A New Chapter for Eric Kim Street Photography

by Eric Kim on July 13, 2011

Long story short, I recently got laid off my job and now I am doing what I have always wanted to do–pursue my street photography full-time! I just wanted to personally thank everyone out there for giving me all this love and support through the last year. I couldn’t have made it so far without you guys. <3

Some of you may be curious how I plan on doing street photography full-time. Hopefully I will be able to make a living by selling shirts, through advertisements and sponsorships, and also by doing street photography workshops in LA and all around the world.

(I am teaching an introductory street photography workshop in LA July 30-31st, so please email me at erickimphotography@gmail.com if you’re interested).

Considering I also will do street photography full-time, stay updated for this blog. I really plan on ramping up the content I produce, including more interviews, videos, how-to-guides, and other goodies. Thank you guys again so much for the love and support– you guys rock :)

Any words of encouragement or advice you can give me in being a full-time street photographer? Please leave a comment below :)

Tagged as: eric kim, full time, street photography

  • Alix Passage

    You don’t need any help! You’ve obviously got the talent and the passion, all you needed was the TIME to dedicate to it…and now you’ve got that too! Keep on keepin’ on dude!

    • http://erickimphotography.com/blog Eric Kim

      Got it Alix!

  • http://www.marcofiori.co.uk Marco Fiori

    Eric, obviously losing your job is never a nice thing. However, now you have the time to put to your passion. Go for it and never look back. It’ll be hard, but worthwhile.

    • http://erickimphotography.com/blog Eric Kim

      Thank you Marco! I am prepared for the tough times, but I am confident :)

  • Anonymous

    Good luck to you, Eric! I admire the commitment you’re making. You’ll need some luck (I don’t mean that in a derogatory way) so I hope you get it and everything works out for you. Of course, this means more content for readers so that is good for us too!

    • http://erickimphotography.com/blog Eric Kim

      Thank you Brisco! Hopefully the luck will pay out ;D

  • http://martoscbox.wordpress.com/ Martosc, [Gm]

    As The Byrds said:
    “To Everything (Turn, Turn, Turn)
    There is a season (Turn, Turn, Turn)
    And a time to every purpose, under Heaven”

    Good luck with your new endeavor…

    • http://erickimphotography.com/blog Eric Kim

      Thanks so much for the kind words :) Truly inspirational quote too…

  • http://www.flickr.com/photos/clear01/ Clear01

    All the best to you Eric ! You provide a lot of good info and inspiration. Don’t worry too much, you have our support !

    • http://erickimphotography.com/blog Eric Kim

      <33333

  • Dan

    Good luck man! We love you here, obviously! I just wanted to say: i hope the workshops are very popular and self-sustaining! If you do one in NYC, I might go.

    • http://erickimphotography.com/blog Eric Kim

      Thanks Dan! I hope on doing one in NYC, stay posted :D

  • Andy

    Where can I buy your prints on full canvas? :)

    • http://erickimphotography.com/blog Eric Kim

      You can check out my prints here: http://erickimphotography.zenfolio.com/

      Also let me know if you see any prints you would like that doesn’t show up! :D

      • Andy

        Thanks man! Found the one I was looking for (UFO in SM) – 1 block from my house… going to pick up a few more too :)

        • http://erickimphotography.com/blog Eric Kim

          Keep me posted ;)

  • http://twitter.com/roblarosa Rob LaRosa

    Sorry to hear about you being laid-off, but as the saying goes “When one door closes, another one opens”. Good luck!

    • http://erickimphotography.com/blog Eric Kim

      :) Thanks for the quote Rob, really exciting :)

  • http://www.flickr.com/photos/jasonstclair-photography/ Jason St Clair Newman

    One door closes another opens :)
    If you do what you love the rest will follow, I’d say good luck, but I don’t think you need it, you’ll make your own, your passion and love for what you do shows through and people admire that, and will support you.
    Just don’t forget about London UK for your workshops ;)
    Keep up the great work.
    jason

    • http://erickimphotography.com/blog Eric Kim

      Thanks Jason, will definitely be headed to the UK again soon :)

  • Jorge Quinteros

    I guess the customary thing to say in a moment like this would be “I’m sorry to hear that” but you’re a special case and I mean that as a compliment. I can’t recall specifically how or when I came across your site but when I did, the type of writing and photographs I saw were far from ordinary in the sense that the person behind everything was beyond passionate for what they were doing. I have no doubt that from this point on, you as a photographer and us as readers will grow around this specific niche of photography.

