149 - Seasoned but Still Learning: Experience, Doubt, and Staying Sharp
The Nerdy Photographer Podcast
Release Date: 08/20/2025
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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_outline
158 - Heart Versus Hardware: Keeping Humanity in Photography's Future
The Nerdy Photographer Podcast
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...
info_outline
157 - Purpose, Not Purchase: Surviving the Holiday Marketing Blitz
The Nerdy Photographer Podcast
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
155 - Beyond Trends: Building a Genuine Presence as a Photographer
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...
info_outline
154 - Creative Vision - An Original Story of Photography Horror
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...
info_outline
153 - Structure & Spontaneity: Realizing Your Vision While Staying Flexible
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 –...
info_outlineReady 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 this for 20+ years still get the jitters), and our mutual love of dogs. Susan opens up about the pressure to perform when there are no do-overs, the challenge of staying creatively engaged after hundreds of weddings, and how to turn fear into fuel for growth.
And if you’ve ever noticed how many people in the wedding industry used to work in theater - you are not alone. Since we are both theater people, Susan and I discuss why theater people (actors, directors, makeup artists, etc.) often find their way to the wedding biz - and why those theater chops make for some seriously dynamic photographers.
This episode is packed with real talk, professional gold, and a lot of laughs. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been in the game for years, Susan’s wisdom and warmth will remind you why we fell in love with photography in the first place, and why showing up with a bit of vulnerability and a whole lot of heart still matters.
Episode Promos
This episode contains promos for:
- StyleCloud WordPress Website Templates
- Backblaze Data Backup
- Let's Be Real Unposed Photography Prompts
- Nerdy Photographer Contract Templates
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!
- Leave a review for the podcast - it helps us more than you can know!
- Tell your friends about the podcast
- Buy some merchandise - https://nerdyphoto.dasherly.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
- 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
- If you’re feeling extra generous, check out our support page - https://nerdyphotographer.com/support-nerdy-photographer/
About My Guest
Susan Stripling has been photographing weddings, portraits, and theater for over twenty years.
Susan’s work has been published in Inside Weddings, Martha Stewart Weddings, Grace Ormonde Wedding Style, Modern Bride, Town and Country Weddings, the New York Times, New York Post, Rangerfinder, PDN, and in ads and advertorials for Nikon USA, Epson, and Canon USA.
Susan has been an educator for Photo Plus, WPPI, PPA, Mystic Seminars, Portrait Masters, and Creative Live. She has been named one of the top ten wedding photographers in the world by American Photo Magazine. She is also currently a Grand Master with ICON.
She is most honored to be named an Explorer of Light by Canon USA.
Susan also the founder of The Wedding School, which strives to bring real, honest education to wedding photographers worldwide.
In her spare time, besides spending time with her incredible family, Susan is a voracious reader, lover of all horror movies, and inexplicably sleeps with the lights on.
You can find Susan on her website - https://susanstripling.com - or on Instagram https://instagram.com/susanstriplingphotography
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 25 years of experience. He just wants to help people and make them laugh. You can view Casey's artwork at https://art.caseyfphoto.com, his wedding work at https://fatchett.com or his corporate photography 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