Open Shutter Live

What happens when your passion becomes a business, but you still have a full-time job?Toronto-based illustrator, artist, and creator Erika Flores joins the program to talk about finding that balance.Erika is a self-taught artist who started creating in high school. What began with a friend asking her to create calligraphy for a wedding seating chart eventually became Inkscrpt, her creative business.But building a creative career doesn't mean having unlimited time for creativity. Working full-time in government, Erika has had to learn how to protect her time, recognize when she's taking on too much, and understand why stepping away can sometimes be just as important as creating.We talk about the importance of passion projects, especially when client work becomes the focus, and why making something simply because you want to can help keep the creative spark alive.Erika also opens up about being an introvert while trying to network, build relationships, find new clients, and put herself out there.A conversation about art, identity, business, balance, and finding the time to create something that is truly yours.You can follow Erika herehttps://www.instagram.com/inkscrpt/

Alshane Wallace originally from the Bahamas, he has found a new home in Toronto and is building a creative community of his own.A creator at heart, Alshane founded the Browser Collective, a platform focused on bringing creators together and building community in Toronto.He started out as a writer, primarily working in fiction, but as life got busier, he found himself with less time to write. That passion for storytelling, however, has continued to shape the way he approaches everything he creates.Alshane talks about his perfectionist mindset, his constant drive to improve, and the thought he puts into both his work and the events he organizes.We also discuss what makes a great story, the filmmakers he draws inpsiration from, and why he believes AI can never replace the power of real human community.Join the Browser Collective Today!https://www.instagram.com/alshanewallace/https://www.instagram.com/thebrowsercollective/

Toronto Photographer, Dzesika Devic joins Open Shutter to talk about finding meaning in photography, embracing discomfort, and learning to see the everyday with fresh eyes.Driven by missed photographs, childhood memories, and her own emotions, Dzesika gravitates toward photographing people’s expressions and quiet moments that reflect feelings and thoughts that can be difficult to articulate.She brings her camera with her everywhere, turning her everyday life into a kind of visual journal. She talks about her fascination with photographing people lost in thought, how photography allows her to connect with others, and why the best images often come from simply paying closer attention to the world around you.We also discuss why “I hate your photos” might actually be some of the best feedback an artist can receive, her feature in Leica’s 70th anniversary magazine celebrating the Leica M, and her upcoming first-ever gallery show this year.An honest conversation about photography, vulnerability, criticism, and why sometimes the work that makes you uncomfortable is the work worth making.

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What does it mean to stay authentic in a world increasingly influenced by AI?Julian Talluto, joins the program to talk about finding your creative identity, staying true to yourself, and pursuing photography with purpose.Julian shares how he found a place where he feels good mentally, why surrounding yourself with the right people and other creatives matters, and how learning to stop worrying about what others think has helped him become more comfortable doing what he actually wants to do.Photography has been part of Julian’s life for years. His father was a wedding cinematographer, and watching his father’s work sparked Julian’s interest in photography. After taking photography in high school, he continued developing his own creative style.For Julian, photography is about raw emotion and authenticity. He discusses why capturing genuine moments is more important to him than simply creating a technically perfect image.We talk about photography, creativity, AI, mental well-being, finding your people, and becoming the best version of yourself.https://www.instagram.com/juliantalluto/Like and Subscribe for More Episodes!

Full-time freelancer and business owner Corrynne Bisson joins the program to share her journey from Alberta to Toronto and how she has built a career in the content creation and videography space.Corrynne has been shooting for eight years and freelancing for the past three. After being laid off from her restaurant job, she took the leap into freelancing full-time and has since built a business working with a variety of clients.Now, she’s branching out into documentary filmmaking and is currently in production on a documentary project. Corrynne talks about what she loves most about running her own business, the areas she’s continuing to improve, the importance of believing in yourself, and her perspective on AI and its impact on creatives.A conversation about taking the leap, building your own path, and continuing to evolve as a creator.https://www.instagram.com/corynnecaptures/like and subscribe for more episodes:)