    I look forward to your potential workshop in New York because I’ll undoubtedly be among the attendants. Best of luck of luck in your new career. I’ve always wondered about how one can actually become a “full-time street photographer” and I’m counting on you to be the poster boy for this dream that I’m sure many people have. I’m already envious for the travel aspect of this new opportunity of yours.

    • http://erickimphotography.com/blog Eric Kim

      Jorge, you have been there with me since the beginning and I thank you sincerely for sticking with me. If anything, your constant encouragement has given me the confidence to do this. Will keep you posted ;)

  • Brent

    Hi Eric,

    The Dalai Lama said, “The purpose of our lives is to be happy.” If you are pursuing your passion, what else really matters? Good luck and all the best.

    • http://erickimphotography.com/blog Eric Kim

      Thanks Brett. Truly wise words from the Dalai Lama :)

  • http://twitter.com/banthehyphen s lall

    All the best Eric, if you ever do a workshop in DC, I will definitely sign up!

  • Jon Savage

    Keep in touch Eric- this is an exciting new chapter of your life. Give me a shout If I can do anything to help

    • http://erickimphotography.com/blog Eric Kim

      Thank you so much Jon :)

  • Jayhyun

    WTFFFFFF i had out through fb/your blog?!?! damnnnnnn that sucks but also i know you’ve been wanting to do street photography full time so i guess this is a good kick in the behind to get started! thanks for helping me out so much–i owe you. let me know if you need help (by any means)!

    • http://erickimphotography.com/blog Eric Kim

      Thanks for the love dawg <3

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=655448961 Diana Martinez

    Eric you’re so money you don’t even know it! You’re such an amazing person, keep your head up and don’t worry about the what-if’s. I would totally take any of your workshops! Please keep in touch! Thanks for all your camera advice.

    -d

    • http://erickimphotography.com/blog Eric Kim

      Fashos girl! :D

  • http://www.facebook.com/ChrisseBe Christian Bengtsson

    Stoked for u man! =)

  • http://www.jarediorio.com jarediorio

    I don’t think I’ve ever heard of someone making a living off street photography, but best of luck to you Eric!!!

  • Thejimcox

    Eric….Follow your dream…No! Chase your dream, you are so talented you will be fine!! You have hooked me on street photography….I’m going to chase it and I’m old! You have to Go For It!!

  • http://twitter.com/drole Rodel Mendrez

    good luck man! i’ve been reading your blog for a month now, it inspired me to do street photography. hope you can visit and do workshop in New Zealand as well if you plan to travel the world.. cheers!

  • Anonymous

    I just wanted to say good luck, Eric. I’m just starting out in photography and I was lucky enough to find your site, it is amazing. Being new to photography the roughest thing was finding what I like to shoot and I think street is it (so much so, that I sold my T2i and am now waiting patiently for my Fuji X100 to arrive.) I can’t wait to see what you have in store, I’ll of course be following you on your journey, and hopefully one day I can join you for a workshop.

  • http://twitter.com/stevemullis Steve Mullis

    Keep calm and carry on sir. I’m sure you’ll do great — your enthusiasm and passion has spurned me to turn my photography interests toward street photography after recently moving to D.C., a great place for interesting people and scenes.

    Like you said, blessing in disguise. We’ll all be watching, reading and hopefully shopping.

  • http://kenmorico.com/blog Ken Morico

    What about selling an ebook or special audio / video podcast course? If you make the checkout process easy I’m sure you’ll have some buyers. Clearly you are well-liked so I’m sure you’ll have plenty of opportunities.

    • http://erickimphotography.com/blog Eric Kim

      Great idea Ken, thanks for the suggestion! :)

  • Santintheworld

    Good luck, Eric, you deserve the best!

    • http://erickimphotography.com/blog Eric Kim

      Thank you Santi! :D

  • http://www.flickr.com/photos/jkmcdonald/ Jason

    Eric, I wish you the best! You’ve got our support!

    • http://erickimphotography.com/blog Eric Kim

      Thanks for the love Jason!

