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

Index

0:00 - Intro: Talking photography at you is boring

2:22 - Courtney & Zach take a trip to the 2025 Indianapolis 500

3:52 - It's easy to start a podcast

7:12 - Our favorite part of the 500

8:30 - Zach's Indy 500 photos 📷

9:55 - Remember: your first photos of the day usually aren’t good

10:41 - Family trip to Cedar Point

11:10 - Zach dropped the Fujifilm GFX100RF and it broke

14:27 - 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 life

27:17 - Lessons from Mike Birbiglia podcast 📷

29:00 - We host a race party

29:50 - 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 masters

Find Zach

Website: 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.

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.

Episode 08 - This week Zach & Courtney follow up with comments from last week’s album choices and discuss everything from lawsuits to successful collaborations between photographers and musicians.

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

INDEX0:00 - Intro - Be more interesting!

2:30 - Following up on comments about The Beatles Abbey Road conspiracies.

6:57 - We each have one Mandela Effect we believe.

10:06 - Our thoughts on the Nirvana Nevermind alum cover.

13:43 - Album covers that had lawsuits filed: Dido’s Safe Trip Home and Vampire Weekend’s Contra

19:09 - The Beatles secured permissions for all the notable people portrayed on the Sgt. Pepper album cover.

21:13 - Musician Blood Orange (Dev Hynes) was inspired by Deena Lawson’s photo “Binky & Tony Forever.”

29:39 - John Coltrane’s Blue Train album cover was photographed by Francis Wolff.

30:46 - A brief intro to Blue Note Records designer Reid Miles.

32:26 - Francis Wolff co-founded Blue Note Records and photographed many of their album covers.

40:26 - Great collaborations between artists lead to the most meaningful work.

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.

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 09 - This week Zach & Courtney discuss starting a photography business and a family at the same time and how they work to fully integrate their lives together.

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

Notes

Where it says, “Photo stories with the family,” on the screen from 35:31 until the end, what that means is for every one of those images, we were all together as a family, or Zach was out with the kids. 

Clearly some of the photos have the kids in them, but many are documentary images of the places we’re visiting. We wanted to show the breadth of work it’s possible for us to do when we’re together. 

Courtney mentions a Helena Bonham Carter quote. Here it is…

“I think everything in life is art. What you do. How you dress. The way you love someone, and how you talk. Your smile and your personality. What you believe in, and all your dreams. The way you drink your tea. How you decorate your home. Or party. Your grocery list. The food you make. How your writing looks. And the way you feel. Life is art.”

Index

0:00 - The parameters are there to help us grow.

1:33 - Who are Zach & Courtney?

2:11 - Meeting at Indiana University and sharing an interest in travel & storytelling.

3:17 - Zach started his photography career in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.

5:01 - Courtney moves to Chicago and Zach follows.

6:12 - Zach & Courtney start their photography business in Indianapolis in 2006

15:17 - Working as a documentary commercial photographer

17:52 - Booking our own weddings as a photographer

18:58 - A special visitor to the set

20:12 - Multiple streams of photography income. 

21:44 - Courtney solo parenting while Zach works nights.

25:26 - Why we decided to homeschool our kids.

30:00 - Being in charge of our own time.

33:14 - The Personal Legend Project

35:40 - Creating stability at work and home

40:00 - Society wants perfection. The interesting is in the mess.

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 10 - This week Zach & Courtney discuss their visit to the Indiana State Fair plus Zach’s project documenting fairs & festivals around the state of Indiana over the last 15 years. They also look at some photography of fairs by some of the all time greats like Danny Lyon, Inge Morath, Garry Winogrand, and others!

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

Index0:00 - Zach got scammed.

2:33 - Zach and Courtney visit the Indiana State Fair.

5:33 - How to find the best fair food.

9:55 - How much it cost us at the state fair this year.

12:04 - How to find the best lemon shakeups

13:14 - Zach’s Indiana Fair Project started in 2010. 📷

22:12 - Danny Lyon’s portraits of carnival workers. 📷

23:20 - Bruce Davidson’s photos of Jimmy Armstrong. 📷

23:37 - Diane Arbus photographed outsiders in their personal spaces. 📷

23:54 - Danny Lyon’s photos were the basis of The Bikeriders, a 2023 film starring Austin Butler.

24:30 - René Burri - Fair ride. Zurich, Switzerland. 1980. 📷

26:10 - Inge Morath - Puck Fair, Killorglin, County Kerry, Ireland. 1954. 📷

26:48 - Martin Parr - Manorhamilton Sheep Fair, County Leitrim, Ireland. 1981. 📷

27:02 - Gueorgui Pinkhassov - Blackpool, England. 2018. 📷

27:32 - Garry Winogrand - Texas State Fair. 1964. 📷

28:35 - Wolfgang Suschitzky - Hampstead Heath Fair. 1938. 📷

29:06 - Garry Winogrand - World’s Fair. New York City. 1964. 📷

29:34 - Zach will continue to photograph fairs and festivals. 📷

Find Zach

Website: https://zachdobson.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zachdobsonphoto/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zachdobsonphotoThreads: 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 11 - This week Zach & Courtney discuss photographing road trips, including Zach’s photos on the road and in the Florida Keys, plus Joel Sternfeld’s project from the 1970s and 80s, American Prospects.

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

Index

0:00 - Intro - Missing a great moment because he ran out of film

0:45 - We loved road trips growing up

3:18 - Road trips were more fun/dangerous in the 80s & 90s

4:43 - Zach’s photos from rest stops and gas stations on the way to Florida 📷

9:22 - A road trip through the Florida Keys 📷

17:16 - Joel Sternfeld’s American Prospects feels like a road trip across the United States.

