Kevin Icabales
- Abhishek Deb
- Apr 10
- 4 min read
Kevin Icabales | Street Photographer
In SPG World’s 17th interview feature, we meet a photographer whose wit and humour shape his vision of the streets. Kevin Icabales has made street photography not just his passion but his livelihood, blending dark and witty humour into candid frames where people and surroundings coexist naturally. From discipline and patience to integrity and imagination, Kevin’s journey reveals how street photography can be both a calling and a craft. Let us get introduced to the Filipino street photographer who turns everyday moments into stories that linger, with a hint of humour.
How would you define your style of street photography?
Kevin : Witty humour and dark humour.
Kevin, what is more important to you - the people or the surroundings?
Kevin : Both, as they coexist in nature.
Kevin, why and when did street photography become your THE thing? What exactly inspired you?
Kevin : Street photography became my thing when I learned about it through my Photojournalism instructor. At first, when he saw my shots, he told me that I am doing street photography and it's another genre. That's the time I knew my calling as a lover of authentic and candid moments.
When you look deep within, did street photography change you?
Kevin : Yes. It developed my discipline, patience, and integrity.
Kevin, is there any top list of tricks to succeed as a street photographer? Share some tips for people who are starting out on this genre . . .
Kevin : Enjoy shooting, shoot what moves you. Learn the composition rules before breaking it. You are the maker of the story you want to show.
Let's pick the Top-3 street shots for Kevin Icabales!
Kevin : Here are the top three shots I’d choose, along with the stories behind them...
For a street photographer, what beyond that camera ?
Kevin : The ability to anticipate and envision the scenes to add or remove in the frame.
Is street photography your primary source of bread & butter?
Kevin : Yes.
Any shot you missed and you must have taken?
Kevin : A lot. It will haunt you at night. Lol😂 Wake up and move forward as they say.
Which camera(s) do you use? And what about your lenses and other accessories?
Kevin : Fujifilm X-H2s and XF 16-55mm f2.8 II.
Which other street photographers’ work inspires you the most?
Kevin : Garry Winogrand, Elliott Erwitt, Henri Cartier-Bresson.
What is your word of caution to amateur street photographers?
Kevin : Respect is better than having an amazing photograph.
Do you follow any composition technique by the books?
Kevin : Majority of my work are about humour.
What NOT TO DO in street photography?
Kevin : Shooting poverty porn for the sake of exploitation and clout.
Do you believe that street photographers are travel photographers too?
Kevin : Yes, but not all travel photographers are street photographers.
What's your perspective on the relation between Street Photography and Street documentary?
Kevin : If you do street documentary with street photography approach, your series will be full of creative personal touch.
You are reading the SPG interview of Street Photographer Kevin Icabales
Any location that you dream to cover next? Or any place that you would want to revisit?
Kevin : New York.
What makes you say “Wow!” when you see some other street photographers’ work? (and the reverse)
Kevin : If the photograph caught my attention for a longer period.
That is street photographer Kevin Icabales for all of you as he opens up in this candid interview.
You can connect with Kevin Icabales on Instagram
If you are a street photographer and own a credible body of work, you can be featured in The Street Photography Gallery’s Feature section. You only have to hit the button below or email us on thestreetphotographygallery@gmail.com
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