Podcast · Arts & Books

Photography is Nothing

by Zach Dobson and Courtney McCracken · English · Arts & Books

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 conversati

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 52 min
Latest: 16 Sep 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

16 Sep 2026 · 59 min

Interview with Tajette O'Halloran

In this interview with Australian photographic artist Tajette O’Halloran, we talk about the inspiration behind her projects like In Australia, The Quarry, and Regional Rituals. She talks about her difficult upbringing in the Northern Rivers area, and how that put her on a path to tell the stories of adolescence. We also talk about parenting, incorporating our kids into our art, and her practice of incorporating both film & digital into her work. Based in Lismore, New South Wales, Australia, Tajette’s photography ranges from documentary to portraiture to conceptual. The common thread is…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

9 Sep 2026 · 27 min
The Photography of Tajette O'Halloran
Tajette O’Halloran is a photographic artist based in Lismore, New South Wales, Australia. Her work ranges from documentary to portraiture to conceptual. The common thread is examining adolescence and identity; both her own and others’. Tajette’s projects include In Australia, where she revisits her hometown and creates scenes reminiscent of her youth, and the ongoing The Quarry, a series of portraits of young people at a local swimming spot. Her most recent project is Regional Rituals, commissioned by Powerhouse, a museum in Sydney, Australia. This episode is an introduction to Tajette’s…
2 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 9 min
What We've Learned So Far
In this 50TH episode, Zach & Courtney talk about what they’ve learned so far from running a photography business, starting a podcast, raising 5 kids, homeschooling, and just being generally busy making things for 20 years. “Photography is nothing–it's life that interests me.” - Henri Cartier-Bresson Index 0:00 - Grow or die 1:40 - Starting a business 4:31 - Courtney & Zach had the same idea 5:57 - Starting a life after college 12:46 - We had abandoned our intuition 17:04 - Starting our own business worked 23:50 - You have to do other things to support the Big Thing 25:40 - Would Zach…
26 Aug 2026 · 53 min
Football
Episode 49 - 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. 3:49 - 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…
19 Aug 2026 · 1 hr
Copyright
US Copyright laws exist to protect artists and their art. Zach & Courtney take copyright seriously and have retained the copyright for all of Zach’s photography since the beginning of their business. In this episode of Photography is Nothing, Zach & Courtney talk about famous court cases involving photographers protecting their copyright as a means to teach how these laws benefit photographers and other artists. Cases discussed include: Photographer Carol Highsmith suing Getty images for a billion dollars for selling 18K of her photos. Photojournalist Daniel Morel sues AFP & Getty for…
12 Aug 2026 · 2 hr 6 min
Interview with Christopher Morris
Zach & Courtney interview Christopher Morris, a documentary photographer who has covered war, politics, and fashion since 1981. In this interview, Morris talks about being mistaken for a CIA agent, living with the consequences of witnessing atrocities firsthand, working to make sure his vast archive lives on, and more. Christopher Morris got his start with the Black Star agency covering conflicts in the Philippines, Panama, the Persian Gulf War, Yugoslavia, Chechnya, Yemen, Iraq, and more. Largely leaving war photography behind in the early 2000s, Morris covered the Bush and Obama…
5 Aug 2026 · 48 min
The Photography of Christopher Morris
Christopher Morris is a documentary photographer who has covered wars, politics, and fashion since 1981. In this episode, Courtney & Zach introduce Morris’s photography ahead of next week’s interview with the photographer. Christopher Morris got his start with the Black Star agency covering conflicts in the Philippines, Panama, the Persian Gulf War, Yugoslavia, Chechnya, Yemen, Iraq, and more. Largely leaving war photography behind in the early 2000s, Morris covered the Bush and Obama administrations for Time Magazine. He left Black Star in 2001 and was one of the founding members of VII…
29 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 11 min
Interview with Kiliii Yüyan
Episode 45 • Kiliii Yüyan Zach & Courtney interview Kiliii Yüyan, National Geographic photographer, Explorer, and speaker. Kiliii’s work focuses on indigenous communities around the world with special attention to environmental issues. Indigenous Photography Kiliii is himself of Chinese and Nanai/Hèzhé descent and speaks often of how his own background informs his photography with Indigenous people of the world. He spends extended periods with each group of people that he photographs, building relationships and serving as an active member of the communities. Kiliii has photographed…
22 Jul 2026 · 48 min
Kiliii Yüyan
