Q: how do i get photos back after a recent update on my ipod?

On the computer go to iTunes>Preferences>Devices. Is there an iPod backup listed with a date of when you started the update? If there is then restore from that backup. But first go there and turn off autosyncing, other wise that backup might be overwritten when you connect. To turn off check the box that says prevent iPods...syncing." If not then there are likely gone unless these work:

Recover files from iPod Touch | Restore data iPod | iPod touch undelete, unformat

iPhone Recovery Stick - recover deleted text messages & more

No user has posted that they work however.

You should  import any pics taken with iphone regularly, particularly before any update, restore, etc.

If you cannot get them back with a restore from backup, then they are gone.