Hi, I’m Justin.
I’m a designer, photographer and owner of few creative businesses (Brand Stories™, Creator Frameworks & BetterMatches.com).
I also started a project where I photograph strangers. This has grown to over 280k followers in just under 3 months, and is my primary focus for this year. You can follow this project on Instagram, YouTube & TikTok.
My Work
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1. Creator Frameworks ⚡️
We offer ultra-premium Squarespace & Canva templates designed for creative entrepreneurs. They are built to be fast, easy to use & optimized for conversions. View Website →2. Better Matches ❤️🔥
What started as a side project grew into a thriving business that operates in 10+ locations including NYC, LA and Vancouver. I’m grateful to have a team of photographers who help me create meaningful transformations in our clients' lives. View Website →3. Brand Stories 🎬
I launched Brand Stories™ in 2018 to help local businesses develop their brand with video production. Within three years I was working with incredible clients such as The University of Victoria, Kraft-Heinz, Spud and Coldwell Banker. View Website → -
🏄♂️ Lifestyle Design - Some people go into business for money, or the prestige of being a “CEO”. I don’t care about any of that. For me it was about achieving autonomy over my time so I could do more things that I enjoyed.
This includes:
- Working 20 hours/week
- Working on projects I enjoy
- Fully remote & location independent
- Spending time with family, friends, dogs
- Prioritizing health, sleep & connection
- Ability to travel when/where I want
- Financial stability & investments🎯 Essentialism - Essentialism, as described in Greg McKeown's book, is a concept that I live by. It encourages me to focus on what is truly important in my life and prioritize my time and energy accordingly.
By filtering out the noise and distractions, I am able to achieve more meaningful and fulfilling results in both my personal and professional life. It helps me make more deliberate choices and pursue a simpler, more focused lifestyle that aligns with my values and goals.
Essentialism has become one of the guiding principles in my work/life, and I highly recommend this book to anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed or behind in life.
🧠 Creativity + Analytics - Although the idea that there are right-brained and left-brained people is a myth, I believe using both your creative and analytical sides is one of the best ways to get ahead.
If you’re a designer that understands the business impact of your work, you’ll get more jobs.
If you’re a videographer that understands how to automate business processes using video, you’ll have unlimited clients.
And if you’re a creative entrepreneur that understands sales, SEO and marketing - you’re basically unstoppable.
Stranger Project
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😳 Social anxiety. I’ve always struggled with social anxiety, and consider myself an introvert at heart. This is a way for me to push me out of my comfort zone and build up my social skills.
🤝 Build community. I just moved back to Vancouver, so this has been a great way for me to meet interesting people & make new friends.
📸 Give a gift they’ll never forget. The surprise element is important, which is why I don’t take requests, or tell people where I’m going to be next.
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All ‘Stranger Portrait’ videos are 100% unplanned & unscripted. These are real interactions with actual strangers who aren’t expecting me to approach them.
However, if you’d like to book a private photoshoot, I’d love to work with you! Use the link below to get started.
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I try to approach people with good vibes. It could be their sense of style, their positive energy, their smile, or some other element that I’m drawn to. I also tend to approach people that I think I might want to be friends with.
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I don’t share where I’m going to be next.
But stay tuned to my Instagram stories… because sometimes I drop hints. 👀
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So far 80-90% of people say yes. The ones who say no are generally respectful about it.
So far I’ve only had one person respond in a rude way. I’m glad she did though, because that’s not the kind of person I want to photograph anyways. 😅
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Shooting Mode: 99% of the time I’m shooting in burst mode, aperture priority, with a shutter speed of at least 1/120. I typically don’t look at the rest of the settings and focus more on composition & lighting.
ISO: I typically don’t worry about ISO because Sony cameras work great in low-light.
Aperture: I generally shoot a wide-open aperture, or fairly close to it (unless I’m trying to get more background details in the shot.)
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Yes - always!
I tell each person that I’m recording the behind-the-scenes. I also get their permission to post the videos on my social channels (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, etc.).
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I’m fortunate enough that I don’t need to rely on tips to do what I love. A friendly comment or DM is payment enough for me. 😊
If you’re looking for a place to donate, please consider your local animal shelters (they always need support).
If you’re a creative person who’s looking to upgrade your website or social media, I do have a variety of digital products available in my store (link below). 👇