Photography is Nothing – Détails, épisodes et analyse

This week Zach & Courtney discuss how every single person is meant to create, a Pacers game 7 loss, what makes for a great summer photo, and more!“Photography is nothing–it's life that interests me.” - Henri Cartier-Bresson Index0:00 - Indiana is subtropical0:59 - Indiana is SAD1:46 - We love the Pacers3:45 - We went to a Pacers watch party + life in a midsize city4:38 - This is Photography is Nothing, Courtney has a rabbit.5:56 - Zach’s Pacers watch party photos 📷9:06 - How to take photos that feel like summer 📷14:40 - Great summer photos from other photographers 📷15:12 - Photo: Martine Franck. “Swimming Pool Designed by Alain Capeilleres, La Brush, France. 1976. 📷16:32 - Photos: Martin Parr. “The Last Resort” Series from 1983-85. 📷19:05 - Photo: Harold Feinstein. Coney Island. 1949. 📷19:47 - Slim Aarons IS summer (for rich people) 📷20:18 - Courtney loves summer. And kinda hates it.22:04 - Zach loves air conditioning, but says it ruined things, too.22:51 - Courtney was a summer camp counselor.23:32 - Update: Some important info about Dickey Chapelle 📷26:12 - Courtney says no one actually makes things anymore.30:04 - LED lights are nonsense.32:50 - We talk about actually making things.34:27 - Zach takes photos of people actually making things. 📷34:45 - Photo: Lewis Hine. Power House Mechanic Working on a Steam Pump. 1920. 📷35:00 - Photo: W. Eugene Smith. Steel Mill Worker, Pittsburg. 1955. 📷35:03 - Photos: Lee Friedlander. Cray Industries. 1986. 📷37:07 - The Mystery Zine. 38:14 - So much of what we do in the world feels ethereal. What’s real?39:07 - Courtney says it’s okay for kids to be online.40:33 - Zach & Courtney hate aggregator accounts. Don’t let them post your work!44:58 - Our job as humans is to create something that didn’t exist before45:40 - Courtney says what she really thinks: We are an extension of the Universe, which is a creative force.47:40 - Zach is giving a public talk about how to be a documentary photographer in your own lifeFind ZachWebsite: https://zachdobson.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zachdobsonphoto/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zachdobsonphotoThreads: https://www.threads.com/@zachdobsonphotoFind CourtneyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/courtneymccracken_/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@happy_life_lessonsThreads: https://www.threads.com/@courtneymccracken_About the PodcastPhotography is Nothing with Zach Dobson and Courtney McCracken is a weekly conversation about photography and all its impact. Each week Zach and Courtney discuss their latest adventures, life lessons, and anything else that sounds interesting. Photography is Nothing invites you into the conversations they were already having as a married couple running a photography and media company in the current world.

This week Zach & Courtney discuss how AI is eating itself, photographing kids in the style of a war photographer, how famous women are remembered for their trauma, and more!“Photography is nothing–it's life that interests me.” - Henri Cartier-Bresson Index0:00 - Courtney & Zach debate how to pronounce "moire"0:26 - Zach thought he didn’t get any good photos but he did2:05 - Courtney thew a Nerf battle birthday party & Zach was surprised about the photos he took 📷 5:49 - How Nerf war photos were influenced by war photographers 📷 10:07 - Photographers want people to see large versions of their photos 11:22 - Zach can tell a good photographer from a great photographer by how they use the frame12:34 - Courtney & Zach discuss models vs candid vs regular people on photoshoots18:20 - Catherine Leroy search results 📷 19:53 - Dickie Chapelle 📷 20:14 - Women are reduced to a byline about their trauma23:01 - Uplifting photograpehrs23:33 - Learning about photographers we're not crazy about 23:56 - Zach portraits of Courtney and kids in Bruce Gilden style 📷 25:42 - Street photos weren’t seen broadly before internet & socials28:42 - Fact checking with ChatGPT 30:15 - Courtney says AI is not taking over the world34:19 - Media literacy is vital and finding fake photos 36:38 - Fake photos we've seen recently37:00 - Fake Mount St. Helens 📷 38:11 - Fake Margaret Bourke-White 📷 Find ZachWebsite: https://zachdobson.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zachdobsonphoto/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zachdobsonphotoThreads: https://www.threads.com/@zachdobsonphotoFind CourtneyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/courtneymccracken_/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@happy_life_lessonsThreads: https://www.threads.com/@courtneymccracken_About the PodcastPhotography is Nothing with Zach Dobson and Courtney McCracken is a weekly conversation about photography and all its impact. Each week Zach and Courtney discuss their latest adventures, life lessons, and anything else that sounds interesting. Photography is Nothing invites you into the conversations they were already having as a married couple running a photography and media company in the current world.

