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

The Nerdy Photographer Podcast

Release Date: 11/20/2025

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...

info_outline 155 - Beyond Trends: Building a Genuine Presence as a Photographer show art 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 show art 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 show art 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_outline 152 - Reps, Sets, and Shutter Clicks: Building Photography Skills Like an Athlete show art 152 - Reps, Sets, and Shutter Clicks: Building Photography Skills Like an Athlete

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...

info_outline 149 - Seasoned but Still Learning: Experience, Doubt, and Staying Sharp show art 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...

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...

info_outline 147 - First Frames: Giving Refugee Children an Artistic Voice show art 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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More Episodes

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 genre can build credibility in another.

  • Communicating the shift – managing how clients and peers view your rebrand.

  • Opportunities ahead – the doors that open when you align your work with your vision.

If you’ve ever wondered how to move beyond your current niche—or feared losing momentum by making a change—this episode will give you a roadmap for rebranding your photography business with confidence.

Tune in now to hear Justin Haugen’s story and practical advice for photographers ready to reinvent their careers.

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About My Guest

Justin is a Photographer hailing from Tucson, Arizona by way of Seoul, Korea. Having first picked up a camera in 2004, Justin has experienced several photography careers, but now finds himself in corporate and commercial spaces as he raises his young children with his wife. Justin is a Tamron USA ambassador and sometimes educator.

You can see more of Justin's work at his website - https://JustinHaugen.com - or on Instagram https://instagram.com/photowarlock

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 corporate, event, and portraiture 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