Kyoto/Uji Zen Creative Photography Experience 2018

Dear friend,

If you want to embark on the experience of a lifetime, do not miss out on my unique Kyoto/Uji Zen Creative Photography Retreat (May 2-5, 2018). If you love Japanese Zen aesthetics, street photography, and want to take your creativity to the next level– this experience is for you:


2018 ERIC KIM WORKSHOPS

Street photograph of woman walking in Kyoto, 2017

Workshop Registration & Contact: neilta@gmail.com


Your creative photography zen retreat

  • May 2-3: Street photography and walking meditation in the historic city of Kyoto.
  • May 4-5 : Creative workshopping about visual art and editing photos in the tranquil riverside ryokan (traditional Japanese spa) in Uji.

Kyoto is sublime.

Cindy laughing at red shrine. Kyoto, 2017.
Kyoto, 2017

First of all, why am I leading this experience, besides earning money and sharing my passion for street photography?

Well– the Tokyo Week-Long Street Photography experience is phenomenal for the excitement, sexiness, and dynamism for the big-city vibes.

For me personally, Kyoto is my spiritual temple. To me, the aesthetics, mood, and vibe of Kyoto is sublime. Whenever I go to Kyoto, I feel my creative mind is elevated.

Just read my enthusiasm in my Kyoto Diary 2016 >

Kyoto will inspire your inner artist.

Kyoto Silhouette, 2017.
Kyoto Silhouette, 2017.

This workshop is going to be a bespoke experience for you. Meaning, it will be tailored, specifically to you.

The workshop will spark your inner artist, to look at the world and make art with a “beginner’s mind” or “child’s mind”.  We will not only discuss photography, but also other forms of creative expression such as drawing, composition, poetry, and art. We will expand our creative canvas and toolbox by practicing assignments on how to see, express, and think like an artist.

The first two days will take place shooting in the historic streets of Kyoto. Kyoto is a city which inspires the best in me– through the dark-ash wood paneling of the Kyoto temples, the slower pace of life, as well as the tranquil walks along the Kamo River.

Zen aesthetics. Kyoto, 2017
Zen aesthetics. Kyoto, 2017

Uji, your creative zen retreat.

Reflection of Cindy in Ukata in our Ryokan in Uji, Kyoto 2017
Reflection of Cindy in Ukata in our Ryokan in Uji, Kyoto 2017

To inspire your creative spirit, Cindy and I will take you on a 2 day excursion to Uji–our favorite place in the world. Uji is known for its world famous Uji matcha green tea and two UNESCO world heritage sites, Ujigami Shrine (built in 1060) and Byōdō-in Buddhist Temple (built in 1052).

For Cindy and me, Uji is a creative retreat, tucked between the flowing Uji river and tranquil  mountains. We will stay in a traditional Japanese style inn/bath house spa called a Ryokan, one of the most memorable ways to experience Japanese culture, free onsen (hot baths), and traditional dining.

We will sip tea, discuss and learn about photography and art, edit our photos, and end the workshop with presenting your own creative photography project.

Uji sunset, 2017.Uji sunset, 2017.

Ryokan with Cindy. Uji, Kyoto 2017Ryokan with Cindy. Uji, Kyoto 2017

Cindy in Yukata. Uji, Kyoto 2017Cindy in Yukata. Uji, Kyoto 2017

Why join this workshop?

Walking woman. Kyoto street photograph, 2017
Walking woman. Kyoto street photograph, 2017

To be honest, I want you to have a phenomenal time. I want to share my passion of street photography, coffee, Kyoto, Uji, and zen minimalist aesthetics with you. The workshop will be tailored for you to work on a mini- creative photography project of your own, that can be focused on street photography, street portraits, building your confidence, and making more minimalist and sublime compositions.

Kyoto, 2017.
Kyoto, 2017.

Above all, I only want curious, passionate, and fun photographers at this workshop. I want you to share your passion for photography and travel with the rest of the group. The biggest benefit of attending this workshop will be you having the chance to meet other passionate and diverse photographers from all around the world, building new life-long friends, and improving your photographic vision.

Logistics for the Workshop

The workshop will be all-day May 2-5, 2018, from 10am-5pm. We will start the workshop shooting in the streets of Kyoto, depart to Uji by train on May 4, and experience together the peaceful ryokan retreat in Uji. On the last day (May 5) we will explore the historic temples and nature views in Uji, discuss art and creative expression, and work together on editing our photographs. During your two night stay at the Uji ryokan you will get a chance to relax, experience traditional Japanese food, hot baths, and sleeping on a futon (if you desire).

