• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • START HERE
  • BOOKS
  • SHOP
  • WORKSHOPS

ERIC KIM

BLOG

  • ARS BETA
  • WHY?
  • AMAZON

HOW TO BE A PASSIONATE PHOTOGRAPHER

ERICKIM x ERICKIM STRAP

If you’re not passionate about photography, why make photos?

Download PDF >

Why be Passionate?

Kyoto, 2015

If you’re not passionate, you ain’t gonna fool anybody else.

If you’re not passionate about photography and your own photos, your enthusiasm will not infect others.

For myself, I’m fucking passionate about photography. I fucking love it to death.

To me, it is amazing how I can make instant art. I don’t need to waste time paining. To me, a photograph is an instant painting. Perhaps even more interesting.

Saigon, 2017

Anyways, I think the primary stimulus to life we get is through art. Specifically through making art. Not collecting the art of others. If we find inspiration from the art of others, that is good. But ultimately, the goal is for us to be inspired for us to make our own art.

To just collect the art of others is like watching pornography. You like looking at others have sex. Why watch others make photos? Why not make photos for yourself, by yourself?

What is the purpose of life?

Saigon, 2017 #cindyproject

Life is about creation. It ain’t about consumption.

I’m only happy when I’m creating. When I’m creating photos, creating connections with strangers, or creating blog posts. Creation is what gives me joy of being in the “zone”– when I feel like I’m never gonna die.

How to be more passionate about photography and life

by CINDY NGUYEN

To find more passion in your photography and life, here are some ideas:

  1. Seek to impress yourself: I don’t care What others think of my photos. I’m self centered enough that I only care what I think of my own photos. Therefore, I’m happiest when I make a photo and I look at it and I think, “Wow, I made that?”
  2. Be grateful to be alive: Read life affirming philosophy. I love the Stoic philosophers like Seneca. He helps me encourage living, and for me to never waste my life. MEMENTO MORI: remember you will die. So why waste your life? Express your passion for living through your photos. Don’t just show miserable photos. Show photos that show your enthusiasm and positivity about life.
  3. See difficulty as a fun challenge to overcome: If you don’t have a good camera, don’t fret. Use that as an encouragement to you to overcome your setbacks. I find it more fun to make good photos on shitty cameras. Because it forces me to be innovative with my limitations. This is what they call a “creative constraint”– a constraint that forces you be more creative.

And if you want to take your passion to the next level, attend ERIC KIM EXPERIENCE, buy HAPTIC PRODUCTS, and show your passion on ERIC KIM FORUM.

Lastly, remember you are an artist. As a photographer, every photograph you make is you taking a risk of making a good piece of art.

And ultimately, make photos that affirm yourself, your life, and your enthusiasm.

And if you are not passionate about photography, ask yourself:

Have I lost my passion for photography because photography is boring to me?

If you’re bored, challenge yourself more.

Or ask yourself,

Am I afraid of others judging my photos negatively?

If that’s the case, become a STREET STOIC.

BE STRONG,
ERIC


ART

eric kim photography black and white leaves flash

Re-discover you inner-child and feel like PABLO PICASSO:

  • Make More Than You Take
  • NEVER COMPROMISE.
  • Why Photography is the Best Art Form.
  • How to become unstuck.
  • How to Become a FEARLESS Artist
  • KANDINSKY: THE ARTIST IS THE PROPHET
  • How to Have More Creative Confidence in Your Photography
  • How to Make More Art
  • YOU CAN DO ANYTHING
  • How Not to Give a Fuck What Others Think of Your Photography
  • Is Photography Art?
  • Leonardo da Vinci: Art, Photography, and Life Lessons
  • How to Make Better Photos
  • The Art of Street Photography
  • The Art of Photography
  • How to Conquer Your Fears in Art
  • How to Be a More Productive Artist
  • How to Have More Confidence as an Artist
  • Make Photos for the Sake of Making Photos
  • Make, Don’t Take Photos
  • Perfect Pearl
  • Make Photos to Delight Your Soul
  • Revel in Your Defective Artistry
  • Photography is Poetry Without Words
  • Labor to Make Your Photos Concise

See all articles >

HENRI SHOULDER STRAP

Film Leica MP x Henri Shoulder Strap (CREMA BROWN)

Supreme >


Street Photography Starter Kit

street photography starter kit by ERIC KIM

Master street photography >


HENRI WRIST STRAP PRO

Henri wrist strap pro

For the pros >

Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Photography Entrepreneurship

My brand-new Udemy Course, "Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Photography Entrepreneurship" now live!

Seize your destiny >


Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Mastering Photography

eric kim ultimate beginners guide to mastering photography udemy

Master photography >

ERIC KIM WORKSHOPS

red hand ERIC KIM

Unleash your creative potential:

2021:

  • April 10-11th, 2021: BOSTON / Discover Your Unique Voice in Photography Workshop [Register Intent Here]
  • May 1-2nd, 2021: CHICAGO / Street Photography Composition Masterclass [Register Intent Here]
  • May 22-22nd, 2021: NEW YORK CITY / STREET PHOTOGRAPHY MASTERCLASS by ERIC KIM [Register Intent Here]

Be notified of when new workshops are live here.


ERIC KIM NEWSLETTER

Free Motivation for You >







JOIN ARS: The Anti-Social Media for Photographers

Ars black logo

 

Get real feedback on your photos on ARSBETA.COM

WHY APP?

zen of ERIC KIM why app icon

Never stop asking why?

PHANTOM BLACK HENRI WRIST STRAP

Shoot like a ghost >


STREET NOTES

Never hit the streets without it >


FILM NOTES

Now is your time to (re)learn film >

HENRI WRIST STRAP

The classic CREMA BROWN >

CREATIVE EVERY DAY

Create every day >


PHOTO JOURNAL

Photo Journal Print Edition

Discover more personal meaning in your photography >

OPEN-SOURCE