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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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.