With a brilliant eye for colour and simplicity, Karim Singleton transforms everyday streets into cinematic memoryscapes. With a love for composition and capturing what’s in front of him, he turns the simplest moments into living scenes, each frame a story with infinite depth.
An Exclusive Interview with Pure Street Photography
Discover how Karim’s “less-is-more” philosophy, soundtrack-inspired process, and fearless curiosity transform ordinary scenes into unforgettable stories — with vibrant compositions and a deep love for capturing what’s real.
Interview by Dimpy Bhalotia and Kamal Kumaar Rao
7/08/2025
(c) Karim Singleton
(c) Karim Singleton
We would love to know more about you! Who you are and where you're from? When did you start street photography?
My name is Karim Singleton, my friends call me Phoenix, and I capture under the name Phnx Photos. I am from New York City, but I reside in Las Vegas. I’ve been capturing street photography roughly since 2009. But I dedicated myself to the practice of photography March of 2024. I have over 25 years experience in the fashion industry so I’ve always been in creative settings. My love for photography came from fashion, skateboarding magazines, and sports photography.
What inspired you to become a street photographer?
My friends that are professional photographers. Although they primarily shoot weddings, sports, etc.. I spent the majority of my life hanging in the streets of NYC. I always loved to people watch, I loved the architecture, I loved that you could go outside everyday and see something different in the city I grew up in. Then as I began to travel around the nation and the world, I saw that each place had its own character and energy as well as culture. So I wanted to capture it.
How would you describe your work in terms of style and/or approach?
I don’t have a style yet. At least I don’t think so. I still consider myself very new to the art. I guess you could say I’m finding my voice. I love to edit in rich vibrant colors, but I also like to do black and white. I don’t like to shoot one thing more than the other I like to, as they say shoot what’s in front of me. I love street photography, whether it’s just buildings, or people. I have recently ventured into studio photography, and that is a whole different beast. Learning lighting etc. I love shooting sports mainly combat sports. And I love shooting landscapes. I just love taking photos. That’s what helped me get over the imposter syndrome feeling of calling myself a photographer.
(c) Karim Singleton
(c) Karim Singleton
What is your photography routine like? Do you photograph every day?
I try to capture everyday but work and life doesn’t always allow me to. So when I don’t I’m trying to edit a minimum of 5 photos a day. I’ve taken thousands of photos since I started so there is always something I can work on. I like to edit to my Phnx Photos Radio playlist (you can listen to it by clicking the Phnx Photos Radio link on my ig page.) When I hear a song that feels like it will go with a picture I’m working on, I’ll post it with the song. I like to think of my stills as movies, and the song is a soundtrack to the scene.
What camera or mobile device do you use for photography? Do you shoot digitally, on film, or a mix of both?
Currently I use digital. My first camera was a Canon R50. I didn't have much camera knowledge when I bought it, it was just a good price. Once I learned more I realized it was a crop sensor. It was tough to learn to fit everything I wanted into my frame. But I got used to it. Now I use a full frame Canon R5. I love it so much. My two go to lenses are the Canon 24-70 and the Canon 70-200. I do not use film yet but definitely will sometime in the future. I love the rich look of film. But I love the instant gratification of digital more for now.
What challenges do you face when photographing on the street?
I haven’t faced any challenges with street photography. My only challenge is learning to master shooting manual.
Do you ever wonder what happens to the people in your photos?
Oddly enough I do not. But I am fascinated when a building I capture or a mural I capture is no longer there. Thats when I truly feel like I’ve frozen time and captured history
(c) Karim Singleton
(c) Karim Singleton
In your opinion, what is the biggest misconception people have about street photography?
That it is intrusive.
What are your favourite elements to capture in a street photograph? (light, colour, composition, human interaction, etc.)
I’d have to say composition. As stated I capture different things. So some things don’t have human interaction. And light & colors can be manipulated in post production. So I like to convey the story of my photography through composition and framing. Those are my favorite elements in a photo.
What is your take on social media influence on street photography?
I think it’s tough to stand out if you’re trying to. I think algorithms work against you. But I also think it’s an endless source of inspiration. And you can connect with people who share your passion. I’ve made some great friends in photography through social media. Some of them I have never met in person. But we support each other’s journey.
Are your prints available for purchase? If so, where can art buyers and collectors contact you to purchase them?
No I don’t have prints for sale yet. But occasionally I make prints for friends as a gift. Although photography is an expensive hobby, I don’t correlate it with making money. I made that mistake with fashion. If you have something you love to do, be careful doing it for money. In most cases you will lose your love and passion for it. It will just become “work.” I have a job for money… photography is for “me”.
(c) Karim Singleton
(c) Karim Singleton
What advice would you give to aspiring photographers?
Don’t be afraid to capture what you like. Don’t be afraid to share what you like. Don’t post what you think other people will like, share what you like. If other people like it too, then that’s a plus. Ask the people who inspire you questions . Try new things. And just get out and get captures. Side note I like to use the word “capture” instead of “shoot” because “shoot” has a negative connotation and I personally don’t want to associate photography with anything negative. Just a peeve of mine. Words have power. So I respect words as much as I respect my art. And any aspiring photographers should respect their art too. And contribute this art and positivity to the world.
A huge thank you to Karim Singleton for sharing his incredible journey.
In Frame : Karim Singleton