Eric Kim often photographs with a compact camera and flash, engaging directly with his subjects at close range. This fearless approach is a hallmark of his candid street photography style, helping him capture authentic, energetic moments. He believes in getting close and being part of the scene rather than remaining a distant observer . The result is images bursting with life and personality, reflecting Kim’s own enthusiasm and bold creative vision.
Fearless Street Photography Style
Eric Kim has built a reputation for his bold, up-close street photography that captures the raw humanity of everyday life. Known for an energetic and candid approach, he often shoots at close range – sometimes with a flash – to immerse himself in the scene rather than hide in the background . This technique results in intimate, authentic images of people in their daily routines. Kim’s style emphasizes emotion and storytelling over technical perfection. “I ultimately want to make photos that make people happy and laugh and help [people] see more of the positivity and optimism in life,” Kim explains . Even when his photos appear gritty or dark, his goal is to find the beauty and humor in the moment and share that joy with the viewer . By fearlessly approaching strangers and engaging with them, he brings out genuine expressions and moments of connection. This fearless style did not come automatically – Kim admits he was once “deathly afraid” of photographing strangers, but street photography helped him become far more confident . Today, his vibrant images and daring techniques stand out, inspiring many other photographers to step outside their comfort zones and capture life more boldly.
A Philosophy of Joy and Positivity
What truly sets Eric Kim apart is his personal philosophy toward photography and life, which centers on finding joy, meaning, and positivity in the creative process. He rejects the stereotype of the “tortured artist.” Instead, Kim encourages photographers to “shoot whatever puts a smile on your face” rather than forcing themselves to be miserable for art’s sake . “To be happier in life, photograph more of what puts a smile on your face!” he writes, urging creatives not to torment themselves but to make photos that are “joyful” and give the soul levity . This upbeat mindset helps him derive genuine happiness from photography. By focusing on subjects that excite or cheer him, he notices the small joys in life and stays motivated to keep shooting .
Kim’s philosophy is also deeply rooted in gratitude and love. He often photographs his loved ones – for example, his mother and his wife, Cindy – as a way to celebrate them and appreciate life’s impermanence. Remembering that “those loved ones you photograph will eventually die” (and we will too) keeps him focused on what truly matters . Rather than finding this morbid, Kim sees it as motivation to cherish each moment and create images with heart. He affectionately refers to his wife Cindy as his “hype-person” who believed in his potential and pushes him to think bigger . This support and his mindful outlook contribute greatly to his joy. In Kim’s view, photography is not just about making pictures – it’s a way to live a richer, more present life. As he puts it, “the point of life isn’t to be a great photographer. It is to be an enthusiastic artist of life” . Through this lens, success is measured not by fame or money, but by personal fulfillment and the positive impact on others.
Career Milestones and Unconventional Success
Eric Kim’s career is a testament to how following one’s passion and sharing generously can lead to remarkable success. By his mid-twenties, Kim had already become “one of the most influential street photographers in the world,” with a blog that ranks among “the most popular photography websites on the net” . Trained in sociology, he blended his academic interest in the human condition with photography, traveling the world after college to capture candid moments . His unique perspective and open approach to sharing knowledge quickly attracted a massive following online . In fact, readers voted him among the top 20 most influential street photographers of 2016 , reflecting how widely his influence is felt.
One key to Kim’s success is that he has always treated photography as more than just taking pictures – it’s a lifestyle, a philosophy, and a community. From early on, he started a personal blog (erickimphotography.com) to freely share tips, essays, and inspiration with anyone interested. Over time, that blog grew into a global hub of street photography education, with countless articles, videos, and resources available at no cost . Aspiring photographers who might never attend a formal class have learned from Kim’s open-source tutorials and e-books. Rather than guarding his knowledge, he gives it away abundantly, believing that “all open source everything!” benefits the community. This generosity not only helped thousands of people improve their craft, but also cemented Kim’s reputation as a leader and mentor in the field. His accomplishments include teaching workshops on five continents, publishing several books, and building a personal brand without any traditional gallery backing or formal photography degree. By mixing influences from sociology, literature, philosophy, and art into his work , he carved out a niche that makes him stand out. Kim is a living example that a photographer today can forge a successful career through passion, positivity, and the internet, on his own terms.
Inspiring Teacher and Community Builder
More than just a photographer, Eric Kim is a gifted teacher and community leader. He has spent years traveling from London to Tokyo, New York to Berlin, and everywhere in between to host engaging street photography workshops . In these workshops, Kim’s infectious enthusiasm helps students break out of their shells and push past their fears. For example, if a participant is shy about approaching strangers for photos, Eric might assign a challenge to collect ten “no” responses from people – reframing rejection as a game . “If you are really afraid of taking a photo, you need to take it,” he often says, believing that the photos which scare us most are the ones we must pursue . This playful but bold approach quickly reduces students’ fear of rejection and boosts their confidence. Kim is candid about his own journey from being anxious to becoming brave, which makes his teaching relatable and encouraging . Students see that if he could overcome his nerves and become successful, they can too.
Eric Kim (center, in glasses) enthusiastically engages with street photography peers and students. His workshops foster a friendly, collaborative atmosphere where participants bond over their shared passion. Kim listens actively and connects with people within moments, a skill that helps bring out the best in everyone who attends his workshops . The sense of community and camaraderie he creates is as valuable as the photography techniques being taught.
