What happens when you mix deep water, total silence, shipwrecks, and a camera? 🌊📸

On this episode of TVS: The Viewfinder Sessions, I sit down with John, a technical diver and underwater photographer who spends hours below the surface exploring places most people will never see.

We talk about rebreather diving (yes, dives that last 6 to 8 hours), why silence underwater changes everything, and what it feels like to descend into darkness until a massive shipwreck suddenly appears out of the blue.

But this episode goes deeper than gear and wrecks.

John opens up about how diving and photography became a lifeline. How peace, purpose, and focus underwater helped him through substance struggles and gave him something to hold onto when life got heavy. The parallels between creativity, risk, safety, and mental health hit hard in the best way.

We also dig into:
• Why “nothing is worth the shot”
• Sharks, sturgeon, and hidden Great Lakes wrecks
• The insane learning curve (and cost) of underwater photography
• Why video and cinematic storytelling are the next frontier
• Stories still sitting beneath our own local waters

This isn’t just about diving.
It’s about what happens when you find the thing that brings you back to yourself.

🎧 Listen now and dive in.
📍 Follow John: @the_divers_log
🎥 YouTube coming soon

Trust me… you’ll want to hear this one.

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In this conversation, Shaun discusses the importance of embracing vulnerability and authenticity when addressing mental health issues. He emphasizes the need for real connections and the value of sharing personal experiences related to anxiety, depression, and toxic environments. Shaun also highlights the significance of creative outlets and travel as powerful ways to cope and express oneself.

Key Takeaways

• It's okay to not be okay.
• People are wanting real, raw access to real, raw people.
• Sharing personal experiences can resonate deeply with others.
• Mental health discussions are crucial in today’s society.
• Creative outlets can be therapeutic for anxiety and depression.
• Travel can provide a fresh perspective on life.
• Toxic work environments can have a major impact on mental health.
• Authenticity fosters deeper connections with others.
• Vulnerability can lead to healing and understanding.
• Addressing past traumas is essential for personal growth.

Sound Bites

"It's okay to not be okay."
"People are wanting real, raw access."

Join the Community

Thanks so much for tuning in to The Viewfinder Sessions! I truly appreciate you being part of this growing community of storytellers, travelers, photographers, and those who are simply trying to live life a little more intentionally.

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please take a moment to subscribe to the channel or podcast wherever you’re listening or watching. Hit that like button, leave a comment, and share it with someone who might need a little inspiration or perspective today.

Your engagement—whether it’s a like, a question, or sharing an episode—really helps this project grow and reach more people who care about the same things we do.

You can also connect with me on Instagram, Facebook, and Threads at @ohmenervesphotography, or visit www.ohmenervesphotography.ca for updates on upcoming expeditions, workshops, and new content.

And if you ever want to reach out directly, whether it’s to share your story, ask a question, or just say hi, send me an email at oh.me.nerves.photography@gmail.com.

Until next time, keep chasing what sets your soul on fire, stay curious, and never stop seeing the world through your own viewfinder.

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🎙️ The Viewfinder Sessions is here!

Step behind the lens and into the wild mix of stories that fuel photography, travel, mental health, and the creative fire that keeps us chasing more.

Expect bold guests, real talk, and practical tips—served up with plenty of laughs and straight-up honesty. It’s inspiration you can actually feel.

🔥 And today? It’s the FIRST EVER episode!

Shaun pulls back the curtain on the who, what, when, where (and yeah… the how, too). From Sarnia to Newfoundland, from camera gear to headspace, you’ll get the inside scoop on the vision behind this brand-new adventure.

So dive in, buckle up, and let’s hit play—the journey starts now!

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