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 cultural context

Learn from disagreement without hostility

Create work rooted in intention rather than reaction

This episode encourages photographers to move beyond surface-level debates and embrace conversations that are informed, empathetic, and expansive.
Looking Toward the Future
As the industry evolves—through technology, AI, and changing cultural landscapes—the way photographers communicate will matter more than ever. The future of photography isn't just technical. It's philosophical.
If we want better images, better communities, and better careers, we need better conversations.
Episode Promos
This episode includes promos for the following:
Adorama
Stylecloud Website Templates
On1 Photo Editing Software
BackBlaze Cloud Data Backup
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
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
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
Get some Nerdy Photographer merchandise - https://nerdyphoto.dashery.com
If you're feeling extra generous, check out our support page - https://nerdyphotographer.com/support-nerdy-photographer/
About My Guest 

Ibarionex Perello is a photographer, writer and educator. He is also the host/producer of The Candid Frame photography podcast. He has over 40 years in the photographic industry including time as a magazine editor, and author. He currently works as a special projects photographer for the Huntington Library in Southern California.

You can listen to Ibarionex on his podcast – thecandidframe.com – or on Instagram – @ibarionex
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

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 - one that often fails Black and darker-skinned subjects. The result? Images that lack depth, nuance, and respect for the full spectrum of skin tones.

In this episode of The Nerdy Photographer, we dive deep into the art, science, and responsibility of lighting Black-skinned subjects properly. This is not about shortcuts or presets - it's about understanding light, skin, and intention.

Episode Promos

This episode includes promos for the following:

Adorama
Stylecloud Website Templates
On1 Photo Editing Software
BackBlaze Cloud Data Backup
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
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
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
Get some Nerdy Photographer merchandise - https://nerdyphoto.dashery.com
If you're feeling extra generous, check out our support page - https://nerdyphotographer.com/support-nerdy-photographer/
About My Guest 

Leighton DaCosta, or "LD" as many know him by, is a Wedding and Fine Art Portrait Photographer based in Southern California, at the moment. He started his photography business more than 15 years ago while serving in the Navy. Due to the military requirements, he learned to make his studio "interstate mobile" as he has operated for extended periods in Virginia, Florida, Utah, Georgia, South Carolina, and California. He's conducted photo assignments in exotic and remote places such as Dubai, Jamaica, and Aruba; as well as several years flying over Afghanistan.

When not creating content of his own, Leighton diligently works at educating photographers and others in the industry in not only content creation but also in business practices geared for the creative.

You can check out Leighton's website at LeightonD.com, and follow along with him on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
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

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 for building a career that actually lasts.
Listen and learn how to future-proof your photography business.

Episode Promos

This episode contains promos for:

StyleCloud WordPress Website Templates - https://stylecloud.co/ref/380/
On1 Photo Raw - https://nerdyphotographer.com/recommends/on1/
Backblaze Cloud Data Backup - https://www.backblaze.com/cloud-backup/personal#afc32p
Aftershoot AI Culling, Editing, and Retouching
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
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://art.caseyfphoto.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
Get some Nerdy Photographer merchandise - https://nerdyphoto.dashery.com
If you're feeling extra generous, check out our support page - https://nerdyphotographer.com/support-nerdy-photographer/
About My Guest

Ryan Brenizer is a New York–area wedding photographer known for turning real moments into cinematic images. He's photographed 900+ weddings and four U.S. presidents, been blessed by a pope, and once got stared down by Muhammad Ali. A depth-of-field panorama approach widely known as the Brenizer Method bears his name. Nearly two decades in, he still builds every frame on the same principles: honesty first, story over spectacle, and technique in service of people.

You can see Ryan's work at his website - https://thebrenizers.com - or on Instagram https://instagram.com/thebrenizers
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

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 capture lightning, chase storms, or experience the Southwest in its most dramatic form, this episode is packed with inspiration and real-world advice.
Tune in and learn how to photograph monsoon magic, without getting yourself fried by lightning

Episode Promos

This episode contains promos for:

On1 Photo Raw - https://nerdyphotographer.com/recommends/on1/
Aftershoot AI Culling, Editing, and Retouching - https://aftershoot.com/?ref=nerdyphoto
Backblaze Cloud Data Backup - https://www.backblaze.com/cloud-backup/personal#afc32p
Elementor Website Builder - https://nerdyphotographer.com/recommends/elementor/
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 and tell your friends - spread the word!
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://art.caseyfphoto.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
Get some Nerdy Photographer merchandise - https://thenerdyphoto.dashery.com
Just give us some money - https://nerdyphotographer.com/support-nerdy-photographer/
About My Guest

Jake Case is a photographer and writer based in Arizona, specializing in nature, landscape, storm, and architectural photography. Through his work, he explores the intersections of human history and the natural world, with a focus on storytelling and capturing the beauty of both the built and natural environments. He's the co-author of the book "Arizona: A Photographic Journey" and also shares his experiences on his blog, Mountain Tripper.

You can find Jake on his website – https://mountaintripper.com – or on Instagram – https://instagram.com/jakecasephoto
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 work at https://caseyfphoto.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

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 before across all social media platforms

I'm beyond grateful for every listener, guest, and supporter who's helped the show (and me personally) grow this year. Your enthusiasm, feedback, and participation keep this community thriving.
Tune in now for a heartfelt look back at how far we've come - and what's next for The Nerdy Photographer Podcast as we continue growing, learning, and sharing together.
Join the Community
There are lots of ways to join in the Nerdy Photographer community and help us grow. Here are a few of the simplest and most effective ways:
Subscribe to the podcast. Tell your friends about the podcast. Leave reviews.
Follow (and interact!) on Instagram - https://instagram.com/thenerdyphoto
Sign up for the newsletter - https://nerdyphotographer.com/newsletter
Subscribe on YouTube -  https://youtube.com/CaseyFatchett
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