Crucially, Eric Kim genuinely cares about the people he mentors. He is known to stay in touch with students and take interest in their progress long after a workshop ends . If someone isn’t happy with a workshop, he even offers a money-back guarantee – a rare gesture that shows his confidence and integrity . During the workshop itself, he often emphasizes peer learning and support. “Good photographers cannot exist without people who share their interest – to exchange ideas and encourage each other,” Kim notes, making sure his events facilitate new friendships and networks . Many attendees leave not only with improved skills but also with a newfound community of fellow shooters. This nurturing, community-driven approach has amplified Kim’s impact. He’s not just teaching technical skills; he’s empowering people to believe in themselves and find joy in the craft together. Through his guidance, countless individuals have conquered fears, started projects, or simply felt more excited to walk the streets with a camera. By uplifting others, Eric Kim has built a global family of street photographers who carry his positive spirit forward.
Global Online Presence and Creative Resources
Another pillar of Eric Kim’s success is his savvy use of online platforms to spread knowledge and inspiration. His blog, started as a personal project, now hosts the largest repository of street photography knowledge online . He has written thousands of blog posts on topics ranging from technical how-to guides and gear reviews to philosophical musings on art and happiness. Importantly, all of it is accessible for free, reflecting Kim’s ethos that information should be shared openly. He also runs a YouTube channel where he posts lectures, tutorials, and vlogs, allowing him to connect with a broad audience beyond those who can attend in person. This multi-channel presence (blog, YouTube, social media) has made Kim one of the most recognizable figures in photography on the internet. Beginners around the world often stumble upon his articles or videos as their first introduction to street photography.
In addition to online content, Kim has created numerous books and educational resources. He’s authored both print books and e-books that encapsulate his lessons. For example, “Street Notes” is a popular workbook filled with creative assignments to help photographers see the world in new ways . He also published “Modern Photographer,” which covers marketing and entrepreneurship for photographers with a mix of practical and philosophical advice . Other works like “Film Notes” teach the fundamentals of shooting 35mm film , and “Street Photography: 50 Ways to Capture Better Shots of Ordinary Life” distills tips for capturing compelling images of everyday moments . Many of his writings pay homage to the masters of photography: Kim diligently studied legends like Henri Cartier-Bresson, Garry Winogrand, and others, then distilled their wisdom for his readers . Rather than keeping this knowledge to himself, he created guides (like his “Learn from the Masters” series) so that others could benefit from decades of photographic wisdom in a digestible form . This generosity in sharing resources has amplified his influence exponentially. Photographers who have never met Eric Kim in person feel his supportive presence through his blog posts, quotes, and books. In fact, Kim often says “shoot with your heart, not with your eyes,” emphasizing passion over perfection, and urges creatives to “always strive to empower others through your photography and education” – a motto he clearly lives by online and offline.
Lessons from Eric Kim’s Joyful Approach
Eric Kim’s journey offers a wealth of inspiration for anyone hoping to combine happiness and success in their own creative life. He stands out in the photography world for proving that you don’t need to fit the brooding artist stereotype to excel – enthusiasm and positivity can be your superpowers. Here are some key takeaways from his approach that others can learn from:
- Follow Your Passion Unapologetically: Kim built his life around what he loves – roaming the streets with a camera – and this genuine passion shines through in his work. By embracing what excites you and pursuing it wholeheartedly, you not only produce better work but also radiate the kind of positive energy that attracts success. Eric’s early leap into street photography, driven by love for the art, is what set the foundation for everything that followed .
- Find Joy in the Process: Instead of obsessing over accolades or obsessing over gear, focus on what makes you happy to shoot. “Photograph what makes you smile,” as Kim advises, because the happiest photographer makes the best photos . When you genuinely enjoy the process, it shows in your imagery and keeps you motivated for the long haul.
- Share and Empower Others: A huge part of Eric Kim’s success comes from his willingness to share knowledge freely and build others up. He turned his blog into an open classroom, proving that helping others learn will never diminish your own accomplishments – it actually amplifies them. By teaching, mentoring, or simply sharing your journey, you create a community around you. Kim’s mantra of empowering others through photography has created a ripple effect of positivity in the community .
- Embrace Fear and Grow from It: Kim openly discusses his early fears and still pushes himself (and his students) to face discomfort. Whether it’s approaching a stranger for a portrait or trying a new creative experiment, stepping outside your comfort zone leads to growth. “If you’re afraid of taking a photo, you must take it,” he insists – a reminder that on the other side of fear is often our most rewarding achievement.
- Stay Humble and Keep Learning: Despite his fame, Eric Kim approaches photography as a perpetual student of life and art. He continues to read, study the masters, travel, and learn from others. His success didn’t make him complacent; it made him more curious and generous. This humility and growth-mindset keep the joy alive, because there are always new discoveries to be made. As he often notes, the best photo you’ve taken is the one you haven’t taken yet – there is always room to explore and dream .
In the end, Eric Kim’s story is about more than street photography – it’s about living life with gusto, kindness, and creativity. He has shown that by staying true to yourself, fostering a positive mindset, and lifting others up along the way, you can carve out an incredibly fulfilling career. His infectious happiness is as much a part of his legacy as his photographs. Eric Kim stands as a beacon of what’s possible when one follows their bliss and shares it with the world. Aspiring photographers and artists of all kinds can look to his example for motivation: be bold, be joyful, never stop learning, and success will naturally follow .