ERIC KIM

5 Tips How to Be Happy in Photography

Saigon, 2017

Some ways I’ve been able to find more happiness in my photography:

1. Don’t take photography too seriously

ERIC KIM x HENRI NECK STRAP

First tip, don’t take photography too seriously. Have fun. Remember, the point of life isn’t to be a good photographer – it is to live a good life.

Saigon, 2017

To me, photography should REMOVE stress, anxiety, and frustration from our life.

2. 15 minute walk can boost your mood

Saigon, 2017

Walking around the block with your camera is a good natural way to release stress, and to enjoy fresh air. I used to go for 15 minute walks as a natural stress relief at my day job. Even 15 minutes with my camera was able to get me 10 photos that made me happy, and to also delay responding to the 50 unread emails in my inbox.

3. Less uploading and sharing photos

Saigon, 2017

Ask yourself:

Do I make photos for myself, or my followers?

I started off at age 18 to make photos for myself. But then, I got addicted to social media, and would only hunt to get more favorites, likes, followers, and external affirmation.

Now, I deleted my Instagram, and I feel ZEN. I’m making more photos for myself, than trying to please others. As a result, I’m more joyful and happy.

4. Make more snapshots

Saigon, 2017

Don’t just take “serious” photos. Make snapshots of personal memories. You’ll be glad that you did, to look back and reminisce on nice memories.

5. Put the camera away

Portrait of GORDON PARKS, one of my new favorite photographers.

The best tip, know when to NOT make photos.

I don’t take photo of fireworks, I enjoy the moment with Cindy. I don’t shoot my food, I enjoy the taste before it gets cold. I don’t take selfies with friends, I enjoy their presence.

Saigon, 2017

Ultimate photography ZEN: don’t even need to make photos and enjoy your life.

BE STRONG,
ERIC

HAPTIC PRESS BOX

HAPTIC PRESS BOX – Photo by @captivatingtheunseen

To celebrate our love of books, we present to you HAPTIC PRESS BOX. The box includes all of our current HAPTIC PRESS books:

Only a limited number of HAPTIC PRESS BOXES will be available. We print in small artisanal print runs from California, so pick up a box before they run out.

HAPTIC PRESS BOOKS

FILM NOTES by HAPTICPRESS

Empower yourself:

  1. FILM NOTES
  2. STREET NOTES: PAPER EDITION
  3. PHOTO JOURNAL

See all HAPTIC products >

HAPTIC PRESS BOX x CINDY NGUYEN fulfills her childhood dream of a box company

BUY BOOKS, NOT GEAR

“Buy Books, Not Gear” by Eric Kim:

I love gear as much as the next guy. I always get suckered into thinking that if I buy a new camera, a new lens, or some new gadget– I will somehow be more creative, and inspired.

In reality, it never happens. All of my big breakthroughs in photography have been practicing (shooting a lot) and studying the master photographers. Especially buying photography books (lots of them). You are what you eat, if you look at lots of inspirational photography books, you will become inspired to make great images. I’ve regretted buying a ton of gear in the past, but have never regretted investing in photography books.

To learn more, read my original post: “Buy Books, Not Gear” and also see a list of my recommended photography books: 75+ Inspirational Photography Books You Gotta Own.

Also as an added bonus, here are some non-photography books which have influenced my life deeply: