Am I the Ahole for Taking Photos of People on the Streets of Toronto?

I’ve been wandering Toronto’s streets with my camera for years — from Kensington Market to the waterfront, from farmers’ markets to construction sites. I photograph moments that tell small stories: a vendor arranging her corn, cyclists pausing by the lake, a hockey player waiting for a ride, or someone dressed with fearless colour on a summer afternoon. These are the snapshots that make this city feel alive.

But every so often, someone asks me the question:

“Hey, isn’t it kind of rude to take photos of strangers?”

And that’s when I start to wonder — am I the bad guy here?

The Heart of Street Photography

Street photography has always been about observation — not intrusion. I don’t set up lights or ask people to pose; I let life happen as it is. Toronto is a mosaic of stories, and every street corner feels like a stage. My goal is to capture real, unfiltered moments — not to embarrass, exploit, or sensationalize anyone.

When I see someone selling produce with pride, or a group of friends cycling by the water, that’s part of our shared city rhythm. It’s art made from the everyday.

The Line Between Public and Private

In Canada, photographing people in public spaces is generally legal. But legality isn’t the same as respect. I always ask myself: does this moment celebrate the subject or invade it? If it feels too personal or if someone looks uncomfortable, I lower my camera.

Sometimes I’ll even show them the shot — most people smile and say, “That’s actually a nice photo.” And sometimes they just prefer not to be included, which is fine too. Toronto’s streets are big enough for everyone.

Why I Keep Doing It

Because street photography isn’t just about faces — it’s about life. It’s about the city breathing, people moving, and stories forming in split seconds. It’s about that vendor selling corn under morning light or that skater heading to the rink.

Every image is a small thank-you to the city that never stops giving scenes worth remembering.

Final Thoughts

So, am I the a**hole for taking photos of people on the streets of Toronto?

Maybe to a few — but I hope not. I think of myself more as a quiet storyteller, documenting what it means to live, work, and wander in this city.

If anything, I’m just one guy with a camera trying to remind everyone that beauty still exists in everyday life — if you stop long enough to see it.

At the end of the day, I’ll keep walking with my camera, being respectful, curious, and grateful. Because if no one documents these little slices of life, they’ll disappear faster than a streetcar at rush hour.