the Visual Historian - "A Photographer's Journey"

Send us Fan Mail

We lost my father-in-law, Jesse Melancon.

Losing someone makes you realize just how deeply they were loved.

Jesse believed in doing the daily work of living a positive, intentional life. The grandkids lovingly called him “Positive Pops”—a name that fit him perfectly.

Every morning, without fail, Pops wrote in his gratitude journal. He’d get his coffee, reveal the next inspirational phrase on his calendar, glance at his dream board, and text the family group chat with the Daily Word. Then, for the rest of the day, he led by example.

He never skipped a day.

The gratitude he practiced and the abundance he affirmed into his life inspired all of us to do the same. His example will stay with us always.

If you knew Jesse, you loved him.

Support the show

Working photographers know how to balance life and business to be successful.  I'll share with you my personal journey and share some stories along the way! -GK

Send us Fan Mail

I finally got Zach back on the show and caught up with him to discuss his progress and his plans going forward.  How you start isn't always how you finish. Journeys are called that for a reason, and I love how Zach shares his path and his new version of success.  Experience will change your way of thinking from old to new. Join us as we digress into the TikTok world, old-world truths, and how we could all move forward as hybrids.  

Support the show

Working photographers know how to balance life and business to be successful.  I'll share with you my personal journey and share some stories along the way! -GK

Send us Fan Mail

What does it really take to build a successful career in photography?

In this episode of The Visual Historian Podcast, I sit down with New York portrait and headshot photographer Pete Coco for an honest conversation about photography, perseverance, and finding success.

Pete shares the struggles he faced while building his career, the lessons he learned through difficult seasons, and the mindset that helped him turn his creative passion into a thriving photography business. We also discuss the realities of working professionally, staying motivated, developing a distinctive voice, and continuing to grow when success does not happen overnight.

Whether you are a young photographer, an experienced professional, or someone considering a new creative path later in life, this conversation offers encouragement and practical insight for navigating the highs and lows of the journey.

Connect with Pete Coco:

Website: https://petecocophoto.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petecocophoto
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PeteCocoPhoto

Subscribe to The Visual Historian Podcast for conversations about photography, creativity, history, business, and the people behind the images.

#PeteCoco #TheVisualHistorian #PhotographyPodcast #PhotographyCareer #PortraitPhotography #HeadshotPhotography #ProfessionalPhotographer #CreativeBusiness

Support the show

Working photographers know how to balance life and business to be successful.  I'll share with you my personal journey and share some stories along the way! -GK

Send us Fan Mail

Join The Visual Historian Podcast for an inspiring conversation with Steven Seidenberg, photographer, author, poet, and philosopher whose work has been exhibited internationally.

Steven discusses his creative journey, the meaning of success, and the ideas behind his art. We explore how photography, poetry, and philosophy intersect in his practice, why he is drawn to abandoned spaces and overlooked details, and what makes a photographic series ready for exhibition.

Steven also shares valuable guidance for photographers young and old who hope to enter the fine-art world, approach galleries, develop a cohesive body of work, and remain committed despite rejection.

Learn more about Steven Seidenberg and explore his work:
https://www.stevenseidenberg.com

https://www.instagram.com/steven.seidenberg

Subscribe to The Visual Historian Podcast for conversations about photography, history, creativity, and the artists who preserve the world through images.

Support the show

Working photographers know how to balance life and business to be successful.  I'll share with you my personal journey and share some stories along the way! -GK

Send us Fan Mail

Walter Lyle has been on the podcast before and I had to have him back.  He is a family man working in a creative field providing for his family.  His experience as a production videographer, photographer and all around great guy, is always a pleasure to talk to.  He reminds me of my recent past history of my beginning family years working this wonderful craft we call photography. Join me in the conversation that expands way beyond just camera talk.  This is the Visual Historian Podcast.

Support the show

Working photographers know how to balance life and business to be successful.  I'll share with you my personal journey and share some stories along the way! -GK

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, we move beyond the Terminator-style anxiety and explore how creatives can work productively with AI. We’ll discuss why AI-generated artwork sometimes looks bad, how clearer prompts lead to better results, and how the right mindset can turn AI from a threat into a valuable creative partner.”

Support the show

Working photographers know how to balance life and business to be successful.  I'll share with you my personal journey and share some stories along the way! -GK

Send us Fan Mail

Remembering 911 will always be the memory of where I was at the moment. I was at our state photography seminar, and the morning news showed the 2nd plane crashing into the tower. America stood by each other and New York took on a greater meaning.  Let's talk about it.

Support the show

Working photographers know how to balance life and business to be successful.  I'll share with you my personal journey and share some stories along the way! -GK

Send us Fan Mail

Today I got my coffee and thought about the word quality and how it is or is not different from generation to generation.  If you are a business of any type, do you produce a quality experience and product? The public knows best, or do they? Let's get into it! 

Support the show

Working photographers know how to balance life and business to be successful.  I'll share with you my personal journey and share some stories along the way! -GK

Send us Fan Mail

We’re sharing the unforgettable story of how Bob Carlisle—the singer behind the beloved father-daughter wedding song “Butterfly Kisses”—became a surprise guest at our wedding. Hear how it happened, everyone’s reaction, and why this unexpected celebrity appearance made our special day even more memorable.

Support the show

Working photographers know how to balance life and business to be successful.  I'll share with you my personal journey and share some stories along the way! -GK

Send us Fan Mail

Professional photography is about much more than creating attractive images. The strongest brand photography begins with clear communication and a real understanding of the business behind the brand.

In this episode, I explain why I schedule a complimentary business walkthrough before every commercial session. We discuss how a company’s marketing goals should influence everything from lighting and location to wardrobe, backgrounds, and expressions. A headshot might need to feel classic and polished, or relaxed and approachable. The right choice depends on what the brand needs to communicate.

Clients hire GK Photography for more than professional equipment and polished photographs. They hire experience, preparation, thoughtful questions, and a clear plan. In many ways, the finished photography is the by-product of strong communication between the photographer and the client.

If your New Orleans or Metairie business needs professional headshots, brand photography, or a complete marketing image library, start with a conversation. Visit GKPhotography.com to schedule a complimentary walkthrough.

Support the show

Working photographers know how to balance life and business to be successful.  I'll share with you my personal journey and share some stories along the way! -GK