Welcome to our very first episode of Photography is Nothing! This week Zach & Courtney discuss starting a podcast, literally dropping a $5000 camera, attending & photographing the Indy 500, documenting the neighborhood swim team, and more!"Photography is nothing–it's life that interests me.” - Henri Cartier-Bresson Index0:00 - Intro: Talking photography at you is boring 2:22 - Courtney & Zach take a trip to the 2025 Indianapolis 5003:52 - It's easy to start a podcast 7:12 - Our favorite part of the 5008:30 - Zach's Indy 500 photos 📷 9:55 - Remember: your first photos of the day usually aren’t good10:41 - Family trip to Cedar Point11:10 - Zach dropped the Fujifilm GFX100RF and it broke14:27 - Courtney asks if people who know you take the best photos of you?15:36 - How sports photographer Dave Black influenced Zach 📷 19:29 - Courtney runs summer swim team & Zach documents it 📷 24:33 - Documentary photography of everyday life27:17 - Lessons from Mike Birbiglia podcast 📷 29:00 - We host a race party29:50 - Who is the GFX100RF good for?31:08 - Steven Shore documented the everyday in great detail 📷 32:07 - Courtney is excited Taylor Swift got her mastersFind ZachWebsite: https://zachdobson.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zachdobsonphoto/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zachdobsonphotoThreads: https://www.threads.com/@zachdobsonphotoFind CourtneyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/courtneymccracken_/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@happy_life_lessonsThreads: https://www.threads.com/@courtneymccracken_About the PodcastPhotography is Nothing with Zach Dobson and Courtney McCracken is a weekly conversation about photography and all its impact. Each week Zach and Courtney discuss their latest adventures, life lessons, and anything else that sounds interesting. Photography is Nothing invites you into the conversations they were already having as a married couple running a photography and media company in the current world.

Episode 04 - This week Zach & Courtney discuss monetizing hobbies, the importance of consent, taking photos when we travel as a family, drawing people in public, and more!

“Photography is nothing–it's life that interests me.” - Henri Cartier-Bresson 

Index

0:00 - This is a VIDEO podcast. 

0:47 - We lost some video last week.

2:21 - Shoutouts to Erik and LeAnn

3:35 - You should monetize your hobbies.

4:41 - Do you have to monetize something to make it worth doing?

7:56 - We started our photography business before we had kids.

8:30 - A lot of people “creating full time” are single adults.

9:24 - We’ve set up our lives so Zach can do photography while we’re together as a family.

9:42 - Zach’s photos that he’s taken while Courtney and/or kids were present. 📷

11:20 - Courtney says you don’t need to retire if you’re doing something you like.

12:23 - Zach says your photos can appreciate in value over time.

12:37 - William Eggleston photos are worth a lot more now than they were in the 1970s & 80s. Zach thinks history & nostalgia play a part in that.

14:42 - Always keep your copyright!

17:20 - Every person has a path.

18:57 - We’re finally done with swim team. Zach shares a swimming photo he just took that’s super cool. 📷

27:02 - We get consent to post photos online.

33:34 - Getting consent can be a matter of personal safety, especially for women, children, and minorities.

35:53 - A personal story of someone who escaped a dangerous situation.

38:58 - Stop drawing people! 😬

40:44 - What can you do if you feel dumb taking photos? Public celebrations are a good place to practice! 📷

46:03 - How does Harrison Ford overcome his self consciousness? 🎥

48:18 - Grownups playing sports enjoy having their photos taken (📷 Stonewall Sports)

49:45 - “What can I do as a mom to make some extra money?”

51:36 - It was NOT better in the 80s and 90s! 📷

58:59 - How does Zach REALLY feel about fireworks photos?

1:00:49 - Zach’s fireworks photos. 📷

1:00:55 - 📷 Joakim Eskildsen. From the Series Nordic Signs. Fireworks. 1991.

1:02:35 - 📷 Zach Dobson. Backyard Fireworks. July 4, 2018.

1:02:56 - 📷 David Drebin. Fireworks. 2018.

