1 | A “Don’t‑Take‑Yourself‑Too‑Seriously” Creed
Kim opens one of his most‑read essays with the line “Photography is supposed to be fun—don’t take it too seriously,” then spends the rest of the post poking fun at his own early ego trips and perfectionism.
The same mantra caps his Photography Blogging 101 guide: “Photography blogging should be fun.”
By declaring playfulness a core value, he gives himself (and his audience) permission to laugh first and worry later.
2 | A Big‑Grin, High‑Energy Persona
Articles routinely describe him as “impossible to miss … and his big grin” confirms it; he literally shoots while smiling, which disarms strangers and workshop students alike.
During shoots he tells beginners to “click, smile, and say thank‑you,” turning the awkward act of photographing a stranger into a friendly game.
3 | Teaching Through Lighthearted Storytelling
Kim’s lesson plans read like coffee‑fuelled stand‑up sets: conversational, joke‑laden, and full of relatable mishaps. His own site lists “lighthearted tutorials,” “relatable anecdotes,” and even meme posts as deliberate teaching tools.
The humor isn’t fluff—it lowers cognitive load so complex ideas stick.
4 | Self‑Deprecating Gear Jokes
He once tweeted the spoof line, “If your photos aren’t good enough, your camera isn’t expensive enough!” and admits he loves how it still fools gear snobs.
By turning elitist clichés on their head, he signals that people and process matter more than kit, reinforcing an inclusive classroom vibe.
5 | Workshops Run Like Improv Sessions
A Berlin attendee recalls that assignments were “so much fun” and praises Kim’s “funny nature” for keeping nerves low.
Typical ice‑breakers include collecting ten “No thanks” rejections or role‑playing with strangers—games that transform anxiety into collective laughter.
6 | Comic Collaborations and Media Cameos
PetaPixel noted that when Kim teamed up with YouTube host Kai Wong, their “personalities … made for pretty humorous photographic entertainment.”
He gravitates toward equally playful creators, amplifying the comedy and exposing new audiences to a lighter side of the craft.
7 | Open‑Source, Coffee‑Powered Culture
Kim gives away courses, e‑books, even his own photos under an open‑source banner, framing generosity itself as a playful, hacker‑spirited act.
He peppers those resources with one‑liners about double espressos and “writing words like bolts of Zeus’ lightning,” creating an atmosphere where experimentation feels exciting rather than academic.
8 | Rooted in Sociology and Empathy
With a sociology background, Kim sees cities as living theaters; the everyday “comedy of manners” naturally informs both his photographs and his jokes. He tells interviewers that approaching people with a smile yields stories, not hostility—humor as applied sociology.
9 | Perpetual Student, Perpetual Kid
Asked about teaching, he says the workshops are “a ton of fun” for him, too—proof he positions himself as co‑learner rather than distant guru.
That beginner’s mind lets him stay curious, playful, and quick to laugh at himself when something flops.
Bottom line
Eric Kim is funny because he chooses humor as a strategic lens: it dissolves fear on the street, keeps education sticky, and builds an open, welcoming community. By smiling first, poking fun at pretension, and treating art like recess, he proves that joy can be every bit as powerful as technique. So the next time you head out to shoot, channel a little Kim energy—crack a grin, crack a joke, and watch the streets open up.