Tara Jeffrey
Troy Shantz’s work is earning high praise in one of Canada’s premiere photography magazines.
The Sarnia Journal reporter and photographer is the subject of a feature story in the June-July issue of Photo Life, which highlights his transition into local journalism while showcasing some of his photography work.
“Every week, we learn about something interesting happening on our streets or about how impressive one of our neighbours is,” Shantz, 34, told the magazine. “Those stories deserve the same careful, deliberate, committed and high-calibre coverage than any big flashy national event.”
The Kitchener native, who previously worked at Lambton College and as media director at the local design agency Storyboard Solutions, became a full-time reporter and photographer with The Journal last fall.
In the article, he describes his unique experience working in Sarnia.
“Not being from the community has given me a fresh perspective on some of the local realities that someone who was born and bred here might not think twice about,” he told writer Laurence Butet-Roch.
“Yet, at the same time, I’m invested in the city. I have a house in town. My kids go to school here. In many ways, it feels like everyone is part of an extended family.”
The article includes some of Troy’s favourite images taken for The Journal, including one of local MMA fighter Bobbi Jo Dalziel, Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley at a dedication ceremony for the Sarnia-Lambton Afghanistan memorial, and an image from a personal series called Oil Heritage.
“It’s certainly one of the first times I’ve been interviewed,” said Shantz, admitting it’s a bit uncomfortable reading about himself.
“I think I prefer asking the questions.”