  • Danny St

    I’m scared for you.. but also excited and a bit jealous that you now get to do this thing you love full-time. I’ve always wondered how things would be if I got to do photography everyday rather than ever weekend. Now you got this opportunity… and I’m happy for you. Keep your eyes open for all kinds of opportunities that’s sure to come your way.

    With your talent and passion, you’re definitely going places, man.

    • http://erickimphotography.com/blog Eric Kim

      Let’s meet up in Singapore soon? BTW, why don’t you do more portrait jobs? Your work is phenomenal…

      • http://www.dannyst.com Danny St

        Why not, let’s do that :) Hit me up when you get the chance to pass by.

        Thanks, man. I’m currently working on increasing my folio in portraiture to hopefully get some portrait jobs. I’m starting with some of the strangers I took portraits of :)

  • Lrjanzen

    Good luck! I hope everything goes well. Any workshops planned for the Boston area?

    • http://erickimphotography.com/blog Eric Kim

      You think there would be interest?

  • Philip Rice

    Hi Eric – I really like your blog and follow it regularly. I’ve just started street photography recently and really like it, I’d definitely be interested in taking a workshop with you over the next year or so. Have you considered selling prints of your work, in addition to t-shirts? Good luck and, if/when you feel any fear, just use it to fuel your photography!

    • http://erickimphotography.com/blog Eric Kim

      Hey Phillip–thanks for the input! Stay tuned for my workshops ;) Also prints haven’t been selling well (although I got them). Thx for the love!

  • Kaushal Parikh

    So sorry to hear about the job but i truly believe that everything happens for a reason and the reason in this case is clearly for you to bring street photography its due. Power to you my friend! And hopefully we will meet soon:-)

  • Anonymous

    When one door closes another opens. Maybe it’s time for you to strike in your photography career then. If not you’ll know soon enough but I do wish you the best. It’s a tough economy right now. Don’t be afraid to supplement your new career with a part-time something if you need to. Sending good karma your way.

  • Andrés Bernal Guarín.

    Go for it!!!!! Good luck from Colombia!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Andrés Bernal Guarín.

    Go for it!!!!! Good luck from Colombia!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Sepia-Prince/1816737124 Sepia Prince

    When I was downsized back in the Fall of 2009, I didn’t fret because it allowed time for me to finally learn about what I had been putting off – the art of photography. Almost two years later, after learning about exposure value, ISO, etc., creating images with a camera is my new form of meditation and your “street” tips have helped tremendously in this genre.

    My point? I am not sad for you because I KNOW that you will take this endeavor, Eric Kim Street Photography, upwards multiple levels, brother. When you come through to Zoo York City, we’ll be here. Give thanks…

    ~ SP

    • http://erickimphotography.com/blog Eric Kim

      Yeeeeeeeeeee

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Abe-Al-otb/100001739002115 Abe Al-otb

    hope you all the best

  • Brandon Marcoux

    Awesome stuff, just came upon your blog for the first time.
    Just an idea, trying selling prints to local restaurants! A lot of “hip” restaurants near colleges etc. around where i live feature local street photos on the walls..I’m thinking selling prints and doing some portraits on the side if you can are your best bet at doing what you intend.
    I wish you the best of luck! Do you have a flickr or tumblr?

  • Barry Khan

    Hey congrats on taking a leap. I’ve been self employed for only 2 years doing both web design and photography. Its worked out well as I’ve not relied on the photography soley so I still enjoy it hugely.

    Would be good to have a few sources of income : blogging, workshops, portrait sessions etc so you can still enjoy it. Do you read the strobist. I think he has a pretty decent model in place for having a career in photography blogging.

    Congratulations, all the best.

  • Jörg Richner

    Wow! I mean… just wow. Congrats for that, Eric. Whenever you will teach a Street Photography workshop here in Switzerland again, count me in. I have learned very much from your workshop in may.

  • Thevegasgonzo

    Good luck Eric & remember life is what you make of it…Godspeed!

  • http://www.newlyswissed.com Dimitri

    Hey Eric! Having known you for just a short time, I have no doubts that you will find a way to bundle all that energy and do something great!

    Remember that you have a blogger buddy in Switzerland who also does street photography… Just let me know if there is anything I can do to help you achieve your goals!