17:38 - McLean, Virginia, December 1978. 📷

18:01 - Joel Sternfeld’s idea behind American Prospects

20:17 - After a Flash Flood. Rancho Mirage, California. 1979. 📷

20:42 - The Space Shuttle Columbia Lands at Kelly Air Force Base. San Antonio, Texas. March 1979.📷

21:21 - Exhausted Renegade Elephant. Woodland, Washington. June 1979.📷

23:33 - Glen Canyon Dam. Page, Arizona. 1983.📷

24:19 - Wet ’n’ Wild Aquatic Theme Park. Orlando, Florida. 1980.📷

25:05 - Buckingham, Pennsylvania. August 1978.📷

25:43 - Bikini Contest. Fort Lauderdale, Florida. March 1983.📷

27:22 - Near Akron, Ohio. May 1983.📷

28:26 - Portage Glacier, Alaska. August 1984.📷

29:15 - Lake Oswego, Oregon. June 1979.📷

30:38 - Canyon Country, California. June 1983.📷

31:52 - Courtney says this series is a great introduction to the vastness of the United States.

33:32 - This project helped Zach to realize that there’s wild stuff happening everywhere all the time if you’re looking for it.

35:01 - West Aztec Avenue. Gallup, New Mexico. September 1982.📷

35:25 - Great Salt Lake, Utah. August 1979.📷

For links to all the sources for this episode, check out our resources page here...https://blog.zachdobson.com/2025/09/photography-is-nothing-ep11/

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 12 - This week Zach & Courtney visit Tennessee, both literally and photographically. They discuss Zach’s photos from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, view historical images from the Tennessee Valley Authority, and learn about the incredible Tennessee-based photographer Stacy Kranitz.“Photography is nothing–it's life that interests me.” - Henri Cartier-Bresson Index0:00 - Intro - I’m not old, I had a Nintendo!2:18 - Not much for kids to do in Nashville2:59 - The Parthenon in Nashville built in 18974:22 - Spending one day in Great Smoky Mountains National Park8:12 - Zach photographs the national parks to document how people use them.9:38 - 📷 Lee Friedlander. Mount Rushmore. 196913:51 - Zach learns about parenting in nature while taking photos15:53 - 📷 Zach’s favorite photo from Great Smoky Mountains National Park - top of Kuwohi (2018)17:44 - 📷 Historical photos from the Tennessee Valley Authority27:23 - Zach is against colorizing historical photos31:34 - 📷 The Pulitzer Prize-winning photography of Stacy Kranitz33:55 - 📷 As It Was Given To Me - Photos documenting life in Appalachia by Stacy Kranitz43:14 - Kranitz’s photos are misrepresented by CNNLinksStacy Kranitz Websitehttps://www.stacykranitz.com/Pulitzer-winning story w/ ProPublicahttps://projects.propublica.org/the-year-after-a-denied-abortion/Roger May's Interview w/ Kranitz about CNN photoshttps://www.rogermayphotography.com/walkyourcamera/tag/KranitzFind 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.Fair Use StatementThis 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 13 - For any household with Swifties, the number 13 has special meaning. So for this 13th episode of Photography is Nothing, Zach & Courtney invite their daughters to discuss the meaning and evolution of Taylor Swift's album art through the eras.

As Taylor Swift worked her way from teen country artist to international pop phenomenon, her album photography changed, too. It's no surprise that while she was taking control of her music and image, she also played larger roles in the direction of her photography.

Today, we'll go through the various photoshoots for her 12 albums and talk about how the photography reflects the mood and themes of the albums. We get into the photography of The Eras Tour as well.

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

Index

0:00 - Taylor Swift Album Photography Intro

2:32 - Our girls' favorite photos

6:23 - Debut (2006) - 📷 Andrew Orth

9:50 - Fearless (2008) -  📷 Joseph Anthony Baker, 

Ash Newell, and Sheryl Nields

12:52 - What does Taylor's Version mean?

15:40 - Fearless (Taylor's Version) - 📷 Beth Garrabrant

17:23 - Speak Now (2010) -   📷 Joseph Anthony Baker

19:41 - Speak Now (Taylor's Version) -  📷 Beth Garrabrant

21:10 - Red (2012) -  📷 Lowfield*

24:09 - Red (Taylor's Version) - 📷 Beth Garrabrant

25:53 - 1989 (2014) - 📷 Lowfield

30:45 - 1989 (Taylor's Version) -  📷 Beth Garrabrant

32:21 - Reputation -  📷 Mert & Marcus**

40:21 - Lover - 📷 Valheria Rocha

46:02 - Folklore - 📷 Beth Garrabrant

54:02 - Evermore - 📷 Beth Garrabrant

56:54 - Midnights - 📷 Beth Garrabrant

1:03:14 - The Tortured Poets Department - 📷 Beth Garrabrant

1:07:20 - The Life of a Showgirl -  📷 Mert & Marcus

1:15:55 - The Eras Tour Photography

1:20:53 - The Eras Tour Indianapolis N2 Outfits

1:24:00 - Did The Eras Tour photography capture the experience?

1:25:04 - Zach's photos documenting outside The Eras Tour

*Lowfield is the team of Sarah Barlow & Stephen Schofield

** Mert & Marcus is the duo of Mert Alaş & Marcus Piggott

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 14 - Zach has always enjoyed photographing cars. Going to the occasional car shows and gatherings has been a regular part of our family life since the beginning.

Today we welcome our boys to the podcast who also enjoy photographing cars with their dad. We talk through their images as well as some of our favorite car photos by other photographers.

Cars & Coffee, Carmel Artomobilia, and the Indianapolis 500, are just a few subjects we get into on this episode.

