Open Shutter Live

In this episode of *Open Shutter, I sit down with photographer Nicholas Hyatt, whose creative journey took an unconventional path. With no formal photography background, Nicholas began his career working at a pawn shop, leveraging his expertise in gemmology. But it wasn’t long before a yearning for creative fulfillment led him to pick up a Leica M3 and start shooting.Nicholas shares how a simple request to shoot social media content for his workplace ignited his passion and set him on the path to professional photography. He discusses the discipline of mastering lighting, his transition into studio work, and the mindset required to succeed as an entrepreneur in a noisy world.From managing burnout and creative block to delivering consistently for clients, Nicholas opens up about the lessons he’s learned while wearing many hats. He credits analog media—like his Matchstick Project—for keeping him inspired, and he emphasizes the value of mentorship, which often arrives when you least expect it but need it most.Whether you're just starting out or in the middle of a creative pivot, Nicholas’ story is a reminder to use your downtime to sharpen your skills and build your vision.Check out Nicholas below:https://www.instagram.com/nicholas__hyatt/Follow Open Shutter for future show announcements!https://www.instagram.com/openshutteryoutube/like and subscribe:)

Joel is a multi talented creative, focusing on both photography and filmmaking. Originally from South Africa, Joel and his family moved to Canada. His family settled in Alberta while Joel made his way to Toronto for film school, recently wrapped directing his first short film.Joel speaks candidly about what it means to be a first-time director—emphasizing preparation, trusting your intuition, and practicing self-compassion when imposter syndrome creeps in. He also highlights the importance of family support, building a solid team, and letting go of what you can't control.We also dive into the realities of freelancing: setting clear boundaries, managing expectations, and staying intentional with your creative work. Joel’s journey is a reminder to stay open to collaboration, be inspired through different ways, and move through the creative process with purpose. It's a fascinating insight from a first time director and is sure to to inspire future creators.You can check out Joel herehttps://www.instagram.com/joelkiggs/

I sit down with fellow YouTuber Conrad Culley, someone I met at a creator meetup just a few weeks ago. Conrad is early in his YouTube journey, and this conversation is all about growth, learning, and showing up.Originally a student in Mohawk College’s advertising program, Conrad’s focus now is on building momentum: connecting with other creatives, learning as much as he can, and honing his storytelling craft.We dive into the pressure to produce, managing both internal and external expectations, and what it means to fight perfectionism—even if you don’t consider yourself a perfectionist. Conrad also shares his goal of creating spec ads in hopes of collaborating with brands down the road.If you're just getting started on YouTube—or even just thinking about it—this is a refreshing, relatable listen packed with real talk and useful insights.Check Out Conrad belowhttps://www.instagram.com/conradculley/https://www.youtube.com/@conradculleyFollow Open Shutter for future show announcements!https://www.instagram.com/openshutteryoutube/like and subscribe:)

I'm joined by cinematographer and DP, Nik Pilecki, whose unconventional path into the film world is as inspiring as it is insightful.Nik began his career as an optometrist—but in his late twenties, he picked up a Canon T2i to shoot music videos and never looked back. What followed was a relentless pursuit of visual storytelling, backed by strong communication, sales savvy, and a deep commitment to relationship building—skills he carried over from his first profession.In this conversation, Nik shares how problem-solving and human connection have set him apart in the industry, and why he believes *who you are* matters just as much as what you shoot.We talk about:* Why building strong relationships is just as critical as mastering your craft* His approach to post-project debriefs and why they elevate future work* The power of collaboration and creating with what you have* His belief that being yourself is the key to attracting the right opportunitiesWhether you're just starting out or looking to level up, this episode is full of hard-won wisdom.You can can see Nik's work belowhttps://www.instagram.com/nikpilecki/Follow Open Shutter for future show announcements!https://www.instagram.com/openshutteryoutube/like and subscribe:)

In this episode, I sit down with Ryan, a Toronto-based portrait and event photographer who’s always chasing the human element in his work. Whether it's a quiet moment between friends or the chaos of a live music set, Ryan's lens finds truth in the everyday. With a signature style that blends high-contrast, grunge vibes, and punk energy, he’s not afraid of the dark tones—emotionally or visually.Ryan opens up about his documentary-style approach, photographing people in their natural environments, never staged—just raw, real, and present. He talks about how mixing black and white with colour helps him tell deeper emotional stories and why making his subjects feel comfortable is everything.We talk about his recent shoot with a band he discovered on Instagram, the nerve it took to reach out cold, and the magic that followed. He reflects on the exhaustion of constantly needing to prove yourself in creative work—and why, for him, the validation is worth the fight.Ryan also shares advice for those starting out: why you should just shoot with friends, worry less about gear, and more about being present. We also get personal, discussing his ongoing battle with perfectionism and how setting his own deadlines keeps him moving.Finally, Ryan pays tribute to his mentor Jordan (who also appeared on the pod), and the value of having someone who can challenge and sharpen your creative eye.If you’re someone who finds beauty in grit and is learning to put yourself out there—this one’s for you.You can check out Ryan herehttps://www.instagram.com/ryan.mkm/Follow Open Shutter for future show announcements!https://www.instagram.com/openshutteryoutube/like and subscribe:)

