PODCAST · arts
Open Shutter Live
by Paul Yeghouchian
Open Shutter is a podcast connecting creators to creators. Diving into WHY we do what we do, WHERE we came from, and where we're GOING. Hosted by Toronto Creator, Paul Yeghouchian, catch the show every week for a different guest!
Episodes
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Rediscovering My Creativity Through Photography | Igor Purwin
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…
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A Photographer's Quest to Explore Ontario | Lyndsey Brauch
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...
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Music Is His Religion. Photography Is His Practice | Mark Kendall Andrews
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...
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You Don't Need to Quit Your Job to Be an Artist | Erika Flores
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...
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AI Will Never Replace Community. Here's Why. | Alshane Wallace
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…
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Why Your Work Should Be Uncomfortable | Dzesika Devic
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...
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Stay Authentic in an AI World | Julian Talluto
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...
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I Was Laid Off. Then I Built My Own Business | Creative Freelancer Corynne Bisson
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...
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See the Game Differently | Sports Photographer, Reese Bolibruck
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...
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Don’t Follow the Crowd. Be the Artist. | Sports Photographer Vince Neil
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...
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What Every Sports Photographer Needs to Know | Neil Patel
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...
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The Blueprint for Creator Success | Founder, FNM Creative Studios
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...
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Barber by Trade, Creator by Nature | Toronto's "416Sniper"
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...
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Beyond Talent: Real Wedding Photography Success | Daria Summers
Toronto-based wedding photographer Daria Summers joins the podcast to share her journey as a business owner and creative. She talks about what she loves about capturing weddings, why client connection matters more than just making a sale, and the challenge of learning how to market herself in the...
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The #1 Thing Holding Creators Back (And How to Fix It) | Sid Sawant
Creator, entrepreneur, and business owner Sid Sawant joins the program to discuss his journey into content creation, what storytelling truly means to him, and why long-form narrative content still matters in a world obsessed with short attention spans.Sid shares how he began as an actor before...
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Betting on Your Dreams with Entertainer, Deiondre Hall
Dancer, model, actor, musician, and poet Deiondre Hall joins the program for a conversation about artistry, discipline, and chasing your dreams without apology.Recently performing as a dancer for the Raptors 905, the G League affiliate of the Toronto Raptors, Deiondre shares how surrounding…
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"Decoding" The Creative Process | Photographer, Brittany Martin
Brittany Martin is a Toronto street and architecture photographer at heart, capturing the fleeting moments in the city. Brittany is drawn to contrasts that feel almost like visual riddles: crowded spaces that somehow feel empty, still moments inside motion, and fleeting human stories tucked…
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"A Minute to Learn, A Lifetime to Master" | Cinematographer, Bianca Cline
Cinematographer Bianca Cline joins the program, live from Salt Lake City, Utah. With over 25 years in the film industry, Bianca’s journey spans films, commercials, and documentaries, evolving from her early days in Los Angeles to a career shaped by intention and resilience.She opens up about a...
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The Psychology Behind Modelling | Becca Romero
Model and fine artist Becca Romero steps into the conversation, bringing a perspective shaped by both creative expression and human understanding.Starting her modeling journey at just 16, Becca shares how years in front of the camera built not only her portfolio, but her confidence, presence, and...
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The Work Behind the Work | Creative Director, Meg Dunning
Meg brings a unique perspective shaped by an unexpected path, from social services to leading creative direction and mentoring entrepreneurs. She has oversaw 600 businesses in downtown Guelph, gaining a deep understanding of people, systems, and what makes something truly connect.At the core of...
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"Blurred Lines" | Visual Artist Brandon Zakkai
Actor, stand-up comic, visual artist, and photographer Brandon Zakkai (aka @visualshoegaze) joins the program for a conversation that blurs the lines between disciplines and dives deep into creative instinct.Known for his experimental approach to photography, Brandon works primarily with light…
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The "Science" Behind Wedding Photography | Ed Yao
Wedding photographer Ed Yao joins the program to share his unconventional path into the world of wedding photography. Originally following in his father’s footsteps with a Master of Science, Ed took a year off to travel with a new camera in hand. What began as curiosity quickly turned into...