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

Index

0:00 - Introduction: Car shows are popular in our household

2:34 - Zach started photographing cars in high school

3:17 - Henry was into cars & trucks at a young age

5:36 - Carmel Artomobilia is our local car show

7:03 - Cars & Coffee at Graham Rahal Performance

12:39 - Henry & the Indy 500 rings

14:00 - Courtney loves the Indy 500

15:46 - Looking at Henry's car photos

23:12 - Car photos Henry likes

30:13 - Henry's favorite cars

33:23 - Photographer Horst Baumann - 1960's auto racing

39:54 - Welcome Jett to the podcast

40:26 - Car photos by Jett

46:46 - Welcome Townes to the podcast

47:44 - Photographing at car shows together

49:53 - Car photos by Townes

53:38 - Bonus content: social media edits

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 15 - Photographers love to talk about bokeh. So let's get into it. We talk about the origins of the word and just how recently this came into the photography lexicon.

Also, more important to us than how it works from a technical standpoint is how it's used in photos to direct a viewer's eye or tell a story.

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

Index

0:00 - We’re in a new location

1:43 - Today’s topic: Bokeh!

2:14 - Etymology of the word “bokeh”

2:31 - The first time “bokeh” appeared in western media

3:41 - “How do you get that background blur?”

4:19 - What is bokeh? How do you use it?

7:56 - Bokeh happens a lot in low light

8:26 - Photographing holiday lights with lots of bokeh

10:02 - Getting maximum bokeh photographing holiday lights

14:48 - Big foreground bokeh

17:57 - Using bokeh to direct people’s eyes

22:04 - Why street photographers don’t use bokeh much

23:21 - How Gueorgui Pinkhassov uses bokeh

34:37 - Bokeh is great for capturing the vibes of a place

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 16 - It’s that time of year when the sun sets early and we photographers are forced to practice our low light skills. Candlelight is not very bright and often inconsistent, but it’s one of the best sources for creating warm, cozy, moody, contrasty light. 

In this episode Zach & Courtney talk about how to photograph with candlelight and what makes it effective.

Zach has lots of practice with candlelight while photographing events like A Merry Prairie Holiday at Conner Prairie in Fishers, Indiana. Zach & Courtney also look at some examples from photographers around the world.

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

Index

0:00 - How to make artistic photos.

0:28 - Today’s topic: Taking photos by candlelight.

3:26 - Photographing in low light without flash.

6:31 - New camera technology for low light photography.

7:36 - Using the LCD screen on a camera to manually focus in low light.

10:02 - Taking better photos in low light with your phone.

12:48 - It’s okay to use high ISO in low light.

14:26 - Examples of candlelight photography - Merry Prairie Christmas.

15:54 - Available light photography captures the ambiance of the scene.

18:00 - RAW files give you better image quality in low light.

20:45 - The people of Conner Prairie.

22:28 - Putting reflective surfaces next to candles for more light.

23:04 - Photographing candlelight Mass.

24:23 - How to get sharp photos without a tripod.

26:43 - Get sharp photos in low light by shooting in bursts

27:49 - High contrast photos in low light

29:38 - Kamakura festival in Yokote, Japan. 📷 Peter Essick

31:51 - The Miracle of the Holy Fire. 📷 Simon Norfolk

34:00 - Los Crucificados. 1990. 📷 Flor Garduño

34:55 - Day of the Dead. Brazil. 1966. 📷 Bruno Barbey

36:11 - Elsa Maxwell's Toy Ball at the Waldorf, New York (3 Cigarettes), 1955. 📷 William Klein.

37:26 - Catholics in China. 1993. 📷 Lu Nan.

38:15 - Share with us your candlelight photography.

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 17 - In this episode Zach & Courtney talk about two photographers with opposite approaches of photographing the science of winter.

Wilson “Snowflake” Bentley photographed closeup images of single snowflakes in the early era of photography (1885-1931). Esther Horvath is a photographer working today documenting climate science research, taking a broad view of the planet that spans its entire history.

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

Index

0:00 - Photographers contributing to winter and snow research.

2:26 - Introduction to photographer Wilson “Snowflake” Bentley.

6:14 - Wilson Bentley gets his first camera and modifies it with a microscope.

9:03 - Creating an aperture was the missing component.

10:54 - Bentley creates a custom focusing system for his camera.

11:57 - Wilson Bentley employed a similar method to Edward Weston.

13:14 - Bentley donates photos to the Smithsonian in 1904.

17:00 - How did Wilson Bentley contribute to scientific research on snow?

20:55 - “Snowflake Bentley” is an award-winning children’s book from 1999

22:44 - William Bentley’s book “Snow Crystals” was published in 1931.

25:10 - Introduction to photographer Esther Horvath.

27:13 - Photographing the climate research ship Polarstern.

28:06 - Photos in the arctic at night.

29:38 - Brilliant colors in the polar regions.

30:26 - Photos of life doing climate research.

33:09 - Photographing women doing climate research.

35:02 - Photography is used to take everything from a microscopic view to a global view of our world.

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 18 - In this episode Zach & Courtney talk about how football and photography came up together since the late 1800s. We can see how as the technology advanced, the style of photography changed as well.

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

Index

0:00 - Film becomes the subject of the photo.

0:51 - Welcome to Photography is Nothing! Today we talk football.

2:34 - Watch the podcast for the full experience.

3:51 - The oldest football photo I could find. Old division football.

5:06 - Earliest football photos were mostly posed & portraits.

7:29 - Early action photos, college and professional football.

11:10 - A photo from the first football game at University of Oregon - 1905.

13:12 - 📷 Neil Leifer “The Greatest Game Ever Played” - 1958 NFL Championship .

16:01 - Neil Leifer’s contact sheet from the 1958 NFL Championship.

18:21 - 📷 Neil Leifer 1962 - Close up wide angle of game action.

19:43 - 📷 Neil Leifer and remote cameras.

20:46 - LIFE Magazine photos of the first Super Bowl. 1967.

26:30 - Walter Iooss, Jr. and manual focus on a telephoto lens.

