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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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- 3 days ago1h 25m
Interview with Adger Cowans
In Episode 55 of Photography is Nothing, Zach Dobson and Courtney McCracken sit down for a wide-ranging conversation with legendary photographer and painter Adger Cowans. At 90 years old, Cowans reflects on a lifetime of making art, following his intuition, and finding meaning in the world around him.Cowans studied photography at Ohio University, assisted Gordon Parks, and built a remarkable career spanning fine art, photojournalism, and motion picture photography. He is also a founding member of the Kamoinge Workshop, the influential collective founded by Black photographers to support one another and expand the possibilities of their work.But this conversation goes far beyond photography. Cowans shares his deeply personal philosophy of creativity, describing the artist as a translator of spirit and emotion. He talks about the importance of courage, the challenges of rejection, the difference between making images with film and digital cameras, and why artists must learn to trust their own vision rather than create work simply to please others.The conversation also explores his love of jazz, his experiences with legendary musicians, the importance of community, and the energy that connects people through art and life. Throughout it all, Cowans offers an inspiring perspective on creativity, purpose, and the freedom that comes from defining your own path.In this episode:Adger Cowans on a lifetime of photography and paintingCreativity, spirituality, emotion, and trusting your intuitionHis experiences assisting Gordon Parks and learning from photography's greatsFilm, darkroom printing, digital photography, and the changing nature of the mediumOvercoming rejection and finding the courage to make your own workThe Kamoinge Workshop and the importance of community among Black photographersJazz, artistic expression, and the energy shared between artists and audiencesAging, staying creative, and continuing to explore new possibilitiesWhy you must believe in yourself and define your own destinyJoin us for this inspiring conversation with Adger Cowans.If something in this episode resonates with you, share it with a photographer, artist, or creative person who needs to hear it. Subscribe to Photography is Nothing for more conversations about photography and life.Find AdgerWebsite: https://www.adgercowans.com/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/happylifelessons/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@happy_life_lessonsAbout 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.#PhotographyIsNothing #AdgerCowans #Photography #KamoingeWorkshop #GordonParks #CreativeLife #PhotographyPodcast
- 1 weeks ago30 min
The Photography of Adger Cowans
In Episode 54 of Photography is Nothing, Zach Dobson and Courtney McCracken explore the remarkable photography of Adger Cowans, a pioneering photographer whose work spans street photography, documentary photography, portraiture, jazz, fine art, and more than 30 motion picture sets.From his early days in Columbus, Ohio, to assisting Gordon Parks in New York City, Cowans built an extraordinary career documenting everyday life, capturing cultural icons, and finding beauty in unexpected places. We look at some of his most compelling images, including his evocative street photographs, expressive portraits, experiments with light and abstraction, and behind-the-scenes photographs of legendary actors and filmmakers.Cowans was also a founding member of the Kamoinge Workshop in 1963. The group continues to this day and is dedicated to supporting Black photographers providing a more well-rounded look at the experiences of Black Americans.Cowans has a spiritual approach to making art. His work is a reminder that photography can be about more than documenting events — it can be about expressing how we experience the world.This episode is an introduction to Cowans and his work ahead of our upcoming conversation with him.In this episode:Adger Cowans' early life and photographic beginningsHis time assisting the legendary Gordon ParksCowans' work in street photography, everyday life, and fine artPhotographing Hollywood film sets, actors, jazz musicians, and cultural figuresHis abstract work with light as the subjectThe relationship between photography, painting, and artistic expressionBuilding a creative life and continuing to explore new possibilities over timePhotography is Nothing is a video podcast hosted by photographer Zach Dobson and Courtney McCracken, exploring photography, creativity, and life.Subscribe to Photography is Nothing for more conversations about the photographers, ideas, and experiences that shape how we see.Find AdgerWebsite: https://www.adgercowans.com/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/happylifelessons/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@happy_life_lessonsAbout 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.#PhotographyIsNothing #AdgerCowans #Photography #StreetPhotography #DocumentaryPhotography #PhotographyHistory #GordonParks
- 2 weeks ago1h 14m
First Time in New York City
Zach & Courtney take the family to New York City for the first time. Over the past few years, Zach has been working regularly in New York, but the rest of the family (Courtney included) had yet to visit the city.In this episode, we talk about experiencing New York with our five kids. We visit spots like Times Square, Battery Park, Chinatown, the 9/11 Memorial, Central Park, the American Museum of Natural History, and more! This show is packed with photos from Zach, video clips from Courtney, and some images by the kids, too.“Photography is nothing–it's life that interests me.” - Henri Cartier-Bresson Index0:00 - Photographing what’s in front of your camera2:27 - Zach has been leaving his family behind4:34 - Driving into New York on September 11th10:26 - Visiting Times Square at night16:37 - Central Park felt the most “New York”21:22 - Starting our first day in Battery Park23:54 - Visiting the 9/11 Memorial27:39 - Every city has more than you expect30:04 - Chinatown, NYC33:13 - Accepting exhaustion34:12 - Bichon owners meetup35:39 - Courtney says let the kids pull us forward39:25 - Kids love climbing rocks in Central Park45:03 - Courtney’s birthday in New York46:25 - Visiting the American Museum of Natural History1:01:02 - Back to Central Park & Belvedere Castle1:03:06 - Popular spots in Central Park1:04:49 - 5th Avenue1:06:03 - Takeaways from visiting New York City for the first time.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.
