Tired of feeling like you have to follow every social media trend to get noticed? Authenticity wins. In this episode of The Nerdy Photographer Podcast, we talk with California photographer Linda Alida about how photographers can build a genuine presence, both online and in person, without compromising their voice or values.

We dive into:

• Authenticity online – how to share real work and personality instead of copying trends.

• Meaningful connections in person – building trust with clients, collaborators, and peers.

• Balancing visibility and integrity – growing your reach while staying true to your vision.

• Consistency over virality – why long-term presence matters more than chasing fleeting trends.

• Defining your voice – tips for creating a recognizable, authentic style.

If you've ever felt pressured to post what's popular rather than what's real, this episode gives you practical tools for standing out in a trend-driven industry while staying true to yourself.

Listen now to learn how authenticity - online and off - can help you build a lasting presence in photography.

This episode contains promos for:

• Let's Be Real Unposed Photography Prompts - https://nerdyphotographer.com/lets-be-real
• Style Cloud Website Templates - https://stylecloud.co/ref/380/
• Siteground Website Hosting - https://siteground.com/go/nerdy
• Nerdy Photographer Contract Templates - https://nerdyphotographer.com/product-tag/contract/

Want to help The Nerdy Photographer Podcast? Here are a few simple (and mostly free) ways you can do that:

• Subscribe to the podcast!
• Tell your friends about the podcast
• Join our mailing list - https://nerdyphotographer.com/newsletter
• Subscribe to our YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@CaseyFatchett
• Buy a print from the print shop - https://caseyfatchettphotography.pic-time.com/art
• Follow on Instagram - https://instagram.com/thenerdyphoto
• Follow on Threads - https://threads.net/@thenerdyphoto
• Follow on BlueSky - https://bsky.app/profile/thenerdyphoto.bsky.social
• Follow in Tiktok - https://tiktok.com/@thenerdyphoto
• Get some Nerdy Photographer merchandise - https://www.teepublic.com/stores/nerdy-photographer
• If you're feeling extra generous, check out our support page - https://nerdyphotographer.com/support-nerdy-photographer/

Linda Alida is a California-based photographer with a knack for making magic out of messes—whether that's a chaotic wedding timeline or a dandelion growing through concrete. She blends emotional honesty with a wild sense of humor, capturing real moments that feel like memories you forgot you had. Known for saying the quiet parts out loud (sometimes too loud), Linda has built a fast-growing audience on Threads by being as unfiltered in her words as she is intentional in her art. Weddings, portraits, macro, landscapes—whatever the subject, she shows up with heart, a camera, and probably a weird face.

You can see more of Linda's work on her website - https://lindaalida.com - or on Instagram https://instagram.com/linda_alida_

The Nerdy Photographer Podcast is written and produced by Casey Fatchett. Casey is a professional photographer in the New York City / Northern New Jersey with more than 20 years of experience. He just wants to help people and make them laugh. You can view Casey's wedding work at https://fatchett.com or his non-wedding work at https://caseyfatchettphotography.com

If you have any questions or comments about this episode or any other episodes, OR if you would like to ask a photography related question or have ideas for a topic for a future episode, please reach out to us at https://nerdyphotographer.com/contact

What happens when a photographer starts to lose his vision - but not in the way he thinks? In this chilling Halloween episode of The Nerdy Photographer Podcast, I share an original horror story that blends photography, obsession, and the terrifying cost of creative ambition.

Expect:

• A haunting tale of artistic obsession and self-destruction

• A photographer who discovers the true meaning of "losing vision"

• Psychological tension, eerie twists, and plenty of atmosphere

• A dark reflection on the fears that haunt every artist

Perfect for fans of eerie storytelling, this episode explores how passion can turn into something much more sinister when we lose sight - literally and figuratively - of what really matters.

Listen now to "Creative Vision" and experience a spine-tingling story that will make every photographer question what it truly means to see.