28:29 - 📷 Walter Iooss, Jr. - Joe Namath, Poolside, Galt Ocean Mile Hotel, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 1969.

31:52 - Photography is intertwined with our culture.

33:11 - How camera technology changed in the second half of the 20th century .

34:17 - 📷 Michael Zagaris behind the scenes photos of the 49ers.

36:56 - The portraits of Walter Iooss Jr. make athletes look historic.

38:32 - 📷 Richard Noble - Bo Jackson with football pads and baseball bat. 1987.

40:28 - 📷 Walter Iooss, Jr. - “The Catch” 49ers vs. Cowboys. 1982.

41:44 - How camera tech of today affects sports photography.

43:16 - Gear is a different conversation than the photos themselves.

46:52 - How to set yourself apart as a sports photographer in 2026.

48:52 - Documentary photography always has value. Photos by Magnum photographers.

50:51 - It’s a tough year to be an Indianapolis Colts fan.

52:00 - Zach borrowed a Colts Super Bowl jacket for filming.

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 19 - Indiana University is our alma mater and we love it! After IU football's Rose Bowl victory over Alabama, we decided to talk about our love for the school on this week's episode.

In addition to football, we talk basketball (of course), soccer, Little 500, plus architecture, school history, and famous programs like the Kinsey Institute.

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

Index

0:00 - Zach likes the tuba part from IU's fight song.

1:18 - Indiana Football wins the Rose Bowl. And our hearts.

2:53 - What’s great about Bloomington, Indiana

6:29 - IU Footbal in the late 1800s

8:25 - Early IU basketball and Branch McCracken

9:01 - Courtney MCCRACKEN has a family connection to IU.

10:12 - Branch McCracken and John Wooden

17:13 - Indiana University soccer is an elite program

19:30 - Learn about the Little 500 bike race

26:05 - Nick’s English Hut is a Bloomington institution

30:56 - The history of the Sample Gates at IU

34:28 - A building by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe at IU

35:31 - Buildings and landmarks around the Indiana University campus

49:45 - The Lilly Library continuing education as adults

59:06 - A brief intro to The Kinsey Institute

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 21 - This week we talk about the late great Martin Parr. Starting in the black & white documentary tradition in the 1970s, Parr’s work took a bold turn to color accentuated by flash in 1982. 

While still documentary in nature, in that he didn’t stage or pose scenes, Parr acknowledged that his photos were more of a personal interpretation of reality than a strict document of fact. He said…

“I want to try and leave a set of images that sort of tell us about the times we live in and my relationship to it. My pictures are fictional in the sense that i'm often using flash so it's not something you would see with the human eye. I’m trying to ally it to my … feelings but it is still based on the reality that's out there so it's not lies, it's just an interpretation. So it's my personal interpretation of what i see in front of me, which is somewhat exaggerated.”

Zach & Courtney go through some of Parr’s most famous, and lesser known, works to talk about his influence on the photography world and on them personally. They also talk about the Martin Parr Foundation and its mission to give back to the photographic community at large.

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

Index

0:00 - “A dedicated enemy to everything I believe in.” 

0:35 - An introduction to photographer Martin Parr.

4:50 - I really love your early work.

9:36 - Prestwich Mental Hospital. 1972.

11:28 - The Non-Conformists. 1975-79.

19:47 - Why Martin Parr switched to color photography. 1982.

20:40 - The Last Resort. 1983-85.

27:27 - The Cost of Living. 1989-92.

29:47 - Photojournalist Philip Jones Griffiths doesn’t want Parr in Magnum Photos.

36:23 - Tourists at the Leaning Tower of Pisa. 1990.

38:26 - Documenting leisure pursuits of the Western World.

40:05 - Tourists at the Grand Canyon, Arizona. 1994.

41:18 - Martin Parr photographed a lot of cell phones.

46:28 - A photo that Martin Parr regretted missing.

48:48 - How Martin Parr influences Zach today.

Interviews

The World According to Parr. 2003.

https://youtu.be/MCRyB2SFQZ4?si=JO_GUTdlclHZb5Rq

"First priority is to make an entertaining picture." | Photographer Martin Parr | Louisiana Channel. 2022.

https://youtu.be/ibqDOm3i0eA?si=he49WecFDjp-qR_3

Framelines: A Conversation with Martin Parr. 2025

https://youtu.be/S7ULlEIwqTs?si=CXHsz_3FBVJkyO2S

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 20 - Cats have been a part of photography since its beginnings. As early as the 1870s, people have been taking silly photos of cats in costumes or staged scenes.

In this episode, we look at the beginnings of cat photography, technology that was developed from a scientist studying cats, and some very commercially successful cat photographers. We even bought a photo book expressly for this episode!

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

Index

0:00 - Intro - Hemingway’s cats lounge around the house

2:50 - Our cat wants to be on the podcast

3:20 - Meet our cats 

7:29 - John P. Soule - Stereoscopic cat photography in the 1870s

8:56 - Some internet cats we love

10:12 - Harry Whittier Frees posed cats in costumes in 1914

14:38 - Étienne-Jules Marey & the chronophotographic gun in the late 1800s

18:10 - Walter Chandoha was the preeminent cat photographer of the 20th century

22:17 - Julian Assange used his cat Michi for good PR

23:38 - Cats in the Sun, a photo book by Hans Silvester (1993)

28:05 - Single cat images by Henri Cartier-Bresson, Sabine Weiss, Danny Lyon, and others

30:48 - Photographing Hemingway’s polydactyl cats

31:58 - Baby the seeing eye cat by LIFE photographer Loren F. Smith

35:37 - Cats do what they want and we accept that

40:15 - Things NOT to do when photographing cats

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 22 - This week we talk about going behind the scenes and photographing backstage at concerts, shows, and events. 

When attending a performance, what happens on stage is only one small part of the story. Going backstage to photograph the emotion, preparation, and all the moving parts offers a more complete sense of what it takes to make a show happen.

