Month: January 2015

  • 27 Lessons I’ve Learned About Photography and Life

    27 Lessons I’ve Learned About Photography and Life

    2014 in film: 164 rolls of Kodak Portra 400
    2014 in film: 164 rolls of Kodak Portra 400

    Today I turn 27 years old, thank you for all the kind birthday wishes!

    I am currently in LA for the weekend, visiting some close friends and family for a quick birthday dinner, then heading back home to Berkeley early Sunday.

    I am generally not the person to reflect very much. I kind of like to live life in the present moment— and don’t think too much about the past or the future. But I have found starts of the new years as well as birthdays are a great time to do some personal reflection.

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  • Video Lecture: Why it is Important to “Work the Scene” in Street Photography

    Video Lecture: Why it is Important to “Work the Scene” in Street Photography

    In this presentation, I share the work of the master Magnum photographers (Henri Cartier-Bresson, Elliott Erwitt, Diane Arbus, Martine Franck) and share the importance of “working the scene” (via contact sheets). So pretty much– you don’t want to just shoot one photograph of a stranger and move on. Rather, you want to continue to “work the scene” and take lots of shots.

    You can see the slides for the presentation on Slideshare here.

    More articles on “working the scene” in street photography

    1. Debunking the “Myth of the Decisive Moment”
    2. How Studying Contact Sheets Can Make You a Better Street Photographer
    3. 10 Things Street Photographers Can Learn From Magnum Contact Sheets

     

  • 7 Tips How to Stay Motivated in Street Photography

    7 Tips How to Stay Motivated in Street Photography

    Stockholm, 2014
    Stockholm, 2014

    As a part of my on-going “Ask Eric Kim” series– here is a question I have from Darren Hoyland from my Facebook fan page:

    Darren Hoyland: How [do you] keep yourself motivated whilst out on the streets when you have that deja view moment of been here done that?

    Hey Darren, I face this a lot: when I’m shooting on the streets and I don’t feel motivated and I feel like I’m just repeating myself. Here are some tips I recommend in terms of staying inspired with your street photography and to stay motivated:

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  • 60 Street Photography Heuristics (Rules of Thumb) I Believe in and (try to) Follow

    60 Street Photography Heuristics (Rules of Thumb) I Believe in and (try to) Follow

    Yreka, California 2014
    Yreka, California 2014

    I am a big fan and believer of “heuristics” (or rules of thumb). I was first introduced to the idea of “heuristics” from Nassim Taleb (in his book “Antifragile“) and later more from Gerd Gigerenzer (a German psychologist who wrote the excellent book: “Gut Feelings: The Intelligence of the Unconscious“). Below is a list of heuristics (ad random thoughts on photography) I personally believe and try to follow:

    1. When in doubt, click (credit: Charlie Kirk)
    2. When you’re scared, shoot
    3. Buy books, not gear
    4. Money can only buy you happiness if you spend it on experiences (not material things)
    5. Don’t buy a photography book unless you plan on reading it more than once.
    6. Don’t buy a photography book with the intention of selling it into the future.
    7. When in doubt, ditch.
    8. A photo is either a “hell yes” or no.
    9. It is better to travel to fewer places (than seeing a lot of places, but less time in each spot)
    10. Always have a backup when traveling and taking photos (camera, lens, battery, memory card, film)
    11. Better to bring more film (than less)
    12. A week in a foreign city is a sweet spot to getting to know the city
    13. The bigger your camera, the less likely you are to carry it with you on a daily basis, and therefore you are less likely to shoot daily, and will end up shooting less
    14. Try to take at least 1 photo a day
    15. When in doubt of a photo, don’t upload it
    16. Work on series, not individual images
    17. Lots of likes and favorites doesn’t necessarily mean the photo is good
    18. It is better to be deeply influenced by a few photographers (and know their work really well), than being a little bit influenced by a lot of other photographers
    19. Changing a bad color into black and white won’t make it a better photo
    20. Adding clarity, sharpness, vignette won’t make a bad photo better
    21. Post process a photo until it looks about 80% good and stop, or else you run the risk of over processing
    22. Stick to one film
    23. Stick to presets
    24. Having fewer cameras or lenses is less stressful
    25. The less time I spend on social media the happier and more focused and productive I am
    26. Don’t compete against others, compete against myself
    27. Spending time with photographers obsessed with gear will make me want to buy more gear
    28. The more time I spend on gear review sites, the more gear I want to buy (that I don’t need)
    29. Whenever I am feeling uninspired by my photography or dissatisfied with my work, I want to buy a new camera (thinking it will make me more creative, and spark more inspiration)
    30. I only need 2 pairs of clothes while traveling (one pair I’m wearing, and the other in the bag). Wash each pair in the shower with shampoo every night and hang dry.
    31. While traveling don’t wear cotton (stick to athletic quick dry material)
    32. The most successful photographers are often the least satisfied
    33. The more people who say they hate your work (or call your work overrated), the more successful you are.
    34. People with a large followed by following ratio (on Twitter) aren’t spammers
    35. The more hash tags a photographer uses on social media, the more hungry for attention they are
    36. The best photography I can do is in my own backyard (I better than anyone else, and it is usually more unique)
    37. Shooting film helps the editing process (I unintentionally let my film marinate for a long time because I’m either busy or lazy, and therefore when I get my film finally processed and scanned, I’m no longer emotionally attached to my photos and can “kill my babies”)
    38. If I spend too much time trying to make my digital photos look like my film photos, just shoot film
    39. I’m happy if I can make one meaningful street photo a month
    40. The more a photographer gossips about others, the more insecure they are about their own work
    41. You are the average of the 5 closest photographers to you.
    42. Photographers who criticize the equipment of others are often just jealous and want that equipment
    43. A viewer will respect or value a photo more if you tell them you shot it on film (unfair, but true)
    44. To get an honest critique, tell people to be “brutally honest” and help “kill your babies”
    45. Don’t defend my photos during a critique. Keep my mouth shut, nod, and take notes
    46. Always be ready to share my portfolio with someone else (via my smartphone or iPad)
    47. While traveling I generally shoot 1 roll of film every 2-3 days
    48. When booking accommodation, the most important thing is location, location, location
    49. When traveling in a foreign country and trying out a new meal at a restaurant or a coffee, ask the waiter (or barista) what they ate or drank today (as a good guide to make your own decision)
    50. The more tourists in an area, generally the less interesting it is to photograph
    51. If possible, always fly direct. If the cost of a direct flight isn’t 25% more expensive than the cheaper option, go for it.
    52. It never hurts to ask for permission when taking a photo of a stranger
    53. Best way to overcome jetlag : fast for at least 18 hours before arriving at my target destination
    54. Creepiness is proportional to focal length
    55. If I want to overcome jetlag, drink as much coffee as I want until it is time to sleep at around 10pm my destination time
    56. When on an international flight, switch my watch to the target destination, and try to stay awake (and sleep) accordingly
    57. If I’m jetlagged and it’s past midnight in a foreign country, take melatonin.
    58. When in doubt, smile at a stranger and say ‘hello’
    59. The most interesting thing to photograph is your own life.
    60. Have a double-shot of espresso whenever I feel uninspired (always does the trick).

    What are some other rules of thumb or heuristics that you personally believe in and follow? Share your tips and thoughts in the comments below!

  • Video Lecture: How to Be Invisible When Shooting Street Photography

    Video Lecture: How to Be Invisible When Shooting Street Photography

    In this video lecture above, I share some practical tips, thoughts, and philosophies about being “invisible when shooting street photography. You can check out the slides here.

    If you want to learn how to overcome your fear of shooting street photography, I also recommend watching my video lecture: “How to Overcome Your Fear of Shooting Street Photography” and/or join me at one of my upcoming street photography workshops!

  • How to Overcome Your Fear in Street Photography with “Rejection Exposure Therapy”

    How to Overcome Your Fear in Street Photography with “Rejection Exposure Therapy”

    Downtown LA, 2014
    Downtown LA, 2014

    This morning on the way to the gym, I was listening to the newest podcast episode of “Invisibilia” (a new NPR podcast on cognitive and behavioral science) and they had an episode titled “Fearless”.

    The episode was fascinating to me— as I have always been obsessive with this idea of conquering your fear of shooting street photography.

    I notice that out of all the workshops I teach, my introductory “Conquer Your Fear of Shooting Street Photography” course is always (by far) the most popular.

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  • Streettogs Academy Assignment No. 8

    Streettogs Academy Assignment No. 8

    SA 8 dates

    Cheers to another Streettogs Academy Assignment done and let’s continue the voyage with the Assignment from editor’s choice, Kirk Lothian. Here’s a hint to what it is: It should make us boldly go where no one has gone before.

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  • 7 Lessons Harry Callahan Has Taught Me About Street Photography (and Life)

    7 Lessons Harry Callahan Has Taught Me About Street Photography (and Life)

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    All photographs copyrighted by the estate of Harry Callahan.

    You can download this article for free as a .docx, PDF, or Google Doc.

    I recently came upon the work of Harry Callahan from a friend and former workshop student named Chris Giuseppe.

    This past weekend, I organized a small meet-up in San Francisco in the mission district (Haus Coffee is lovely) and about 10 of us street photographers met up, exchanged prints, photography books, current projects, and good laughs and catching-up.

    This Harry Callahan book that Chris brought (the book is just called “Harry Callahan”) was a big tome– and diverse in its material. Harry Callahan had an incredible career in terms of his photography– he photographed so much different subject matter with so much emotion, soul, and tenacity.

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  • Streettogs Academy No. 7 “Opposites” Results and Analysis

    Streettogs Academy No. 7 “Opposites” Results and Analysis

    SA 7 results

    Another two weeks, another assignment done over at streettogs academy! Sam Trachsel gave us Opposites as a theme for this assignment! Let’s look at how the members of the group interpreted the theme!

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  • Lessons Todd Hido Has Taught Me About Street Photography (Part 2)

    Lessons Todd Hido Has Taught Me About Street Photography (Part 2)

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    All photographs copyrighted by Todd Hido. 

    This is part 2 of my write-up on Todd Hido’s new book: “Todd Hido on Landscapes, Interiors, and The Nude: The Photography Workshop Series“. You can read part 1: “Lessons Todd Hido Has Taught Me About Street Photography (Part 1).”

    You can also download the entire article free via .docx, PDF, and Google Doc.

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  • Monkeying around with Tavepong Pratoomwong. Interview by Clifton Barker

    Monkeying around with Tavepong Pratoomwong. Interview by Clifton Barker

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    (A.g.’s Note: Today we have Clifton Barker chatting down with his friend and award winning photographer, Tavepong Pratoomwong from Thailand. Have a laugh and enjoy this one! Interview by Clifton Barker. All photos are by Tavepong Pratoomwong.)

    Over the last year, the Thai street photography scene has been dominated by one man; Tavepong Pratoomwong. Besides being really clever with his compositions and somehow seemingly invisible—he has the cutest daughter you’ve ever seen. Certified. Recently TP received the high honor of the EyeEM award for Street Photographer of the Year 2014 and won 1st place at the Miami Street Festival. Besides all that, he’s just a cool dude that I really wanted to ask some absurd questions. Being mannerly, he obliged.

    CB: How long did you have to wait by the Indian guy for the monkeys to start screwing?

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  • Lessons Todd Hido Has Taught Me About Street Photography (Part 1)

    Lessons Todd Hido Has Taught Me About Street Photography (Part 1)

    todd-hido-rain-b

    All photographs copyrighted by Todd Hido.

    You can read part 2 here: “Lessons Todd Hido Has Taught Me About Street Photography (Part 2)“. You can also download the entire article free via .docx, PDF, and Google Doc.

     

    I have really been loving the “Photography Workshop Series” that Aperture has been publishing. They recently did a book with Alex Webb on Street Photography, and also another book with Larry Fink on Composition.

    The other day I was browsing Amazon, and Todd’s Hido’s new book (published by Aperture) titled: “Todd Hido on Landscapes, Interiors, and the Nude” popped up. I had heard about Todd Hido from a few good friends, loved his work (landscapes and portraits), his use of colors, and the down-to-earth nature he had in his interviews on YouTube.

    I instinctively ordered the book (it is very affordable at only around $20)— and have been absolutely blown away by the book. It is quite possibly one of the most educational, helpful, and inspiring photography books I have ever invested in. I can easily say that it is probably one of my 3 favorite “photography-educational” books, alongside Magnum Contact Sheets and Dan Winter’s “Road to Seeing.”