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The Business of Creative Joy | Filmmaker and Photographer, Justin Friesen
Filmmaker and photographer Justin Friesen joins the program to share his journey through the creative trenches of the music and film scene in Toronto.Justin originally studied film production with the goal of becoming a film director, but his path took an unexpected turn when his first paid…
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Playing for the Crowd | Canadian Country Singer, Kip James 🎤
Canadian country singer Kip James joins the program to share the story behind his journey into music. Growing up in a household filled with classic rock, Kip didn’t discover country music until later in life. Once he did, something clicked. At 16, he began writing songs, putting thoughts and...
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Light, Simplicity, and Colour | Kevin "Uncaged" Photography
Kevin from Uncaged Photography joins the program to talk about the creative path that led him behind the camera. While his main profession is working as a personal trainer, photography has grown from a curiosity into a deep passion since he first picked up a camera back in 2010.The name behind…
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Delivering an Experience, Not Just The Work | Giovanni McLeish 📸
Giovanni McLeish started shooting cars alongside his boss, two enthusiasts chasing chrome reflections and clean body lines, quickly evolved into something deeper. Giovanni carved his path through car event photography and portrait work, embracing a jack-of-all-trades mindset while steadily…
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The Art of Imperfection | Ti-An DeMartines on Protecting Creativity 🧘♀️📸🖼️
Ti-An DeMartines is a painter, photographer, yoga teacher, and manager at a vocational college. A graduate of York University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, Ti-An’s artistic spark was lit early by her father, a hobbyist photographer whose images quietly shaped her eye. Today, she considers herself…
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Freelance Photography Advice You Need to Hear | Morgan Kitchen 📸
Creativity sometimes arrives disguised as catastrophe.Toronto-based photographer and creative director, Morgan Kitchen, joins the podcast with a story that bends in an unexpected direction. Originally from Savannah, Georgia, Morgan moved to Toronto in 2020, chasing new chapters and colder...
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The Pivot That Changed Everything | Sports Media Creator So Kim 🏒🏑
So Kim considers herself new to the industry, having picked up a camera in 2024, but she’s already making waves. She credits her outgoing nature and genuine love for connecting with people as the key to getting her foot in the door, building relationships that led to opportunities across photo…
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Behind the Glass | The Realities of a Hockey Photographer | Jordan MacDonald
Jordan MacDonald is a photographer and videographer from Ottawa whose work has put him rink-side with professional hockey organizations, including the Ottawa Senators.But his story does not begin under arena lights. It starts in an 11th grade videography class, where a short film earned his group…
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Finding My Way Through Passion, Vision & Opportunity with Tariq | iPhone Photographer
We’re live from Seattle with Tariq, an iPhone photography enthusiast who finds beauty in the everyday moments most people pass by. Originally from Vancouver and an accountant by trade, Tariq is stepping into an exciting new chapter of life. Recently engaged and creatively reenergized, he’s...
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Why Your Brand Should Be Told in One Word | Brand Strategist, Kostas Kollias
To kick off the year, I’m joined by Konstantinos Kollias, founder of The One Word Brand, for a conversation that feels perfectly timed for fresh starts and new directions.Kostas breaks down how defining your brand in a single word is not a gimmick but a clarifying force that can reshape how you...
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Why Street Photography Shouldn’t Play by the Rules | Toronto's Sean Danny
Street photographer Sean Danny joins the show to share his unique perspective and philosophy on the craft. Though his professional life is in learning and development—mentoring colleagues and guiding growth—Sean keeps photography as his personal outlet for creative expression, separate from his…
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"Delivering" Work that Matters | Photographer, Jeff DeHaan
Jeff De Haan is the other half of Mrs. Lightologist, Joanna (who recently joined us on the podcast). Like his wife, Jeff is drawn to street photography—though he admits he’s still finding his rhythm behind the lens. By day, he works as a courier, giving him a unique perspective on the city and...
