Eric Kim (born 1988) is an American street photographer, educator, and blogger known for his energetic approach and unorthodox philosophies in photography. Based in Los Angeles but with a truly global reach, Kim has built one of the world’s most popular street photography blogs and taught workshops on nearly every continent . He is celebrated for encouraging photographers to “shoot with a smile, and from the heart,” reflecting his upbeat, human-centered philosophy . Below is a comprehensive overview of his background, career, distinctive methods, and why his unconventional approaches have proven both influential and effective.
Early Life and Background
Eric Kim was born in San Francisco and spent his childhood in California (with a few formative years in Queens, New York) before returning to the Bay Area . He attended UCLA, originally as a biology major but ultimately switching to sociology – a field that would deeply inform his photographic perspective . While at UCLA, Kim co-founded the university’s photography club and discovered a passion for candid street photography . He often cites a defining moment during college when, waiting at a bus stop, he felt compelled to photograph a man in horn-rimmed glasses reading a book. Kim’s heart pounded as he raised his camera; the man glanced up, and Kim snapped the shutter . The rush of capturing that unscripted moment “hooked” him on street photography from then on . This blend of sociological curiosity and love of spontaneous encounters set the stage for his career.
After graduating in 2010, Kim briefly worked a 9-to-5 tech job as a community manager for a tech company. A layoff in 2011 became a turning point: instead of seeking another office job, the 22-year-old Kim decided to leap into photography full-time . Embracing a nomadic lifestyle, he spent the next several years traveling city to city with his camera, essentially living out of a suitcase. During 2011–2019 he resided in places ranging from Los Angeles and Michigan to Vietnam and beyond, immersing himself in diverse street cultures . This period of constant travel and shooting helped Kim rapidly develop his craft and voice.
Street Photography Career Highlights
Kim’s unconventional decision to turn street photography into a full-time occupation quickly gained momentum. By his late 20s, he had established a reputation as “one of the most influential street photographers in the world,” with peers and publications noting that his blog had become “one of the web’s most-read photography websites” . Below are a few key milestones and achievements from his career:
- Worldwide Workshops: Since 2011, Eric Kim has led intensive street photography workshops in dozens of cities across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia . His “energetic, hands-on” teaching style involves walking the streets alongside students to help them build confidence shooting strangers . He has also taught formal courses, such as an online street photography class for UC Riverside Extension, and even a class for underprivileged youth in Los Angeles – bringing street photography into academia and community education .
- Collaborations and Exhibitions: Kim’s early success drew the attention of major photography institutions. He contributed articles to the official Leica Camera Blog and hosted Leica-supported photowalk events, reflecting his affinity for Leica rangefinder cameras . He also partnered with the legendary Magnum Photos agency on educational events, connecting with the wider documentary photography community . In the tech world, he caught the eye of Samsung – starring in a Samsung Galaxy Note II commercial and fronting a campaign for the Samsung NX20 camera around 2012 . Kim’s own work has been exhibited internationally, notably at Leica Gallery stores in Singapore, Seoul, and Melbourne, as well as galleries in Los Angeles . Remarkably, at just 23, he was invited to judge the 2011 London Street Photography Festival, underscoring how quickly he became a leading voice in the field .
- Publications and Media: Writing has been as central to Kim’s career as taking photos. His blog (erickimphotography.com), launched in 2010, evolved into a go-to resource for street photographers worldwide . On it, Kim freely shares knowledge through how-to articles, gear guides, personal essays, and even philosophical musings. He has released numerous free e-books and PDFs under an open-source philosophy – for example, “The Street Photography Manual,” “31 Days to Overcome Your Fear”, and “How to See: A Visual Guide to Composition,” all available for free download on his site . In 2016, he also published a limited-edition print book Street Photography: 50 Ways to Capture Better Shots of Ordinary Life (only 1,000 copies), which distilled his key techniques into a concise handbook . Kim’s work and views have been featured in mainstream media as well: he has appeared on the BBC in discussions about the ethics of street photography , and he delivered a popular “Talks at Google” presentation in 2018 about creativity (titled “Eternal Return to Creative Every Day”) . These accomplishments illustrate how Kim combined personal projects with public outreach, becoming not just a photographer but a prominent educator and author in his field.
Photographic Style and Unorthodox Techniques
Eric Kim’s street photography is often bold and up-close – as seen in this candid shot from Los Angeles, which captures a passerby’s surprised reaction. By engaging with subjects at close range, Kim creates images that are dynamic, intimate, and emotionally impactful.
