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138 - Hustling as a Photographer: How to Build Influence and Maintain Success

The Nerdy Photographer Podcast

Release Date: 05/15/2025

156 - The Big Pivot: Rebranding Your Photography Career for New Opportunities show art 156 - The Big Pivot: Rebranding Your Photography Career for New Opportunities

The Nerdy Photographer Podcast

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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The Nerdy Photographer Podcast

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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The Nerdy Photographer Podcast

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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The Nerdy Photographer Podcast

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 –...

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The Nerdy Photographer Podcast

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 mindset to photography can help you sharpen your skills, stay consistent, and see improvement over time. Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode: Why “reps” matter – putting in the shots...

info_outline 151 - Drone Like a Pro: Tips, Tools & Rules for Aerial Photographers show art 151 - Drone Like a Pro: Tips, Tools & Rules for Aerial Photographers

The Nerdy Photographer Podcast

In this episode of the Nerdy Photographer Podcast, we’re taking to the skies—literally. I sat down with award-winning photographer and author Chase Guttman, whose groundbreaking book on drone photography helped launch an entire generation of aerial image-makers. As one of the earliest voices in the drone photography space, Chase brings insight, experience, and a healthy dose of sky-high inspiration. We talk about what it means to compose an image when your camera is 400 feet off the ground, how to think three-dimensionally when navigating space and light, and the gear that every aspiring...

info_outline 150 - Behind the Scenes, Ahead of the Curve: The Power of Learning as a Photography Assistant show art 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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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...

info_outline 148 - Creative Vision vs. Client Needs: Navigating Artistic and Consumer Photography show art 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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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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More Episodes

As 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!

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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