Open Shutter Live

What happens when a photography hobby becomes a passion you can't ignore?Ebi joins the program to share his journey from Nigeria to Toronto, where photography initially took a back seat to his studies in science and a planned career in pharmacy. But after exploring different genres, he discovered a deeper connection to street photography, wedding photography, and the timeless charm of shooting on film.A life-changing experience, being bedridden after a sneeze caused a slipped disc in his back, gave him a different perspective on life and the importance of pursuing what matters before it's too late.We discuss the soul of creativity in an age of AI, the realities of freelance photography, the challenges and rewards of working independently, and what it really takes to build a sustainable career doing something you love. A conversation about creativity, taking chances, embracing uncertainty, and making sure you don't look back with regrets.Follow https://www.instagram.com/visualsbyebi/Like and Subscribe for more episodes:)

What makes a city worth exploring? Sometimes, it’s not the landmarks or the places everyone visits, but the small details, passing moments, and hidden rhythms that most people walk right past.Sharmeena joins the program to discuss how photography has become a way to explore her creativity and see the world differently. Originally from Mauritius, she came to Canada, first settling in Montreal before eventually making her way to Toronto.Drawn to urban exploration, Sharmeena finds inspiration in the way cities are designed, how they function, their walkability, and the everyday moments that give them character. We discuss the importance of nurturing creativity, learning to think less and be more present, and what makes Toronto and Montreal unique places to explore through photography.A conversation about creativity, urban life, and learning to see the extraordinary in the everyday.Sharmeena https://www.instagram.com/portraitnotlandscape/

What happens when a musician finds his voice behind a camera, and then takes that creative journey across continents?

Filmmaker Sourav Deb joins the program fresh from his time in Asia to discuss the differences between the creative communities in Vietnam and Toronto, and how his evolution as an artist led him from music into filmmaking.We dive into the art of storytelling, finding your creative voice, and the importance of building meaningful connections within the industry. Sourav also shares his vision for creating a distribution company that supports independent creatives, along with his film festival that runs simultaneously in Vietnam and Canada, giving local indie filmmakers a platform to showcase their work and connect with audiences.A conversation about creativity, community, and building opportunities for independent filmmakers in an industry where getting your work seen can be just as challenging as making it.Follow Souravhttps://www.instagram.com/kingmizomadeit/

Originally from Poland, Toronto-based photographer Igor Purwin joins the program to talk about rediscovering his creative side through photography.After moving to Toronto permanently in 2014, Igor built a life with his family. In 2025, inspired by his children and a desire to document family life, he picked up a camera and began learning through YouTube. What started as a way to capture memories soon became something more: a way to reconnect with the creative spark he once found in music.Now exploring both digital and analog photography, Igor is pushing himself beyond his comfort zone, approaching strangers on the street and discovering new ways to see the city he calls home. He also shares a simple trick to make your photos stand out.In this conversation, we explore creativity, street photography, rediscovering Toronto, and why sometimes the best way to enjoy a passion is to keep it a hobby, free from the pressure of turning it into a business.Follow Igor https://www.instagram.com/igorpurwin/Like and Subscribe for more episodes.

Lifelong photographer Lyndsey Brauch joins Open Shutter Live to talk about keeping creativity alive in an increasingly noisy world. From borrowing her parents’ camera as a child to studying photography and film, Lyndsey has continued to pursue her craft while building a career in marketing and social media.We discuss the impact of AI on creativity, the pressure of social media validation, and the discipline it takes to keep creating for yourself, whether shooting in Toronto or exploring somewhere new, like her recent trip to Japan. Lyndsey also shares her goal of visiting all 130 Ontario Parks, combining her love of photography with a passion for exploring the outdoors.Follow Lyndsey here https://www.instagram.com/lyndseybrauchphotography/Like and Subscribe for more episodes:)

Mark Kendall Andrews joins the program. He’s a photographer, music lover, concert goer, and an all-around creative who sees the world through a cinematic eye.Mark’s creative journey has taken a few unexpected turns. He started in film and television, moved into background acting, then location scouting, before eventually stepping into the telecommunications industry. Now, he’s working toward making photography his full-time career.His approach to photography is anything but conventional. Mark doesn’t believe in following the rules. He shoots subjects head-on, builds his work around themes, and dives deep into the places he photographs, trying to bring an entire location to life for the viewer.And perhaps the most surprising part? Mark shoots and edits everything on his Samsung Galaxy S26.A discussion around photography, supporting local artists, and why community is more important than A.I. Follow Markhttps://www.instagram.com/kendallandrews5/

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.

https://www.instagram.com/dzesikadevic/

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!