In this episode of the Big Photo Hunt Podcast, Ken Deckinger sits down with Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Garrison Starr to talk about creativity, authenticity and how photographers can find their artistic voice.

From growing up in the South and facing rejection to building a career in Los Angeles, Garrison shares raw stories of resilience, faith and the healing power of music.

Whether you’re a photographer, musician or any kind of creative, this conversation is filled with inspiration on staying true to yourself and making art that matters.

Show Notes:

Garrison Starr on Instagram: @garrisonstarr

Garrison Starr on YouTube: @GarrisonStarr

Website: garrisonstarr.com

I'm starting a YouTube channel to share amateur photography tips and tricks, stories and learnings from the Big Photo Hunt. Don’t miss it - subscribe now to be notified when the channel launches. See you there! - Ken

In this episode I’m joined by van-life photography couple and Big Photo Hunt members Coni Gajardo and Aidan Breaux. We dive into how living in their van and traveling across North America has shaped their photography, the highs and lows of life on the road, and the creative opportunities that constant movement brings behind the lens.

From living in my driveway (yes, really) to photographing elk outside their window, chasing the Northern Lights in Canada, and spending three months shooting on the beaches of Baja — their van-life journey is equal parts inspiring and eye-opening.

If you’re curious about nomadic photography, van-life as a lifestyle or what it’s like to let go and explore, Coni and Aidan’s story is one you won’t want to miss.

Show Notes:

Instagram: @outdoors.mantra

YouTube: @OutdoorsMantra

Website: outdoorsmantra.com

Van-Life Build: Ford Transit Van Build Blog

Prints: Photo Prints

I'm starting a YouTube channel to share amateur photography tips and tricks, stories and learnings from the Big Photo Hunt. Don’t miss it - subscribe now to be notified when the channel launches. See you there! - Ken

Allan Henry has photographed over 600 major sporting events, including the PGA Tour, NBA, and MLB, and even earned Sports Illustrated’s Photo of the Year. Today though, he’s not just behind the camera. He’s also behind the gear as the Co-Founder of Atlas Packs, a high-performance camera backpack brand trusted by professional photographers and adventurers.

In this episode, Allan shares how he and his partner’s frustration with traditional camera bags led them to launch Atlas Packs. We talk about the new Atlas One line, building products with intention, and why community feedback shapes every design decision he makes.

Allan also explains why he never shoots just for fun, how he “cheats” using the Sony A9 III, and what truly separates professionals from amateurs. If you’ve ever debated gear versus instinct or wondered what it takes to build a business for photographers, this episode is packed with sharp insights, hard truths, and a few laughs too.

Show Notes:
Instagram: @atlaspacks
YouTube: @atlaspacks
Website: Atlas Packs & Atlas One

Atlas Packs Carryology Review

I'm starting a YouTube channel to share amateur photography tips and tricks, stories and learnings from the Big Photo Hunt. Don’t miss it - subscribe now to be notified when the channel launches. See you there! - Ken

Justine, from The Justine Files on YouTube, is a Canadian photographer and content creator. While researching photography in Norway for a trip I’m considering, I came across her videos—and after watching a few, I knew I wanted to talk with her.

In this episode, we talk about where photographers find inspiration during creative lulls, her travel photography tips for shooting in Norway (spoiler alert: my idea for a three-week trip might be overkill), and what it’s like to organize a photo walk with strangers in a foreign country.

If you’ve ever felt stuck—or wondered what it’s like to photograph somewhere rugged, remote and wildly photogenic—this one’s for you.

Show Notes:
Instagram: @justine.files
YouTube: @JustineFiles
Substack: Justine

Photography in Norway
Norway Photography Locations

I'm starting a YouTube channel to share amateur photography tips and tricks, stories and learnings from the Big Photo Hunt. Don’t miss it - subscribe now to be notified when the channel launches. See you there! - Ken

Leo Lopez is a photographer and educator based in Spain’s Canary Islands, after spending a year living in Australia and Thailand. His recent evolution—from observing quiet moments through street photography to setting up stylized shoots with models and planned locations—marks a meaningful shift in how he approaches photography.