  • deszedol

    all the best and godspeed!!

  • http://500px.com/nederskov Kenneth N

    Hi Eric,
    The best of luck with going full time on your life project :-) Be creative. Have business cards on your tours on the street. Maybe some of those street portraits could be sold to the “victims”. Have the guts to try everything.
    All the best

  • Anonymous

    So much for that X100, huh? Great luck Eric, it’ll probably work out for you as you already have a bit of a name in the world of photography (I mean, the Leica/Magnum trip + those POV videos). Go go go!

    p.s Who needs a day-job anyhow?

  • joe rocco

    First piece of advice … BE NICER TO YOUR SISTER. LOL

    I worked at a place that did the whole downsize thing about 5 years ago. The first year was a little nerve racking … but you quickly get over that and embrace your new found freedom … the freedom to not have to sit in an office making money for someone else. And once you get a taste of that … you will work your butt off to not have to go back to “working for the man”.

    Good luck and stay positive. One thing always leads to the next and when you look back years later … you realize … it’s all good.

  • Roch Laurent

    Good luck with your career !
    I wish you the best ! Able to live his passion is what is most exciting.

    Best

    Laurent

  • Tan Tien Yun

    Dear Eric,

    I wish you the best. It wouldn’t be easy, and especially where you are, its a tough world out there. You will have to work very hard before you see your first dollar. You will face obstacles, hardship, rejections and at times you will wonder if its all worth it. You will be hungry.

    That is fine! You have to be hungry to milk every opportunity that comes by. Be aggressive, be tough.
    And always, always never think you are good enough! Its great you have this a passion, but it will take more than just passion to make this as a career. You need faith, and I hope you never lose sight of that.

    I quietly had seen how much effort you have put into this site, and right now you have a couple of ropes in hand to move forward. Make maximum use to leverage yourself, and be open what they have to open. The first few years will be hard because it’s a steep learning curve, but once you make a reputation, your money will be a multiplying factor.

    That’s all I have to say to you. If you ever come by to Shanghai, China, look me up

    Regards, TY Tan

  • http://spaghettitree.tumblr.com/ tani P.

    Hey Eric,
    I went out street shooting the day after reading one your posts & have been inspired by your stuff ever since; keep it up! If you will it, it is no dream, dude.
    As for making this a real-deal job: sell your prints? Possible advertising gigs? Event photography (kinda street-like in its candor). All the best.

  • http://twitter.com/Gazonthestreet Gazonthestreet

    Hi Eric, This isn’t the end, but the start of an exciting new chapter in your career!! As a keen follower of your blog from here in the UK, you’ll have no trouble going full-time. Couldn’t make your last workshop in Brighton, but if you come here again would love to take part. By the way I want to order a T shirt, but can’t find anywhere on the website that says what the sizes correspond to in chest size?

    Best wishes

    Gaz

  • Anonymous

    Eric,

    If you pursue anything in life with the passion you have for photography, you will be successful. Please come and host a workshop here in Chicago.

  • Rick P

    Hey Eric. You are internet famous and have a large following/influence with street photography. Give it all you’ve got because if anyone has a chance to make a go of it, it’s you. Keep exploring options on how to make money, sounds like you hav some solid ideas.

    With your travel photos, ever think about creating a themed book and selling it? Christmas in Vietnam, new years in tiwan, that sort of thing. Self publishing in paper and PDF could bring you some cash. Just an idea.

    Take I easy, I’m lookIng forward to the updates and photos!

  • Rick P

    Hey Eric. You are internet famous and have a large following/influence with street photography. Give it all you’ve got because if anyone has a chance to make a go of it, it’s you. Keep exploring options on how to make money, sounds like you hav some solid ideas.

    With your travel photos, ever think about creating a themed book and selling it? Christmas in Vietnam, new years in tiwan, that sort of thing. Self publishing in paper and PDF could bring you some cash. Just an idea.

    Take I easy, I’m lookIng forward to the updates and photos!