In this episode, we go through Zach’s backstage photography of concerts, comedy shows, dance performances and more. We also look at the work of photographers Sasha Gusov (ballet), Jim Marshall (music), and Marsha Bernstein (fashion).

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

Index

0:00 - Garry Winogrand’s wife was married to a lens.

0:25 - Today’s subject is backstage photography.

1:35 - Courtney says why it’s important for kids to perform.

6:49 - Why we’re talking about backstage photography.

10:14 - Zach’s first big behind-the-scenes opportunity: a comedy festival in LA.

15:42 - What Zach learned photographing Mel Brooks backstage.

20:46 - The kids got into dance, so now we are, too.

32:32 - Photographing our kids in Bye Bye Birdie.

37:10 - A photographer’s photo.

46:50 - Russian photographer Sasha Gusov photographs the Bolshoi Ballet.

50:55 - Iconic rock & roll photographer Jim Marshall.

54:32 - Fashion photographer Marsha Bernstein.

57:37 - Courtney’s opening night performance.

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 23 - What focal length lens do you use for backstage photography? Do you ever use “silent shutter” mode? Do you use fixed focal length? Do you have insurance on all your cameras & gear?

What do people who are actually from working class areas of England think of Martin Parr’s documentation of New Brighton?

In this episode, we answer questions and read comments from viewers and talk about retiring the Mystery Zine. We also address some of the most common questions we’ve received in the 4 years of printing our quarterly magazine. 

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

Index

0:00 - What happens when your camera gear damages property?

0:16 - Want to learn about photography? Ask us your questions!

3:05 - What do people think of Martin Parr’s The Last Resort?

9:30 - Should I use “silent shutter” mode on a DSLR?

11:16 - What is “rolling shutter effect”?

14:08 - What focal length to use when you’re close to people?

18:25 - Film vs Digital

21:06 - How important is the camera lens?

23:19 - Should I use the same brand camera & lens?

24:53 - Camera & general liability insurance for photographers

28:00 - What happens if I damage on a photoshoot (a story)

29:47 - Is a laptop or desktop better for photographers?

32:22 - What the sigma?

35:01 - How to start publishing a photography zine

Find the Mystery Zine

https://zachdobson.bigcartel.com/product/mystery-zine-17

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 25 - Bringing you the best action and documentary photography from the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games! 

Zach scoured the internet to find the greatest photos of the Olympics so he and Courtney could discuss the making, the meaning, and the impact they’ve had on our view of the games.

In this episode we talk about… 

• Women showing up in numbers and making fantastic photos at the 2026 Olympics
• Tech used by Getty including remote cameras, thermal images, composites, and an old Graflex camera.
• Photos that set a scene and draw us in with excellent composition
• Great moments caught on camera that will come to define these Olympic Games
• Some of Zach’s favorite photographers from this Olympics: Kohjiro Kinno, Florence Pernet, Pauline Ballet, and Gabbie Bhaskar.

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

Index

0:00 - Athletes being photographed by the best photographers in the world

1:57 - Great women photographers at the 2026 Olympics

5:13 - 2026 Olympics photos with great composition

16:34 - Photography helps define the most important moments of the Olympics

25:24 - Photographers capturing the same moment from different angles. 

29:14 - Photography tech used at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games

30:11 - Remote cameras

32:00 - Thermal cameras at the Olympics

33:47 - Getty’s vintage Graflex camera with modern upgrades

34:51 - Composite photos from Getty photographers

38:06 - Kohjiro Kinno

39:52 - Florence Pernet

41:32 - Gabbie Bhaskar

43:44 - Pauline Ballet

46:29 - Wow! 25 episodes! Thanks for watching.

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 24 - There is typically lots of fashion & editorial photography that surrounds the Olympics. For this year’s 2026 Winter Olympics, Zach & Courtney found three cool photoshoots, but feel like there should be a lot more!

In this episode we talk about… 

• Win Tam’s high-fashion photos of Team China for VogueMan China
• French photographer Mathieu Forget photographing Italian Olympians in a 5-star Milan hotel
• Newel Odin’s sleek, modern images of Team France

We also take an historical look at Olympics editorial photoshoots by Annie Leibovitz, Bruce Weber, and Ryan McGinley and compare them to what we’re seeing today. 

PLUS, Courtney talks about how the Olympics are neither the time nor place for public wedding proposals and Zach gets up in arms about how photographers need to be credited correctly for their work.

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

Index

0:00 - Where are the photoshoots? Are major publications commissioning less work?

0:45 - Olympic fashion photography

1:58 - Win Tam’s photos for VogueMan China

8:13 - Mathieu Forget photographs Olympians in a 5-star hotel

13:51 - Nawel Odin photographs the French Olympic bobsled & luge team

17:39 - It seems like magazines are doing fewer photoshoots for the Olympics

20:59 - Where are the editorial photoshoots by women?

23:16 - Annie Leibovitz’s 1996 Olympic photoshoot for Vanity Fair

30:59 - Where are the big photoshoots of Olympians?

33:00 - Too much coverage of Breezy Johnson’s engagement

38:11 - The right way to give photo credits to photographers

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.

Zach & Courtney take the family to the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Indianapolis, IN. They talk about the experience while looking through Zach’s documentary photography from the event. 

Courtney tells Zach what she learned about Irish photographer Jane Shackleton (1843-1909) and they go through some of her photos together.

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

Index

0:00 - Courtney wants to talk with Irish people

0:56 - Zach, Courtney, and family at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade

2:40 - Where do you get a St. Patrick’s Day suit?

4:49 - How do you get access to photograph a parade?