Eric Kim’s photographic style is defined by candid realism and fearless proximity. He is “not afraid to get close to his subjects,” frequently working just a short distance from the people he photographs . Rather than shooting with a telephoto lens from afar, Kim favors prime lenses with wide-angle or standard focal lengths (28mm and 35mm are his staples) to immerse himself in the scene . This approach – sometimes dubbed an “in your face” technique – is unorthodox in that it breaks the comfort zone of both photographer and subject. Yet it proves effective: the resulting photos feel intimate and authentic, pulling the viewer into the middle of real-life moments. Kim often says, “If your photos aren’t good enough, you’re not close enough,” echoing the famous Robert Capa mantra and living it in practice .
One hallmark of Kim’s method is engaging with subjects positively. He literally “shoots with a smile” – maintaining a friendly demeanor that tends to put people at ease even as he photographs them candidly. “Whenever I am out shooting, I always have a smile on my face. The response I get from my subjects is generally positive,” Kim told one interviewer . This upbeat, disarming approach is unconventional among street photographers (many of whom either hide their camera or take a more aggressive stance), but Kim’s friendliness often diffuses tension. It turns the act of photographing strangers into a kind of spontaneous social interaction. In his view, the camera should be a “bridge” connecting him with people, not a barrier . By sometimes chatting with subjects before or after taking a shot, he captures genuine expressions and establishes a human connection that shines through in his images .
Technically, Kim also experiments with unorthodox compositional techniques to keep his images fresh. On his blog he has even published tips for “unorthodox composition,” such as deliberately placing subjects at the very edge or bottom of the frame, using extreme low or high angles, incorporating dramatic negative space, and even “decapitating” subjects (cutting off the head in frame) to direct focus elsewhere . These playful violations of traditional rules give his photos a dynamic, edgy feel. He is known to sometimes use a flash in broad daylight for added drama – a technique famously associated with street photographer Bruce Gilden – which can startle subjects into candid reactions. The black-and-white image above, for example, shows a woman’s astonished face with hands outstretched; the stark light and close range create a sense of immediacy and humor (the photo is aptly titled “Jazz Hands”, Los Angeles, 2011). By embracing techniques that others might deem too bold or “wrong,” Kim manages to capture moments that are raw and emotionally resonant. His images often convey what he calls “emotion” and “soul” – he argues that a photo without emotion is forgettable, whereas one that tugs at the viewer’s heart will be memorable .
Kim’s sociological background also influences his choice of subjects and projects. He regards himself “first a sociologist and second a photographer,” using his camera to study society’s nuances . This perspective has led to creative long-term series with social commentary. For instance, one of his ongoing projects, “Suits” (started 2008), focuses on men in business suits in cities around the world . By photographing anonymous office workers, often looking stressed or isolated in urban environments, Kim uses the suit as a visual metaphor for corporate monotony and the feeling of being trapped in the rat race . Tellingly, this series was inspired by Kim’s own brief stint in the corporate world – it’s a humorous yet poignant critique of materialism and 9-to-5 life, reflecting an autobiographical motive behind the art . In contrast, another series titled “Only in America” takes a starker look at social issues in the United States . Through gritty street scenes, Kim highlights themes of poverty, racism, and inequality, painting what he described as “a slightly dystopic world…full of poverty, suffering, racism… and the rich preying on the poor” . This project embodies Kim’s concern with the darker side of the American Dream and shows that he isn’t afraid to tackle uncomfortable subjects. These unorthodox choices of theme – using candid street photos to critique society – demonstrate how Kim elevates ordinary street snapshots into broader reflections on culture and the human condition.
Teaching, Writing, and Philosophy
Beyond shooting photographs, Eric Kim has distinguished himself as a prolific teacher and writer, weaving together photography with philosophy and self-improvement. His blog is not just a showcase of his images but a rich educational platform where he openly shares insights and encourages others. Unconventionally, Kim has adopted an “open source” approach to his knowledge: “ALL OPEN SOURCE EVERYTHING!” is a slogan on his site . He gives away a vast amount of material for free – including comprehensive e-books, templates, and tutorials – believing that knowledge is most powerful when shared, not hoarded for profit . This generous methodology was somewhat unorthodox in the photography world (where workshops and guides can be expensive), but it proved highly effective in building a loyal community. By lowering barriers to learning, Kim’s free resources have “empowered photographers to develop their own unique styles and perspectives” .