Want to help The Nerdy Photographer Podcast? Here are a few simple (and mostly free) ways you can do that:

• Subscribe to the podcast!
• Tell your friends about the podcast
• Sign up for the newsletter - https://nerdyphotographer.com/newsletter
• Subscribe to our YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@CaseyFatchett
• Buy a print from the print shop - https://art.caseyfphoto.com
• Follow on Instagram - https://instagram.com/thenerdyphoto
• Follow on Threads - https://threads.net/@thenerdyphoto
• Follow on BlueSky - https://bsky.app/profile/thenerdyphoto.bsky.social
• Follow in Tiktok - https://tiktok.com/@thenerdyphoto
• Get some Nerdy Photographer merchandise - https://nerdyphoto.dashery.com
• If you're feeling extra generous, check out our support page - https://nerdyphotographer.com/support-nerdy-photographer/

The Nerdy Photographer Podcast is written and produced by Casey Fatchett. Casey is a professional photographer in the New York City / Northern New Jersey with more than 20 years of experience. He just wants to help people and make them laugh. Except during SPOOOOOOKY SEASON when he also wants to scare you...in an entertaining way. You can view Casey's wedding work at https://fatchett.com or his non-wedding work at https://caseyfatchettphotography.com

If you have any questions or comments about this episode or any other episodes, OR if you would like to ask a photography related question or have ideas for a topic for a future episode, please reach out to us at https://nerdyphotographer.com/contact

Want to take better photos? The secret isn't just planning every detail or just winging it. Great photography comes from balancing structure with spontaneity. In this episode of The Nerdy Photographer Podcast, I talk with photographer Jonathan Pitts-Wiley about how building a framework for your work while staying open to unexpected moments can transform your images and your creative process.

We dive into:

• The power of structure – why routines, systems, and preparation keep you growing.
• The importance of flexibility – how to capture magic when plans change.
• Training adaptability – staying creative when conditions aren't perfect.
• Finding the balance – using both structure and spontaneity to fuel creativity.

If you've ever felt torn between rigid planning and going with the flow, this conversation will help you find the sweet spot. Learn how to stay intentional and adaptable, so you're always ready when the perfect moment unfolds.

Tune in now and discover how flexibility and structure work hand-in-hand to make you a better photographer.

This episode contains promos for:

• StyleCloud WordPress Website Templates - https://stylecloud.co/ref/380/
• Siteground Web Hosting - https://siteground.com/go/nerdy
• Backblaze Cloud Data Backup - https://www.backblaze.com/cloud-backup/personal#afc32p
• Nerdy Photographer Contract Templates - https://nerdyphotographer.com/product-tag/contracts/

Want to help The Nerdy Photographer Podcast? Here are a few simple (and mostly free) ways you can do that:

• Subscribe to the podcast!
• Tell your friends about the podcast
• Join our mailing list - https://nerdyphotographer.com/newsletter
• Subscribe to our YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@CaseyFatchett
• Buy a print from the print shop - https://caseyfatchettphotography.pic-time.com/art
• Follow on Instagram - https://instagram.com/thenerdyphoto
• Follow on Threads - https://threads.net/@thenerdyphoto
• Follow on BlueSky - https://bsky.app/profile/thenerdyphoto.bsky.social
• Follow in Tiktok - https://tiktok.com/@thenerdyphoto
• Get some Nerdy Photographer merchandise - https://www.teepublic.com/stores/nerdy-photographer
• If you're feeling extra generous, check out our support page - https://nerdyphotographer.com/support-nerdy-photographer/

A Rhode Island native and 2007 Yale graduate, Jonathan Pitts-Wiley is a portrait photographer whose work seeks to reflect humanity at the intersection of strength and vulnerability. In 2020, he co-founded The Vanta Guild, an RI-based Black photographers collective. In 2021, he collaborated with renowned documentary photographer Mary Beth Meehan to produce Witness, an exhibit on the life and times of his late grandmother, Annye Raye Pitts. In 2022, one of his works was selected for Providence's "Who We Are Now" public art banner project. In 2023, Jonathan's first solo show, All the Worlds, opened at Providence's World's Fair Gallery. In 2024, he was named an Elected Artist Member with visual arts organization Art League RI and in the spring of 2025, he was invited to participate in NetWorks RI's Growing the NetWorks exhibition at Providence's WaterFire Arts Center.

You can learn more about Jonathan and view his work on his website - jpittswiley.com - or on Instagram https://instagram.com/JPITTSWILEY

The Nerdy Photographer Podcast is written and produced by Casey Fatchett. Casey is a professional photographer in the New York City / Northern New Jersey with more than 20 years of experience. He just wants to help people and make them laugh. You can view Casey's work at https://caseyfphoto.com

If you have any questions or comments about this episode or any other episodes, OR if you would like to ask a photography related question or have ideas for a topic for a future episode, please reach out to us at https://nerdyphotographer.com/contact

Want to get better at photography faster? Stop waiting for inspiration and start training like an athlete. In this episode of The Nerdy Photographer Podcast, I sit down with street photographer Ryan Faer, who uses his background in professional baseball as an athletic trainer to show how discipline, repetition, and practice can transform the way you shoot.

We explore how applying an athlete's mindset to photography can help you sharpen your skills, stay consistent, and see improvement over time. Here's what you'll learn in this episode:

• Why "reps" matter – putting in the shots makes you quicker to recognize and capture moments.

• How to schedule practice time – building a routine instead of waiting for free time.

• Designing photo "drills" – focusing on specific skills like light, framing, or using one lens.

• Reviewing your own footage – analyzing your images to identify strengths and weaknesses.

• The power of consistency – why steady effort beats perfection every time.

If you've ever felt stuck in your photography or wondered how to push yourself forward, this episode will give you a practical framework to grow - one rep at a time.

Listen now and discover how a training system designed for athletes can help you become a stronger photographer.

This episode contains promos for the following:

• BackBlaze Cloud Data Backup Services - https://www.backblaze.com/cloud-backup/personal#afc32p
• Style Cloud Website Templates - https://stylecloud.co/ref/380/
• Siteground Website Hosting - https://nerdyphotographer.com/recommends/pic-time/
• Narrative AI Culling, Editing, and Publishing - https://narrative.so/select?affiliate=casey2746

Want to help The Nerdy Photographer Podcast? Here are a few simple (and mostly free) ways you can do that:

• Subscribe to the podcast!
• Tell your friends about the podcast - you can even tell your enemies!
• Join the mailing list - https://nerdyphotographer.com/newsletter
• Subscribe to our YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@CaseyFatchett
• Buy a print from the print shop - https://caseyfatchettphotography.pic-time.com/art
• Follow on Instagram - https://instagram.com/thenerdyphoto
• Follow on Threads - https://threads.net/@thenerdyphoto
• Follow on BlueSky - https://bsky.app/profile/thenerdyphoto.bsky.social
• Follow in Tiktok - https://tiktok.com/@thenerdyphoto
• Get some Nerdy Photographer merchandise - https://nerdyphoto.dashery.com
• If you're feeling extra generous, check out our support page - https://nerdyphotographer.com/support-nerdy-photographer/

Ryan is currently in his 9th season with the Cleveland Guardians Major League Baseball organization, serving as a Senior Sports Science Analyst.

As for photography, a life with depression and anxiety has ultimately led Ryan to pick up a camera. And through the lens, he strives to let others see the world in a similar light as to how he has seen it on his own journey.

You can view Ryan's work on his website - https://ryanfaerphoto.com - or on Instagram https://instagram.com/ryan_faer

The Nerdy Photographer Podcast is written and produced by Casey Fatchett. Casey is a professional photographer in the New York City / Northern New Jersey with more than 20 years of experience. He just wants to help people and make them laugh. You can view Casey's wedding work at https://fatchett.com or his non-wedding work at https://caseyfatchettphotography.com

If you have any questions or comments about this episode or any other episodes, OR if you would like to ask a photography related question or have ideas for a topic for a future episode, please reach out to us at https://nerdyphotographer.com/contact

In this episode of the Nerdy Photographer Podcast, we're taking to the skies—literally. I sat down with award-winning photographer and author Chase Guttman, whose groundbreaking book on drone photography helped launch an entire generation of aerial image-makers. As one of the earliest voices in the drone photography space, Chase brings insight, experience, and a healthy dose of sky-high inspiration.

We talk about what it means to compose an image when your camera is 400 feet off the ground, how to think three-dimensionally when navigating space and light, and the gear that every aspiring drone photographer should consider. Whether you're just getting started or looking to take your drone work to the next level (pun definitely intended), this conversation is packed with valuable tips and tools.

Chase also shares his thoughts on the creative freedom drones offer photographers, the importance of storytelling from above, and how to stay legally safe and respectful while flying. Spoiler: it's not just about dodging birds and watching your battery life—although those are important too.

So if you've ever looked up at the sky and wondered what your photography might look like from that vantage point, this episode is for you. Tune in to learn from one of the pioneers of drone imagery and find out how you can bring new perspective—literally and creatively—to your work.

This episode contains promos for:

• Luminar Neo Photo Editing Software - https://skylum.evyy.net/c/1337833/1318151/3255
• Elementor Website Builder - https://nerdyphotographer.com/recommends/elementor/
• Pic-Time Photo Galleries - https://nerdyphotographer.com/recommends/pic-time/
• Narrative AI Culling, Editing, and Publishing - https://narrative.so/select?affiliate=casey2746

Want to help The Nerdy Photographer Podcast? Here are a few simple (and mostly free) ways you can do that:

• Subscribe to the podcast!
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, GoodPods, or Podchaser!
• Tell your friends about the podcast
• Follow on Instagram - https://instagram.com/thenerdyphoto
• Follow on Threads - https://threads.net/@thenerdyphoto
• Follow on BlueSky - https://bsky.app/profile/thenerdyphoto.bsky.social
• Follow in Tiktok - https://tiktok.com/@thenerdyphoto
• Sign up for the newsletter - https://nerdyphotographer.com/newsletter
• Subscribe to our YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@CaseyFatchett
• Buy a print from the print shop - https://art.caseyfphoto.com
• Get some Nerdy Photographer merchandise - https://nerdyphoto.dashery.com
• If you're feeling extra generous, check out our support page - https://nerdyphotographer.com/support-nerdy-photographer/

Chase Guttman is a three-time recipient and first American to win Young Travel Photographer of the Year, a prestigious international competition judged by museum curators and magazine editors, he was named a World's Top Travel Photographer by Condé Nast Traveler, a Rising Star by Instagram and won the Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Storytelling and Exploration—a lifetime achievement level honor. His book, The Handbook of Drone Photography, was one of the first written on the topic and received critical acclaim from publications such as The Telegraph, Business Insider, The Daily Mail and the New York Post, among others. He also won an Emmy Award for his aerial cinematography in a documentary that he shot for PBS.

The Nerdy Photographer Podcast is written and produced by Casey Fatchett. Casey is a professional photographer in the New York City / Northern New Jersey with more than 20 years of experience. He just wants to help people and make them laugh. You can view Casey's photography work at https://caseyfphoto.com

If you have any questions or comments about this episode or any other episodes, OR if you would like to ask a photography related question or have ideas for a topic for a future episode, please reach out to us at https://nerdyphotographer.com/contact

Ever wish you could get paid to get a behind-the-scenes look at the photography industry? That's exactly what being a photography assistant offers. In this episode of The Nerdy Photographer Podcast, I interview photographer Andrew Tomasino and we dive deep into the role of photographic assistants and all the invaluable knowledge that comes with lugging gear, holding reflectors, and quietly absorbing everything on set like a human sponge.

Whether you're helping a wedding photographer keep the timeline on track or assisting a commercial shooter on a big product campaign, the assistant gig is full of golden opportunities. We're talking lighting techniques, gear handling, client interaction, posing cues, on-the-fly problem-solving, and how to not look panicked when a light stand goes rogue.

We also cover how assisting gives you a front-row seat to the business side of photography - from managing client expectations to understanding workflow, pricing, and delivering consistent results. It's like being paid to attend photography grad school (but with more bags to carry and better snacks).

If you're new to photography or looking to grow your career in a hands-on, immersive way, this episode is your roadmap. We've got tips on how to land assistant jobs, what makes a great assistant (spoiler: it's not just being strong), and how to turn those experiences into a launching pad for your own work.

And there's a whole lot of non-assiting related advice and other information we cover as well. Don't miss it!

Listen in and learn how you can build skills, expand your network, and gain real-world experience - all while cashing a paycheck.

This episode contains promos for:

• Elementor Website Builder - https://nerdyphotographer.com/recommends/elementor/
• On1 Photo Raw Photo Editing Suite - https:/https:/nerdyphotographer.com/recommends/on1/
• Aftershoot AI Culling and Editing - https://aftershoot.com/?ref=nerdyphoto
• Nerdy Photographer Resources for Photographers - https://nerdyphotographer.com/resources/

Want to help The Nerdy Photographer Podcast? Here are a few simple (and mostly free) ways you can do that:

• Subscribe to the podcast!
• Leave a review - they are super important to spreading the word about the show.
• Tell your friends about the podcast - even tell your enemies!
• Buy a print from the print shop - https://art.caseyfphoto.com
• Follow on Instagram - https://instagram.com/thenerdyphoto
• Follow on Threads - https://threads.net/@thenerdyphoto
• Follow on BlueSky - https://bsky.app/profile/thenerdyphoto.bsky.social
• Follow in Tiktok - https://tiktok.com/@thenerdyphoto
• Get some Nerdy Photographer merchandise - https://nerdyphoto.dashery.com
• Sign up for the newsletter - https://nerdyphotographer.com/newsletter
• Subscribe to our YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@CaseyFatchett
• If you're feeling extra generous, check out our support page - https://nerdyphotographer.com/support-nerdy-photographer/

Tomasino is a photographer and director focusing on portraits and fashion photography. You can view his work on his website - andrewtomasino.com - or on Instagram @t.omasino

The Nerdy Photographer Podcast is written and produced by Casey Fatchett. Casey is a professional photographer in the New York City / Northern New Jersey with more than 20 years of experience. He just wants to help people and make them laugh. You can view Casey's photography work at https://caseyfphoto.com

If you have any questions or comments about this episode or any other episodes, OR if you would like to ask a photography related question or have ideas for a topic for a future episode, please reach out to us at https://nerdyphotographer.com/contact

Ready to sit down with one of the most acclaimed names in the wedding photography world? On this episode of the podcast, we have the amazing Susan Stripling joining us. With more than two decades of experience capturing once-in-a-lifetime moments, Susan brings her signature honesty, humor, and razor-sharp insight to a conversation that dives deep into what it really takes to thrive in this industry.

We talk about everything from her best tips for new and seasoned photographers, to the kinds of fears that still creep in before a shoot (yes, even those of us who have been doing this for 20+ years still get the jitters), and our mutual love of dogs. Susan opens up about the pressure to perform when there are no do-overs, the challenge of staying creatively engaged after hundreds of weddings, and how to turn fear into fuel for growth.

And if you've ever noticed how many people in the wedding industry used to work in theater - you are not alone. Since we are both theater people, Susan and I discuss why theater people (actors, directors, makeup artists, etc.) often find their way to the wedding biz - and why those theater chops make for some seriously dynamic photographers.

This episode is packed with real talk, professional gold, and a lot of laughs. Whether you're just starting out or you've been in the game for years, Susan's wisdom and warmth will remind you why we fell in love with photography in the first place, and why showing up with a bit of vulnerability and a whole lot of heart still matters.

