I just turned 30 years old — here are some personal life lessons I’ve learned so far:

(more…)

STREET HUNT is your personal guide to push yourself outside of your comfort zone, and to embark on new, exciting, and fun street photography adventures!

(more…)

“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” – Leonardo da Vinci

(more…)

One of the greatest joys of being alive is having the opportunity to talk, engage, and interact with other humans.

(more…)

Adventure awaits! CHOOSE YOUR OWN PHOTOGRAPHY ADVENTURE is your unique opportunity to find inspiration through helpful photography assignments catered to you.

(more…)

What is social media, why use social media, and what are practical strategies we can implement?

(more…)

Download your free and exclusive PDF guide: “How to Monetize Your Photography” by ANNETTE KIM.

(more…)

What is fear in street photography, and how can we conquer and overcome it?

(more…)

Dear friend,

What holds us down and holds us back in life? Often our fear of failure that is self imposed by ourselves.

(more…)

What is entrepreneurship? To me, it is taking risks for the sake of the collective of humanity, and discovering knowledge, wisdom, and utility for our fellow human beings.

(more…)

As I write these lines from my laptop, while standing (with laptop on top of a microwave in the Airbnb kitchen of our apartment in Lisbon), we are preparing our last day with our moms.

---

First sent out to ERIC KIM NEWSLETTER

My mom, Cindy’s mom, Cindy and I had a phenomenal time here in Lisbon — enjoying the absolutely delicious spicy frango chicken, and also the epic home-cooking that our moms have been doing for us.

Every day, our moms (while Cindy and I are usually still in bed), go to the local Lisbon farmers market, buys fresh groceries, fresh meats (most chicken/pork being around 1-2 euros for a kilogram (2 pounds)), and also go on little expeditions with one another.

Cindy and I have been working on some really cool video projects while in Marseille, and while here in Lisbon, we have been spending time interviewing our moms (Cindy did a video project titled: “The Undeniable Force of Kho Khan“), and I’ve been philosophizing a lot on why Street Photography is Empowerment.

Also Cindy and I worked together (for countless hours, and with endless espressos) perfecting our new book: “Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Mastering Street Photography” — thank all of you who picked up a copy. It has been a fun challenge distilling all of my knowledge in street photography, and writing a personal, honest, and practical/philosophical guide to street photography.

---

Traveling with (both) our moms

Some people ask — “How is it like traveling with both your moms?” To answer shortly: awesome. Having double-mom power is the biggest blessing — Cindy and I love our time talking with them, learning more about our childhood, and also about their personal goals/ambitions in life.

For example, I have been teaching my mom how to start her own photography blog in Korean– both on her Chromebook and on her phone. Cindy has been empowering her mom to take photos, create slideshows using the free ‘Quik’ app in the Google Play store, and also how to crop/create her own profile pictures.

---

10 Life Epiphanies

Also some life epiphanies I’ve had:

1. I prefer home-cooked food, rather than going out to fancy restaurants
2. Walking is very important for my mental health — I’ve been spending more time to just go on walks with my camera (RICOH GR II x ERIC KIM NECK STRAP).
3. There is never an ‘optimal’ time to publish or do anything. The secret is to just make the best out of everyday — and those little acts will snowball massively over time.
4. In photography, I love shooting high-contrast JPEG color (positive film preset on RICOH GR II), program mode, shooting while walking, and just shooting snapshots. Enjoying the joy of everyday photography.
5. The best photographer is the cheerful photographer.
6. Better to post your own photos to your own photography blog, than post it on social media.
7. Photography and art is about self-expression.
8. Street photography is surrealism.
9. Key to a happy life: Living a DYNAMIC (not static) life.
10. Monetizing your passion for photography won’t cause you to lose your passion.

Next Stops: London, NYC, Los Angeles, Kyoto, Tokyo

Tonight we are leaving to the airport at 3am, and then heading to (hopefully warm) London.

We are crashing with our friends Simon & Lisa, and I’m teaching a London Conquer Your Fears in Street Photography Workshop this weekend.

I am also super excited that my sister ANNETTE is joining us for a new London HAPTIC Internship, where we are all going to work on some super exciting art projects for you!

Also upcoming is my 30th birthday — on Jan 31st. I hope to use this opportunity to reflect on my life, my values, and my future direction as well.

Then what is next?

• In NYC I am doing a Conquer Your Fears Workshop Feb 21-22nd, then also a NYC Dynamic Street Photography Composition Workshop (Feb 24-25th). If you’re interested in a returning-student discount or a special bundled discount, contact my workshops manager at
  neilta@gmail.com
• March 31 I am teaching a Downtown LA / Conquer Your Fears in Street Photography and will hopefully spend some good quality time with Cindy’s family in the OC.
• May, I am teaching a KYOTO-UJI / Zen Creative Photography Experience (May 2-5), and also a TOKYO / Travel Street Photography Experience (May 9-13th).

Then for the rest of the year? Not quite sure. but life is all about the ride.

