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Open Shutter Live

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!

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26 episodes
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English

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Saturday · 59 min
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 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/
S5 · E198
September 9 · 1 hr 5 min
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 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/
S5 · E197
September 7 · 1 hr
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 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!
S5 · E196
August 27 · 56 min
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 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:)
S5 · E195
August 18 · 42 min
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 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:)
S5 · E194
August 13 · 1 hr 6 min
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 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!
S5 · E193
August 5 · 59 min
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 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/
S5 · E192
July 17 · 58 min
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 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/ https://www.instagram.com/openshutteryoutube/
S5 · E191
May 12 · 1 hr 19 min
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 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:)
S5 · E180
May 5 · 1 hr
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 North American industry after moving from Ukraine.Daria also opens up about balancing trends with authenticity, how photography transformed her self-esteem, managing burnout, and what continues to inspire her to create meaningful, stunning images.Dariahttps://www.instagram.com/daria__summers/Follow Open Shutter for future show announcements!https://www.instagram.com/openshutteryoutube/like and subscribe:)
S5 · E189
April 29 · 1 hr 3 min
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 pivoting into photography through headshots, later building a career in wedding and event photography. We dive into his experience consulting on content strategy, the importance of authenticity in building a brand, and how AI is reshaping his business.Sid also reveals the one thing he believes stops most creators from succeeding, and how he plans to solve that problem to help creators grow, thrive, and build sustainable creative careers.Sid's Socialshttps://www.instagram.com/sidsawantartist/
S5 · E188
April 28 · 1 hr 9 min
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 himself with the right people and support system has helped elevate his craft.Originally from Jamaica and moving to Canada to pursue his ambitions, Deiondre reflects on building a life his younger self would be proud of.We talk about inspiring young boys to pursue creative careers, why comparison can stunt growth, and how in every industry he enters, his goal remains the same: connect with others, share his art, and stay authentically himself.Deiondre's socials:https://www.instagram.com/iamdeiondre/Follow Open Shutter for future show announcements!https://www.instagram.com/openshutteryoutube/like and subscribe:)
S5 · E187
April 14 · 1 hr 3 min
"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 between steel and glass.Lately, Brittany has been expanding the lens into portrait work while developing a photo series centred on people in motion, chasing that blink-and-it’s-gone moment that turns ordinary scenes into something cinematic. We dive into his fascination with the city’s metro system, where repetition, symmetry, and pattern create an unexpected kind of beauty beneath the surface.The conversation also explores how AI reshaped Brittany's path, leading to step away from a career in software development and lean deeper into creative risk. Brittany shares a recent subway moment that perfectly captures his philosophy: always have your camera ready, because magic doesn’t wait.Outside of photography, Brittany builds drones, a hands-on hobby that fuels creativity and keeps burnout at bay. It’s a conversation about curiosity, timing, and learning to see the world not just as it is, but as it could be framed.Brittany Martinhttps://www.instagram.com/brittanybeephoto/Follow Open Shutter for future show announcements!https://www.instagram.com/openshutteryoutube/like and subscribe:)
S5 · E186
April 9 · 1 hr 3 min
"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 pivotal shift in her career, recognizing she was saying yes to projects that didn’t light her up. That realization led her toward commercial work, offering not only better balance while raising her children, but also a clearer sense of creative control and sustainability.Bianca dives into the changing landscape of filmmaking, from the attention economy shaped by social media to the rise of streaming platforms and how they’ve disrupted the industry. She reflects on the loss of shared cultural rituals, describing the movie theater experience as something almost sacred, now fading in the era of convenience.The conversation explores what it really takes to break into filmmaking, with Bianca emphasizing that there is no single path, only persistence, curiosity, and community. She also shares her perspective on the growing presence of AI and what it means for the future of storytelling.On a deeply personal level, Bianca speaks about some of the most challenging moments in her life and career, including coming out as a trans woman and continuing her work on the film *Rust* following the tragic loss of her friend and colleague.Her message to women cinematographers is clear and unwavering: there is still ground to claim, and it’s worth fighting for.Biancahttps://www.instagram.com/biancaclinedp/Follow Open Shutter for future show announcements!https://www.instagram.com/openshutteryoutube/like and subscribe:)
March 28 · 54 min
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 sense of self. What began as posing evolved into something deeper—a study of emotion, storytelling, and vulnerability through the lens.Alongside her work in the arts, Becca is pursuing social work with the goal of becoming a psychotherapist, driven by a desire to support people through crisis and transformation. She reflects on how her dual worlds—art and science—don’t compete, but instead sharpen each other, giving her a unique way of seeing people.With a background in policing, Becca brings a grounded understanding of human complexity, adding another layer to both her creative and professional path.She opens up about building a trusted network of photographers, what makes a collaboration feel safe and empowering—especially in boudoir and nude photography—and the red flags models should never ignore.We also go behind the scenes of a model’s day on set, exploring the unseen work, the mental focus, and the energy it takes to truly show up.At its core, this conversation is about presence—learning to put the phone down, reconnect with nature, and fully inhabit the moment you’re in.Beccahttps://www.instagram.com/becs_models_/Follow Open Shutter for future show announcements!https://www.instagram.com/openshutteryoutube/like and subscribe:)
