Kim Keller
- Abhishek Deb
- Sep 15
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 26
Kim Keller | Street Photographer
Life is colourful and so is her work! We bring Kim Keller from USA's eastern coast in SPG's 14th interview feature, the American street photographer who captures the vibrant, fleeting moments of urban life. Her images, full of dynamic light and unique characters, tell compelling stories without words, inviting readers & viewers to see the world from her distinctive perspective.
Kim, what is more important to you - the people or the surroundings?
Kim Keller : Hard question to answer! It's ideal to have both, but when I have only one or the other, I try to make the most of it.
How would you define your style of street photography?
Kim Keller : Opportunistic. I try to be patient and discover the most interesting aspect of a scene and take my lead from there. I love light and shadow, absurd conjunctions, and finding order in chaos, but I have discovered that I can't bend what's happening to suit the photo I might want to take. I need to be flexible to discover the photo that is there.
Kim, why and when did street photography become your THE thing? What exactly inspired you?
Kim Keller : I started moving every few months for a consulting job, and camera walks became my way of exploring new cities. Landing in a strange place without friends was initially daunting, but with the camera, it was fascinating. And I became completely hooked. I've lived in one place for more than ten years now, but I take every chance I can get to recreate my early experiences through travel and by finding unexplored corners of nearby cities.
Kim, pick your own Top-3 street shots for all of us!
Kim Keller : I have shared 3 of them with the back stories, check them here...
When you look deep within, did street photography change you?
Kim Keller : Yes. I think it's made me more observant and thoughtful. I'm shocked at gulf between what I saw pre-street photography and what I see now, with an experienced eye. Shadows, reflections, patterns - they were always there, but I didn't notice.
Kim, 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 . . .
Kim Keller : Don't try to force anything. Sometimes I think I know what sort of photo I want to take, but the light or scene isn't cooperating. Then I struggle and take shots I end up deleting. It's much better to make the most of what you see and play with what you have. You might not get what you intended, but you may just get something worth keeping.
Is there anything beyond that camera for a street photographer ?
Kim Keller : Just being able to move - remembering to check the scene from all angles. That is the first thing you try ever.
Is street photography your primary source of bread & butter?
Kim Keller : No - I'm a fundraiser for nonprofit organisations. I now work at a small museum. It's interesting to see other artists' take on the world.
Any shot you missed and you must have taken?
Kim Keller : Tons of shots I've missed! Heartbreak for every one of them.
Which camera(s) do you use? And what about your lenses and other accessories?
Kim Keller : Canon EOS R8 and a 28mm lens. That's all, most of the time.
Which other street photographers’ work inspires you the most?
Kim Keller : Alex Webb, Saul Leiter - I'm especially inspired by color right now.
What is your word of caution to amateur street photographers?
Kim Keller : Don't give up!
Will you call street photographers as travel photographers too?
Kim Keller : Yes - even if you're in your home town, you are looking at it with fresh eyes as a street photographer.
You are reading the SPG interview of Kim Keller - the street photographer
Any location that you dream to cover next? Or any place that you would want to revisit?
Kim Keller : I am excited at the thought of visiting vivid, crowded cities like Tokyo or Mumbai. I've never been, but I get the sense that the feel would be very different from places like Washington, DC and New York. I'm hoping to get there in the next few years.
What makes you say “Wow!” when you see some other street photographers’ work? (and the reverse)
Kim Keller : Often it's composition - the fantastic positioning of elements in the frame. Sometimes you see that someone has captured something so amazing that your jaw drops. You admire their patience, their eye, everything.
That is Kim Keller for all of you as she opens up her world of street photography for you!
You can connect with Kim Keller on Instagram
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