138 - Hustling as a Photographer: How to Build Influence and Maintain Success
The Nerdy Photographer Podcast
Release Date: 05/15/2025
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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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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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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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...
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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 replace it. AI with intention – treating AI tools as collaborators, not shortcuts. The emotional core – why empathy, connection, and storytelling still matter most. The beauty of...
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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...
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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 niche isn’t serving your long-term goals. Rebranding strategies – reshaping your portfolio, website, and marketing to reach new clients. Leveraging past experience – how skills from one...
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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...
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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 “losing vision” Psychological tension, eerie twists, and plenty of atmosphere A dark reflection on the fears that haunt every artist Perfect for fans of eerie storytelling, this episode...
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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 –...
info_outlineAs photographers, we know that talent alone isn’t always enough - you have to get in the room where the decisions are made. Whether it’s landing that dream client, getting your work in front of an editor, or securing a high-profile gig, the hustle to be seen and heard is real.
In this episode of The Nerdy Photographer Podcast, we dive into the strategies photographers use to break through barriers and position themselves for success. From networking tips to making the most of every opportunity, we’ll explore how to turn connections into career-changing moments.
If you’ve ever wondered how to get past the gatekeepers and into the conversations that matter, this episode is for you. Let's start making moves!
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
- Backblaze Cloud Backup Services - https://www.backblaze.com/cloud-backup/personal#afc32p
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About My Guest
Karen Williams is a keynote speaker, course creator, and creator of Black Visual Queen, a company that is working to bring diversity to the professional photography industry. She has worked in the industry for over 15 years as a Photo Editor. She is in charge of hiring photographers for clients like Wired, Masterclass, Square, and AARP. She is the decision-maker sitting in fancy rooms with top people debating which photographer to hire and why, and has had a hand in visual stories for dozens of iconic brands. She is also a photography thought leader on LinkedIn, sharing industry knowledge. She knows what it takes for a photographer to get hired, and her mission is to help people get access to the information and resources they need to succeed in commercial photography.
You can learn more about Karen on her website or on Instagram
You can also purchase Karen's new book, The Photo Hustle, on Amazon - https://amzn.to/44fzGd6
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