ERIC KIM

Does Photography Help You Live a More Fulfilling Life?

Color Cindy and Scissors. Saigon, 2017.
Color Cindy and Scissors. Saigon, 2017.

Dear friend,

Why do you make photos… to make pretty photos to get a lot of likes on the gram, or to find more personal fulfillment, and meaning in your life?

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Kyoto wood. Processed with VSCO with a6 preset
Kyoto wood. Processed with VSCO with a6 preset

Ok, this is what I think causes misery, loss of passion, and loss of vigor in life: having no sense of purpose in life.

So the first question to ask yourself：

What is my heroic purpose in life?

Then, ask yourself：

Does photography help aid me in this journey?

If yes, how so? If not, why make photos?

What is your purpose in life?

My sister Annette. Processed with VSCO with a6 preset. Shot on Google Nexus 6P
My sister Annette. Processed with VSCO with a6 preset. Shot on Google Nexus 6P

For me, my purpose in life is to empower others. Pretty simple.

To me, I see photography as a tool of empowerment.

For example：

  1. Shooting street photography gives me more confidence to talk to strangers and pushes me outside of my comfort zone… to be more assertive, to be more friendly, and more gregarious.
  2. Making pictures of my loved ones is PHOTO MEMENTO MORI： Never taking a moment with them for granted. My selfies with family are probably more important than my “serious” photographs.
  3. Photography gives me an excuse to get out of the house and explore. I think it’s human nature to want to explore, to wonder. To conquer.

Don’t crowd-source your self-esteem.

Red hair on red background. Kodak Portra 400 with flash. London, 2014.
Red hair on red background. Kodak Portra 400 with flash. London, 2014.

I think we get confused. We make photos … to get more likes on social media, or to have some sort of affirmation that our life is meaningful.

Stressed Cindy with hand on head. Paris, 2014.
Stressed Cindy with hand on head. Paris, 2015.

We get a sense of affirmation, purpose, and power… when we gain more followers, likes, and comments. We can “quantify” our progress in life, like a video game. This is why we are addicted to video games and social media… we get a sense of progress in life. And without a sense of growth, and progress…why is life worth living?

How does photography help me “in real life”?

Cindy with hat and pink magenta background.
Cindy with hat and pink magenta background.

To me, I find more fulfillment not in the number of pictures I shoot, or via my social media numbers… but rather asking myself：

Is my photography making me more brave, courageous, or strong as a person?

For example, I love shooting STREET PORTRAITS because it is hard. Very hard. Much harder to talk to a stranger, interact with them, and get very physically and emotionally close to make a portrait of them (instead of just taking a candid picture on the streets).

Photography empowers you.

Selfie with Cindy in Saigon hotel with lipstick kiss in mirror. 2017
Selfie with Cindy in Saigon hotel with lipstick kiss in mirror. 2017

To sum up, for me… Photography is worth it when:

  1. Photography makes you more confident in real life.
  2. Photography makes you more bold to take more risks.
  3. Photography makes you more social (encourages you to meet and collaborate with other photographers and artists). The benefit of attending workshops, starting a photo club, or participating in critique circles.
  4. Photography gives us an excuse to walk, and leave the house.
  5. Photography gives us more hope and optimism in life.

Conclusion

Cindy reflection in elevator with out stretched arms. Saigon, 2017.
Cindy reflection in elevator with out stretched arms. Saigon, 2017.

So friend, why do you make pictures, and how does it help you live a more fulfilling life? Share your thoughts and experiences on ERIC KIM FORUM, and conquer your fears and meet new peers at ERIC KIM EXPERIENCE

BE STRONG,
ERIC