When in doubt, shoot 25% more of the scene (lesson from STREET NOTES):

The problem: we always under-shoot a scene. It is rare that we see a good scene, If you see anything that interests you, ‘shoot the shit out of it’ as Trent Parke says.

In Saigon, I have gotten friendly with this security guard outside of one of my favorite coffee shops. After about 5 hours of caffeinated bliss, I went outside, and said goodbye. I then noticed his pose, and crossed hands. I ‘worked the scene’ and wasn’t sure which shot would be the best.

I shot 71 photos total. Shot on Digital RICOH GR II, in ‘P’ (program) mode, some with flash, some without. Some horizontal, and some vertical.

In terms of composition, I tried to simplify the edges of the frame (clean background).

CONTACT SHEET

So the moral of the story:

SHOOT MORE.

BE STRONG,
ERIC

HAPTIC INDUSTRIES.

VITRUVIAN CAMERA ARTWEAR by ANNETTE KIM

HAPTIC INDUSTRIES: a win for you and me.

STREET NOTES

“If your photos aren’t good enough you’re not close enough.” – Robert Capa
Better compositions: look at the edges of your frame (don’t get tunnel-visioned in the center of the frame).
For a month, shoot all your photos at .7 msters (1 arm length away)
To break out of shooter’s block, shoot 1,000 photos in a day.
Have fun and be creative everyday.

PHOTO JOURNAL

Ask yourself, “Why do I make photos?”
Make photos for yourself, never for anyone else.
Before you upload a photo, ask yourself: “Do I like this photo?”
There are no “good” or “bad” photos. Only authentic and inauthentic photos to you.
The best photos to make: photos of your family, loved ones, and yourself (honor thy selfie).

FILM NOTES

Be picky about what you decide to photograph, but once you find a scene or subject you like, shoot 36 photos (a whole roll of film) on it.
When in doubt, over-expose on film. You can always recover highlights on film, never can you recover shadows.
When you’re starting off, shoot outdoors at f8, ISO 400, and just adjust your shutter speed. Use a smartphone light meter app.
For monochrome bliss, shoot Kodak Tri-X and “push” to ISO 1600.
Grain is beautiful.

ERIC KIM STRAP

Black on black on black, your only wrist strap, for the #RICOHMAFIA
Wear your camera like a wrist chain, and shoot from the brain.
Also shoot from the gut, know you make your own luck.
JUST SHOOT IT.

HENRI NECK STRAP

Wear your camera on your neck, and make it rain with your photos, ever-flowing checks.
Feel STRONG, and shoot all day long.
Be ready before the decisive moment.
Work the scene (make at least 10 photos of each scene you find interesting)
Wander and shoot the streets like if it were your first time, and be kind to your subjects, don’t treat them like “photo objects.”