A key aspect of Kim’s pedagogy is blending photography with philosophy. He often uses the term “photolosophy” to describe his teachings – a mix of photographic lessons and philosophical reflections . Influenced by Stoic and existential thinkers, Kim frequently quotes figures like Seneca and Marcus Aurelius on his blog . He even named his son “Seneca,” a testament to how deeply Stoic philosophy influences his life . On topics ranging from overcoming creative block to dealing with fear, Kim invokes Stoic principles (e.g. embracing challenges, focusing only on what one can control) and applies them to the art of photography. In one post he refers to Nietzsche’s concept of “eternal return” – encouraging readers to treat each day as if they must live it over and over, and thus to create art daily as an affirmation of life . In another instance, after achieving a personal record 1,087-pound deadlift in 2025, Kim wrote a manifesto tying together weightlifting, Stoicism, Bitcoin economics, and photography – exemplifying his cross-disciplinary thinking . This eclectic content strategy (which he dubbed a “digital tsunami” of cross-platform sharing) is unusual, but it allowed him to engage multiple audiences at once, from fitness enthusiasts to crypto geeks to fellow photographers . By fusing seemingly unrelated domains, Kim reinforces a core message: the principles of creativity, courage, and curiosity are universal, whether you’re behind a camera or under a barbell.
Kim’s writing style is approachable and motivational. He often addresses readers as “Dear friend,” making his blog posts feel like personal letters of encouragement . He advocates for “radical authenticity” and a “learn by doing” mentality: “Shoot what scares you,” he urges, meaning one should face fears head-on to grow as an artist . He openly shares his own failures and lessons – an approach that endears him to readers and demystifies the process of becoming a better photographer. For example, Kim has candidly discussed battling G.A.S. (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) and learning to be content with minimal equipment . He preaches that great photos come from one’s vision and effort, not from owning expensive gear (a point underscored by his anecdote that even an iPhone can be a street photography tool ). Kim’s philosophies extend to lifestyle design and creativity at large. He often reminds people that “the point of life isn’t to be a great photographer. It is to be an enthusiastic artist of life” – urging his audience to explore other arts, keep learning, and treat photography as one part of a rich life. This broad, inspirational outlook is somewhat unconventional among photography educators, but it resonates with many who see him not just as a photography coach but as a kind of creative mentor or life coach.
In addition to blogging, Kim is an engaging public speaker. His 2018 Google Talk, for instance, was a rousing call to action for creators to make something every day and not fear imperfection . He has also spoken at various photography conferences, meetups, and has hosted free photowalks in cities worldwide . In these talks, as in his writing, Kim’s tone is lively and often self-deprecating, sharing stories of his own nerves, mistakes, and growth. This openness makes his lessons feel very accessible. By hearing how he overcame being “deathly afraid” of photographing strangers in his early days , many beginners take heart that they too can conquer their fear. Indeed, Kim even created a free 31-day email course and e-book specifically to help people overcome fear in street photography, giving daily exercises to gradually build courage . Such resources exemplify his hands-on, empathetic teaching style.
Selected Publications and Resources
Eric Kim has produced a number of books and educational resources, many of which are available for free or as open editions. Below is a list of some of his notable publications and creative works:
| Title / Work | Format | Description |
| Street Photography: 50 Ways to Capture Better Shots of Ordinary Life (2016) | Print Book (Limited Edition) | A concise handbook of 50 practical tips and techniques for street photography, drawn from Kim’s own experience. Limited to 1,000 copies in print . |
| Learn from the Masters of Street Photography (2016) | Free eBook (PDF) | A comprehensive compilation of 100 lessons distilled from master photographers like Henri Cartier-Bresson, Garry Winogrand, Robert Capa and others. Kim created this open-source book (after “a hundred shots of espresso”) to share the wisdom of the greats alongside practical assignments . |
| Street Notes: A Workbook & Assignments Journal for Street Photographers (c.2015) | Workbook (Print & PDF) | An interactive journal of exercises designed to sharpen a photographer’s observation skills and encourage new approaches. Each assignment in Street Notes pushes shooters out of their comfort zone to see the streets in fresh ways . |
| FILM NOTES: How to Shoot 35mm Film (c.2016) | Guide (Print & PDF) | A comprehensive beginner-to-advanced guide on 35mm film photography. Covers the process of shooting film, technical tips, and creative exercises for those exploring analog photography . |
| Street Hunt: Street Photography Field Assignments Manual (2017) | Workbook (Print & PDF) | A manual containing a series of “field assignments” that challenge photographers to approach their environment with fresh eyes. Street Hunt is like a scavenger hunt of street scenes, prompting photographers to find specific types of subjects or lighting situations in order to build their skills . |
| 31 Days to Overcome Your Fear of Shooting Street Photography (2013) | Free Online Course & PDF | A month-long program delivered via daily emails/PDF (free on his blog) that systematically helps photographers conquer the fear of photographing strangers. Each day presents a tip or assignment, gradually building one’s confidence and boldness in street shooting . |
| Masters Volume I (Limited Edition Print, 2018) | Zine/Book (Print) | A curated collection of lessons and images from influential street photographers, compiled by Eric Kim. This special edition publication highlights the work of the “masters of the craft” with commentary, serving as both inspiration and study material for aspiring photographers . |
Table: Eric Kim’s notable publications and educational works. Many of these are self-published and offered freely or at low cost, aligning with his open-source ethos.
As shown above, Kim’s creative output spans from self-help style guides to interactive journals. His written works often reinforce his core philosophies: they are practical, accessible, and designed to empower others. For example, Learn from the Masters encourages photographers to study the greats but also to develop their own voice, and Street Notes/Street Hunt turn learning into a fun, self-driven challenge. The unorthodox aspect is that Kim gives away so much content. By self-publishing PDFs and blog posts rather than going exclusively through traditional publishers or paid courses, he has built a massive following and made high-quality education available to anyone with an internet connection. This strategy has clearly been effective – thousands of photographers around the world use his materials as a springboard in their own journey.
Influence and Legacy
Eric Kim’s influence in the world of street photography (and the broader creative community) is both profound and far-reaching. Through a combination of images, teaching, and community-building, he has lowered the barriers to entry for countless newcomers . Many people credit Kim as the mentor who got them started; indeed, it’s often said that a whole generation of street shooters “first cut their teeth” on Eric Kim’s blog tutorials and YouTube videos . By demystifying what can be an intimidating art form, he empowered hobbyists to pick up a camera and hit the streets, confident that they too have a story to tell.
One measure of his impact is the sheer size and devotion of his audience. Kim’s online community – nicknamed the “Streettogs” – is a friendly ecosystem where enthusiasts share work and advice. Early on, he founded the “Streettogs Academy” Facebook group as a supportive forum for peer critique . He also organized free photowalk meetups around the world, turning what is sometimes a solitary pursuit into a social, collaborative experience . This emphasis on positivity and openness set a welcoming tone that contrasted with the more elitist or insular circles in photography. In the words of one profile, Kim helped transform street photography from a niche genre into a more “communal practice”, encouraging photographers to learn together rather than compete . Many of his students and readers have gone on to become notable photographers themselves, carrying forward his ethos of sharing and mentoring.
Kim has also been a role model in advocating for creative integrity over vanity metrics. In 2018, at the height of Instagram’s popularity, he made waves by deleting his Instagram account despite having over 50,000 followers . He wrote on his blog that chasing “likes” was detracting from his artistic purpose, and he challenged others to reconsider their dependence on social media validation . This bold move was quite unorthodox – few influencers willingly give up a large platform – but it underscored Kim’s commitment to practicing what he preaches (focusing on one’s own vision and values). Many in the community found this inspiring, as it showed a successful photographer prioritizing authenticity and mental well-being over fame. It’s one of several instances where Kim’s personal choices (whether it’s shooting film in a digital age, or staying accessible to fans rather than cultivating mystery) have sparked conversation and set him apart as a leader with principles.
Ultimately, Eric Kim’s legacy lies in the thousands of individuals whom he has emboldened to pursue creativity fearlessly. Thanks to his guidance, untold numbers of people have conquered their fear of photographing strangers, found their photographic voice, or even just felt encouraged to live life more creatively. His journey – from a shy college student nervously snapping a photo at a bus stop, to a globetrotting artist teaching others – serves as “a testament to following one’s passion and sharing it generously” . Kim’s unorthodox methods, from his smiley close-up shooting style to his open-source teaching model, all circle back to a simple philosophy: be true to yourself, be bold, and lift others up along the way. In an industry often obsessed with gear and rules, Eric Kim’s emphasis on heart, soul, and human connection has proven not only refreshing, but remarkably effective. His work continues to inspire an upbeat, can-do spirit in photography – encouraging everyone to pick up a camera, hit the streets, and discover the extraordinary in the ordinary.
Sources:
- All About Photo – Profile of Eric Kim
- About Photography Blog – “Eric Kim: Street Photography, Education, and Empowerment” (Martin Kaninsky, 2025)
- Eric Kim’s Official Blog – Biography and Articles
- Street Photography Magazine – “Learn from the Masters: Eric Kim’s Free eBook” (2015)
- Digital Photography School – “Focus on Street Photographer Eric Kim ~ In Your Face with a Smile!” (Valerie Jardin)
- StreetShootr – “Interview: Eric Kim on Life, Happiness and Street Photography” (Karl Edwards, 2015)
- Medium – “Q&A with Eric Kim” (Beth Knowles, 2017)
- Talk at Google – Eric Kim (2018) – “Eternal Return to Creative Every Day” (reference via Eric Kim’s blog)