  • Anonymous

    Clap Clap Clap !! I’m so happy for you !!
    Dreams come true huh ?!
    I envy you ^^
    Hope one day mine will come true too ^^

  • Magnus Hovland

    Good luck Eric! I’ve only followed you for a short time, but I’m sure you’ll have great success with pursuing street photography full time :) If you ever come to Norway you can count on me showing up! :P

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1345519059 Stephan Lanzinger

    Hi Eric,

    good luck for this exciting new challenge!!! I have been following your blog only for a few weeks but I love what you are doing and have already benefitted a lot from it. I’m looking forward to getting a lot of new inspiration from you, now that you are a full-time street photographer!

    Greetings from Cairo
    Stephan

  • http://twitter.com/artemusjenkins Artemus Jenkins

    As someone who also got laid off from the same job as a matter of fact, it does suck in that first moment when you realize you don’t have guaranteed money anymore. But then the question is how many times did you say to yourself, there is so much more I could do if I just had more time?

    This is that opportunity, the gift you have to give is thru photography and that’s why you are in this situation. Judging from what I’ve seen on this blog, photography has and will open more doors for you than whatever that job was. Plus with that social media experience, you have all the weapons you need to revolutionize people’s knowledge and appreciation for the art.

    Long story short; FUCK THAT JOB!

  • http://pbg.lt pbg

    congratulations! I myself quit my day job (which I was on for about 10 years and) 2 months ago. and from that time I’m doing only photography: weddings, commercials, private shoots. everything is fine until you get lazy. Don’t forget that on the foggy morning when you’re gonna be lying in your bed and thinking ‘oh come on, I don’t have to do anything, I’m selemployed’ :) tak care

  • Pasquale Astone

    Good luck Eric and…go for it!

  • McFarlaneImaging

    I recently quit my full time job as a line cook to pursue my career in photography and was met with nothing but support from my friends family and firmer employer. It’s a big plunge and I’ve often thought of getting part time work to balance the books but I’m keeping at it. If you do a workshop anywhere in Ontario, Canada, I’ll bring a crowd to support you!

  • SteveSFO

    I’ve been on the receiving side and unfortunately had to be on the giving side when it came to lay-off’s. One of the best things that happened to me was that a company replaced me with someone $10/hr less than what I was making. It forced my career upwards and looking back it was the best thing that happened on what was a pretty crappy day.

    I think your plan is sound. One piece of advice I give out to those who recently was let go is to follow where your heart is at. There will always be time to get a job…. although tough right now…. I think you have a chance to push your love of photography in newer directions. Give it a try and if it seems like you need to find a steady job…. at least you’ll know that you gave it a try.

    Too many of us… like me…. got swayed into a career choice that really isn’t based on interest or love. Net result… not happy.

    So… give it a try.
    Also, if you do come up to the San Francisco Bay Area…. give me a shout out.

    SteveSFO

    • http://www.erickimphotography.com Eric Kim

      Huge thanks for the shout-out Steve and advice. Also I will be visiting the Bay soon… could you email me your phone #?

    • http://erickimphotography.com/blog Eric Kim

      Will definitely hit you up Steve. Could you email me your phone #?

  • http://twitter.com/tgshinohara Takeshi S

    best of luck man! but thanks to you I got interested in street photography. Just follow your passion and hope to see you in Japan if you visit here!

  • Kst

    Eric,

    Best of luck. Please do a workshop in the Pacific Northwest — Portland, Seattle, Vancouver or Victoria would all be good choices.

    Kit Taylor
    http://www.arovingvision.com

  • Matt

    I’ve been reading your blog now for several weeks. I had no idea that street photography was a genre. I’ve always liked these candid shots of every day life. You are talented, eager to learn and just as eager to share. I think your ambition and drive will take you to far greater heights than you may have originally envision. I wish you all the best in your new beginnings.

    Matt

  • http://www.lorenkahle.com Loren Kahle

    Hey I bought a t-shirt to help you out, Eric. I really enjoy your blog and facebook posts to keep me inspired in my own street photography, which I love.

    • http://erickimphotography.com/blog Eric Kim

      Thanks for the love and support Loren! :D

  • Pingback: The Reality of Being a Full-Time Street Photographer — Eric Kim Street Photography

  • Eric Pan

    good luck for your new career. you might be able to think about other products to prompt “street photography”, which we all love. like camera strip?

  • Pingback: A Personal Reflection on the Last 6 Months of My Life — Eric Kim Street Photography

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