RED ERIC KIM by CINDY NGUYEN

DON’T BE A SUCKER TO THE PHOTOGRAPHY INDUSTRY

Dear friend,

Imma share you some tips how to fight the photography system, or the “photography illuminati”.

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One.

So the world of photography is funny. Imma share some secrets with you, and take you behind the red curtain– and show you the face of The Wizard of OZ.

First of all, all the photo companies are losing shitloads of money. I don’t think there is really any profitable camera companies anymore.

All the camera companies are dying. They’re dying to Apple, because the iPhone is the ultimate camera. To be honest, I think the only camera companies which will survive in the future are going to be the high-end “luxury” market, like Leica, Hasselblad, or any camera companies that play their cards right (Fujifilm going into Medium Format Digital is very smart).

So how do these dying photo companies stay alive? Obviously sell you more shit.

They want you to upgrade your camera every 6 months, with every new version. They want you to buy more lenses, for more “bokeh”, or longer lenses (to show off to your friends that you are a “Pro”).

Two. Don’t trust photo bloggers

Don’t trust no photo blogger. Especially ERIC KIM. To be frank, we’re all slaves to camera companies. We get free shit, nice paid for travel and hotels, and this feeling of being “important.” I won’t lie, I’ve had my hand greased a few times.

Never trust camera review sites that rely on “affiliate links”. Only trust the “subscription” sites. Therefore, you know you can trust their opinion. Because if I’m reviewing a camera with an affiliate link, is it really in my best interests to say something really bad?

We are all self-interested, obviously.

Three.

Everyone wants your money and attention, including myself.

It is a global battle for your eyeballs, your ears, your attention, your time, and your money.

Facebook is an advertising platform that serves you things you might like to buy. And don’t trust Instagram, you know that Facebook bought them for $1 Billion right? And how is Facebook gonna make money off you via Instagram? Yup, selling your personal data and browsing behavior to advertising companies.

Four.

It’s fine to buy cameras and gear. Just don’t be a sucker. Know that your pangs and gear lust (gear acquisition syndrome) come from the following sources:

  1. YouTube gear reviewer who make money off YouTube ads.
  2. Gear blogger and photography gear bloggers, with affiliate links.
  3. Your friends Instagramming their new camera or “camera porn”
  4. Almost any photography website with Google Ads

I’m not immune. This is why I don’t look at any photography websites anymore. And when I do, I use Adblock extensions to block that shit. I also deleted my Instagram, so I feel less envy of not having the newest gear.

Five.

There’s really nobody to “fight”, but yourself.

I think it’s about finding personal meaning in your photography. To already acknowledge that you are an artist. And you don’t gotta buy an expensive camera to be a “real” photographer. Your mom and you (as long as you have a smartphone) are a photographer.

Realize a lot of photography bloggers wanna sell you shit. I guess I’m lucky, I don’t make a living selling cameras or off advertising. Rather, I make a living from workshop experiences, HAPTIC products, and books.

Six.

Be skeptical. Always.

Don’t trust camera reviews. Buy a camera on Amazon and return it after 30 days if you don’t like it. Or go to a camera store and hold and play with the camera in your hands.

Film cameras are cool too, because you don’t need to “upgrade” them. Hit up my boy Bellamy Hunt at JAPAN CAMERA HUNTER and Vishal from CAMERA FILM PHOTO.

Seven.

I’m an American consumerist. My religion is based off advertising, buying shit, and trying to find happiness in a Gucci handbag.

I seek happiness in a blacked-out BMW. In a Leica camera. In earning over $200,000 USD a year. In owning a home.

The only “happiness” I’ve found in life is the Greek definition of “eudaimonia”–which is “human flourishing.”

Therefore to me, happiness is to flourish creatively.

To flourish creatively is simple:

Create and share more art.

To distill:

  1. Create more. Make more photos, just use the easiest camera. Use your phone, or the camera you already own.
  2. Share more. Own your own platform, make your own website (1and1.com and WordPress.org) and build your own “photo blog.” Still use social media, but don’t be a slave to a “free” platform. Remember the Silicon Valley saying, “If you’re using a free product, you are the product.”

If you don’t have your platform, post your photos and art to ERIC KIM FORUM.

BE STRONG,
ERIC