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 photography 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

Ready to sit down with one of the most acclaimed names in the wedding photography world? On this episode of the podcast, we have the amazing Susan Stripling joining us. With more than two decades of experience capturing once-in-a-lifetime moments, Susan brings her signature honesty, humor, and razor-sharp insight to a conversation that dives deep into what it really takes to thrive in this industry. We talk about everything from her best tips for new and seasoned photographers, to the kinds of fears that still creep in before a shoot (yes, even those of us who have been doing this for 20+ years still get the jitters), and our mutual love of dogs. Susan opens up about the pressure to perform when there are no do-overs, the challenge of staying creatively engaged after hundreds of weddings, and how to turn fear into fuel for growth. And if you've ever noticed how many people in the wedding industry used to work in theater - you are not alone. Since we are both theater people, Susan and I discuss why theater people (actors, directors, makeup artists, etc.) often find their way to the wedding biz - and why those theater chops make for some seriously dynamic photographers. This episode is packed with real talk, professional gold, and a lot of laughs. Whether you're just starting out or you've been in the game for years, Susan's wisdom and warmth will remind you why we fell in love with photography in the first place, and why showing up with a bit of vulnerability and a whole lot of heart still matters. Episode Promos This episode contains promos for: StyleCloud WordPress Website Templates Backblaze Data Backup Let's Be Real Unposed Photography Prompts Nerdy Photographer Contract Templates 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! Leave a review for the podcast - it helps us more than you can know! Tell your friends about the podcast Buy some merchandise - https://nerdyphoto.dasherly.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 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://caseyfatchettphotography.pic-time.com/art If you're feeling extra generous, check out our support page - https://nerdyphotographer.com/support-nerdy-photographer/ About My Guest Susan Stripling has been photographing weddings, portraits, and theater for over twenty years. Susan's work has been published in Inside Weddings, Martha Stewart Weddings, Grace Ormonde Wedding Style, Modern Bride, Town and Country Weddings, the New York Times, New York Post, Rangerfinder, PDN, and in ads and advertorials for Nikon USA, Epson, and Canon USA. Susan has been an educator for Photo Plus, WPPI, PPA, Mystic Seminars, Portrait Masters, and Creative Live. She has been named one of the top ten wedding photographers in the world by American Photo Magazine. She is also currently a Grand Master with ICON. She is most honored to be named an Explorer of Light by Canon USA. Susan also the founder of The Wedding School, which strives to bring real, honest education to wedding photographers worldwide. In her spare time, besides spending time with her incredible family, Susan is a voracious reader, lover of all horror movies, and inexplicably sleeps with the lights on. You can find Susan on her website - https://susanstripling.com - or on Instagram https://instagram.com/susanstriplingphotography 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 25 years of experience. He just wants to help people and make them laugh. You can view Casey's artwork at https://art.caseyfphoto.com, his wedding work at https://fatchett.com or his corporate photography 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

In this powerful episode of The Nerdy Photographer Podcast, we sit down with documentary filmmaker Ilie Mitaru to discuss his deeply moving film First Frames. The documentary follows the journey of photographer and refugee Serbest Salih who travels to refugee camps to teach children the basics of photography—giving them not just a creative outlet, but a voice. For children facing the trauma of displacement, disrupted education, and overwhelming anxiety, the camera becomes more than a tool—it becomes a lifeline. Ilie shares the inspiration behind the film and what drew him to this story. The idea that something as simple as a camera could provide emotional relief and empowerment was a concept he found both beautiful and necessary. As the film unfolds, it becomes clear that photography offers these children a way to process their experiences, to document their world on their own terms, and to feel seen in a life where invisibility often feels like the norm. We discuss the careful balance required to tell these stories truthfully and respectfully, and how the project reinforced Ilie's belief in the transformative power of storytelling. The children's photos are not just snapshots—they are declarations of identity, resilience, and hope. This episode is a poignant reminder of photography's ability to do more than capture beautiful images. It can heal. It can educate. It can empower. Whether you're a professional photographer or someone who simply loves the art form, First Frames is a story that will stay with you long after the credits roll. Tune in to hear how one filmmaker is documenting the intersection of creativity, compassion, and global impact—one frame at a time. Watch the Film Here - https://nerdyphotographer.com/podcast/147-first-frames-giving-refugee-children-artistic-voice/ Contribute to Serbest's photo organization - https://www.fotohane.org/ Episode Promos This episode contains promos for the following: On1 Photo Software - https://nerdyphotographer.com/recommends/on1/ Backblaze Data Backup - https://www.backblaze.com/cloud-backup/personal#afc32p Siteground Web Hosting - https://www.siteground.com/go/nerdy Narrative AI Culling, Editing, and Publishing - https://narrative.so/select?affiliate=casey2746 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://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 Ilie Mitaru is an Emmy-nominated producer and director whose work centers on regular people in extraordinary circumstances. American cowboys brought to rural Russia to help restart the country's beef industry; renegade farmers building their own wildfire defense rigs; a lone auto mechanic traversing miles of desert borderland with jugs of water to save his fellow migrants, Ilie's stories create empathy and a connection to what at first might appear foreign, but ultimately proves universal. Ilie's films and photography have been featured in The New York Times, National Geographic, The Guardian, among others. A first generation Romanian-American whose parents received political asylum during the Cold War, Ilie is drawn to stories that push against easy assumptions of otherness and strive for a more complex understanding of the individuals and communities centered in his work. His work can be found at www.iliemitaru.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

In an industry obsessed with specs, megapixels, and the latest mirrorless marvels, it's easy to fall into the trap of thinking that your photos will only be as good as your gear. But let's set the record straight: you do not need the newest camera on the market to create high-quality, compelling images. The true power of a photograph lies not in its resolution—but in the person behind the lens. In this episode of the podcast, we're diving into the myth that better gear automatically leads to better photos. Yes, having the right tools for the job matters—but far too often, photographers get caught up in a cycle of gear envy, believing that the latest model will suddenly make them better artists. Spoiler alert: it won't. Creativity, understanding of light, composition, and the ability to connect with your subject are all far more important than any spec sheet. We share stories of incredible images shot on so-called "outdated" equipment, including photographers who have created award-winning work with entry-level DSLRs or even smartphone cameras. It's a reminder that limitations can actually spark innovation. When you stop relying on the camera to "wow," and instead rely on your eye and your instincts, your photography improves in leaps and bounds. Plus, let's talk about the financial side of this. Chasing gear is expensive. That money could be better spent investing in education, portfolio-building experiences, or maybe even a relaxing weekend that helps refill your creative cup. There's nothing wrong with upgrading when it's truly needed—but constant upgrades won't make up for gaps in skill or vision. At the end of the day, your camera is just a tool—like a paintbrush to a painter or a pen to a writer. It's how you use it that matters most. So before you hit "add to cart" on that shiny new body, ask yourself: do you need more megapixels—or just more practice? Tune in to this episode and be reminded that your greatest photography asset isn't in your bag—it's in your head and heart. 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 some merchandise - https://nerdyphoto.dashery.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 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 photography 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