---

Thank you

As always, thank you so much for supporting my journey with Cindy, and for your never-ending encouragement and support. None of this would be possible without you.

Gratefully,
ERIC

Stay updated with ERIC KIM NEWSLETTER

After a month of traveling with our moms and working on some secret projects, Eric and I (Cindy) proudly announce the reopening of the HAPTIC shop with the launch of the new ERIC KIM NECK STRAP.

(more…)

After 2 years of prototyping, HAPTIC INDUSTRIES is proud to announce the new minimal, elegant, and strong ERIC KIM Neck Strap.

(more…)

Cindy here: This is the last week and assignment for the free STREET CLUB WINTER SCHOOL in the Eric Kim Forum! Participate in the photo assignments and provide constructive feedback on other’s photos.

On January 31 (Eric’s birthday!) he will do a video review of all the photos submitted in Street Club and pick two winners for the grand prizes 1) Best photo and 2) Best Critique. From now until January 30, submit your photos and critiques to any of the week’s assignments.

(more…)

This special feature post was written by Berlin street photographer Oliver Krumes. Check out his work here.

Negative core beliefs hold us back from many things in life – such as finally quitting an unsatisfactory job to pursue  working, for example, as a photographer or leaving an unhealthy relationship to  seek the love of your life. I have come to realize that negative core beliefs have even affected my biggest passion: photography.

(more…)

Dear friend,

If you want to use photography as a tool of empowerment for yourself, this book is for you.

(more…)

Why is street photography so great? To me, it is all about self-empowerment.

(more…)

Here are my top 30 street photography tips to get you shooting on the streets:

(more…)

In Photography Entrepreneurship 101, we have covered how to make money from photography– but we haven’t quite covered should you try to make a full-time living from your photographic passion?

(more…)

Dear friend,

One of the best joys in photography is having the opportunity to express yourself.

(more…)

Dear friend,

Why is it so hard for us to stay inspired in photography? This is something that has challenged me for a long time — and I think I’ve discovered some of the solutions and secrets for myself. I hope some of my experiences can also help empower you.

(more…)

In this post we will cover practical tips and guidelines on how to shoot better portrait photos. You will learn how to interact and guide your subject, and reveal their soul with you lens.

(more…)

One of the reasons why I love street photography: it is the ultimate form of self-therapy– for my mind, my well-being, my mental health, and my overall optimism and positivity towards life.

(more…)

Dear friend,

To advertise my new book: “Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Mastering Street Photography“, here is a list of practical and philosophical tips on street photography, which I hope can empower you to take your street photography to the next level:

(more…)

Dear friend,

I am very excited to share my new book with you: Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Street Photography — your new personal primer to mastering the fundamentals of street photography, conquering your fears, and taking your street photography to the next level.

(more…)

Photography is not possible without composition– don’t miss out on these 5 essential photography composition tips:

(more…)

Dear friend,

If you want to find more joy, happiness, and fulfillment in your photography and life — I recommend ‘Everyday Photography’:

(more…)

 

 

 

 

 

Can a photographer shoot video as well? Here are some practical lessons I learned while shooting video and the cinematography for “The Undeniable Force of Khó Khăn” by Cindy Nguyen.

(more…)

Dear friend,

If you’ve ever wanted to learn practical monetization strategies in photography– this is advice I would have given myself:

(more…)

This is a special feature post by Aaron Feser, a photographer and videographer based in Calgary, Canada. You can see more of his work here.

Shooting photographs with video has a difficulty level that falls somewhere between stills and video. It’s a hybrid tool that’s only practical for special situations. But if you like a challenge it represents a unique creative experience that might change the way you think about street photography.

(more…)

I think a 35mm ‘full frame-equivalent’ lens is ideal for 90% of street photographers. Why a 35mm lens, and how do you shoot with it in street photography? Some practical ideas:

(more…)

Currently in Lisbon, one of my new favorite cities in the world for food, colors, travel, light, photography, and living.

(more…)

(more…)

If you’re busy with a day-job, and when you leave the office and it turns dark — try out night photography.

(more…)

The happiest photographer is the photographer who is cheerful — who is optimistic, looking forward to the future, excited to make new photos, and still has that child-like sense of wonder and curiosity.

(more…)

 

 

You got your own style in photography; whether you know it or not.

(more…)

I remember when I was 18 years old; I had no interest in making money from my photography, and I didn’t really have any ideas on making a living from my photography.

(more…)

(more…)

Dear friend,

If you’re having a hard time finding inspiration in your photography and life, I recommend trying out shooting macro photography — or just photographing the details of stuff, very close.

Download PDF

DOWNLOAD PDF: 7 Tips How to Shoot Better Macro Photography

---

Why is macro photography frowned upon?

Okay first of all, macro photography gets a bad reputation for only being for “noobs” (newbies). But, I think the secret to staying inspired as a photographer for your entire life is to in fact, be a “noob” (newbie/beginner photographer) for your whole life.

For example, long before I shot street photography, and all I had was my little Canon SD 600 point and shoot digital camera, I loved photographing closeup macro photos of everything — flowers, stuff I found on the ground or details of things I found interesting.