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  • How to Be a More Mindful Street Photographer

    How to Be a More Mindful Street Photographer

    Downtown LA, 2014
    Downtown LA, 2014

    I just finished a book called “10% happier”, which preached the benefits of meditation and mindfulness in everyday life.

    There is a lot of pain and anxiety from everyday life, and one of the main causes of that is longing for something. Wanting something that we don’t have. By focusing too much on the future and the past.

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  • Behind-the-Scenes Video: Downtown LA Conquer Your Fear of Shooting Street Photography Workshop 2015

    Behind-the-Scenes Video: Downtown LA Conquer Your Fear of Shooting Street Photography Workshop 2015

    I just finished an epic “Conquer Your Fears of Shooting Street Photography Workshop” in Downtown LA this past weekend and put together a fun behind-the-scenes video above. All of the students did an incredible job building their confidence in the streets, getting closer to strangers, and had a lot of fun getting to know one another.

    You can see the final student photos on my Facebook fan page and you can also see my upcoming street photography workshops in SF, Chicago, Toronto, NYC, Vienna, & more!

    Read more to see snapshots from the workshop as well:

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  • Film Isn’t Dead: The Resurgent Interest in Analogue Photography Video

    Thanks to Matt Stuart from In-Public for sharing this short 8-minute film about the resurgence of film photography.

    Personally I still love shooting film for the added challenge, how it slows me down, the aesthetic, as well as the surprise when I finally get my film developed. Shooting film (I think) has made me a more disciplined photographer, and also improved my street photography in general. Shooting film isn’t necessarily “better” than shooting digital– it is just different. If you’ve never shot film (or it has been a while), I recommend giving it a go in 2015!

    If you want to learn more about shooting street photography on film, I recommend reading some of these articles below:

    1. Introduction to Shooting Film in Street Photography
    2. A Guide on How to Shoot Street Photography on a Film Leica (or Rangefinder)
    3. Video: Introduction to Darkroom Film Developing and Printing with Taylan Bagci in Istanbul
    4. The Benefits Shooting Both Film and Digital in Street Photography
  • 10 of My Street Photography New Year’s Resolutions for 2015

    10 of My Street Photography New Year’s Resolutions for 2015

    eric-kim-photography-Cindy-Project-berkeley,xlarge.1476245681
    Berkeley, 2015 #cindyproject

    It is that time of the year again— to make resolutions for the new year.

    In 2014, I wrote a post, “40 Street Photography Resolutions Ideas for 2014” and I also wrote a post titled: “15 Street Photography Assignments to Re-Energize and Re-Inspire You” (inspired by the book: “The Photographer’s Playbook: 307 Assignments and Ideas”).

    Below are some personal New Year’s Resolutions I am going to make for myself in 2015. I will probably break some of them, but will try my best to stick to them. This is advice I will give to myself— and feel free to pick any of these ideas for yourself (or modify them as you see fit). This list is inspired mostly by Nassim Taleb’s New Years Resolutions for 2015. Here are my street photography resolutions for 2015:

    1. Don’t buy any photo books I don’t plan on re-reading.

    2. Buy at least 1 photo book a month (and get to really know it).

    3. Give at least 1 in-depth comment/feedback/critique (once a week) to a street photographer who doesn’t get any favorites, comments, or feedback on his/her photos.

    4. Try to meet a lonely photographer once a month for a coffee (with no expectation of “networking” or “gain” on my end)

    5. Don’t go a single day without taking a photograph (smartphone is fine).

    6. Don’t own more than 1 type of camera (only own 1 35mm camera, 1 medium-format, 1 digital). If I accrue more than one of each type of camera, either give away to friend or sell.

    7. Walk for at least 15 minutes everyday to make photos (I’m becoming a fat and lazy car-dependent American).

    8. Focus on education and creating value (not money, fame, or external recognition). Engaging the street photography community more and always try to help.

    9. Make my photographs more personal.

    10. Have at least 1 exhibition of my photos (and also curate at least 1 group exhibition).

    11. Teach at least 1 free workshop for charity (once a year).

    What are some New Years’ Resolutions that you have for yourself when it comes to your photography? Share them in the comments below!