8:15 - Photographing the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Indianapolis

23:36 - Making sure to get a family photo at every event

24:46 - Courtney’s advice to parents with small kids

32:26 - The best Irish TV shows

35:43 - Must Know Photographer: Jane Shackleton

44:33 - Slideshows were the social media of the 20th century

47:01 - Talking through our favorite Jane Shackleton photos

52:04 - It’s not always easy to find historical women photographers

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 26 - Photographers are a passionate bunch and always have hot takes about our beliefs and convictions surrounding our art. And this goes all the way to the beginning of photography with the original hot take: Is photography art?

Zach and Courtney discuss some of the biggest hot takes throughout the history of photography.

In this episode we talk about current & historical photography hot takes like…

• Photography isn’t art
• Photography should only reflect reality
• Color photography isn’t art
• Film is better than digital
• Plus Zach & Courtney give their own personal photography hot takes.

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

Index

0:00 - They said my high school photography was better

0:48 - Photography hot takes: past & present

1:40 - When should photographers volunteer their time

5:21 - Photography is not art

7:11 - Henry Peach Robinson wrote the book on Pictorialism

12:44 - Eugene Atget showed how documentary photography could be art

17:01 - Edward Steichen - The Flatiron (1904)

18:09 - Ansel Adams hated pictorialism

20:03 - f64 was a group of photographers advocating for realism

26:00 - Color photography is vulgar

27:03 - Don’t colorize black & white photos

34:10 - Film is better than digital

40:14 - Street photography hot take: wait to share your photos

43:38 - Zach says photographers are content creators

51:11 - Courtney cares who is behind the camera

54:46 - The internet preferred Zach’s high school photography

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.

Zach & Courtney talk about Zach’s six selections for all-time best basketball photos. Plus, they take a look at the photography of Walter Iooss, Jr., who has photographed professional sports in 7 different decades!

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

Index

0:00 - Intro - Zach didn’t know he once worked for Atlantic Records

2:16 - What is the criteria for best basketball photos of all time?

7:33 - Some of the most famous/infamous photos of basketball in Indiana

9:57 - Wilt Chamberlain photographed by Paul Vathis. 1962.

14:32 - 16 year-old Kareem Abdul-Jabber photographed by Richard Avedon. 1963.

20:41 - The Big Three. Miami Heat. Photographed by Morry Gash. 2010.

22:39 - NC State Championship. Photographed by Malcom Emmons. 1983.

32:46 - Dennis Rodman photographed by Sam Forencich. 1997.

35:20 - Michael Jordan game-winning shot photographed by Fernando Medina. 1998.

44:57 - The basketball photography of Walter Iooss, Jr.

58:30 - Kobe Bryant photographed by Walter Iooss, Jr.

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 28 - Zach & Courtney take a look through Zach’s archive of basketball photography from around the state of Indiana.

Indiana is of course the best state in the country for basketball. In this episode, Zach & Courtney talk about their own experiences with the sport as well as go in-depth on Zach’s photos and his approach to photographing basketball.

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

Index

0:00 - Zach & Courtney each played one season of basketball

0:56 - Getting the NBA Finals patch on the Pacers jersey

3:44 - In 49 states it’s just basketball, but this is Indiana

4:51 - The largest high school gyms in the country are in Indiana

6:54 - What it was like in the 90’s

9:58 - Zach’s basketball photography

10:19 - Practicing free throws

11:19 - Player intros in black & white

14:19 - Photographing basketball above the rim

16:50 - The crowd jeers during free throws

18:58 - Why take photos from low angles

20:01 - Zach is in the Indiana High School Basketball Hall of Fame 

21:39 - Inspiration from a photo of Babe Ruth

22:47 - Photographing basketball behind the scenes

24:57 - Why photographing with a wide lens is better

26:03 - Photographers photographing photographers

27:02 - Photographing the scale of the games 

28:29 - Basketball is THE entertainment in small towns

30:38 - Trey Lyles before he played in the NBA

31:26 - Zach’s favorite cheerleader photo

32:32 - Courtney says the physical closeness of sports is important for boys

34:21 - A detail photo from a small town gym

34:50 - A look of confusion from the head coach 

35:50 - The Wigwam in Anderson, Indiana

37:11 - The Indianapolis Indians are approved by the Miami tribe

39:24 - Photographing for the Indiana Pacers

41:25 - Basketball is the good part of Indiana

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 30 - Zach & Courtney talk about a favorite family trip: A roadtrip through the Florida Keys! In 2018, Courtney, Zach, and (then) 4 kids, drove nearly 3,000 miles from Indianapolis, IN to Key West, FL (and back, of course).

On this episode we talk about the experience, including our favorite spots, things we learned, and the photos Zach took along the way.

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

Index

0:00 - Intro - He stitched two mattresses together to make a giant bed

0:49 - Going on a Florida Keys Roadtrip

1:44 - Planning to escape the Midwest in winter

3:44 - Racing to beat a snow storm

7:03 - Driving into the Keys from Miami is supposed to be quick

8:48 - Are the Florida Keys kid-friendly?

10:25 - There are very few natural beaches in the Keys

11:10 - Plan to stay in motels in the Florida Keys

15:18 - Zach had never seen water this color

15:44 - Visiting Key West as a family

24:10 - Ernest Hemingway’s house in Key West

25:28 - Kids are learning their own way

28:12 - Easter Mass in Key West

29:29 - Southernmost Point of the Continental US

30:13 - Bahia Honda State Park

31:03 - Marathon and Islamorada

33:15 - The story behind my favorite Florida Keys photo

35:15 - John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

38:04 - We need a bigger car than a Chevy Suburban

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 31 - Zach & Courtney talk about a trip to Hoeft State Park located on the beautiful shores of Lake Huron in Rogers City, Michigan. They stayed in a 1929 Sears Roebuck house just 100 yards from the beach, visited 40 Mile Point Lighthouse and Rogers City Marina, and took in a super early morning sunrise.

