Host:

Jay Kazen

My first love was the desert.

In college, I spent a month doing archaeological fieldwork in the desert, camping on the rocks and exploring from sunup to sundown, searching for artifacts and documenting the land through my camera. I couldn’t believe that this was something you could do for a job—waking up each day to colors I had never seen before, watching the rocks glow in response to the rise and fall of the sun, and witnessing the sheer diversity of life in such a harsh and untamed place. The desert wasn’t empty; it was alive. You just had to slow down and look.

The experience of studying the past in such a landscape brought time full circle—connecting history, the present, and the future in a way that left me in awe. People had not only survived here for thousands of years but thrived. And just when I thought the desert couldn’t become any more magical, night would fall, revealing a sky so vast and brilliant that it felt like stepping into the universe itself.

That fieldwork in 2010 was the most profound project I ever worked on, but it left a lasting imprint—a deep passion for wild places and the connection they foster within us. The desert would always be my home.

It wasn’t until 2015, when I finally camped in Big Bend, that I felt that same spark again. Big Bend is unlike any other place—where mountains and pine trees collide with prickly pears and desert sands, where canyons rise against the lush banks of the Rio Grande. There is no better embodiment of Texas than Big Bend. The mountains will call to you, the canyons will pull you in, and the night sky will leave you breathless, over and over again.

This is why I want to share Big Bend with you—It’s a place that inspires, rejuvenates, and transforms. I hope you leave this creative meetup not just with new stories and connections but forever changed by the beauty and spirit of this land. I can’t wait for you to experience it for yourself and I’m excited to meet, create, and learn from each of you.

-j

Co-Hosts

  • Alan Tomassetti

    Co-Founder/Co-Host

    Alan Tomassetti is a seasoned media production professional with over 30 years of experience in the industry. He has produced compelling PBS documentaries, directed professional sports coverage, and created high-quality corporate videos and commercials. Beyond his work in media production, Alan is also an accomplished nature and wildlife photographer and videographer, capturing stunning visuals that showcase the beauty of the natural world. His expertise and passion for storytelling continue to shape his diverse and dynamic career.

    @bluecatmedia

    www.bluecatdigitalmedia.com

  • Brent Hall

    Co-Host

    Brent Hall is a professional photographer with 29 years of experience, specializing in wildlife, landscape, storm, and astrophotography. He runs Hall of the Wild Studios, producing commercial photography and cinematography for outdoor brands, tourism boards, and extreme sports. A full-time YouTuber, he shares photography tips and experiences while exploring the landscapes of New Mexico. Before photography, Brent served in the Navy and worked as a geochemist; in his free time, he enjoys playing guitar, skateboarding, cooking, and indulging in his passion for tea.

    @hall.of.the.wild

Confirmed Creatives

  • Brittany

    Photographer

    Brittany Taylor has been into photography for over 15 years, always chasing the perfect shot and capturing life’s best moments. She’s an adventurous traveler who loves exploring new places and learning about different cultures. By day, Brittany is the Multimedia Lead for the GeoBase program at the Air Force Civil Engineering Center.

  • Priscilla

    Artist

    I’m a passionate flight attendant wandering the world, drawing inspiration from the vibrant tapestry of diverse cultures and breathtaking experiences. Each destination immerses me in local customs and traditions, enriching my understanding of humanity and fueling my creative soul. My travels translate into poetry that captures emotions, photography that freezes fleeting moments, and paintings that illustrate the landscapes and vibrant people I encounter. Through my art, I aim to share the magic of my journeys and inspire others to embrace their own adventures.

  • Lauren

    Photographer

    Dr. Lauren Darwin is an emergency veterinarian with a deep passion for wildlife, both in and out of the clinic. Beyond treating domestic and exotic animals, she also provides medical care for wildlife and is a dedicated advocate for conservation efforts. Through wildlife photography, she captures the beauty of nature as both an artistic outlet and a tool to raise awareness about protecting endangered species. Balancing intense ER cases with her creative pursuits, she finds renewal in the wild, using her work to inspire others to appreciate and protect the natural world.

  • Steph

    Photographer

    Steph is a travel photographer and storyteller deeply passionate about showcasing the vibrant beauty of the outdoors. Through her lens, she explores the relationship between nature and human experiences, employing movement and light to animate landscapes. Her artistry merges photography with written narratives, encouraging viewers to engage with the natural world on a deeper level. Whether navigating rugged deserts or capturing tender wildlife moments, Steph’s work embodies her profound love for exploration and storytelling.

  • Chris

    Photographer

    My name is Chris Oaxaca. I’m a photographer, writer, and storyteller exploring the intersection of creativity and self-actualization. Through cinematic portraiture, travel photography, and reflective writing, I capture raw moments that resonate with depth and authenticity. I’m currently developing Uncharted Manhood, a project focused on resilience, personal growth, and navigating life’s inner frontiers, while training for a 255-mile gravel race across Tanzania.