Zach & Courtney introduce you to the work of Kiliii Yüyan, National Geographic photographer. Kiliii’s work focuses on indigenous communities around the world with special attention to environmental issues. This week we talk about Kiliii’s background and some of his best known work so you’ll be familiar with his photography and approach before our next episode, an in-depth interview with Yüyan. In February 2026, Kiliii published a new book: Guardians of Life: Indigenous Knowledge, Indigenous Science, and Restoring the Planet. “Photography is nothing–it's life that interests me.” - Henri…
15 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 6 min
Kids and Cameras
Zach & Courtney talk about supporting their kids taking photos. Zach has always been open to letting kids use his professional cameras, even if it made him nervous at first. ICYMI, Zach & Courtney ARE married! They have 5 kids together, who have free rein with cameras whenever they ask. In this episode, Zach & Courtney talk about how they work to support their kids’ creativity and individual styles without putting their own personal preferences and aesthetics onto the kids’ photography. Episode 43 “Photography is nothing–it's life that interests me.” - Henri Cartier-Bresson Index 0:00 -…
1 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 3 min
World Cup 2026
Episode 42 - Zach & Courtney go through the best photos of the 2026 World Cup so far. And by “best” they mean the photos they like the most. There are a lot of great storylines that have unfolded early in the tournament and Zach & Courtney get into their favorite photos of these stories and moments. Photos include Cape Verde goalie Vozinha, watch parties around the world, Lumumba Vea, and a great photo of Ronaldo that was posted to his account without first obtaining permission from the photographer. “Photography is nothing–it's life that interests me.” - Henri Cartier-Bresson Index 0:00 -…
24 Jun 2026 · 43 min
Larry Fink
Episode 41 - Zach & Courtney have talked about Larry Fink on multiple occasions, so wanted to have an episode dedicated to him. The photography of Larry Fink was documentary in nature and full of social & class commentary. His most famous series, Social Graces, put images of Manhattan socialites of the 70s & 80s alongside images of the Sabatine family living in rural Pennsylvania. He also photographed social activism of the 60s & 70s, boxing in the 80s & 90s, the famous Vanity Fair Oscar parties in the early 2000s, and behind the scenes at fashion shows. Fink once said, “The only revolution…
17 Jun 2026 · 47 min
Lourdes Grobet
Episode 40 - Zach & Courtney talk about Lourdes Grobet, an amazing Mexican photographer whose best known work is her nearly 40 years of documenting lucha libre, Mexican wrestling. Grobet’s work isn’t just unique because of the subject matter. She did a mix of action, documentary, behind-the-scenes, and portraiture, all with great skill. Other series by Grobet includes Paisajes Pintados (Painted Landscapes) and Laboratorio de Teatro Campesino e Indígena (Peasant and Indigenous Theater Laboratory). “Photography is nothing–it's life that interests me.” - Henri Cartier-Bresson Index 0:00 -…
10 Jun 2026 · 49 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…
3 Jun 2026 · 38 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…
29 May 2026 · 30 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…
20 May 2026 · 1 hr 21 min
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…
13 May 2026 · 46 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…
6 May 2026 · 55 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…
29 Apr 2026 · 50 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 Index 0:00 - Intro: Photographers need to share their photos 0:53 - Going to an Indianapolis Indians baseball game 6:15 - Photos of being a spectator at the baseball game 9:04 - One of the greatest baseball photographers: Charles…
22 Apr 2026 · 52 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.…
15 Apr 2026 · 45 min
Yes, Michigan! - Photography is Nothing with Zach Dobson & Courtney McCracken
Episode 31 - Zach & Courtney talk about a trip to Hoeft State Park located on the beautiful shores of Lake Huron in Rogers City, Michigan. They stayed in a 1929 Sears Roebuck house just 100 yards from the beach, visited 40 Mile Point Lighthouse and Rogers City Marina, and took in a super early morning sunrise. Zach & Courtney talk about the trip, life lessons they learned, and the photos Zach took along the way. “Photography is nothing–it's life that interests me.” - Henri Cartier-Bresson Index 0:00 - Intro: Adventures lead to personal growth 0:55 - Visiting Lake Huron in Michigan 2:32 - How…
8 Apr 2026 · 40 min
Florida Keys Road Trip - Photography is Nothing with Zach Dobson & Courtney McCracken
Episode 30 - Zach & Courtney talk about a favorite family trip: A roadtrip through the Florida Keys! In 2018, Courtney, Zach, and (then) 4 kids, drove nearly 3,000 miles from Indianapolis, IN to Key West, FL (and back, of course). On this episode we talk about the experience, including our favorite spots, things we learned, and the photos Zach took along the way. “Photography is nothing–it's life that interests me.” - Henri Cartier-Bresson Index 0:00 - Intro - He stitched two mattresses together to make a giant bed 0:49 - Going on a Florida Keys Roadtrip 1:44 - Planning to escape the Midwest…
1 Apr 2026 · 1 hr 4 min
All-Time Best Basketball Photos - Photography is Nothing with Zach Dobson & Courtney McCracken
Zach & Courtney talk about Zach’s six selections for all-time best basketball photos. Plus, they take a look at the photography of Walter Iooss, Jr., who has photographed professional sports in 7 different decades! “Photography is nothing–it's life that interests me.” - Henri Cartier-Bresson Index 0:00 - Intro - Zach didn’t know he once worked for Atlantic Records 2:16 - What is the criteria for best basketball photos of all time? 7:33 - Some of the most famous/infamous photos of basketball in Indiana 9:57 - Wilt Chamberlain photographed by Paul Vathis. 1962. 14:32 - 16 year-old Kareem…
25 Mar 2026 · 45 min
Basketball - Photography is Nothing with Zach Dobson & Courtney McCracken
Episode 28 - Zach & Courtney take a look through Zach’s archive of basketball photography from around the state of Indiana. Indiana is of course the best state in the country for basketball. In this episode, Zach & Courtney talk about their own experiences with the sport as well as go in-depth on Zach’s photos and his approach to photographing basketball. “Photography is nothing–it's life that interests me.” - Henri Cartier-Bresson Index 0:00 - Zach & Courtney each played one season of basketball 0:56 - Getting the NBA Finals patch on the Pacers jersey 3:44 - In 49 states it’s just…
17 Mar 2026 · 54 min
St. Patrick’s Day - Photography is Nothing with Zach Dobson & Courtney McCracken
Zach & Courtney take the family to the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Indianapolis, IN. They talk about the experience while looking through Zach’s documentary photography from the event. Courtney tells Zach what she learned about Irish photographer Jane Shackleton (1843-1909) and they go through some of her photos together. “Photography is nothing–it's life that interests me.” - Henri Cartier-Bresson Index 0:00 - Courtney wants to talk with Irish people 0:56 - Zach, Courtney, and family at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2:40 - Where do you get a St. Patrick’s Day suit? 4:49 - How do you get…
11 Mar 2026 · 59 min
Photography Hot Takes - Photography is Nothing with Zach Dobson & Courtney McCracken
Episode 26 - Photographers are a passionate bunch and always have hot takes about our beliefs and convictions surrounding our art. And this goes all the way to the beginning of photography with the original hot take: Is photography art? Zach and Courtney discuss some of the biggest hot takes throughout the history of photography. In this episode we talk about current & historical photography hot takes like… Photography isn’t art Photography should only reflect reality Color photography isn’t art Film is better than digital Plus Zach & Courtney give their own personal photography hot takes.…
25 Feb 2026 · 49 min
Best Photos of the 2026 Olympics - Photography is Nothing with Zach Dobson & Courtney McCracken
Episode 25 - Bringing you the best action and documentary photography from the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games! Zach scoured the internet to find the greatest photos of the Olympics so he and Courtney could discuss the making, the meaning, and the impact they’ve had on our view of the games. In this episode we talk about… Women showing up in numbers and making fantastic photos at the 2026 Olympics Tech used by Getty including remote cameras, thermal images, composites, and an old Graflex camera. Photos that set a scene and draw us in with excellent composition Great moments caught…
18 Feb 2026 · 44 min
Olympic Fashion Photography - Photography is Nothing with Zach Dobson & Courtney McCracken
Episode 24 - There is typically lots of fashion & editorial photography that surrounds the Olympics. For this year’s 2026 Winter Olympics, Zach & Courtney found three cool photoshoots, but feel like there should be a lot more! In this episode we talk about… Win Tam’s high-fashion photos of Team China for VogueMan China French photographer Mathieu Forget photographing Italian Olympians in a 5-star Milan hotel Newel Odin’s sleek, modern images of Team France We also take an historical look at Olympics editorial photoshoots by Annie Leibovitz, Bruce Weber, and Ryan McGinley and compare them to…
11 Feb 2026 · 55 min
Photography Q&A - Photography is Nothing with Zach Dobson & Courtney McCracken
Episode 23 - What focal length lens do you use for backstage photography? Do you ever use “silent shutter” mode? Do you use fixed focal length? Do you have insurance on all your cameras & gear? What do people who are actually from working class areas of England think of Martin Parr’s documentation of New Brighton? In this episode, we answer questions and read comments from viewers and talk about retiring the Mystery Zine. We also address some of the most common questions we’ve received in the 4 years of printing our quarterly magazine. “Photography is nothing–it's life that interests me.” -…

About Photography is Nothing

Photography is Nothing is a English arts & books podcast from Zach Dobson and Courtney McCracken. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Zach Dobson and Courtney McCracken
Language: English
Category: Arts & Books
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 52 min
Latest episode: 16 Sep 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1821513713
Rights: Zach Dobson and Courtney McCracken

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