Zach & Courtney talk about the trip, life lessons they learned, and the photos Zach took along the way.

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

Index

0:00 - Intro: Adventures lead to personal growth

0:55 - Visiting Lake Huron in Michigan

2:32 - How to find an amazing cabin in Michigan

10:55 - Courtney loves the Edmund Fitzgerald

15:03 - All about the cabin at Hoeft State Park

18:20 - Kids don’t care if the water is cold

22:57 - Visiting Rogers City and the Marina

24:10 - Zach’s favorite photo at the marina

26:26 - Going fishing inland Michigan

28:06 - Packing food for a whole trip

29:30 - Why it’s important for families to have adventures

31:36 - Our teen insisted on seeing the sunrise over Lake Huron

33:50 - Visiting the 40 Mile Point Lighthouse

40:27 - Telling a story in a photo

41:10 - Taking a family photo during our adventures

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 32 - Zach & Courtney talk about one of their favorite trips: Moab, Utah! They visit Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park, and more!

Zach used to photograph weddings and that’s how he ended up in Moab 3 years in a row. Courtney & Henry went, too, on the second year. On this episode they discuss their highlights from the trip, which (in addition to the parks, of course) included staying at Whispering Oaks Ranch in the La Sal Mountains.

Zach & Courtney talk about the trip, life lessons they learned, and the photos Zach took along the way.

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

Index

0:00 - Intro: Does Google own my photo now??

3:19 - How we started booking weddings in Moab

5:46 - Driving to Moab via Denver

7:55 - Every road in Moab felt like different terrain

10:18 - Some background on Arches, Canyonlands and Moab

17:44 - Getting married under Double Arch in Arches National Park

19:31 - Courtney & Henry visit Moab for the first time with Zach

24:23 - Favorite breakfast: Jailhouse Cafe

25:31 - Best fish tacos ever: Miguel’s Baja Grill

27:30 - Carrying a toddler through the National Parks

32:16 - It looks like you’re closer to the cliff’s edge than you are

36:14 - Moab wedding number 2

39:26 - Visiting Canyonlands National Park

42:10 - Finding the Petroglyphs

46:30 - A third wedding in Moab at Whispering Oaks Ranch

49:17 - A final photo at night on the La Sal Mountains

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 33 - In this episode, Zach & Courtney talk about their recent trip to the ballpark and learn about a photographer from the golden age of baseball. 

Charles M. Conlon photographed baseball between 1904-1941, taking absolutely gorgeous photos of some of the game’s most famous names.

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

Index

0:00 - Intro: Photographers need to share their photos

0:53 - Going to an Indianapolis Indians baseball game

6:15 - Photos of being a spectator at the baseball game

9:04 - One of the greatest baseball photographers: Charles M. Conlon

12:05 - Photo of Ty Cobb sliding into third base

17:49 - Portraits from the golden age of baseball by Charles Conlon

24:25 - Conlon photographs Shoeless Joe Jackson w/ Black Betsy

26:53 - Cornelius McGillicuddy aka Connie Mack

28:16 - Rube Waddell

31:14 - Charles Conlon focused on the people & personalities

32:48 - Masking photos the old fashioned way

40:07 - Charles Albert “Chief” Bender

41:01 - Photographing players’ wives and children

44:05 - Why Charles Conlon destroyed half of his negatives

45:51 - Part of being a photographer is sharing your work

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 34 - In this episode, Zach & Courtney talk about the importance of documenting our lives. 

It’s could be easy to dismiss photographing everyday life and the world around us, but it’s an important practice. We learn a lot about the past from ordinary images, maybe even more than we learn from the major events that people might consider “photo worthy.”

What did people really look like and dress like? How did they interact with each other? What did people do in their daily lives? What do the places where they live and work and interact look like?

Photographers who document the world are not just making a record of their family, but also providing a view of our society as a whole.

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

Index

0:00 - Intro: These pictures will matter.

3:12 - Barriers to entry for “documentary photography”

4:39 - When Zach started documenting everyday life

12:07 - We underestimate the wider value of photographing our families

21:36 - We need photos of daily life to know what the past was like

23:56 - William Eggleston’s photos weren’t well received at the time

25:24 - How do you do documentary photography

29:03 - Awesome photo of baseball player Jo Adell taken by a fan

32:04 - Documentary photography brings the story to a larger audience

39:16 - Just start taking photos. Don’t worry about making good ones.

47:25 - The only impact we have on the world is what comes from within us

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 36 - In this episode, Zach & Courtney talk with Ruedi Hofmann, photographer and master printer for Richard Avedon's In the American West.

Ruedi Hofmann has worked as a professional photographer since the 1980s with regular clients like Giorgio Armani. But before that, Hofmann worked for 5 years with Richard Avedon as Studio Manager, First Assistant on the In The American West series, and finally as Master Printer for the artist’s most famous project.

In this interview, Hofmann tells us stories about working with Avedon, how he reluctantly agreed to print In The American West, and his own career in fashion & portraiture.

For his work as Master Printer, Hofmann received from Avedon one edition of each photo he printed, making him owner of one of only three complete sets of In the American West.

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

Index

0:00 - Introducing Ruedi Hofmann - photographer and master printer

1:39 - How Ruedi got started in photography.

4:21 - What it was like working in Richard Avedon’s studio.

15:19 - How Avedon chose Hofmann to print his photos.

22:17 - Ruedi’s terms for staying on to the end of In The American West.

25:49 - Leveraging the Avedon name for products & services.

27:09 - Working your way up at Avedon’s studio.

28:53 - The importance of the master printer’s role in making a photograph.

31:06 - Ruedi tells us Avedon’s reaction to the first ~100 prints.

34:21 - Ruedi Hofmann’s career as a professional photographer.

43:59 - Richard Avedon and Laura Wilson worked together to find subjects.

