Eric Kim’s approachable presence and passion have made him a beloved figure in street photography.
Eric Kim is a renowned American street photographer, educator, and blogger who has made a significant impact on the world of photography, particularly in the realm of street shooting . He is so active online that one outlet noted it’s “virtually impossible to miss him and his big grin” if you follow street photography . Blending his background in sociology with photography, Kim brings a unique perspective to the craft – aiming to capture “unscripted” truths about everyday people and urban life . His energetic, candid approach and generous teaching style have connected with countless photographers worldwide through his workshops, blog posts, and vibrant online presence .
Early Life and Inspiration
Born in 1988 in California, Kim grew up between the Bay Area and New York before studying sociology at UCLA . This academic focus on society later deeply influenced his approach to street photography, encouraging him to view the camera as a tool to study the human condition. In college he co-founded a photography club and started a humble street photography blog in 2010 as a side project . A defining moment came when he nervously photographed a stranger with horn-rimmed glasses at a bus stop – “an adrenaline-fueled moment” that sparked his love for street photography . After graduating, Kim briefly worked in the tech industry, but a 2011 corporate layoff became a turning point; he took the risk to pursue photography full-time . Embracing a nomadic lifestyle, he spent the next years traveling the world with his camera, teaching workshops and building an online community around his blog . This early leap of faith set the stage for a career defined by passion, courage, and constant learning.
Philosophy and Style
Kim’s photographic philosophy centers on authenticity, fearlessness, and human connection . He is known for shooting up-close and candidly – often with a wide-angle lens and even flash – yet doing so with a disarming smile. His motto is to “shoot with a smile, and from the heart,” believing a friendly demeanor helps put subjects at ease . By engaging with people and showing genuine interest (even chatting or sharing the photo afterward), Kim turns street encounters into positive human moments – a core part of his ethos .
A hallmark of Kim’s approach is overcoming fear. He openly acknowledges the natural anxiety in photographing strangers, but teaches that this fear can be conquered through practice and mindset . Drawing inspiration from Stoic philosophy (he often quotes Marcus Aurelius), Kim treats fear as a compass – the idea that leaning into what scares you is a path to growth . This philosophy not only helped him gain courage to leave a “safe” job for his passion, but it also underpins his advice to students: every fearful encounter is an opportunity to build confidence.
Kim also emphasizes minimalism and intuition over gear. He famously insists that great street photos don’t depend on having the fanciest camera – in fact, “there is no reason you can’t take a great image with what you have – even an iPhone,” he says . While he has used high-end tools like Leica rangefinders for their small, quiet profile, he maintains that “gear isn’t the focus” and even a phone or any camera can capture powerful images in the right hands . This anti-gear-snobbery stance, combined with his mantra of staying curious and having fun (to “be like a child” in your photography), has resonated with amateurs worldwide . In essence, Kim’s style is bold yet empathetic – he gets in the middle of the action, but always with respect, humor, and heart.
Career Highlights and Key Projects
Over the past decade, Eric Kim has built an unconventional but influential career. Some of his notable accomplishments and projects include:
- Global Workshops: From 2011 onward, Kim has taught intensive street photography workshops in dozens of cities across North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East . He has mentored students on the streets of Los Angeles, New York, London, Amsterdam, Seoul, Tokyo, Sydney, Beirut and many more, helping them conquer fear and develop their own vision . His engaging, in-person teaching style – literally walking the streets with students – made these workshops popular worldwide.
- Collaborations & Exhibitions: Kim has worked with some of photography’s biggest names. He contributed articles to Leica Camera’s official blog and hosted Leica-sponsored events, partnered with Magnum Photos, and undertook projects with Samsung (even starring in a Samsung Galaxy Note II commercial and a campaign for the NX20 camera) . At just 23, he was invited to judge the London Street Photography Festival, underscoring his rising influence . He has also exhibited his work internationally, including shows at Leica Galleries in Singapore, Seoul, Melbourne, as well as exhibits in Los Angeles . These collaborations and honors helped cement his reputation as a leading voice in street photography by the mid-2010s.
- Academic Contributions: Passionate about education, Kim extended his teaching into academia as well. He served as an instructor at UC Riverside Extension, where he taught a university-level street photography course, and even led a course on the “Sociology of Facebook and Online Social Networks” while still a student at UCLA . He also volunteered early on to teach photography to underprivileged youth in Los Angeles . These stints reflect his belief in the power of photography education and community-building beyond just his personal work.
