My Story, My Lens

City: Ottawa

Producer: Brian Mellersh

Genre: Lifestyle

My Story, My Lens follows Ottawa area photographers to find out why they are so passionate about their career. Our guests share their love of photography, community, and the causes that are important to them. Whether they are driven by a passion for concerts or conservation, these photographers have a story to tell.

To watch My Story, My Lens:

If you are already a Bell Fibe TV customer, go to channel 1, or watch it on demand with the Bell Fibe TV App.

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Episodes

Season 1

Episode 1 - Sandy Sharkey

Sandy is a wild horse photographer and advocate. She takes us on an emotional journey as we visit and photograph rare Ojibwe Spirit Horses on a farm just outside Ottawa. She then heads out in her community with a friend for some laughter, some pictures, and a conversation about helping wild horses.

Episode 2 - Debbie Miller

Debbie Miller is a photographer, police officer, mom and community member. Her book #IHaveNoWords is a photo essay that documents the feelings of community members after the murder of George Floyd. Debbie takes us out in the community where we meet some of the people who helped her put this impactful and emotional project together.

Episode 3 - Benjamin Dionne

“Laughter is the best medicine” Ben is a photographer, camera operator, director of photography…but he is not much for titles. We join Ben as he heads out in the community and meets some of the friends that helped guide him through some of the most difficult times in his life.

Episode 4 - Roland Bast

Roland describes himself as a social media “father figure.” He doesn’t look like your typical influencer, but his photography has allowed him to reach audiences around the world. We head out for a one of kind bus tour while Roland describes the emotional decision to leave his day job behind, and live his dream as a photographer.

Episode 5 - Josee Lavoie

We follow this inspirational pet photographer for a day as she snaps shots of some cuddly K9s and gives back to her community. Josee meets up with a service dog named Rex, while capturing some beautiful images.

Episode 6 - Brittany Gawley

Brittany took the emotions and grief of a family tragedy and found solace through photography. She is an educator, an activist, a photographer, and a former professional hockey player. We head out for a tour of Ottawa as Brittany shares her amazing journey.

Season 2

Episode 1 - Sean Sisk

Sean Sisk is a concert photographer and has photographed some of the biggest stars on the planet. Visit Sean at his studio as he shoots an indoor session with Ottawa songwriter and performer Shawn Tavenier. Next, Sean heads outside for a photo shoot with rising Country Music star Nayana.

Episode 2 - Satvinder Singh

Satvinder Singh has a passion for teaching, and feels an obligation to give back to his community. Satvinder invites us along for a macro photography group lesson with members of the Camera Club of Ottawa. He shares his secrets about macro techniques, how to shoot on a budget, and the joys of spending time outdoors with friends.

Episode 3 - Jen Derbach

Jen Derbach is a nature and landscape photographer who loves heading out in the cold. Whether she is snapping shots in the Arctic, or around Ottawa, conservation and the environment are always on her mind. Jen got her first chance to shoot as a pro with the encouragement of a close friend.

Episode 4 - Les Escobar

Les Escobar is a sports coach, a dad, and photographer. Les first picked up a camera to help him battle depression. We join Les as he heads out alongside his brother to snap some pictures, reminisce about the good times, and talk about the challenges that they have faced together.

Episode 5 - Sarah Farmer

Sarah Farmer is a former chef, turned food photographer. She walked away from the kitchen, but stays connected to food through her camera. We head out with Sarah in the heart of winter as she says a special thank-you to those who have supported her along her journey.

Episode 6 - Scott Thiel

Scott Thiel is a retired military bomb tech. While this may feel like the polar opposite of photography, Scott walks us through some of the similarities between his old life in the military, and his new life in photography.