S5 · E184
March 26 · 1 hr 14 min
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 Meg’s work is one belief: relationships matter. She leans into the messy middle, the raw, unpolished process of growth, both in business and in life. Whether she’s collaborating with female entrepreneurs or stepping into multiple roles for her clients, she focuses on building trust, clarity, and momentum.In this conversation, Meg shares her transition out of an 11-year career, her commitment to structure and systems, and why your voice matters more than ever in a world increasingly shaped by AI.Her philosophy is simple but powerful: practice makes progress. Create before you consume. Show up, challenge yourself, and play the long game.This is a conversation about connection, courage, and finding your voice, again and again.Meg https://www.instagram.com/megdunningcreative/Follow Open Shutter for future show announcements!https://www.instagram.com/openshutteryoutube/like and subscribe:)
S5 · E183
March 25 · 1 hr 6 min
"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 and intentional camera movement, creating images that feel less like documentation and more like memory itself. In 2024, a literal fall while taking a photo unexpectedly shaped his artistic direction, leading him to lean fully into this abstract, motion-driven style. You could say he quite literally “fell” into it.Brandon shares why photography stands apart from his other creative outlets: it’s immediate, permissionless, and entirely his own. No gatekeepers, no competition, just the act of seeing and creating.The conversation explores his fascination with memory, how it fades, distorts, and reshapes over time, and how that philosophy shows up in his work behind the lens.He also breaks down his go-to gear for concert photography, including his surprising “secret weapon” and his strong advocacy for micro four-thirds systems, highlighting both their quality and versatility. This passion has even led to a growing partnership with the brand.Beyond the camera, Brandon talks about his recent dive into printing his own work and his desire to one day work inside a print shop, bringing his images full circle from capture to physical form.This episode is a reminder that sometimes the best creative paths aren’t planned… they’re stumbled into. Brandon https://www.instagram.com/visualshoegaze/ Follow Open Shutter for future show announcements! https://www.instagram.com/openshutteryoutube/like and subscribe:)
S5 · E182
March 16 · 1 hr 2 min
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 something deeper. He realized life in a lab wasn’t for him. As a natural extrovert, he craved connection, energy, and the human stories unfolding in front of a lens.After proving to his parents that photography could provide a real living, Ed committed fully and never looked back. His early break came in Montreal, where he began shooting nightlife and club events. As his photos circulated through the city’s nightlife scene, more venues started to notice his work and opportunities followed.Ed discusses the realities of working in the wedding photography industry, from building trust with couples to understanding why wedding photography isn’t quite the high-pressure environment people imagine. He also shares practical advice for beginners, how photographers can scale their business, and why valuing your work is essential to long-term success.In this conversation, Ed offers insight into the business, creativity, and mindset required to succeed.You can follow Ed herehttps://www.instagram.com/edyaophoto/Follow Open Shutter for future show announcements!https://www.instagram.com/openshutteryoutube/like and subscribe:)
March 16 · 1 hr 5 min
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 project turned out to be a music video. That opportunity opened the door to the local music world and set him on a creative trajectory he didn’t initially plan.During the pandemic, Justin began reaching out to bands he already knew, offering to collaborate and create. The momentum snowballed. Between 2024 and 2025 alone, he worked with over 200 artists, building a reputation in Toronto’s music scene as both a filmmaker and photographer who understands musicians and their stories.In this conversation, Justin breaks down the realities of creative freelancing: the challenges of collaborating with other artists, how to price your work properly, and the delicate balancing act of avoiding burnout while staying creatively alive.We also dive into:• Why keeping art in the city matters• The idea of trying to get bored with your own photography* to keep evolving• The power of soft goals vs. hard goals• The real challenges and freedoms of being a freelancerThis is a conversation about creativity, collaboration, and staying curious in a fast-moving artistic world.Justin https://www.instagram.com/justin.friesen/Follow Open Shutter for future show announcements!https://www.instagram.com/openshutteryoutube/like and subscribe:)
S5 · E180
March 13 · 1 hr
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 experiences onto paper and slowly shaping the sound that would become his own.Now 28, Kip reflects on the long road it’s taken to build momentum. His success didn’t arrive overnight. It has been built through persistence, countless performances, and a commitment to improving his craft.Kip also talks about the formation of his band, Fighting Chance, which began five years ago and became an important outlet for collaboration and creativity. He shares his songwriting process, where ideas tend to come from, and the discipline required to keep creating even when inspiration doesn’t strike easily.The conversation dives into the realities of building a music career in Toronto, from the challenges of busking on the streets to the very different energy of performing inside bars. Kip explains how each environment shapes a performer and what it takes to truly command a stage with presence.At its core, Kip’s story is one of dedication, patience, and passion. It’s a reminder that believing in your path and putting in the work can slowly turn a dream into something real.You can follow Kip here https://www.instagram.com/kipjames_/ Follow Open Shutter for future show announcements! https://www.instagram.com/openshutteryoutube/like and subscribe:)

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