Reese Bolibruck joins the program to talk about her journey as an athlete and sports photographer. Currently balancing two internships focused on sports photography, Reese shares how her experience as an athlete has directly influenced the way she approaches photography, from knowing where to position herself to understanding players, plays, and the flow of the game.Reese also offers advice for aspiring sports photographers, including why you shouldn't compare your gear to other photographers and how to focus on developing your own skills. She discusses her work with Women in Sport Media, a club she runs at her school that gives students an opportunity to network, share experiences, and learn what others are doing in the sports media industry.A conversation about sports, photography, networking, and finding your own path in the creative world.https://www.instagram.com/reesebolly_photography/Like and subscribe for more episodes:)

Vince Neil joins the program to share his journey from hockey player to sports photographer and the lessons he’s carried from the rink into his career behind the camera.Originally from the USA, Vince played hockey before he had to to step away from the game. Rather than leave sports behind, he picked up a camera and found a new way to stay close to the action. That path eventually expanded beyond sports photography into headshots, event photography, and product photography.Vince explains how his playing experience has shaped the way he photographs hockey, from understanding angles and positioning to anticipating plays before they happen. He also opens up about leaving a corporate career as a trainer to pursue his passion for sports media full-time.The conversation explores the highs and challenges of building a photography business in the United States, moving to Canada, and having to rebuild his business and network from the ground up in a new country.Vince also shares his dream client, what makes his work stand out in an increasingly competitive industry, and what it takes to build a sustainable career around sports photography.You can follow Vince herehttps://www.instagram.com/vinceneilmedia/thanks for watching - subscribe for more episodes!

Neil Patel, an avid sports photographer and urban planner who has built a name for himself covering basketball, football, and hockey across Toronto.Neil shares why creating genuine relationships with the athletes is just as important as capturing the action on the court or field. We talk about balancing creativity with the business side of photography, the importance of networking despite being an introvert, and how we works within a team of photographers.We also dive into the lessons he draws from baseball, how those ideas have shaped his approach to sports photography, and understands video storytelling is the future of sports content. It's a conversation about persistence, connection, and constantly evolving as a creator.Whether you're a sports photographer, content creator, or someone looking to grow your creative career, this episode is packed with valuable insights.https://www.instagram.com/_neilfilms/

Photographer, videographer, and content creator Amir Vassell joins the Open Shutter Podcast. As the founder of FNM Studios (Faith in Motion), Amir recently took the leap to pursue his creative business full time, helping artists, creators, businesses, and brands elevate their presence while creating meaningful impact.What started with nothing more than a tripod and a phone has grown into a thriving full-time career. In this episode, Amir shares the mindset, discipline, and practical steps that helped turn a dream into reality.A firm believer in breaking big goals into small, actionable steps, Amir explains why no goal is too big when you're willing to stay consistent, adapt, and keep moving forward.Whether you're an aspiring photographer, videographer, or entrepreneur looking to build a career in the creator economy, this conversation is packed with insights and inspiration.Amir's Socialshttps://www.instagram.com/amir.fnmstudios/

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Toronto based barber and creative, 416Sniper joins the pod to share his journey through barbering, photography, and finding purpose through creativity. What started as a profession quickly became the foundation that helped bring structure, discipline, and direction into his life. His love for basketball naturally blended into barber culture, inspiring him to pick up a camera and start documenting the everyday moments and energy surrounding the craft.He opens up about his personal struggles with burnout, anxiety, and panic attacks, and how photography and videography became more than just creative outlets. They became ways to process life, stay grounded, and express himself without needing to say much at all.416Sniper also talks about the pressure of chasing trends and viral moments, explaining why he’s more focused on being intentional with his craft instead of constantly seeking attention online. As someone balancing multiple passions and creative paths, he shares the ongoing challenge of making everything work while staying true to himself.Naturally introverted, he doesn’t claim to have some final destination or master plan. For him, it’s about the process, the people, the stories, and continuing to create one frame, one cut, and one moment at a time. 🎥✂️🏀416 Sniperhttps://www.instagram.com/416sniper/Follow Open Shutter for future show announcements!https://www.instagram.com/openshutteryoutube/like and subscribe:)