VANCOUVER
STREET PHOTOGRAPHY COLLECTIVE
Photo by James Houston
Highlight
Photo by Mike Wong
MAY 2026 GRANVILLE ISLAND PHOTOWALK
In the early twentieth century, Granville Island was a gritty, smoke-stacked industrial powerhouse packed with ironworks and corrugated tin factories. The area eventually fell into decay, but a spectacular rebirth in the 1970s transformed the industrial wasteland into a pedestrian-friendly public space where old warehouses were repurposed into artisan studios. Today, it stands as one of Vancouver's premier cultural hubs, where raw industrial history beautifully coexists with a brilliant explosion of art and community life.
This rich mix of heritage textures and modern brightness made it the perfect backdrop for our latest photo walk challenge. We assigned each photographer a single colour to hunt for, forcing them to look past the overall hustle of the island and isolate specific hues hidden within the landscape.
Explore the gallery page. Can you decode the assignments and guess which photographer had which colour?
Background photo by Jax Kokuryo
What’s On
Avril Orloff
Each month, we shine a spotlight on one of our collective’s unique voices. Dive into the story behind the lens—learn what inspires their work, what drives their creative process, and discover their top tips for fellow photographers. Don’t miss their handpicked selection of three standout images. This month’s featured member is ready to shift your perspective.
Introducing Special Interest Groups (SIGs)
Special Interest Groups (SIGs) are small, member-led groups within VanSPC focused on specific aspects of photography and photographic practice. These groups provide space for learning, discussion, and hands-on exploration around shared interests, allowing members to go deeper into the craft together.
From long-standing groups like the Photo Book Club to newer initiatives such as the Print Club and Show n’ Tell, SIGs reflect the evolving interests of the collective. Each group meets independently and contributes to the broader culture of learning, inspiration, and thoughtful engagement that defines VanSPC.
Check out our current VanSPC SIGS in the menu at the top of the page.
Barry Johnson
Barry Johnson was a beloved photographer, longtime supporter, and member of VanSPC whose work captured the spirit of the neighbourhood around East Broadway and Commercial Drive. Through his long-running project, The Hub, Barry created a powerful visual record of community, change, and everyday life in East Vancouver. His photographs remain a lasting gift to the city and to all who value the stories found in ordinary moments.
We invite you to visit the tribute page to celebrate Barry’s life, his work, and the legacy he leaves behind.
Recent
New Collective Members
VanSPC welcomes the following new members to the Collective:
Click on their names for their biographies, or click Explore to learn more about all our members.
See It, Snap It Photowalk
Members of the public joined our members for a one hour introductory street photography walk through downtown Vancouver, starting from the Pink Alley (Alley-Oop) just off Granville Street.
We moved through a series of nearby locations that lent themselves to layered scenes, strong light and shadow, and reflections. The emphasis was on learning how to read the street and anticipate moments as they unfold.
Along the group covered practical shooting considerations including focal length choices, exposure strategies, and working with motion and blur in busy urban environments. We also touched on positioning, timing, and how to shoot unobtrusively in crowded spaces.
See It, Like It,
Take It
"See it, Like it, Take it" was a pop-up street photography exhibit that features a collection of street photographs displayed on the walls of the Pink Alley. Attendees were encouraged to stroll through the exhibition, interact with the images, and express their appreciation by indicating their favorite ones.
What set this event apart was its participatory nature. Viewers not only got to enjoy the diverse range of photographs but also had the opportunity to take home their favorite images. The interactive element transformed the exhibition into a constantly evolving and dynamic showcase. "See it, Like it, Take it" was a celebration of the public's connection with photography.
