Kathryn Ford, A Highly Observant and Intuitive Street Photographer Admired for Colour, Light and Spontaneous Scenes
An Exclusive Interview with Pure Street Photography
Discover how Kathryn photographs almost every day, moving through the streets with a reactive approach, documenting unexpected encounters from everyday life with curiosity and respect.
Interview by Dimpy Bhalotia and Kamal Kumaar Rao
1/04/2026
(c) Kathryn Ford
(c) Kathryn Ford
We would love to know more about you! Who you are and where you're from? When did you start street photography?
I’m a vintage person, living in Burnaby, part of Metro Vancouver in BC, Canada. I’ve been a photographer since I was about 10 and received a film camera for Christmas. I eased into “real” street photography via walks at lunchtime in my work neighbourhood, initially photographing graffiti and street art, then people as I got braver. I just used my iPhone, actually starting with an iPhone 4!
What inspired you to become a street photographer?
There was no “aha, I think I’ll try street photography!” moment. I didn’t realize I was one until I connected with a few others and learned that what I was doing was a genre! However, what really pushed me was that the people who I first met via Instagram gradually coalesced until three of them decided to found the Vancouver Street Photography Collective, pulling the rest of us in, starting in late 2018. It was a pivotal event for me for sure. (On Instagram we’re @van_spc.)
How would you describe your work in terms of style and/or approach?
Visually I really am a magpie! In general I try to be unobtrusive; using a phone you can pretend you’re checking a text or something. (Then I check the results and see that I’ve been spotted by someone in the scene…) It’s often said that street photographers tend to be fishers, waiting patiently in a great location, or hunters, on the move. I tend to be the latter, although fishers do get amazing rewards for their patience and ability to imagine the possibilities.
(c) Kathryn Ford
(c) Kathryn Ford
What is your photography routine like? Do you photograph every day?
I’m primarily an iPhone photographer, so yes, most days I photograph. Sometimes it’s planned, sometimes I just see something I want to document.
What camera or mobile device do you use for photography? Do you shoot digitally, on film, or a mix of both?
My default go-to is an iPhone 11 Pro. (I have my eye on the iPhone 17, but the 11 is in good order so I’ll have to wait.) For planned outings I have a Canon Rebel t4i, my first DSLR and still my favourite go-to. Also a Canon R10 which I’m still figuring out. Filmwise I have a Minolta XE5, which was my first DLR, bought secondhand in the 1970s. It’s super-heavy and still in good shape.
What challenges do you face when photographing on the street?
Seeing a great shot too late to take it! Once in a while I’ll park myself somewhere and see what/who enters the scene, but usually I’m a reactive photographer. I try not to annoy people! I’m pretty respectful, won’t photograph someone in distress. (I really don’t have much respect for “gotcha” photographers, especially the ones who like firing off a flash in someone’s face and think it’s funny when they react negatively.)
Do you ever wonder what happens to the people in your photos?
Yes I do, especially some of the people in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, which is where I used to take those lunchtime walks. I also think about who they are and how they ended up there. It’s important to remember that every one of them was once a little kid with their whole life ahead. I don’t think many people plan to end up homeless.
(c) Kathryn Ford
(c) Kathryn Ford
In your opinion, what is the biggest misconception people have about street photography?
That anyone can do it without any thought or practice. It’s not just random snapshots. Casual travel photos would be so much more interesting if people approached them mindfully!
What are your favourite elements to capture in a street photograph? (light, colour, composition, human interaction, etc.)
While I’m somewhat indiscriminate when it comes to subjects, I guess I’d say colour and interesting light often catch my eye. But so do people. It changes all the time. I wish I could be more specific! (I did say I’m a bit of a visual magpie!)
What is your take on social media influence on street photography?
I think it’s generally positive. Without Instagram I’d still be operating on my own, not realizing there were other people like me in the area
Are your prints available for purchase? If so, where can art buyers and collectors contact you to purchase them?
Yes they are. Message me on Instagram, @katymight
(c) Kathryn Ford
(c) Kathryn Ford
What advice would you give to aspiring photographers?
Get out and shoot. Don’t get hung up on gear, or intimidated by others who think their more expensive gear makes them better than you. Be respectful of people. Connect with other photographers in your area: there are lots of groups.
A huge thank you to Kathryn Ford for sharing her incredible journey.
In Frame : Kathryn Ford