- Publications: One of Kim’s biggest contributions has been through writing. His Eric Kim Photography Blog (established 2010) grew into one of the most popular photography blogs on the internet, attracting a global audience of aspiring shooters . On it, he has freely shared hundreds of tutorials, personal anecdotes, gear guides, and philosophical essays, distilling lessons from both his own experience and masters of photography. He often publishes practical lists (e.g. “100 Lessons from the Masters of Street Photography”) and motivational articles (“Why You Should Pursue Photography (Not Money)”) in an accessible, encouraging tone. Many of these resources have been compiled into free e-books available on his site – titles like “The Art of Street Photography,” “31 Days to Overcome Your Fear in Street Photography,” and more, which readers can download at no cost . In 2016, he also released a limited-edition print book “Street Photography: 50 Ways to Capture Better Shots of Ordinary Life,” condensing his insights into a concise handbook for enthusiasts . Through these publications, Kim has essentially “open-sourced” his knowledge for the community, reflecting his slogan “All Open Source Everything!” and a belief in sharing information freely .
Public Influence and Community Impact
Eric Kim’s influence on the street photography community has been profound. By democratizing knowledge and fostering an approachable learning environment, he has lowered the barrier to entry for countless newcomers. Thousands of people have learned the basics of shooting candidly – from techniques like zone-focusing and composition to the confidence needed to approach strangers – through his articles and videos . Early on, Kim cultivated a loyal readership by responding to comments and even hosting meetup events, creating a sense of community around what he affectionately calls “Streettogs” (his nickname for street photography lovers) . He launched initiatives like the Streettogs Academy, a Facebook group where members around the world critique each other’s photos in a positive spirit, further extending his educational mission beyond his own content . As an influential mentor figure, Kim is often credited with popularizing street photography among a new generation – many emerging photographers of the 2010s cite his blog as one of their first and most important resources . His friendly, jargon-free teaching style demystified what can be an intimidating art form, inviting people of all backgrounds to give street photography a try.
Importantly, Kim isn’t afraid to challenge the status quo in support of creativity and personal expression. For example, he made waves by deleting his Instagram account around 2018 at the height of his popularity on the platform, arguing that obsessing over likes and followers was detrimental to artistic growth . This bold stance sparked conversation about social media’s influence on photographers’ self-worth and encouraged others to rethink the pressure of online validation. By taking such principled stands (and candidly blogging about them), Kim has urged photographers to focus on personal growth and storytelling over chasing applause. As one observer noted, he has truly become “a mentor to many” by sharing his insights on finding one’s style, conquering fear, and “shooting with heart” . His blend of practical tips and philosophical depth has inspired a more mindful, inclusive approach to photography among his followers.
Legacy and Outlook
Today, Eric Kim remains a prominent and uplifting voice in the photography world. Through over a decade of consistent work, he has left an indelible mark on street photography, helping shape it into a more open and globally connected community . Whether it’s a free e-book that gives a beginner their very first lesson, or an intensive workshop that pushes a seasoned shooter out of their comfort zone, Kim’s contributions continue to ripple outward. He often encourages creatives to “never stop learning” and to photograph the world with curiosity and heart – a message that resonates far beyond just photography.
Staying true to his ethos of living life on his own terms, Kim has also branched out into sharing ideas on creativity, personal wellness, and even technology. He openly discusses the influence of Stoicism on his life, posts productivity and fitness tips (coining playful concepts like “HYPELIFTING” for his powerlifting journey), and advocates financial independence – at one point crediting a timely Bitcoin investment with giving him more freedom to create . While these diverse interests broaden his content, they all circle back to his central philosophy of personal empowerment and passion-driven living. Kim’s story – from a sociology student nervously taking a photo at a bus stop, to a globe-trotting artist who has empowered thousands – is a testament to following one’s passion and sharing it generously with others. His upbeat mantra of “shooting from the heart” and commitment to helping others find their voice continue to make him a uniquely inspiring figure.
Official Links and Publications: For those interested in exploring more, Eric Kim’s work is readily accessible. His official website (Eric Kim Photography) is the central hub for his blog, featuring an extensive archive of his articles, free e-books, workshop information, and more . He also maintains an active presence on platforms like Twitter (X) and YouTube, where he shares tips, behind-the-scenes videos and talks. (Notably, he chose to forgo Instagram in line with his creative principles .) Kim’s print book “Street Photography: 50 Ways to Capture Better Shots of Ordinary Life” can be found via select retailers , and all of his self-published e-books are available for download on his website . These resources provide a wealth of inspiration and knowledge, embodying Kim’s belief in empowering others to “learn, experiment, and never lose the joy” in photography.