137 - Shooting for Yourself: The Freedom of Staying a Hobbyist Photographer
The Nerdy Photographer Podcast
Release Date: 04/30/2025
168 - Photographing What's Real: Film, Trust, and Truth
The Nerdy Photographer Podcast
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. Rather than manufacturing moments or chasing perfection, John approaches weddings as a blank slate, allowing the day to reveal itself organically. That philosophy carries through every aspect of his...
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167 - Is Photography Still a Viable Career? The Shifting State of the Industry
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 - https://nerdyphotographer.com/recommends/adorama/ - https://stylecloud.co/ref/380/ -...
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166 - Casting Light and Shadow: Photography as a Modern Form of Magic
The Nerdy Photographer Podcast
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...
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165 - Wired Differently: Building a Freelance Photography Career While Neurodivergent
The Nerdy Photographer Podcast
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...
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164 - Beyond Hot Takes: Rethinking Dialogue and Discourse in the Photo Industry
The Nerdy Photographer Podcast
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...
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163 - The Art of Light and Melanin: Photographing Black Subjects Beautifully
The Nerdy Photographer Podcast
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...
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162 - Built to Last: Photography Business Moves That Build Longevity
The Nerdy Photographer Podcast
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 for long-term creative success How to stay relevant in a constantly changing industry Whether you’re a new photographer or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with practical advice...
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161 - Dust, Downbursts, and Drama: Storm Chasing in the American Southwest
The Nerdy Photographer Podcast
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 you must know before embarking on storm chasing Gear, safety, apps, and the art of reading the sky Wild stories from the desert during peak monsoon season If you’ve ever wanted to...
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160 - End of Year Reflections: Gratitude, Growth, and Goals
The Nerdy Photographer Podcast
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 year, our biggest year yet - not including record number of streams on YouTube YouTube subscribers up 50% and growing fast A stronger, more active community of photographers than ever...
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159 - Clout vs. Craft: How Online Negativity Stunts Photography Growth
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...
info_outlineIn a world where turning every passion into a side hustle is the norm, there’s something refreshing about keeping photography as a pure, unpressured hobby. In this episode, we dive into the freedom that comes with staying a hobbyist photographer—no client demands, no deadlines, just the sheer joy of capturing moments for yourself.
We talk about how removing the pressure to monetize your work can actually lead to more creativity, experimentation, and personal fulfillment. Whether you’re someone who loves shooting for the fun of it or a pro who occasionally longs for the simpler days, this conversation is a reminder that photography doesn’t always have to be a business—it can just be a love that you nurture on your own terms.
Episode Promos
This episode contains promos for:
- Elementor Wordpress Website Builder - https://nerdyphotographer.com/recommends/elementor
- Narrative AI Culling, Editing, and Publishing - https://narrative.so/select?affiliate=casey2746
- Siteground Website Hosting - https://www.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
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About My Guest
"A very serious active amateur photographer focusing on sports and wildlife. In between shoots I am the founder and Chief Investment Officer of Atlas Merchant Capital, an investment firm based in New York and London."
You can view more of David's work at his website - https://www.schamisshots.com or on Instagram at https://instagram.com/schamisshots
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