134 - Framing History: Pete Souza on Photographing the Presidency and a Changing Media Landscape
The Nerdy Photographer Podcast
Release Date: 03/20/2025
150 - Behind the Scenes, Ahead of the Curve: The Power of Learning as a Photography Assistant
The Nerdy Photographer Podcast
Ever wish you could get paid to get a behind-the-scenes look at the photography industry? That’s exactly what being a photography assistant offers. In this episode of The Nerdy Photographer Podcast, I interview photographer Andrew Tomasino and we dive deep into the role of photographic assistants and all the invaluable knowledge that comes with lugging gear, holding reflectors, and quietly absorbing everything on set like a human sponge. Whether you're helping a wedding photographer keep the timeline on track or assisting a commercial shooter on a big product campaign, the assistant gig...
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149 - Seasoned but Still Learning: Experience, Doubt, and Staying Sharp
The Nerdy Photographer Podcast
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...
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148 - Creative Vision vs. Client Needs: Navigating Artistic and Consumer Photography
The Nerdy Photographer Podcast
Ever find yourself navigating the divide between artistic expression and commercial work. How do you balance the two? In this episode, we dive deep into the differences, and the overlap, between artistic and commercial photography. We’ll explore how creating art for yourself and working to meet a client’s specific needs can sometimes feel like two worlds apart. From finding your own voice in a commercial world to knowing when to take creative risks, we break down how you can approach both sides of the photography spectrum without losing your passion. If you’ve ever wondered how to merge...
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147 - First Frames: Giving Refugee Children an Artistic Voice
The Nerdy Photographer Podcast
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....
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146 - Visual Legacy: The Power of Photography in Safeguarding Indigenous Traditions
The Nerdy Photographer Podcast
Photography has the power to capture more than just moments - it can preserve cultures, tell untold stories, and honor traditions. In this episode, we’re joined by an indigenous photographer who shares how they use their camera to document and preserve their community’s rich cultural heritage. Through their lens, we learn how photography becomes an act of cultural preservation, combating misrepresentation, and giving voice to communities that have been marginalized. We also explore the personal journey of balancing respect for tradition with the creative freedom of storytelling. Episode...
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145 - Old Gear is Still Good Gear
The Nerdy Photographer Podcast
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,...
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144 - Nature, Mind, and Lens: Photography, Preservation, and Mental Wellness
The Nerdy Photographer Podcast
Nature and landscape photography offer more than just stunning images—they can play a powerful role in conservation and mental well-being. In this episode, we explore how photographers can use their work to raise awareness about environmental preservation while also benefiting from the calming, meditative aspects of shooting in nature. We discuss responsible photography practices that protect the landscapes we love, the impact of visual storytelling on conservation efforts, and how immersing yourself in the outdoors with a camera can be a form of therapy. Whether you're looking to make...
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143 - Does Technical Knowledge Still Matter in Photography?
The Nerdy Photographer Podcast
In a world where smartphones come with portrait modes and AI can auto-enhance your images, it’s easy to assume that mastering the technical side of photography is becoming less important. But despite all the convenience technology offers, having a strong foundation in technical knowledge remains essential for anyone who wants to move beyond “good enough” and consistently create impactful, high-quality images. Understanding the fundamentals—things like exposure, shutter speed, aperture, ISO, and white balance—gives you full control over your camera and your creative process. Rather...
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142 - The Photographer’s Playbook: Secrets to Elevate Your Photography Game
The Nerdy Photographer Podcast
Want to take your photography and your business to the next level? It’s not always about buying the latest gear - sometimes, it’s the little-known tricks and techniques that make the biggest difference. In this episode, we’re revealing some photography secrets that can instantly improve your work and how you run your business. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or just starting out, there's something in this episode that will change the way you shoot. Tune in and start capturing your best work yet! Episode Promos This episode contains promos for: Elementor Wordpress Website...
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141 - Photoshop and Lightroom Alternatives: Exploring Your Photo Editing Options
The Nerdy Photographer Podcast
For years, Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom have dominated the photo editing world, setting the gold standard for photographers and digital artists. However, in today’s creative landscape, more photographers are seeking alternatives - whether to avoid subscription fees, find a workflow that better fits their style, or explore new editing tools. If you're looking for powerful alternatives that rival (or even exceed) Adobe's offerings in some areas, Capture One, ON1 Photo RAW, and Luminar Neo should be on your radar. Let’s dive into how these platforms stack up and why they might be a great...
info_outlineFew photographers have had the privilege of documenting history as closely as Pete Souza. As the Chief Official White House Photographer for both the Reagan and Obama administrations, Souza captured some of the most defining moments in modern political history. In this episode, we sit down with him to discuss the stark differences between the White House administrations he covered, the evolution of photojournalism, and what it takes to tell an honest and compelling visual story.
From film to digital, from carefully curated moments to the instantaneous nature of modern media, Souza has witnessed firsthand how photography’s role in shaping public perception has changed over the decades. Tune in as he shares behind-the-scenes insights, his approach to storytelling, and the lessons he’s learned about patience, access, and the power of a single image.
Whether you're a photographer, a history buff, or just love a good story, this episode is one you won’t want to miss!
Watch the video of this interview with the photos we discuss, exclusively available for the first 7 days to members of our YouTube channel - https://youtu.be/2kWSl1K9gqQ
Episode Promos
This episode contains promos for the following:
- Nerdy Photographer Photography Resources - https://nerdyphotographer.com/resources
- Nerdy Photographer YouTube Channel Memberships - https://youtube.com/@CaseyFatchett
- Casey Fatchett Photography Print Shop - https://caseyfatchettphotography.pic-time.com/art
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About My Guest
Pete Souza is a best-selling author, speaker and freelance photographer. He is also Professor Emeritus of Visual Communication at Ohio University. For all eight years of the Obama administration, Souza was the Chief Official White House Photographer and the Director of the White House photo office. His book, Obama: An Intimate Portrait, was published by Little, Brown & Company in 2017, and debuted at #1 on the New York Times bestseller list. His 2018 book, Shade: A Tale of Two Presidents, also debuted at #1 on the New York Times bestseller list. Shade is a portrait in Presidential contrasts, telling the tale of the Obama and Trump administrations through a series of visual juxtapositions.It is one of the best-selling photography books of all time.
In 2021, Souza was inducted into the International Photography Hall of Fame. In 2022, Souza was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Professional Photographers of America.
Souza started his career working for two small newspapers in Kansas. From there, he worked as a staff photographer for the Chicago Sun-Times; an Official Photographer for President Reagan; a freelancer for National Geographic and other publications; the national photographer for the Chicago Tribune based in their Washington, D.C. bureau; and an assistant professor of photojournalism at Ohio University; before becoming Chief Official White House Photographer for President Obama in 2009.
In addition to the national political scene, Souza has covered stories around the world. After 9/11, he was among the first journalists to cover the fall of Kabul, Afghanistan, after crossing the Hindu Kush mountains by horseback in three feet of snow. Also while at the Tribune, Souza was part of the staff awarded the Pulitzer Prize in 2001 for explanatory reporting on the airline industry
You can view Pete's work on his website - PeteSouza.com - or you can follow him on Instagram @petesouza
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