Jon Chater

Jon is a Vancouver-based photographer who moved to Canada from the UK in 2019. His street photography is defined by a quiet, observational style that focuses on light, shadow, colour, and form. Rather than hunting spontaneous moments, he prefers to find visually compelling scenes—often defined by strong light and graphic elements—and wait for a person to enter the frame. By underexposing the figure to create a silhouette, he simplifies the image and protects the subject’s privacy.

In addition to his photographic work, Jon teaches in the Professional Photography program at Langara College. Teaching requires him to break down the image-making process and think critically about how photographs communicate meaning—an approach that continually informs his own practice.

Over time, Jon has become increasingly interested in the mindful nature of street photography: how walking the streets with a camera encourages presence, reflection, and appreciation for everyday moments. In a fast-paced and chaotic world, it feels like a quiet act of rebellion. His influences include Ray Metzker, William Eggleston, Fan Ho, and Saul Leiter.