#100: Photography, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Happy Accidents with Joe McNally
Welcome to episode #100! What a big freaking deal and a nice round number! I love it and I love you for supporting me the whole way. And now onto the episode!
Joe McNally has been writing his new book for the last two years, but he’s been living it for the past 40 as an internationally acclaimed photographer with award-winning work in prestigious publications like National Geographic, Time, LIFE, and Sports Illustrated.
Now Joe, a Nikon Ambassador, has put the finishing touches on everything and dropped his book into the world. In The Real Deal: Field Notes from the Life of a Working Photographer, Joe shares lessons and insights he’s learned throughout his career, starting as a copyboy and working his way to the renowned photographer he is today.
We’re chatting about some of his top assignments, occasional mistakes, and why Michelle Pfeiffer knew he was the perfect photographer for a profile.
Highlights of our conversation:
What it was like working as a copy boy at a hot-type tabloid. (2:55)
Joe shares the “plan” behind his jump into freelance, which wasn’t a very well-formed plan at all (yet it still seems to have worked out okay). (4:32)
A look inside Joe’s new book: The Real Deal: Field Notes from the Life of a Working Photographer, plus why one of the most famous photographs in American history is actually the result of a mistake. (6:25)
Some of the worst jobs Joe has ever done. (9:34)
The happy accidents throughout Joe’s career. (12:07)
Why access and confidence is such an important element for photographers and the type of preparation he does before a job. Plus, a great story about Michelle Pfeiffer. (15:45)
Joe’s travel bucket list as well as the items he has to bring on every trip. (20:40)
Some of the top songs Joe listens to while working. (22:41)
Joe shares why pictures are so important for us as people. (25:33)
The top three desserts, including a shout-out to Ben & Jerry’s Cherry Garcia. (27:30)
Where to find Joe McNally:
Visit Joe at his website joemcnally.com.
Follow Joe on Instagram @joemcnallyphoto.
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