  • Kiki

    Photographer

    Hey, I’m Kiki! I’m just starting my journey in photography and love how nature sparks creativity. I’m still figuring out my niche, but I’m always looking for ways to grow and expand my perspective, and I know this trip will be a beautiful opportunity for that. Can’t wait to meet everyone, share experiences, and capture some magic together!

  • Stephanie V.

    Photographer

    I’m a 32-year-old photographer and aspiring filmmaker who loves the outdoors, camping, and capturing life’s moments through my lens. Originally from Laredo, I’ve been living in Austin for 11 years, exploring new creative opportunities and enjoying life with my two dogs. I’m always up for good snacks and great conversations with like-minded creatives who love sharing their knowledge.

  • Stan

    Other

    I'm 32 living in the DFW area. I'm a Christian. A Software engineer by trade, love working on cars and motorcycles. Currently rebuilding an 85 VW Vanagon. I like photography, I'm not very good at it lol I prefer candid photography especially when I go on group trips with friends. Kinda like documenting the adventures we had.

  • Samantha

    Artist/Photographer

    Hi friends, my name is Samantha Viridiana but you can call me Sam! I am an artist in many mediums with a focus on photography, dance, and oil pastel. I grew up in Music City, TN, have roots in Mexico City, and currently live along Colorado’s Frontrange. A few years ago I had the honor of canoeing down Boquillas Canyon for work and have been in love with the Rio Bravo ever since! I am delighted to return to the Chihuahuan desert and get to create with y’all :)

  • Sam

    Photographer

    Sam Held is a versatile photographer and cinematographer based in Austin, Texas, specializing in motorsports, astrophotography, portrait, and landscape photography. As a photographer for Circuit of the Americas, Sam captured the raw intensity and high-speed drama of Formula One and MotoGP, showcasing the adrenaline-fueled moments both on and off the track. His motorsports work is defined by a dynamic sense of motion, precision, and an eye for the interplay of speed and light.

    Beyond motorsports, Sam’s portfolio extends to the vastness of the night sky, where his astrophotography unveils the beauty of distant night sky. His portrait photography captures the depth and emotion of his subjects, blending natural light with artistic composition to create striking, storytelling imagery. His landscape photography reflects his passion for the outdoors, translating the grandeur of nature into breathtaking visuals that evoke a sense of wanderlust and serenity.

  • Saira

    Photographer

    Saira, based in Dallas. I love landscape and concert photography as well as drone piloting. I shoot with mainly with an A7iv and DJI mini 3 pro, but I try to play with as many cameras as I can. Solo roadtrips and live music events offer the best creative inspiration for me.

  • Brett

    Photographer

    Hey, my name is Brett and I’m a photographer and content creator.

    I travel solo full time in my camper van meeting people and telling stories.

  • Laura

    Writer

    My name is Laura, I’m 27 years old and live in Austin, TX. I am a preschool teacher with a passion for writing, photographing nature, and adventure. Big Bend is one of my favorite destinations in the world to visit. I’m thrilled to create with others who share the same passions in the beauty of Big Bend. 🏔️

  • Stephen

    Musician

    Stephen Wells is a Texas-based musician, songwriter, and producer with a penchant for lush vocal harmonies, shimmering guitars and brooding synthesizers. His sound has been described as a kaleidoscopic fusion of the paisley underground with the sparkling intensity of new wave. Beyond his output as an artist, Stephen also works as a producer and audio editor, having produced compositional pieces for NPR’s Arts & Letters Podcast, in addition to editing work on podcasts like Masters of Scale with Reid Hoffman, Meditative Story with Rohan Gunatillake and The EX-Files with Majandra Delfino & Brendan Fehr. 

    After years of touring and recording under the moniker Birthday Club, Stephen is now poised to embark on a new chapter under his own name with a series of debut releases this year, following the final Birthday Club single, “Slate,” to be released on March 28th, 2025.

  • Geoff

    Photographer

    Based in Austin, Texas, Geoff is a former science teacher working in education policy. Originally from Oregon, he’s most at home hiking in the woods or up a mountain and has developed a deep love for the West Texas landscape. He uses his nature photography as a creative outlet, and is a freelance musician in the Austin area.

  • Travis

    Photographer

    Howdy, I'm Travis, a nature enthusiast and creator passionate about exploring the great outdoors. Whether hiking through Texas' rugged landscapes or documenting the wildlife, I love sharing the beauty and history of the places I adventure. Through my photography, filmmaking, and storytelling, I aim to inspire others to appreciate and connect with nature.

  • Victor

    Photographer

    From Houston Texas.

    I’m working in local government with background mechanical engineer in 20 years.  

    20 years of experience, specializing in landscape, wildlife, and Astro photography. Love and enjoys camping. 

  • Spencer

    Photographer

    Coming Soon.

  • Meghan

    Writer

    Coming Soon.

  • Ariana

    Photographer

    Coming Soon.

  • Hannah

    Coming Soon.

  • Rachel

    Coming Soon.

  • Laura

    Coming Soon