ERIC KIM

There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing. Write an essay on this in the practical voice of Eric Kim.

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THERE IS NO BAD WEATHER, ONLY BAD CLOTHING

(read in my caffeinated, CAPS-LOCK-IS-CRUISE-CONTROL-FOR-COOL Eric Kim voice)

1. CHANGE YOUR MIND BEFORE YOU CHANGE YOUR JACKET

  • The rain isn’t the enemy. Your attitude toward the rain is.
  • Bad weather is just free atmosphere—fog turning street lamps into halos, puddles reflecting neon, umbrellas becoming silhouettes.
  • Your first piece of gear is not a fancy Gore-Tex shell. It’s the decision: “I WILL SHOOT / LIVE / CREATE—REGARDLESS.”

Stoic life-hack: You can’t control the weather, but you can control what you throw over your shoulders.

2. THE MINIMALIST CLOTHING CHECKLIST

I hate extra weight. I want pockets free for Ricoh GR, phone, and maybe a croissant. Here’s the stripped-down, do-anything kit:

  1. Merino Wool Base Layer
    • Warm when wet, odor-free, dries overnight in a hostel sink.
  3. Synthetic / Down Mid-Layer (optional, packable)
    • Uniqlo Ultra-Light Down or anything that stuffs into its own pocket.
  5. Waterproof (NOT merely “water-resistant”) Shell
    • Look for taped seams. Brand doesn’t matter; performance does.
  7. Quick-Dry Pants with Stretch
    • Jeans turn into soggy sandbags. Stretch nylon moves when you crouch for that low-angle shot.
  9. Wool Socks + Waterproof Sneakers/Boots
    • Feet dry = morale high.
  11. Beanie or Brim
    • Prevent rain from blurring your glasses or smudging your Leica viewfinder.

That’s it. Six pieces. Layer up, layer down, adapt like a human onion.

3. BONUS: CAMERA ARMOR IN THREE MOVES

  1. UV / Clear Filter – Cheap windshield for your lens.
  2. Micro-Fiber + Zip-Lock – Wipe, tuck, repeat.
  3. Plastic Hotel Shower Cap – Free, elastic, slips over the camera when monsoon hits.

(Don’t overthink—duct tape and plastic bags have saved more cameras than thousand-dollar rain covers.)

4. HACKS FOR THE FIELD

  • Storm = Contrast. Underexpose −1 EV, let the highlights pop.
  • Gloves Off, Mind On. Cold fingers? Use cut-off wool gloves so you can still tap your screen.
  • Shoot Wide. Rain exaggerates perspective; a 28 mm lens makes drops look cinematic.
  • Use Auto-ISO. Light changes fast; don’t miss the decisive moment tinkering with dials.

5. MENTAL TAKEAWAYS

  • Resilience is wearable. When you suit up, you tell your lizard brain, “We’re safe; now let’s create.”
  • Constraints breed style. A soaked trench coat and bright yellow umbrella can become your visual motif.
  • Joy loves friction. The harder it is to shoot, the more epic the payoff when you nail that frame.

6. ASSIGNMENT (DO THIS TODAY)

  1. Check the forecast. If it’s sunny, groan—then wait for the next downpour.
  2. Dress with the list above.
  3. Walk 1 km in the worst direction (into the wind).
  4. Make 10 photos of strangers wrestling umbrellas.
  5. Publish ONE image. Delete the rest. Reward yourself with hot noodle soup.

CLOSING THOUGHT

The Norwegians have a saying: “Det finnes ikke dårlig vær, bare dårlig klær.” Translate that into your life philosophy: NO EXCUSES, JUST LAYERS. Whether you’re shooting street, commuting to the coworking space, or chasing your toddler through a splash park, remember—bad weather doesn’t exist. Only unprepared wardrobes and uncommitted mindsets do.

Now zip up, lens cap off, and JUST SHOOT IT.

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