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From the Night Shift to the City Streets | Street Photographer, Luke Grant
Luke Grant is a Toronto-based street photographer who first picked up a camera out of necessity—and discovered a form of therapy. Working night shifts at a cancer centre with nobody around, left him craving human interaction, so he borrowed his wife’s camera and started wandering the streets,...
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Everyone Deserves To Be Remembered | Street Photographer, Joanna de Haan
Joanna de Haan is a passionate Toronto street photographer with a love for capturing people and telling their stories. What began with taking photos of her son soon became a way of seeing the world differentlythrough faces, families, and fleeting moments that connect us all.Now, Joanna spends her...
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This Will Change Your Street Photography | Toronto's James Ding
James Ding’s journey with photography began 20 years ago in Ottawa, experimenting with different styles and approaches. But it wasn’t until he started volunteering with non-profit events that he stumbled into what would become his true passion: street photography.Now based in downtown Toronto,...
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Want Better Photos? Shoot in the WORST Conditions | Sean Smith
Sean Smith is a podcaster, YouTuber, and street photographer whose philosophy is all about shooting with intention. He encourages photographers not to be “fair weather shooters,” but to embrace challenging conditions—because that’s often where the best photo opportunities appear.In this episode,...
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Losing Weight, Avoiding Burnout & Living Fully | Fitness and Health Coach Pam
I’m joined by Coach Pam — a fitness and health coach specializing in helping women over 35 lose weight while still enjoying the foods they love. Originally from Taiwan, Pam began her career in the hospitality industry before venturing into entrepreneurship. She opens up about the challenges of...
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How Photographing Roller Derby Changed My Life | Michael AuCoin | @jovi11photography
Michael got his start shooting in the fast-paced world of roller derby and over the next decade, he dabbled across different niches and styles.During the pandemic, he began connecting with peers to gain knowledge and sharpen his skills. That curiosity led him to discover his true eye for...
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Creating with Intention | Photographer, Andrew Mussington
Andrew Mussington returns to the pod! Known for his striking fitness and portrait photography, Andrew brings a distinct style shaped by his expert use of off-camera flash—allowing him to craft bold, dynamic images in any setting. But he’s not one to stay in one lane. Constantly evolving, Andrew…
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Documenting Spaces, Faces, and Places | Chicago Street Photographer, Carmen Razo
In this episode of Open Shutter, we’re coming to you live from Chicago with street photographer and storyteller, Carmen Razo. Carmen’s journey began in the world of model photography, but she quickly realized that posed perfection wasn’t her path. It was a photo walk that opened the door to the...
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Uncut Gems | Nicholas Hyatt's Unconventional Path from Pawn Shop to Studio Photographer
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…
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What First-Time Directors Need to Hear | Filmmaker, Joel Kiggundu
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...
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Chasing Growth, Not Perfection | Conrad Culley’s YouTube Journey.
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...
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Being a Successful DP is More Than Just The Images | Cinematographer, Nik Pilecki
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…
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The One Thing I've Been Chasing | Photographer, Ryan McKinnon -Mori
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...
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Finding Purpose Through Community | Chicago Photographer, Caitlyn Welty
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…
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Conservation Through Documentation | Photographer Andrew Laulman
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...
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From Hobbyist to Visionary | Behind the Lens w/ Videographer, Sharad Salia
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,...
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Open Shutter Live have?
Open Shutter Live currently has 208 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Open Shutter Live about?
Open Shutter is a podcast connecting creators to creators. Diving into WHY we do what we do, WHERE we came from, and where we're GOING. Hosted by Toronto Creator, Paul Yeghouchian, catch the show every week for a different guest!
How often does Open Shutter Live release new episodes?
Open Shutter Live publishes regularly with 208 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Open Shutter Live?
You can listen to Open Shutter Live on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Open Shutter Live?
Open Shutter Live is created and hosted by Paul Yeghouchian.
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