Photography Entrepeneurship 101 by ERICKIM

Three ideas:
1. Don’t be boring
2. Always have new stuff
3. No filter

ONE. Don’t be boring.

The world is boring. We all love a little controversy.

As humans, we scorn the ordinary. And common place. We love the outlandish and wild.

Bruce Gilden is famous because he is controversial, shooting close with a flash.

Kaiman Wong is famous, because he doesn’t censor himself. Kai is not boring.

I am famous because I say what is on my mind, and I don’t censor myself. They think I am controversial, just because I am a circle that doesn’t fit in the square pegs.

For me, controversy has helped me more than hurt me. I am a “mis-fit” (inspired by CINDY NGUYEN). I don’t fit into no societal mold. Folks try to put me into a mold, but I am like fuck that. Like Cindy told me,

Throw away the whole mold.

Two. Always have new stuff.

We love newness.

I love new Apple products. I get excited. I have something to look forward to.

I love new Nike shoes. I like new designs, innovations, and colors.

If you went to Reddit, and you saw no new news, articles, pictures, or content– would you be motivated to go back?

If you want more followers, you always need to stream new information, new content, new photos, and new videos.

Tip: Analyze who you follow. Why do you follow them?

Reasons I follow someone:

Entertainment: They are funny.
Information: The information they give is useful, empowering, or helpful.
I want to emulate them: They are my role models. I feel if I follow them and consume their message, I can find their “secret to success.”

Three. No filter

Don’t filter yourself. If you don’t filter yourself and make yourself raw and naked, people will know you’re spitting the truth.

They might not like you, but at least you are honest and genuine.

For me, I have no respect for spineless folks with no skin in the game. No anonymous person on the internet has ever become grand.

You need to attach your real identity and name to your actions and words.

I follow folks who I find genuine, who don’t censor themselves. I love following Nassim Taleb because he curses on Twitter. I know if I met him in real life, he would be who I expect him to be.

If you meet ERICKIM in real life, I’m the same person. I curse, say politically incorrect stuff, but I’m raw and genuine. I don’t bullshit. But I don’t put others down. I motivate, uplift, and a forever optimist, with a hint of cynicism and doom and gloom.

But friend, to gain followers, share the good news, and say words that help others bloom.

Positivity: you can do it, what is it worth to me? If you care about yourself and your work enough, you will be able to help others and yourself endlessly.

BE STRONG,
ERIC

PHOTOGRAPHY ENTREPRENEURSHIP 101 by ERIC KIM

ERIC KIM x HENRI NECK STRAP by HAPTIC INDUSTRIES // Portrait by Benjamin Thompson

If you want to make a living (or a killing) from photography, download:

PHOTOGRAPHY ENTREPRENEURSHIP MANUAL by ERIC KIM

KEYS TO SUCCESS

Learn how to make a living from your passion:

Photography Business 101

Practical Photography Business Advice

How to Make Money with Photography

Photography Marketing 101

How to Hustle.

Entrepreneurial Principles

How to be a Full-time Photographer

Photography Blogging

How to Teach Photography

Social Media

How to Save Money

START HERE >

ERIC KIM WORKSHOPS

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2021:

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