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:)