- Sep 16, 202658 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 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.“Photography is nothing–it's life that interests me.” - Henri Cartier-Bresson Index0:00 - Introduction to photographer Tajette O’Halloran1:52 - Tajette’s photo series In Australia 10:35 - How In Australia started13:59 - Tajette’s narrative approach to In Australia17:08 - Growing up in Lismore, NSW, Australia17:55 - Regional Rituals, a new photo series22:36 - Tajette knew as a kid her childhood wasn’t typical26:02 - Processing difficulty though photography29:01 - Tajette’s photos remind Zach of Sally Mann34:18 - Mixing black & white and color in a series36:55 - How COVID affected photographers40:26 - Tajette’s Earth and Water photos feel like parenthood43:48 - Does Tajette feel like she’s rejecting mainstream society?46:48 - Growing up in a mix of cultures in Lismore, Australia48:40 - How Regional Rituals came to be54:54 - The Quarry is an ongoing series of portraitureFind TajetteWebsite: https://www.tajetteohalloran.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tajette.ohalloranFind 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.
- Sep 9, 202627 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 work leading up to our interview with her next week.“Photography is nothing–it's life that interests me.” - Henri Cartier-Bresson Index0:00 - Meet photographer Tajette O’Halloran3:30 - În Australia - Tajette examines her adolescence 5:15 - The photo that first caught Zach’s attention14:00 - The Quarry - An ongoing series of portraits and observations17:23 - Earth & Water - photographing childhood23:20 - When are you a part of the story?24:53 - Regional Rituals - Project commissioned by Powerhouse MuseumFind TajetteWebsite: https://www.tajetteohalloran.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tajette.ohalloranFind 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.
- Sep 2, 20261h 9m
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 Index0:00 - Grow or die1:40 - Starting a business4:31 - Courtney & Zach had the same idea5:57 - Starting a life after college12:46 - We had abandoned our intuition17:04 - Starting our own business worked23:50 - You have to do other things to support the Big Thing25:40 - Would Zach recommend this lifestyle?33:04 - Dealing with ego death40:35 - Getting back to the original vision45:45 - Choosing joy49:53 - Unexpected skills Zach has learned54:42 - Learn to photograph the everyday & make it interesting57:00 - Courtney is here to go beneath the surface1:03:56 - Learn and change and grow or dieFind 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.
- Aug 26, 202652 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 Index0:00 - 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 Oregon - 1905.13:12 - 📷 Neil Leifer “The Greatest Game Ever Played” - 1958 NFL Championship .16:00 - Neil Leifer’s contact sheet from the 1958 NFL Championship.18:20 - 📷 Neil Leifer 1962 - Close up wide angle of game action.21:31 - LIFE Magazine photos of the first Super Bowl. 1967.27:20 - Walter Iooss, Jr. and manual focus on a telephoto lens.29:14 - 📷 Walter Iooss, Jr. - Joe Namath, Poolside, Galt Ocean Mile Hotel, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 1969.33:52 - How camera technology changed in the second half of the 20th century .35:02 - 📷 Michael Zagaris behind the scenes photos of the 49ers.37:43 - The portraits of Walter Iooss Jr. make athletes look heroic.41:23 - 📷 Walter Iooss, Jr. - “The Catch” 49ers vs. Cowboys. 1982.42:29 - How camera tech of today affects sports photography.47:37 - How to set yourself apart as a sports photographer in 2026.49:39 - Documentary photography always has value. Photos by Magnum photographers.Buy, Sell or Trade with MPB:https://shorturl.at/Szqs2Find 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.
- Aug 19, 20261h 0m
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 selling his images of the 2010 Haitian earthquakeThe famous “monkey selfie” case with photographer David Slater. Who owns a photo taken by an animal?Architecture photographer Scott Hargis wins perhaps the largest copyright settlement ever.The conversation moves well beyond the lawsuits and gets into topics like:Registered works vs un-registered worksPublic domainFair UseAlways get a contract, even when no money is exchanging handsGetty Images sells photos that are public domain (free to everyone)**NOTE** Zach & Courtney are not attorneys and nothing in this episode constitutes legal advice. Index0:00 - A monkey took the photo4:29 - Why we always retain copyright ownership9:10 - Carol Highsmith sues Getty15:22 - Royalty Free vs Rights Managed20:39 - When you create something, you own the copyright21:51 - Photographer Scott Hargis’s big win28:02 - Why register copyrights30:56 - Setting a precedent that we pursue infringement37:20 - Daniel Morel sues AFP & Getty41:26 - David Slater and the Monkey Selfie dispute55:15 - A little bit about model releasesBuy, Sell or Trade with MPB:https://shorturl.at/Szqs2Find 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/happylifelessons/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@happy_life_lessonsAbout 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.
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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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