47:43 - What it was like for Avedon’s Western subjects.

55:38 - The new Avedon documentary declined Ruedi’s participation.

58:14 - A photography project is bigger than just the photographer.

1:09:27 - Ruedi’s thoughts on Avedon’s destruction of his negatives.

1:15:33 - Ruedi feels a responsibility to the people he’s photographing.

In this interview, we reference a video where Hofmann speaks with Richard Corman in great detail about the technical processes of printing In The American West. You can watch that here: 

https://www.ruedihofmann.com/avedon-west-collection

You can learn more about Ruedi's ownership of the Avedon prints in Zach's video here: https://youtu.be/StKEn_kjc5Q

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 35 - In this episode, Zach & Courtney talk about famous photographers photographing their own families. 

After last week’s episode about documenting everyday life, Zach wanted to talk about some famous photographers who documented their own life, and specifically their family.

Documentary photographers are known for telling stories about hard-hitting issues in the world. But some well-known photographers have very famous images that focus on their own family members or home life.

Seeing how fine art, documentary, and street photographers chronicle their own family can show us how this type of work is important for any of us to do.

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

Index

0:00 - Intro: Courtney helps Zach gain a deeper appreciate for Sally Mann

5:27 - Sabine Weiss & her husband Hugh Weiss

7:04 - W. Eugene Smith & kids

11:22 - Christopher Anderson w/ Atlas & Marion

13:31 - Inge Morath & Arthur Miller

15:39 - William Eggleston & his kids (MAYBE)

17:04 - Stephen Shore & his wife Ginger

18:11 - Sally Mann & her kids

24:26 - Nancy Sheung & daughter

25:12 - Larry Fink & his daughter Molly with the Sabatine family

27:21 - Garry Winogrand & his kids at the zoo

30:00 - Lee Friedlander & his wife Maria and their kids

34:17 - Following up on Documentary Photography is for Everyone

36:16 - Zach feels more connected to the world when photographing it

42:45 - It’s important to strike a balance between photographer & person 

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 37 - Zach & Courtney head to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for their annual trek to the famed Indianapolis 500 Mile Race, aka the Indy 500. This episode is a visual experience! You have to see the sights through video clips and photos.

This is Neve’s first Indy 500, so we were all very excited to show her what it’s like, especially her older siblings Henry and Louisa, who are practically race pros by now.

In this episode we walk and talk and take you into the crowds so you can get a firsthand look at the experience. And as usual, Zach documents the day, so his photos are throughout the episode, too.

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

Index

0:00 - Intro: Zach & Courtney hide their beers. Sorta.

0:45 - Walking with the crowds to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway

8:36 - Walking into the IMS and finding our seats in Turn One

11:27 - Exploring the infield before the Indy 500 starts

14:00 - We go on the track at the speedway

16:59 - Gasoline Alley and the Pagoda

24:10 - Pre-race ceremonies at the Indy 500

26:41 - The closest finish EVER at the Indy 500!

27:56 - Thoughts on the race and walking back to the car

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 38 - Zach & Courtney talk about photographer Joel Meyerowitz and his project Cape Light. This series, created in 1976-77 in Cape Cod, is a fantastic and nostalgic look at what summer feels like. 

Joel Meyerowitz is an early adapter of color photography in an era when “serious” art photographers chose black & white film. He is primarily known as a street photographer, but for this seminal series, now 50 years old, he put down the 35mm camera in favor of a massive 8x10 view camera, forcing himself to take a slower and more introspective approach. 

In this episode, we talk about the project, the creative choices Meyerowitz made, and the feelings inspired by the resulting images.

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

Index

0:00 - Intro: Carrying a 8x10 camera everywhere

2:41 - Who comes to mind when thinking about summer photography?

3:48 - A quick background on Joel Meyerowitz

6:36 - How Robert Frank influenced Joel Meyerowitz

9:14 - Experimenting with larger cameras to capture more detail

9:48 - Cape Light is about capturing the feel of the place

12:37 - Lightning strike from the porch

15:25 - Laundry blowing in the breeze

18:03 - Book cover photo

19:28 - Master printer Joanne Mulberg

23:52 - The Feelings evoked from Cape Light

33:20 - How Cape Light was influential

35:51 - Thumbnail previews of all 95 Cape Light photos

37:38 - Who else should we talk about for summer photos?

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 39 - Zach & Courtney talk about PaJaMa collective, made up of painters & photographers Paul Cadmus, Jared French, and Margaret French. Between 1937 and the mid 1950s, they created a set of photos that feel like summer. 

This episode about PaJaMa is also a great way to celebrate Pride Month, as the artists are credited as being the first queer art collective on Fire Island, NY.

In this episode, we look through their vast archive of images, talk about how their painting styles were reflected in their photographs, and address the importance of these photos as a historical document of a community that largely lived their lives outside of public view.

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

Index

0:00 - Intro: Who is PaJaMa collective?

2:11 - Photos locations: Fire Island, NY and Provincetown, MA

5:27 - Photography used to be mostly private

12:50 - Friends of PaJaMa

16:15 - Queer history as told through photography. Alice Austen

18:48 - Jared French & Paul Cadmus paintings

23:06 - Alfred Eisenstaedt’s V-J Day photo is SA

27:52 - About Margaret Hoening French

28:25 - The photography of PaJaMa collective

38:30 - Stone Blossom: A Conversation Piece by Paul Cadmus

39:41 - What is the historical significance of PaJaMa?

44:07 - Photographer George Platt Lynes - a friend of PaJaMa

46:15 - Calvalrymen Crossing A River - Jared French

**CORRECTIONS**

In the audio, Zach states Chess and Politics is by Jared French. This is correct.

The text incorrectly credits the painting to Paul Cadmus.

Also, Zach called the Alfred Eisenstaedt photo, “V-E Day” but it’s actually “V-J Day”

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.