WHO & WHY – SHOT BY SOLO

“To me, photography is an art of observation. It’s about finding something interesting in an ordinary place. I’ve found it has little to do with the things you see, and everything to do with the way you see them.”

WHO?

Lee Solo, the creative force behind Shot By Solo, has built a career rooted in passion, resilience, and storytelling. Born and raised in Toronto, Lee’s journey into the creative world began in his grandfather’s basement, where he learned to photograph and develop black-and-white photos. Those formative experiences sparked a lifelong love of storytelling, which only deepened during his teenage years, as he immersed himself in hip-hop culture. From DJing and rapping to producing music, Lee’s creativity knew no bounds.

For over 15 years, Lee worked as an audio engineer and music producer, collaborating with hundreds of artists and performing across Eastern Canada. However, his life took an unexpected turn in 2015 when a fire destroyed his downtown Toronto recording studio. Among the wreckage, one item survived—a recently purchased camera. Lee saw this as a sign from the universe to pivot his creative focus.

That same year brought heartbreak when Lee lost his mother to cancer just two months after the fire. Devastated yet determined, he left his corporate job and embarked on a six-month road trip from Toronto to Vancouver, down the California coast, through the Grand Canyon, and back to Canada. The transformative journey not only helped Lee rediscover his creative spark but also laid the foundation for what would become Shot By Solo.

Initially focused on photography, Lee’s career took a major leap in 2018 when he ventured into video production. That fall, he joined Canadian hip-hop artist Classified on tour, producing nightly recap videos for 28 shows in just 38 days—a grueling yet rewarding crash course he calls his “video boot camp.” His work caught the attention of rapper Snak The Ripper, who invited Lee to document a European tour immediately after. Over the next year, Lee became Snak’s go-to videographer, traveling across 15 European countries and later embarking on a two-month Canadian tour in 2019, all while producing real-time content to promote the shows.

Amidst these career highs, Lee faced personal losses that shaped his journey. His father passed away in 2019, deepening his resolve to honour his parents’ legacies by pursuing his creative passions.

In 2020, Lee relocated to British Columbia but returned to Ontario in 2022 to leverage his larger network and accelerate his freelance career. Since then, Shot By Solo has continued to grow, with Lee tackling diverse projects ranging from music videos and tour content to corporate campaigns, product photography, album artwork, and more.

Lee’s work is more than just capturing moments; it’s about telling meaningful stories that resonate. With a foundation built on resilience, creativity, and hard work, he continues to push boundaries, always seeking new adventures and opportunities to inspire and create.

THE WHY:

At Shot By Solo, we don’t just create content—we tell stories. Your story. Whether it’s through photography, filmmaking, or design, every project is approached with a deep passion for creative expression and an unwavering dedication to excellence.

With years of experience working across industries—including music, apparel, beauty, fitness, and more—we’ve mastered the art of tailoring every piece to reflect the heart of your brand. From concept to completion, we ensure that your vision is brought to life with bold creativity, meticulous attention to detail, and an emotional connection that resonates with your audience.

Behind Shot By Solo is not just a skilled creator but also a team of talented professionals who collaborate to deliver high-quality media that exceeds expectations. We handle the creative process so you can focus on what you do best, trusting that your brand’s message will be conveyed with authenticity and impact.

Our mission is simple: to transform your ideas into experiences that captivate, inspire, and leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re a startup, an established brand, or an artist, we’re here to make your vision unforgettable.