1:03:59 - 📷 Bruce Davidson. Fourth of July fireworks, Coney Island, New York. 1962.

1:05:21 - 📷 Henri Cartier-Bresson. Fireworks seen from the Forbidden City. Beijing, China. 1958.

1:06:13 - 📷 Brassaï. Fireworks on the Night of Longchamp. 1936.

1:07:03 - Tips for taking photos of fireworks, if you’re determined to do it. 📷

1:10:34 - Happy Independence Day. Sheeeeesh. The End.

Find Zach

Website: https://zachdobson.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zachdobsonphoto/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zachdobsonphoto

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@zachdobsonphoto

Find Courtney

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/courtneymccracken_/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@happy_life_lessons

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@courtneymccracken_

About the Podcast

Photography is Nothing with Zach Dobson and Courtney McCracken is a weekly conversation about photography and all its impact. Each week Zach and Courtney discuss their latest adventures, life lessons, and anything else that sounds interesting. 

Photography is Nothing invites you into the conversations they were already having as a married couple running a photography and media company in the current world.

Episode 05 - This week Zach & Courtney discuss everyday photography, Zach’s 180 on fireworks photos, an important quote that influenced Courtney, and the work of photographers Sally Mann and Larry Fink.

“Photography is nothing–it's life that interests me.” - Henri Cartier-Bresson 

Index

0:00 - Showing after every trip to the grocery store.

0:19 - This is a podcast about photography and everything else.

0:57 - We’re getting great feedback on the podcast!

2:43 - Irish accents make Courtney feel cozy.

3:43 - Question: What photo books does Zach recommend for newer photogs?

7:06 - Comment: Disney ads don’t portray the reality.

8:30 - Prejudice against photographers who shoot using the LCD screen

10:42 - Zach does a 180 on a take from last episode.

14:28 - Courtney says there’s something that parents often overlook.

17:46 - Tom has an old tractor. Recreating moments in photographs.

19:35 - Documentary Photography is for Everyone - Zach’s talk at the Carmel Clay Public Library.

20:55 - The story about unhoused youth was not Zach’s to tell.

21:59 - Covid affected Zach’s trajectory as a photographer.

24:37 - Zach’s everyday photography during Covid. 📷

27:58 - Sally Mann’s photos of her family. 📷

35:01 - All the young people are using early 2000s digital cameras.

36:38 - Larry Fink photographed his neighbors, the Sabatines, in the 1970s and 80s. 📷

41:21 - Courtney loves this quote from Larry Fink that she wrote down a decade ago.

43:04 - Our late neighbor Rose said in every person a whole universe is born.

43:50 - Larry Fink’s photo of a universe in his own eye. 📷

44:51 - In photography, it can be easy to rely on grandiose things to make a photo interesting.

45:59 - Larry Fink’s full quote on the revolution within and its impact on Courtney.

48:01 - We were planning to go meet Larry Fink.

49:55 - Zach sees the revolution within manifest in Courtney.

51:03 - Courtney doesn’t care if kids sit and listen while she reads.

Find Zach

Website: https://zachdobson.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zachdobsonphoto/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zachdobsonphoto

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@zachdobsonphoto

Find Courtney

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/courtneymccracken_/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@happy_life_lessons

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@courtneymccracken_

About the Podcast

Photography is Nothing with Zach Dobson and Courtney McCracken is a weekly conversation about photography and all its impact. Each week Zach and Courtney discuss their latest adventures, life lessons, and anything else that sounds interesting. 

Photography is Nothing invites you into the conversations they were already having as a married couple running a photography and media company in the current world.

Episode 07 - This week Zach & Courtney discuss 8 iconic album covers and the stories behind them. They define what makes an “iconic” album cover, analyze the photos, tell how they were made, who the photographers were, and some of the myths that formed around the images.

“Photography is nothing–it's life that interests me.” - Henri Cartier-Bresson

Index

0:00 - Intro - Zach’s brush with Free Jazz

0:31 - We will call photographers out on their poor behavior. Including W. Eugene Smith.

1:47 - Today’s topic: Eight Iconic Album Covers.

2:15 - How do we define an iconic album cover?

4:13 - The Polaroid. Taylor Swift. 1989. Photo by Lowfield.

8:51 - The use of Polaroid reminds Courtney of No Code by Pearl Jam.

