Lisbon Edition: Where in the World is ERIC?

As I write these lines from my laptop, while standing (with laptop on top of a microwave in the Airbnb kitchen of our apartment in Lisbon), we are preparing our last day with our moms.

Cindy, my mom, Cindy’s mom huddled around laptop. Lisbon, 2018

First sent out to ERIC KIM NEWSLETTER

Food adventure with our moms in Lisbon.

My mom, Cindy’s mom, Cindy and I had a phenomenal time here in Lisbon — enjoying the absolutely delicious spicy frango chicken, and also the epic home-cooking that our moms have been doing for us.

Family portrait at our Airbnb in Lisbon, 2018

Every day, our moms (while Cindy and I are usually still in bed), go to the local Lisbon farmers market, buys fresh groceries, fresh meats (most chicken/pork being around 1-2 euros for a kilogram (2 pounds)), and also go on little expeditions with one another.

Fish from my mom in Lisbon.

Barbecue chicken in the park with family. Lisbon, 2018

Our moms cooking at home. Lisbon, 2018

My moms spicy pork belly made at our Airbnb

Cindy’s moms amazing pulled chicken salad

Cindy and I have been working on some really cool video projects while in Marseille, and while here in Lisbon, we have been spending time interviewing our moms (Cindy did a video project titled: “The Undeniable Force of Kho Khan“), and I’ve been philosophizing a lot on why Street Photography is Empowerment.

Also Cindy and I worked together (for countless hours, and with endless espressos) perfecting our new book: “Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Mastering Street Photography” — thank all of you who picked up a copy. It has been a fun challenge distilling all of my knowledge in street photography, and writing a personal, honest, and practical/philosophical guide to street photography.

Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Mastering Street Photography

Traveling with (both) our moms

My mo filleting a fish, for home made ceviche

My moms home made fish ceviche

Some people ask — “How is it like traveling with both your moms?” To answer shortly: awesome. Having double-mom power is the biggest blessing — Cindy and I love our time talking with them, learning more about our childhood, and also about their personal goals/ambitions in life.

My mom having fun by the water

For example, I have been teaching my mom how to start her own photography blog in Korean– both on her Chromebook and on her phone. Cindy has been empowering her mom to take photos, create slideshows using the free ‘Quik’ app in the Google Play store, and also how to crop/create her own profile pictures.

Cindy’s mom and my mom, enjoying Portuguese Egg Tarts in Lisbon, a photo that puts a smile on my face :)

Cindy and her mom, lookout view in Lisbon

Cindy’s mom and heads in background

10 Life Epiphanies

Selfie of me and my mom. Lisbon, 2018

Also some life epiphanies I’ve had:

I prefer home-cooked food, rather than going out to fancy restaurants
Walking is very important for my mental health — I’ve been spending more time to just go on walks with my camera (RICOH GR II x ERIC KIM NECK STRAP).
There is never an ‘optimal’ time to publish or do anything. The secret is to just make the best out of everyday — and those little acts will snowball massively over time.
In photography, I love shooting high-contrast JPEG color (positive film preset on RICOH GR II), program mode, shooting while walking, and just shooting snapshots. Enjoying the joy of everyday photography.
The best photographer is the cheerful photographer.
Better to post your own photos to your own photography blog, than post it on social media.
Photography and art is about self-expression.
Street photography is surrealism.
Key to a happy life: Living a DYNAMIC (not static) life.
Monetizing your passion for photography won’t cause you to lose your passion.

Cindy and her mom laughing. “The Undeniable Force of Khó Khăn” Film

Next Stops: London, NYC, Los Angeles, Kyoto, Tokyo

Map of Lisbon, Portugal

Tonight we are leaving to the airport at 3am, and then heading to (hopefully warm) London.

Pigeon diving. Belen, 2018

We are crashing with our friends Simon & Lisa, and I’m teaching a London Conquer Your Fears in Street Photography Workshop this weekend.

Cindy with red scarf, blue tiled walls. Lisbon, 2018

I am also super excited that my sister ANNETTE is joining us for a new London HAPTIC Internship, where we are all going to work on some super exciting art projects for you!

Also upcoming is my 30th birthday — on Jan 31st. I hope to use this opportunity to reflect on my life, my values, and my future direction as well.

Headshot by John Hall

Then what is next?

In NYC I am doing a Conquer Your Fears Workshop Feb 21-22nd, then also a NYC Dynamic Street Photography Composition Workshop (Feb 24-25th). If you’re interested in a returning-student discount or a special bundled discount, contact my workshops manager at
neilta@gmail.com
March 31 I am teaching a Downtown LA / Conquer Your Fears in Street Photography and will hopefully spend some good quality time with Cindy’s family in the OC.
May, I am teaching a KYOTO-UJI / Zen Creative Photography Experience (May 2-5), and also a TOKYO / Travel Street Photography Experience (May 9-13th).

Then for the rest of the year? Not quite sure. but life is all about the ride.

Thank you

Portrait of Cindy with curved shadows. Lisbon, 2018

As always, thank you so much for supporting my journey with Cindy, and for your never-ending encouragement and support. None of this would be possible without you.

Gratefully,
ERIC

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