Photography is Nothing
Photography is Nothing is a weekly conversation about photography and its impact, hosted by married couple Zach Dobson and Courtney McCracken. Each episode discusses their latest adventures, life lessons, and other interesting topics. The podcast invites listeners into the discussions they have while running a photography and media company. The show's title is inspired by a Henri Cartier-Bresson quote.
Episodes
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
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 al
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
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 thi
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 se
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 practica
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
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-kn
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
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: Photogr
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
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 Za
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
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 Index0:00 - Intro - Zach didn’t know he once worked for Atlantic Records2:16 - What is the criteria
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 lif
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
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
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
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 ChinaFrench photographer Mathieu Forget photographing Italian Olympians in a 5
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
Backstage - Photography is Nothing with Zach Dobson & Courtney McCracken
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 bac
Martin Parr - Photography is Nothing with Zach Dobson & Courtney McCracken
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 sai
Cats - Photography is Nothing with Zach Dobson & Courtney McCracken
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 ep
Indiana University - Photography is Nothing with Zach Dobson & Courtney McCracken
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 i
Football - Photography is Nothing with Zach Dobson & Courtney McCracken
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 Index0:00 - Film becomes the subject of the photo.0:51 - Welcome to Photography is Nothing! Today we talk
Snow & Science - Photography is Nothing with Zach Dobson & Courtney McCracken
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 ent
Photography by Candlelight - Photography is Nothing with Zach Dobson & Courtney McCracken
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 w
Bokeh - Photography is Nothing with Zach Dobson & Courtney McCracken
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
Cars & Cameras - Photography is Nothing with Zach Dobson & Courtney McCracken
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 th
Taylor Swift Album Art - Photography is Nothing with Zach Dobson & Courtney McCracken
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 s
Tennessee - Photography is Nothing with Zach Dobson & Courtney McCracken
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 - In
Road Trip! - Photography is Nothing with Zach Dobson & Courtney McCracken
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 Index0:00 - Intro - Missing a great moment because he ran out of film0:45 - We loved road trips growing up3
State Fair - Photography is Nothing with Zach Dobson & Courtney McCracken
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-Br
Backstory - Photography is Nothing with Zach Dobson and Courtney McCracken
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 NotesWhere 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 w
Iconic Album Covers Part Two - Photography is Nothing with Zach Dobson & Courtney McCracken
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
Eight Iconic Album Covers - Photography is Nothing with Zach Dobson & Courtney McCracken
Episode 07 - This week Zach & Courtney discuss 8 iconic album covers and the stories behind them. They define what makes an “iconic” album cover, analyze the photos, tell how they were made, who the photographers were, and some of the myths that formed around the images.“Photography is nothing–it's life that interests me.” - Henri Cartier-Bresson Index0:00 - Intro - Zach’s brush with Free Jazz
Photo Stories That Went Too Far - Photography is Nothing with Zach Dobson & Courtney McCracken
Episode 06 - This week Zach & Courtney discuss photography projects that became obsessive, including Japanese photographer Masahisa Fukase’s Ravens, Catherine Leroy’s coverage of the Vietnam War, W. Eugene Smith documenting Pittsburg for two years, and Zach’s own project of photographing lost golf balls in the woods and the creek.**NOTES**- W. Eugene Smith’s Country Doctor story was photograph
The Only Revolution is Within - Photography is Nothing with Zach Dobson & Courtney McCracken
Episode 05 - This week Zach & Courtney discuss everyday photography, Zach’s 180 on fireworks photos, an important quote that influenced Courtney, and the work of photographers Sally Mann and Larry Fink.“Photography is nothing–it's life that interests me.” - Henri Cartier-Bresson Index0:00 - Showing after every trip to the grocery store.0:19 - This is a podcast about photography and everyth
You Should Monetize Your Hobbies - Photography is Nothing with Zach Dobson & Courtney McCracken
Episode 04 - This week Zach & Courtney discuss monetizing hobbies, the importance of consent, taking photos when we travel as a family, drawing people in public, and more!“Photography is nothing–it's life that interests me.” - Henri Cartier-Bresson Index 0:00 - This is a VIDEO podcast. 0:47 - We lost some video last week.2:21 - Shoutouts to Erik and LeAnn3:35 - You should monetize your hobbies
Your Purpose is to Create - Photography is Nothing with Zach Dobson & Courtney McCracken
This week Zach & Courtney discuss how every single person is meant to create, a Pacers game 7 loss, what makes for a great summer photo, and more!“Photography is nothing–it's life that interests me.” - Henri Cartier-Bresson Index0:00 - Indiana is subtropical0:59 - Indiana is SAD1:46 - We love the Pacers3:45 - We went to a Pacers watch party + life in a midsize city4:38 - This is Photograph
AI is Getting Dumber - Photography Is Nothing with Zach Dobson & Courtney McCracken
This week Zach & Courtney discuss how AI is eating itself, photographing kids in the style of a war photographer, how famous women are remembered for their trauma, and more!“Photography is nothing–it's life that interests me.” - Henri Cartier-Bresson Index0:00 - Courtney & Zach debate how to pronounce "moire"0:26 - Zach thought he didn’t get any good photos but he did2:05 - Courtney thew a
It's Easy to Start a Podcast - Photography Is Nothing with Zach Dobson & Courtney McCracken
Welcome to our very first episode of Photography is Nothing! This week Zach & Courtney discuss starting a podcast, literally dropping a $5000 camera, attending & photographing the Indy 500, documenting the neighborhood swim team, and more!"Photography is nothing–it's life that interests me.” - Henri Cartier-Bresson Index0:00 - Intro: Talking photography at you is boring 2:22 - Cou