11:20 - Greatest rock & roll photo? The Clash. London Calling. Photo by Pennie Smith

15:57 - Giant Steps by John Coltrane. Photographed by Lee Friedlander

20:50 - Famous behind. Bruce Springsteen. Born in the U.S.A. Photo by Annie Leibovitz

24:43 - Uplifting friends. Kendrick Lamar. To Pimp A Butterfly. Photo by Denis Rouvre.

27:56 - Courtney’s pick. Madonna. True Blue. Photographed by Herb Ritts.

33:08 - A new classic. Doechii. Alligator Bites Never Heal. Photographed by John Jay.

37:22 - The most iconic album cover photo of all time according to Zach.

Find Zach

Website: https://zachdobson.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zachdobsonphoto/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zachdobsonphoto

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@zachdobsonphoto

Find Courtney

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/courtneymccracken_/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@happy_life_lessons

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@courtneymccracken_

About the Podcast

Photography is Nothing with Zach Dobson and Courtney McCracken is a weekly conversation about photography and all its impact. Each week Zach and Courtney discuss their latest adventures, life lessons, and anything else that sounds interesting.

Photography is Nothing invites you into the conversations they were already having as a married couple running a photography and media company in the current world.

Fair Use Statement

This document contains copyrighted material, the use of which has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. I have determined this to be "fair use" of the copyrighted material as referenced and provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. If you wish to use any copyrighted material from this document for purposes of your own that go beyond fair use, you must obtain express permission from the copyright owner.

Episode 06 - This week Zach & Courtney discuss photography projects that became obsessive, including Japanese photographer Masahisa Fukase’s Ravens, Catherine Leroy’s coverage of the Vietnam War, W. Eugene Smith documenting Pittsburg for two years, and Zach’s own project of photographing lost golf balls in the woods and the creek.

**NOTES**

- W. Eugene Smith’s Country Doctor story was photographed in Kremmling, Colorado.

- It’s true the W. Eugene Smith would copy his correspondence for posterity.

- The first woman photographer to win a Guggenheim grant was Dorothea Lange in 1941, but she turned it down to work for the government documenting Japanese Internment Camps.

- Helen Levitt won two consecutive Guggenheim grants in 1959 & 1968 for her color photography.

- Stephan Lorant’s book Pittsburgh: the Story of an American City was published in 1964 (Pittsburgh’s bicentennial was 1958).

“Photography is nothing–it's life that interests me.” - Henri Cartier-Bresson

Index0:00 - Intro - A photographer with a lot of problems

0:39 - Today’s topic: Photo stories that went too far.

1:38 - Comments. We made people cry.

3:20 - New episodes of Photography is Nothing are released early Wednesday morning

6:17 - Zach’s obsessive photo story: As It Lies 📷

8:55 - What’s inside a golf ball? We were surprised to see!

11:23 - Masahisa Fukase’s Ravens; a photo book 10 years in the making 📷

12:56 - Backstory: Masahisa Fukase’s photographed his wife for the series From Window 📷

13:59 - When is a photographer putting themself on a subject?16:21 - Ravens by Masahisa Fukase is regarded as one of the best photo books of the last 40 years. 📷

20:26 - Catherine Leroy’s tenacity eventually got her captured by the enemy. She turned it into an exclusive story. 📷

27:12 - W. Eugene Smith’s Pittsburgh series was aggressively massive. 📷

28:38 - W. Eugene Smith is credited for inventing the modern photo story with his Country Doctor series. 📷

30:45 - The story behind W. Eugene Smith’s Pittsburgh photo series. 📷

32:03 - Some quotes from W. Eugene Smith. 📷

43:00 - Was W. Eugene Smith one of the all-time great photographers? What is his legacy. 📷

45:20 - His children that he called “anchors” were the subjects for one of his most famous photos. 📷

Find ZachWebsite: https://zachdobson.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zachdobsonphoto/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zachdobsonphotoThreads: https://www.threads.com/@zachdobsonphotoFind

CourtneyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/courtneymccracken_/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@happy_life_lessonsThreads: https://www.threads.com/@courtneymccracken_

About the Podcast

Photography is Nothing with Zach Dobson and Courtney McCracken is a weekly conversation about photography and all its impact. Each week Zach and Courtney discuss their latest adventures, life lessons, and anything else that sounds interesting.

Photography is Nothing invites you into the conversations they were already having as a married couple running a photography and media company in the current world.