“25 Years With National Geographic” Joe McNally on What Photography Lost (And What It Gained) - E110
3/4/20261 hr 10 min
Joe McNally, legendary professional photographer best known for his work with National Geographic, Life, and major commercial clients, and for his mastery of lighting and flash, joins me on the show to discuss an array of topics.
We go deep on the future of photography, how the industry has changed from magazines to the digital era, what AI is really doing to trust in images, why craft is the foundation of art, and what separates a hobbyist from a working photographer through reproducible results, storytelling, and ethical responsibility.
Other things we discussed:
Why a t...
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First 90 secondsJoe McNally· Guest0:00
I firmly believe once you see a truly great photograph, you are changed forever. Think of the camera as a visa. It allows you to cross boundaries. People let you into their lives, and that's a great privilege to have. It's also a tremendous responsibility to do this honorably.
Matt Jacob· Host0:14
Over a few decades of using a camera, how has your outlook changed with photography specifically?
Joe McNally· Guest0:21
When I shot a cover of National Geographic or Life, it would stay on the stands. It- people would talk about it. It would be on, out there for a month. Now, even if you shoot a major campaign, oftentimes it's gone in a blink.
Matt Jacob· Host0:32
You must see some jobs and opportunities disappearing.
Joe McNally· Guest0:36
Reams of work that probably should've gone to a professional photographer are now being done by someone in-house with an iPhone. Rates and, and rights have shrunk to a degree.
Matt Jacob· Host0:47
What do you think the future holds and where do you think the advantages are for newcomers these days that maybe you didn't have or your generation didn't when you were starting out?
Joe McNally· Guest0:56
At the end of the day, all photographers need to do is- Joe McNally, welcome to the Moo podcast.
Matt Jacob· Host1:12
Thank you for joining me.
Joe McNally· Guest1:14
Well, thanks for the invitation. We're talking across separate worlds here.
Matt Jacob· Host1:18
We are. I, I'm kinda getting used to it a little bit to, to kind of coordinate everything with these time zones. But, uh, yeah, I really appreciate you speaking to me at the end of, uh, what,