The Nerdy Photographer Podcast

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

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

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 interview covers the real-world realities of neurodivergent freelancing, including:

Managing energy, attention, and overwhelm
Creating structure without rigidity
Navigating client communication and expectations
Redefining success outside traditional productivity models
Letting go of comparison and "shoulds"

Rather than offering one-size-fits-all solutions, this conversation encourages photographers to design careers that reflect how they actually function.

Redefining Professionalism

Being professional doesn't mean masking. It doesn't mean burning yourself out to meet arbitrary standards. And it doesn't mean copying how others work.

For neurodivergent photographers, sustainability often comes from self-awareness, boundaries, and permission to work differently.

This episode is a reminder that there is no single way to be a "real" photographer - or a successful freelancer.

Episode Promos

This episode contains promos for:

On1 Photo Raw - https://nerdyphotographer.com/recommends/on1/
Siteground Web Hosting - https://siteground.com/go/nerdy
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 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


Aly Hansen is a wedding photographer who specializes in film photography and a true documentary approach.

You can view Aly's work on her website - https://alyhansenphoto.com - or on Instagram https://instagram.com/alyhansenweddings
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

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 deeper about images
Elevate the conversation
Thoughtful Conversations Shape Better Work
Meaningful dialogue allows photographers to:
Develop stronger visual literacy

Understand historical and cultural context

Learn from disagreement without hostility

Create work rooted in intention rather than reaction

This episode encourages photographers to move beyond surface-level debates and embrace conversations that are informed, empathetic, and expansive.
Looking Toward the Future
As the industry evolves—through technology, AI, and changing cultural landscapes—the way photographers communicate will matter more than ever. The future of photography isn't just technical. It's philosophical.
If we want better images, better communities, and better careers, we need better conversations.
Episode Promos
This episode includes promos for the following:
Adorama
Stylecloud Website Templates
On1 Photo Editing Software
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://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://nerdyphoto.dashery.com
If you're feeling extra generous, check out our support page - https://nerdyphotographer.com/support-nerdy-photographer/
About My Guest 

Ibarionex Perello is a photographer, writer and educator. He is also the host/producer of The Candid Frame photography podcast. He has over 40 years in the photographic industry including time as a magazine editor, and author. He currently works as a special projects photographer for the Huntington Library in Southern California.

You can listen to Ibarionex on his podcast – thecandidframe.com – or on Instagram – @ibarionex
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

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 stronger images
Photograph people more honestly

For decades, photography education, film stock, and digital camera technology have been built around a narrow definition of "correct" exposure - one that often fails Black and darker-skinned subjects. The result? Images that lack depth, nuance, and respect for the full spectrum of skin tones.

In this episode of The Nerdy Photographer, we dive deep into the art, science, and responsibility of lighting Black-skinned subjects properly. This is not about shortcuts or presets - it's about understanding light, skin, and intention.

Episode Promos

This episode includes promos for the following:

Adorama
Stylecloud Website Templates
On1 Photo Editing Software
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://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://nerdyphoto.dashery.com
If you're feeling extra generous, check out our support page - https://nerdyphotographer.com/support-nerdy-photographer/
About My Guest 

Leighton DaCosta, or "LD" as many know him by, is a Wedding and Fine Art Portrait Photographer based in Southern California, at the moment. He started his photography business more than 15 years ago while serving in the Navy. Due to the military requirements, he learned to make his studio "interstate mobile" as he has operated for extended periods in Virginia, Florida, Utah, Georgia, South Carolina, and California. He's conducted photo assignments in exotic and remote places such as Dubai, Jamaica, and Aruba; as well as several years flying over Afghanistan.

When not creating content of his own, Leighton diligently works at educating photographers and others in the industry in not only content creation but also in business practices geared for the creative.

You can check out Leighton's website at LeightonD.com, and follow along with him on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
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