This episode contains promos for:

• StyleCloud WordPress Website Templates
• Backblaze Data Backup
• Let's Be Real Unposed Photography Prompts
• Nerdy Photographer Contract Templates

Want to help The Nerdy Photographer Podcast? Here are a few simple (and mostly free) ways you can do that:

• Subscribe to the podcast!
• Leave a review for the podcast - it helps us more than you can know!
• Tell your friends about the podcast
• Buy some merchandise - https://nerdyphoto.dasherly.com
• Follow on Instagram - https://instagram.com/thenerdyphoto
• Follow on Threads - https://threads.net/@thenerdyphoto
• Follow on BlueSky - https://bsky.app/profile/thenerdyphoto.bsky.social
• Follow in Tiktok - https://tiktok.com/@thenerdyphoto
• Sign up for the newsletter - https://nerdyphotographer.com/newsletter
• Subscribe to our YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@CaseyFatchett
• Buy a print from the print shop - https://caseyfatchettphotography.pic-time.com/art
• If you're feeling extra generous, check out our support page - https://nerdyphotographer.com/support-nerdy-photographer/

Susan Stripling has been photographing weddings, portraits, and theater for over twenty years.

Susan's work has been published in Inside Weddings, Martha Stewart Weddings, Grace Ormonde Wedding Style, Modern Bride, Town and Country Weddings, the New York Times, New York Post, Rangerfinder, PDN, and in ads and advertorials for Nikon USA, Epson, and Canon USA.

Susan has been an educator for Photo Plus, WPPI, PPA, Mystic Seminars, Portrait Masters, and Creative Live. She has been named one of the top ten wedding photographers in the world by American Photo Magazine. She is also currently a Grand Master with ICON.

She is most honored to be named an Explorer of Light by Canon USA.

Susan also the founder of The Wedding School, which strives to bring real, honest education to wedding photographers worldwide.

In her spare time, besides spending time with her incredible family, Susan is a voracious reader, lover of all horror movies, and inexplicably sleeps with the lights on.

You can find Susan on her website - https://susanstripling.com - or on Instagram https://instagram.com/susanstriplingphotography

The Nerdy Photographer Podcast is written and produced by Casey Fatchett. Casey is a professional photographer in the New York City / Northern New Jersey with more than 25 years of experience. He just wants to help people and make them laugh. You can view Casey's artwork at https://art.caseyfphoto.com, his wedding work at https://fatchett.com or his corporate photography work at https://caseyfatchettphotography.com

If you have any questions or comments about this episode or any other episodes, OR if you would like to ask a photography related question or have ideas for a topic for a future episode, please reach out to us at https://nerdyphotographer.com/contact

Ever find yourself navigating the divide between artistic expression and commercial work. How do you balance the two? In this episode, we dive deep into the differences, and the overlap, between artistic and commercial photography.

We'll explore how creating art for yourself and working to meet a client's specific needs can sometimes feel like two worlds apart. From finding your own voice in a commercial world to knowing when to take creative risks, we break down how you can approach both sides of the photography spectrum without losing your passion.

If you've ever wondered how to merge your creative spirit with the demands of the market, this episode has the insights you need. Tune in and discover how to navigate both worlds with confidence!

This episode contains promos for:

• StyleCloud WordPress Website Templates - https://stylecloud.co/ref/380/
• Siteground Web Hosting - https://www.siteground.com/go/nerdy
• Narrative AI Culling, Editing, and Publishing - https://narrative.so/select?affiliate=casey2746
• Let's Be Real Unposed Photography Prompts - https://nerdyphotographer.com/lets-be-real/

Want to help The Nerdy Photographer Podcast? Here are a few simple (and mostly free) ways you can do that:

• Subscribe to the podcast!
• Tell your friends about the podcast
• Leave a review
• Follow on Instagram - https://instagram.com/thenerdyphoto
• Follow on Threads - https://threads.net/@thenerdyphoto
• Follow on BlueSky - https://bsky.app/profile/thenerdyphoto.bsky.social
• Follow in Tiktok - https://tiktok.com/@thenerdyphoto
• Sign up for the newsletter - https://nerdyphotographer.com/newsletter
• Subscribe to our YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@CaseyFatchett
• Buy a print from the print shop - https://art.caseyfphoto.com
• Get some Nerdy Photographer merchandise - https://www.teepublic.com/stores/nerdy-photographer
• If you're feeling extra generous, check out our support page - https://nerdyphotographer.com/support-nerdy-photographer/

Holly Lund is a New Jersey photographer specializing in fine art children's portraiture. With inspiration coming from 18th & 19th century paintings, modern fashion, and other various artistic mediums, she has crafted a style she refers to as a vintage-modern aesthetic. From International workshops to 1:1 coaching, she helps fellow photographers craft from their inspirations and hone their own unique voices.

You can find Holly on her website - HollyLundImagery.com, her Etsy shop, check out her collection of photographic backdrops at Fine Art Dream Drops, or on Instagram @hollylundimagery

The Nerdy Photographer Podcast is written and produced by Casey Fatchett. Casey is a professional photographer in the New York City / Northern New Jersey with more than 20 years of experience. He just wants to help people and make them laugh. You can view Casey's wedding work at https://fatchett.com or his corporate and private client work at https://caseyfatchettphotography.com

If you have any questions or comments about this episode or any other episodes, OR if you would like to ask a photography related question or have ideas for a topic for a future episode, please reach out to us at https://nerdyphotographer.com/contact

In this powerful episode of The Nerdy Photographer Podcast, we sit down with documentary filmmaker Ilie Mitaru to discuss his deeply moving film First Frames. The documentary follows the journey of photographer and refugee Serbest Salih who travels to refugee camps to teach children the basics of photography—giving them not just a creative outlet, but a voice. For children facing the trauma of displacement, disrupted education, and overwhelming anxiety, the camera becomes more than a tool—it becomes a lifeline.

Ilie shares the inspiration behind the film and what drew him to this story. The idea that something as simple as a camera could provide emotional relief and empowerment was a concept he found both beautiful and necessary. As the film unfolds, it becomes clear that photography offers these children a way to process their experiences, to document their world on their own terms, and to feel seen in a life where invisibility often feels like the norm.

We discuss the careful balance required to tell these stories truthfully and respectfully, and how the project reinforced Ilie's belief in the transformative power of storytelling. The children's photos are not just snapshots—they are declarations of identity, resilience, and hope.

This episode is a poignant reminder of photography's ability to do more than capture beautiful images. It can heal. It can educate. It can empower. Whether you're a professional photographer or someone who simply loves the art form, First Frames is a story that will stay with you long after the credits roll. Tune in to hear how one filmmaker is documenting the intersection of creativity, compassion, and global impact—one frame at a time.

Watch the Film Here - https://nerdyphotographer.com/podcast/147-first-frames-giving-refugee-children-artistic-voice/

Contribute to Serbest's photo organization - https://www.fotohane.org/

This episode contains promos for the following:

• On1 Photo Software - https://nerdyphotographer.com/recommends/on1/
• Backblaze Data Backup - https://www.backblaze.com/cloud-backup/personal#afc32p
• Siteground Web Hosting - https://www.siteground.com/go/nerdy
• Narrative AI Culling, Editing, and Publishing - https://narrative.so/select?affiliate=casey2746

Want to help The Nerdy Photographer Podcast? Here are a few simple (and mostly free) ways you can do that:

• Subscribe to the podcast!
• Tell your friends about the podcast
• Sign up for the newsletter - https://nerdyphotographer.com/newsletter
• Subscribe to our YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@CaseyFatchett
• Buy a print from the print shop - https://art.caseyfphoto.com
• Follow on Instagram - https://instagram.com/thenerdyphoto
• Follow on Threads - https://threads.net/@thenerdyphoto
• Follow on BlueSky - https://bsky.app/profile/thenerdyphoto.bsky.social
• Follow in Tiktok - https://tiktok.com/@thenerdyphoto
• Get some Nerdy Photographer merchandise - https://www.teepublic.com/stores/nerdy-photographer
• If you're feeling extra generous, check out our support page - https://nerdyphotographer.com/support-nerdy-photographer/

Ilie Mitaru is an Emmy-nominated producer and director whose work centers on regular people in extraordinary circumstances.

