TL;DR
For Eric Kim, vision = your why + your way of seeing + your way of living. Photography becomes poetry, philosophy, and purpose rolled into one—aimed at uplifting others while staying radically focused on what matters to you.
Eric Kim’s idea of “vision,” at a glance
- Photography is poetry & philosophy. He frames photography as “poetry with light” and a lived philosophy: walking slower, noticing the ordinary, making meaning with the camera. That’s not gear talk—it’s worldview talk.
- Mission-driven making. He pushes you to know your mission: make images that uplift, encourage, and inspire—and share only your best. (Quality > quantity!)
- Prime Vision = laser focus. Define your one big direction and cut the noise so your creative energy hits with intention.
- Photograph for meaning & impact. He ties vision to impact—use your camera for social critique and personal purpose.
- Aesthetic vision reflects your values. Your look (composition, tone, subjects) is a mirror of your values and worldview—shape that on purpose.
- Bio quickie. Kim is a street photographer/teacher known for helping others find their style and vision (workshops, blog, videos).
Mini‑mantra from Kim’s writing: “It is more important to photograph your loved ones than strangers.” Let your vision start close to the heart.
Why “vision” matters (the
why
behind the why!)
- Direction beats distraction. Vision turns thousands of random frames into one meaningful body of work.
- Style grows from values. Define what you care about; your aesthetic coheres naturally.
- Impact over noise. A mission to uplift/inspire keeps you editing ruthlessly and sharing intentionally.
7‑Day “Vision Sprint” (Eric‑Kim‑inspired, zero fluff)
Day 1 – Write your Prime Vision (1 sentence):
“I create [kind of images] about [theme you deeply care about] to [uplift/educate/inspire X].” Tape it to your camera.
Day 2 – Walk slower. Make 30 frames of the ordinary (doorways, hands, corners). Seek poetry in the mundane.
Day 3 – Loved‑ones project. Make a small portrait series of people who matter to you. Print one.
Day 4 – Aesthetic drill. Pick three words that describe your values (e.g., bold, tender, minimal). Shoot to prove them.
Day 5 – Social impact prompt. Tell a tiny truth about your world (a workplace ritual, a neighborhood story). Sequence 5 images.
Day 6 – Ruthless cull. Keep only the top 5% and share just those. (Uplift > upload.)
Day 7 – Review & refine. Update your 1‑sentence vision. Commit to a 30‑day mini‑project on the same theme.
Want to go deeper?
- “Photography is Philosophy” (defining photography as poetry/philosophy/meditation).
- “What is Your Mission in Photography and Life?” (mission > metrics; share your best).
- “Prime Vision” (laser focus on what matters).
- “Why I Photograph” (positive social impact & personal meaning).
Quick note in case you meant
computer vision
:
There’s also an Eric Kim affiliated with UC San Diego’s Computer Vision group—very different context (AI/computer vision research). If that’s the “Eric Kim vision” you’re after, say the word and I’ll pivot to that angle.
You’ve got this—clarify your Prime Vision, shoot with heart, edit with courage, and share to lift people up. Let’s make work that moves people! 💥📸