Happy Birthday Neil

Havana, Cuba. Photo by Neil Ta
Havana, Cuba. Photo by Neil Ta

Hey Neil,

Happy birthday man. I’m not 100% sure how old you are now, but all I know is that you’re about a decade my senior. I wanted to write this letter to wish you a happy birthday, and share some personal thoughts of how grateful I am to have you in my life.

First of all, the “Big Brother” song by Kanye West comes to mind— you’ve always been my big brother. You’ve changed my diapers, helped me with business deals, and made sure that I didn’t do stupid shit. You were always the mind of reason, and I really respect you as a human being, a mentor, and a friend.

Thank you for all the help you’e given to me over the years, and how you’ve helped me get to the point I’m at now. I know you sometimes joke that you “ride my coattails” a bit— but once again; it is a collaborative thing. We both help out one another in different ways, and I think what we’e built together couldn’t been without the other. Even when I think of the “Eric Kim brand” — I see myself as a separate entity. I am almost like an employee to this abstract company/entity— rather than the “owner” or the “boss” (or “CEO” haha).

I have great faith in your photography projects— especially your Alexandria Park project, and your new Hasselblad XPAN shooting in Cuba. I feel that over the last few years, you’re like me— you’ve finally found more of your own style (less rooftopping and urban) and more personal street photography/documentary projects.

I am excited to see your future Cuba book— we definitely need to go there sometime (for the photography, certainly not for the food). It is fun how we’ve nerded about film, photo books, travel, and I think I respect how you’ve given the middle-finger to the corporate world (quitting on your own accord, instead of me, who got laid off), and the love you give to your family, Kelly, and your friends.

You’ve also taught me that it is better to be outspoken about how you feel (even though you might alienate others; it is more honest). You’ve taught me to be more considerate about the feelings of others, yet while staying rational and logical about it. You’ve taught me that self-doubt is a healthy and normal thing, and that I’m not the only one who experiences financial and personal stress in life. Even though others find you a bit rough-around-the-edges; I find your candor and honesty so refreshing— I love your “no-bullshit” attitude to life, photography, and relationships.

I am blessed to have a friend, mentor, and fellow photographer and guide in life. Let’s keep rocking on— together.

<3
Eric
11/17/2015

Learn more about Neil with my interview with him: “Photography is Photography, a Photo is a Photo.. See more of his Xpan work on his Tumblr. Also follow him on Instagram (@iambidong).