In this episode, Leo and I dive into his creative journey: how his background shaped his style, why teaching photography has made him better at it, and whether most photographers are actually introverts. We also talk about his recent projects, like shooting Muay Thai fighters in Chiang Mai and the female surf scene in the Canary Islands. Plus, I share my love for the dreamy photography coming out of places like the Amalfi Coast and Capri.

If you’re on your own photography path, exploring new genres, or just curious to hear how another Big Photo Hunt member is growing as a photographer, this one’s for you.

Show Notes:

Leo Lopez’s Instagram: @palidotropico
Leo Lopez’s Website: palidotropico.com

Next episode: Justine from The Justine Files (@JustineFiles)

I'm starting a YouTube channel to share amateur photography tips and tricks, stories and learnings from the Big Photo Hunt. Don’t miss it - subscribe now to be notified when the channel launches. See you there! - Ken

Liz Powers, Co-Founder and CEO of ArtLifting, has built an art business that changes lives and communities. She connects photographers, painters, and sculptors - many facing disabilities or housing insecurity - with Fortune 500 clients like Google, Amazon, and PayPal, helping them earn income, gain recognition, and turn their passion into a career.

In this episode, Liz shares the inspiring story behind ArtLifting, how she turned a social mission into a thriving business, and what photographers and visual artists can learn from her journey. We also dive into her ambitious vision for the future - because she’s just getting started.

If you’re passionate about photography, creativity, or how social impact art changes lives, this episode is a must-listen.

Show Notes:

• ArtLifting Website
• ArtLifting Instagram
• Liz Powers Instagram
• Liz Powers LinkedIn

I'm starting a YouTube channel to share amateur photography tips and tricks, stories and learnings from the Big Photo Hunt. Don’t miss it - subscribe now to be notified when the channel launches. See you there! - Ken

Night photographer Ken Lee specializes in capturing the beauty of abandoned places through long exposure and light painting techniques. His work has been featured in numerous photography publications, including National Geographic Books, Omni Magazine, the Los Angeles Times, and Westways Magazine. He has spent years exploring forgotten locations—from deserted buildings to rusting vehicles—bringing them to life with carefully crafted lighting. With a deep appreciation for history and storytelling, Ken transforms these overlooked spaces into mesmerizing works of art.

In this episode, we talk about his new book Abandoned Roadside Attractions. We dive into the world of photographing these forgotten landmarks—how to find them, the ethical considerations of shooting in these locations, and the creative techniques that tell their stories. Ken shares his approach to composition, lighting, and the challenges of working in unpredictable environments. If you’ve ever been drawn to the mystery of abandoned places or want to learn how to capture them in a compelling way, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration.

Show Notes:

• Ken Lee’s website
• Ken Lee Instagram
• Ken Lee's book: Abandoned Roadside Attractions: Under a Southwest Moon
• Next Episode: Turning Art Into Impact: How Liz Powers of ArtLifting Is Changing Lives

I'm starting a YouTube channel to share amateur photography tips and tricks, stories and learnings from the Big Photo Hunt. Don’t miss it - subscribe now to be notified when the channel launches. See you there! - Ken

Travel writer and photographer Christopher P. Baker (@top.travel.journalist) has authored more than two dozen guidebooks for National Geographic, Lonely Planet, Time-Life and other major publishers. His photographs and articles have appeared in outlets such as BBC Travel, CNN, National Geographic and Condé Nast Traveler. Having led over 150 group tours to Cuba—including photography tours for Jim Cline Photo Tours, National Geographic Expeditions, and Santa Fe Workshops—Christopher is also recognized worldwide for his deep expertise in Cuban travel.

In this episode, we explore how his extensive background in travel and photography has evolved into his latest ventures: boudoir photography tours to Cuba and an art nude photo book called Sensual Havana. We dive into the details of boudoir photography—addressing its misconceptions, uncovering the artistry behind it, and discussing its potential controversies. If you’ve ever been curious about boudoir or the captivating allure of Cuba, this conversation will broaden your perspective on both.

Show Notes:

• Website: christopherpbaker.com
• Instagram: @top.travel.journalist
• Christopher P. Baker's Art-Nude Coffee Table Book: Sensual Havana

I'm starting a YouTube channel to share amateur photography tips and tricks, stories and learnings from the Big Photo Hunt. Don’t miss it - subscribe now to be notified when the channel launches. See you there! - Ken