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Photography is Nothing: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Zach Dobson and Courtney McCracken
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. “Photography is nothing—it’s life that interests me.” - Henri Cartier-Bresson
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- 6 days ago48 min
PaJaMa Collective
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about how their painting styles were reflected in their photographs, and address the importance of these photos as a historical document of a community that largely lived their lives outside of public view.“Photography is nothing–it's life that interests me.”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 Index0:00 - Intro: Who is PaJaMa collective?2:11 - Photos locations: Fire Island, NY and Provincetown, MA5:27 - Photography used to be mostly private12:50 - Friends of PaJaMa16:15 - Queer history as told through photography. Alice Austen18:48 - Jared French & Paul Cadmus paintings23:06 - Alfred Eisenstaedt’s V-J Day photo is SA27:52 - About Margaret Hoening French28:25 - The photography of PaJaMa collective38:30 - Stone Blossom: A Conversation Piece by Paul Cadmus39:41 - What is the historical significance of PaJaMa?44:07 - Photographer George Platt Lynes - a friend of PaJaMa46:15 - 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 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.
- 2 weeks ago38 min
Joel Meyerowitz - Cape Light
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 Index0:00 - Intro: Carrying a 8x10 camera everywhere2:41 - Who comes to mind when thinking about summer photography?3:48 - A quick background on Joel Meyerowitz6:36 - How Robert Frank influenced Joel Meyerowitz9:14 - Experimenting with larger cameras to capture more detail9:48 - Cape Light is about capturing the feel of the place12:37 - Lightning strike from the porch15:25 - Laundry blowing in the breeze18:03 - Book cover photo19:28 - Master printer Joanne Mulberg23:52 - The Feelings evoked from Cape Light33:20 - How Cape Light was influential35:51 - Thumbnail previews of all 95 Cape Light photos37:38 - Who else should we talk about for summer 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 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.
- 2 weeks ago29 min
Indy 500 2026
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 Index0:00 - Intro: Zach & Courtney hide their beers. Sorta.0:45 - Walking with the crowds to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway8:36 - Walking into the IMS and finding our seats in Turn One11:27 - Exploring the infield before the Indy 500 starts14:00 - We go on the track at the speedway16:59 - Gasoline Alley and the Pagoda24:10 - Pre-race ceremonies at the Indy 50026:41 - The closest finish EVER at the Indy 500!27:56 - Thoughts on the race and walking back to the carFind 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.
- 3 weeks ago1h 21m
Ruedi Hofmann - Photographer & Master Printer
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 Index0:00 - Introducing Ruedi Hofmann - photographer and master printer1:39 - 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-collectionYou can learn more about Ruedi's ownership of the Avedon prints in Zach's video here: https://youtu.be/StKEn_kjc5QFind 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.
- May 13, 202645 min
Famous Photographers' Family Photos
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 Index0:00 - Intro: Courtney helps Zach gain a deeper appreciate for Sally Mann5:27 - Sabine Weiss & her husband Hugh Weiss7:04 - W. Eugene Smith & kids11:22 - Christopher Anderson w/ Atlas & Marion13:31 - Inge Morath & Arthur Miller15:39 - William Eggleston & his kids (MAYBE)17:04 - Stephen Shore & his wife Ginger18:11 - Sally Mann & her kids24:26 - Nancy Sheung & daughter25:12 - Larry Fink & his daughter Molly with the Sabatine family27:21 - Garry Winogrand & his kids at the zoo30:00 - Lee Friedlander & his wife Maria and their kids34:17 - Following up on Documentary Photography is for Everyone36:16 - Zach feels more connected to the world when photographing it42:45 - It’s important to strike a balance between photographer & person 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.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.
- May 6, 202654 min
Documentary Photography is for Everyone
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 Index0:00 - Intro: These pictures will matter.3:12 - Barriers to entry for “documentary photography”4:39 - When Zach started documenting everyday life12:07 - We underestimate the wider value of photographing our families21:36 - We need photos of daily life to know what the past was like23:56 - William Eggleston’s photos weren’t well received at the time25:24 - How do you do documentary photography29:03 - Awesome photo of baseball player Jo Adell taken by a fan32:04 - Documentary photography brings the story to a larger audience39:16 - 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 usFind 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.
- Apr 29, 202650 min
Baseball - Photography is Nothing with Zach Dobson & Courtney McCracken
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 Index0:00 - Intro: Photographers need to share their photos0:53 - Going to an Indianapolis Indians baseball game6:15 - Photos of being a spectator at the baseball game9:04 - One of the greatest baseball photographers: Charles M. Conlon12:05 - Photo of Ty Cobb sliding into third base17:49 - Portraits from the golden age of baseball by Charles Conlon24:25 - Conlon photographs Shoeless Joe Jackson w/ Black Betsy26:53 - Cornelius McGillicuddy aka Connie Mack28:16 - Rube Waddell31:14 - Charles Conlon focused on the people & personalities32:48 - Masking photos the old fashioned way40:07 - Charles Albert “Chief” Bender41:01 - Photographing players’ wives and children44:05 - Why Charles Conlon destroyed half of his negatives45:51 - Part of being a photographer is sharing your workFind 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.
- Apr 22, 202651 min
Moab, Utah - Photography is Nothing with Zach Dobson & Courtney McCracken
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 Index0:00 - Intro: Does Google own my photo now??3:19 - How we started booking weddings in Moab5:46 - Driving to Moab via Denver7:55 - Every road in Moab felt like different terrain10:18 - Some background on Arches, Canyonlands and Moab17:44 - Getting married under Double Arch in Arches National Park19:31 - Courtney & Henry visit Moab for the first time with Zach24:23 - Favorite breakfast: Jailhouse Cafe25:31 - Best fish tacos ever: Miguel’s Baja Grill27:30 - Carrying a toddler through the National Parks32:16 - It looks like you’re closer to the cliff’s edge than you are36:14 - Moab wedding number 239:26 - Visiting Canyonlands National Park42:10 - Finding the Petroglyphs46:30 - A third wedding in Moab at Whispering Oaks Ranch49:17 - A final photo at night on the La Sal MountainsFind 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.
About Photography is Nothing
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. “Photography is nothing—it’s life that interests me.” - Henri Cartier-Bresson
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