American cowboys brought to rural Russia to help restart the country's beef industry; renegade farmers building their own wildfire defense rigs; a lone auto mechanic traversing miles of desert borderland with jugs of water to save his fellow migrants, Ilie's stories create empathy and a connection to what at first might appear foreign, but ultimately proves universal.

Ilie's films and photography have been featured in The New York Times, National Geographic, The Guardian, among others. A first generation Romanian-American whose parents received political asylum during the Cold War, Ilie is drawn to stories that push against easy assumptions of otherness and strive for a more complex understanding of the individuals and communities centered in his work.

His work can be found at www.iliemitaru.com

The Nerdy Photographer Podcast is written and produced by Casey Fatchett. Casey is a professional photographer in the New York City / Northern New Jersey with more than 20 years of experience. He just wants to help people and make them laugh. You can view Casey's wedding work at https://fatchett.com or his non-wedding work at https://caseyfatchettphotography.com

If you have any questions or comments about this episode or any other episodes, OR if you would like to ask a photography related question or have ideas for a topic for a future episode, please reach out to us at https://nerdyphotographer.com/contact

Photography has the power to capture more than just moments - it can preserve cultures, tell untold stories, and honor traditions. In this episode, we're joined by an indigenous photographer who shares how they use their camera to document and preserve their community's rich cultural heritage.

Through their lens, we learn how photography becomes an act of cultural preservation, combating misrepresentation, and giving voice to communities that have been marginalized. We also explore the personal journey of balancing respect for tradition with the creative freedom of storytelling.

This episode contains promos for the following:

• StyleCloud WordPress Website Templates - https://stylecloud.co/ref/380/
• Backblaze Data Backup - https://www.backblaze.com/cloud-backup/personal#afc32p
• Siteground Web Hosting - https://www.siteground.com/go/nerdy
• Narrative AI Culling, Editing, and Publishing - https://narrative.so/select?affiliate=casey2746

Want to help The Nerdy Photographer Podcast? Here are a few simple (and mostly free) ways you can do that:

• Subscribe to the podcast!
• Tell your friends about the podcast
• Sign up for the newsletter - https://nerdyphotographer.com/newsletter
• Subscribe to our YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@CaseyFatchett
• Buy a print from the print shop - https://art.caseyfphoto.com
• Follow on Instagram - https://instagram.com/thenerdyphoto
• Follow on Threads - https://threads.net/@thenerdyphoto
• Follow on BlueSky - https://bsky.app/profile/thenerdyphoto.bsky.social
• Follow in Tiktok - https://tiktok.com/@thenerdyphoto
• Get some Nerdy Photographer merchandise - https://www.teepublic.com/stores/nerdy-photographer
• If you're feeling extra generous, check out our support page - https://nerdyphotographer.com/support-nerdy-photographer/

"I am an indigenous award Winning filmmaker and photographer based of out Oklahoma. Currently working for Cherokee film/Osiyo Tv as a cinematographer on the documentary team, where we tell stories all Cherokees all over the world."

You can view more of Cody Hammer's work on Instagram @_codyhammer_

The Nerdy Photographer Podcast is written and produced by Casey Fatchett. Casey is a professional photographer in the New York City / Northern New Jersey with more than 20 years of experience. He just wants to help people and make them laugh. You can view Casey's photography work at https://caseyfphoto.com

If you have any questions or comments about this episode or any other episodes, OR if you would like to ask a photography related question or have ideas for a topic for a future episode, please reach out to us at https://nerdyphotographer.com/contact