The Nerdy Photographer Podcast

Portrait photographer Craig Fleming has spent decades navigating the space between film and digital, celebrity commissions and working-class subjects, polish and truth. In this episode of The Nerdy Photographer Podcast , Craig joins us for a wide-ranging conversation about his process, his philosophy, and two ongoing personal projects — Quiet Men and Circus — that are reshaping how he thinks about...

Many photographers learn aperture in two steps: wide for blur, narrow for sharpness. It's a reasonable starting point, but it skips the physics that actually determines how sharp your images are, and it leads to a habit that's quietly costing you image quality. And if you know anything about me at this point, you know I'm down for a physics discussion. We start with diffraction — the optical pheno...

Nature photography is often associated with solitude, exploration, and connection to the outdoors. But for many photographers, especially Black women, entering those spaces hasn't always been welcoming - or safe. In this episode of The Nerdy Photographer Podcast , I sit down with wildlife and nature photographer Angela Ledyard to discuss the importance of representation in outdoor photography, bui...

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....

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...

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 hu...

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...

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 valu...

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. Rathe...

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. Th...

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...

What does it really mean to be a neurodivergent freelancer in photography? In this episode of The Nerdy Photographer , we talk openly about ADHD, autism, burnout, structure, creativity, and building a freelance career that works with your brain - not against it. If traditional advice has never worked for you, this conversation might finally make sense. What We Talk About in This Episode This inter...

The photography world is louder than ever - but are we actually listening? In this episode of The Nerdy Photographer , we explore why thoughtful conversation matters, how hot takes hurt creativity, and what the future of meaningful dialogue in photography should look like. If you care about photography as an art form, not just content, this conversation is essential. Slow down the noise Think deep...

Lighting Black skin isn't complicated - but it  is often taught wrong. In this episode of The Nerdy Photographer , we break down how to photograph darker skin tones beautifully, accurately, and intentionally. From highlights and contrast to common lighting mistakes photographers make, this is a must-listen conversation for anyone serious about portrait photography. Learn better lighting Create str...

Want to build a long, healthy, and profitable photography career? Wedding photography legend Ryan Brenizer reveals exactly how he's stayed at the top for years. In this episode, we dive into: How to scale your photography business without burning out Staying physically healthy in a demanding, gear-heavy profession Adapting to trends while maintaining your personal style The mindset shifts required...

The American Southwest monsoon season is one of the most dramatic weather events on Earth, and landscape photographer Jake Case is right in the heart of it. In this episode, we dive into storm chasing, lightning photography, and what it takes to safely capture explosive desert weather. What you can expect: Insider tips on photographing monsoon storms How Jake got involved with storm chasing What y...

It's been a record-breaking year for The Nerdy Photographer Podcast ! In this special episode, I take a moment to reflect on the incredible growth we've experienced—and to thank all of you who made it possible. This year brought some huge milestones: Featured on  five different photography podcasts Quoted in more than a dozen articles across the industry Podcast downloads up over 75% from last yea...

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 photo...

As AI and automation transform photography, one question keeps coming up: how do we keep the humanity in our images? In this episode of The Nerdy Photographer Podcast , I talk with photographer and tech innovator Sam Hurd about finding balance between embracing technology and preserving the emotional, human side of photography. We explore: Art vs. automation – using tech to amplify creativity, not...

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 an...

Thinking about pivoting your photography business? Rebranding can feel risky, but it may be the key to unlocking new opportunities. In this episode of The Nerdy Photographer Podcast , I sit down with photographer Justin Haugen , who successfully transitioned from being a wedding photographer to building a thriving commercial photography brand. We discuss: Knowing when to pivot – signs your current...

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 personalit...

What happens when a photographer starts to lose his vision - but not in the way he thinks? In this chilling Halloween episode of  The Nerdy Photographer Podcast , I share an original horror story that blends photography, obsession, and the terrifying cost of creative ambition. Expect: A haunting tale of artistic obsession and self-destruction A photographer who discovers the true meaning of "losin...

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 d...

Want to get better at photography faster? Stop waiting for inspiration and start training like an athlete. In this episode of The Nerdy Photographer Podcast , I sit down with street photographer Ryan Faer, who uses his background in professional baseball as an athletic trainer to show how discipline, repetition, and practice can transform the way you shoot. We explore how applying an athlete's min...