We are live from Chicago once again as Caitlyn returns to the pod and a lot has shifted in her world. While her work still captures movement and emotion, her focus has expanded—now rooted in purpose and community. From working with nonprofit and labor organizations to documenting protests and local events, Caitlyn's photography has become a tool for connection and change.She shares how her roots in street photography laid the foundation for her success in capturing dynamic, real-time moments across various events. At the heart of it all is her desire to make her work — serving her neighbours on the South Side of Chicago and amplifying stories that matter.Caitlyn also talks about the importance of creative community and how she’s always open to connecting—whether it’s through meetups, collaborations, or spontaneous sidewalk conversations.She prides herself on staying true to her principles and embracing her artistic vision. You can watch Caitlyn's first appearance here - https://youtube.com/live/65xJcFpKKRMYou can follow Caitlyn belowhttps://www.instagram.com/brain.pets/Follow Open Shutter for future show announcements!https://www.instagram.com/openshutteryoutube/like and subscribe:)

On this episode, I'm joined by Andrew — a passionate photographer, conservationist, and storyteller who sees the world through a nature-loving lens. With a background in Conservation Biology from the University of Toronto, Andrew brings a deep respect for the environment into every frame he captures.We explore his love for spontaneous photo walks, hiking adventures, and the art of pet photography — including tips for snapping playful, personality-filled pet portraits. Andrew also volunteers with Paws and Tails, using his skills to help animals find their forever homes.From short-form viral content to long-form storytelling, Andrew dives into the challenges of going viral, why it’s hard to replicate, and how he’s shifting toward conservation-focused videography in hopes of securing brand sponsorships for environmental projects.We also chat about his experience with wildfires, his take on Canada’s role in climate change, and how solo travel shapes his creativity and perspective.A must-listen for creators, nature lovers, and anyone trying to find purpose behind the lens.You can follow Andrew belowhttps://www.instagram.com/laulmanvisuals/Follow Open Shutter for future show announcements!https://www.instagram.com/openshutteryoutube/like and subscribe:)

In this episode, I sit down with Sharad, originally from India, he came to Canada as an international student—and found his creative calling through the lens of a camera.What began as a casual hobby became a powerful storytelling tool as he documented his life abroad. Photography opened doors, leading him to a mentor in videography and sparking a career that’s taken him through corporate events, podcasts, and beyond. Now, with his sights set on becoming a director of photography, Sharad reflects on how he’s grown—not just as a creative, but as a communicator.An introvert by nature, Sharad shares how he's learned to step out of his comfort zone, connect with clients, and handle objections with empathy and strategy. We also explore his belief in copying the greats as a way to hone your craft, why Christopher Nolan tops his dream collaborators list, and how F1 racing videos help unlock his creative flow.We dive into the evolving creative landscape, the role of AI, the importance of discipline over fleeting motivation, and Sharad’s favorite trick for brainstorming fresh ideas.Tune in for an inspiring conversation about passion, perseverance, and the art of becoming.................Sharad's socialshttps://www.instagram.com/shashvatam/Follow Open Shutter for future show announcements!https://www.instagram.com/openshutteryoutube/like and subscribe:)

Originally from India, Avijit “Knotty” Singh moved to Toronto in 2017 to study public relations. A photography course at school sparked a passion that soon took flight—literally. Now an aviator and photographer, Knotty captures breathtaking perspectives of Toronto from the sky, blending the thrill of flying with the art of storytelling through his lens.What began as a hobby soon gained traction: first-place photography awards, a feature on local television, and collaborations with small businesses and event organizers.

Along the way, Knotty learned to navigate the challenges of freelancing, from pricing his work to valuing his creative voice.In this episode, Knotty shares his incredible adventures—rooftopping, zero-gravity flights—and the mindset that powers it all. Whether you're dreaming of becoming a pilot or pursuing a creative path, Knotty’s story is a reminder that consistency, curiosity, and courage can take you anywhere.

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https://www.instagram.com/knotty._/

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Originally from India, Kunal moved to Toronto and began exploring the city—and his creativity—through photography. Starting with just a Google Pixel, he quickly found inspiration during a trip to Banff with friends, which sparked his deeper passion for capturing the world around him. He eventually upgraded to Sony gear and hasn’t looked back.In this episode, Kunal shares:How photography helped him discover CanadaHis growing interest in videography, starting with CapCut and moving toward DaVinci ResolveWhat he’s learning as a second shooter at weddings and cultural events like GarbaWhy he’s still figuring out whether content creation is a full-time path—or a lifelong passion alongside his career in mechanical engineeringKunal surrounds himself with creative friends who push him forward. He’s always experimenting with editing styles using tools like CapCut and Snapseed, and he’s eager to explore Western Canada and connect with more creators along the way.Whether it’s a baby shower, a quiet street, or a family moment, Kunal is all about documenting real life through his lens.You can follow Kunal belowhttps://www.instagram.com/kj_maniya/Follow Open Shutter for future showshttps://www.instagram.com/openshutteryoutube/