We will enjoy the pace of the workshop– it won’t be rushed or forced. We will enjoy the streets of Kyoto and Uji, slowly, like flaneurs. We will wander the roads, and follow our noses.

Of course we will also have some pre-arranged routes, which will help you maximize your short time in Kyoto, to make sure you can see all the cool spots. I will take you off the beaten path, and show you my personal favorite places to shoot street photography– and avoid all the tourists.

Investment

Umbrella and flash in color. Kyoto, 2017
Umbrella and flash in color. Kyoto, 2017

The tuition for the workshop (not including food, transportation, or accommodation) is expensive. The workshop tuition is 1995 USD. However if you submit your full deposit before March 15, 2018, it will only be 1490 USD.

To be honest, I think the workshop will be a great investment for you and your photographic passion– that will continue to pay dividends for you long after the workshop. Read my 200+ student reviews. I hustle hard in the workshop, to maximize your learning experience, and I put my heart, soul, and every fiber of my being into making sure you have a great time.

Kyoto Zen temple, 2017
Kyoto Zen temple, 2017

The workshop won’t make you Henri Cartier-Bresson. But the workshop will inspire you, help you build new connects, and will help refine your photographic vision. What you get out of the workshop is dependent on what you put in. And because I know you have a deep passion for photography and want to learn, this workshop will be great experience for you.

Also, I need to put skin in the game– and put my money where my mouth is. I’m so confident you’re going to have an unforgettable experience that if you attend the workshop and aren’t totally satisfied, I will give you a 100% money-back guarantee. Of course, it isn’t in my best interest to lose money– so you can bet that this workshop will be unforgettable.

Stylish woman outside of department store. Kyoto, 2017.
Stylish woman outside of department store. Kyoto, 2017. RICOH GR II with P mode and flash.

So friend, what do you have to lose? You have everything to gain.

The streets of Kyoto are waiting for you.

Don’t miss your chance!

The Japan workshops always sell out fast, so don’t miss out this unique workshop experience in Kyoto and Uji.

If you have any questions about the workshop, please contact my manager Neil at Neilta@gmail.com. He will take care of you. Also contact Neil if you’re a returning student, we will hook it up with a special returning-student discount, super excited to have you again :)

If you want to secure your spot for the workshop, you can pay with the early-bird pricing below, paid by credit card, debit card, or Paypal.

  • Normal tuition: 1995 USD
  • Early-bird discount: 1490 USD (if paid before March 15, 2018)

Once you submit your payment, your spot is secured. My manager Neil will send you a follow-up email To learn more about your street photography experiences and style, in order for you to get the best possible experience from the workshop.

For any questions you have about the workshop, contact my manager Neil at neilta@gmail.com

Excited to see you friend.

Always,
Eric


Your Zen Creative Retreat

Cindy behind red curtain. Kyoto, 2017
Kyoto, 2017 #cindyproject
  • Tuition: 2000USD (Early-bird discount: 1490 USD (if paid before March 15, 2018)
  • Dates: May 2-5, 2018
  • Location: May 2,3 in Kyoto / May 4,5 in Uji
  • Time: 10am-5pm (Everyday)
  • Student cap: 16 participants
  • Contact: neilta@gmail.com

Please secure your own accommodation for Kyoto and Uji.

  • For Kyoto, we recommend staying at an Airbnb or hotel near the Sanjo Bridge the evening of May 2 and 3.
  • For Uji, we recommend staying at our favorite Uji ryokan Hanayashiki Ukifuneen that overlooks the beautiful Uji river the evening of May 4 and 5. If you would like to try traditional Japanese breakfast or dinner, remember to request those options when booking (often this is already included in the price of the stay).
Uji River view from Hanayashiki Ukifuneen

KYOTO VIDEOS

KYOTO BEBOP by CINDY NGUYEN

PURPLE KYOTO SLIDESHOW by ERIC KIM

Past Kyoto Workshop Student Photos

Student photo by Bob Brice / Kyoto, 2016

Don’t miss your chance!

Street photograph of woman walking in Kyoto, 2017
Kyoto, 2017

Don’t miss out for this unique opportunity for you to achieve your photo zen:

  • Normal tuition: 1995 USD
  • Early-bird discount: 1490 USD (if paid before March 15, 2018)

Any further questions about the workshop? Contact my manager Neil with all of your inquiries at neilta@gmail.com


2018 ERIC KIM WORKSHOPS

Street photograph of woman walking in Kyoto, 2017

Workshop Registration & Contact: neilta@gmail.com