However, as I started to become more experienced in photography, shooting photos of flowers or my food wasn’t “serious” enough. Thus, I stopped.

And when I stopped shooting these childlike, beginner photos — I think a part of my childlike curiosity also died.

---

The joy of being a beginner photographer

Now, I’m back in full noob photography mode, having fun shooting without barriers. I give myself full freedom to photograph anything I want, however I want to shoot it, regardless of what it is. In fact, I love photographing my food — even though I am sometimes scowled at by other more “serious” photographers.

Find beauty in the small things

Anyways back on the topic of macro photography: shooting close up detail photos of things are fun. It allows us to really pay attention to the beauty in the small things.

I shoot closeup macro photos with my RICOH GR II in “Macro” mode, and use the popup flash. I love it, because I can make interesting photos of anything — the trash I find on the ground, a detail of some texture in the wall, or even my food.

---

Some ideas and tips to make better macro photos:

1. Clean background and edges of your frame

When you’re photographing a closeup macro photo of something, look at the edges of your frame, and try to keep the background simple and clean.

This will allow the viewer’s eye to be fully focused on your subject.

2. Use a flash

Use the built-in flash in your camera, if you have it. If not, use a small flash when shooting closeups.

The fun thing with a flash: it transforms whatever you’re photographing into something else — something more unusual and surreal.

Good inspiration is to see Araki’s closeup macro flash photos of flowers (which he makes look like genitals) and Martin Parr from his “Common sense” Book, when he makes food and other British things look quite disgusting.

3. Don’t seek to make “pretty” photos

To me, I’m more interested in making interesting (non boring) photos than pretty pictures.

That means, often when I photograph closeup macro photos, the subjects actually look pretty gross. The food I photograph looks a bit gross. Also, when I photograph urinals, yes, that looks a bit gross.

Don’t shy away from making “ugly” or “gross photos”.

4. Stop, pause, and really look at something

For me, the purpose of macro photography is to really just stop, pause, and look at stuff — and examine it, closely. That means, when you look at your coat, just stop and really look at it.

We have become so accustomed to common objects like clothes hangars, light bulbs, and coffee cups, that we don’t see the inherent beauty in the shapes and forms of the objects.

So macro photography is a good exercise for us to stop, pause, reflect, and really see.

5. Look for interesting shapes, forms, colors, and textures

Look for circles, triangles, rectangles, squares, and when you shoot, try out different perspectives. Shoot from a high angle, and low angle. Work the scene by tilting your camera to the left and right, and try to make a diagonal composition.

Also, look for interesting colors — what color is the object you’re photographing, and what color is the background?

Or do you see any interesting gritty textures you can photograph?

6. Shoot portraits in macro mode

I’ve done a series of street portraits on the RICOH GR II in Program mode, iso 800, and macro mode with the 28mm lens. It creates a very interesting perspective and look for peoples faces— which I like. The photos feel more intimate, like you’re standing right next to them, looking straight into their soul.

So as an experiment, try to shoot portraits of people in macro mode. If you’re uncomfortable doing that, maybe do a self-portrait series of yourself in macro mode instead.

7. Shoot like a child

Just imagine,

If I were 5 years old, what would I stare at, and find interesting — and thus want to photograph?

Rediscover your inner child, and shoot without hesitation or any barriers.

Conclusion

Macro photography is fun. If you don’t have a lens that focuses closely, just use your phone and flash.

Don’t take it too seriously. Use macro photography as a way to better appreciate the common objects in your everyday life, and as a way to just shoot more.

There’s beauty all around you: everything is interesting, as long as you look closely enough.

JUST SHOOT IT,
ERIC

---

HENRI WRIST STRAP

Never miss the decisive moment >

---

PHOTO JOURNAL

Find more Personal meaning in your photographic life with PHOTO JOURNAL >

---

STREET NOTES: Mobile Edition

STREET NOTES: Push Yourself out of your Comfort Zone in Street Photography >

---

MASTERS

Reinspire Yourself in photography from timeless lessons from the masters of photography>

---

MODERN PHOTOGRAPHER

Marketing, branding, and monetization tips and techniques to stand out as a photographer >

---

For more inspirational free resources, join ERIC KIM NEWSLETTER and be the first to get exclusive content, access to books, presets, and new upcoming workshops.

---

• Photography 101
  • The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Mastering Photography
  • Free Photography Bootcamp
  • 100 Photography Tips for Beginners
• Street Photography 101
  • 100 Lessons From the Masters of Street Photography
  • How to Shoot Street Photography
  • Street Photography by Eric Kim
• Photography Composition
  • Dynamic Composition Manual
  • Dynamic Tension: Opponent Based Theory For Photography
  • Street Photography Composition Manual

---

PHOTOGRAPHY 101

Dear friend,

If you’re new to photography, start here:

1. The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Mastering Photography
2. Free Photography Bootcamp
3. 100 Photography Tips for Beginners

---

Photography Techniques

• Photo Technique: Look Up
• Street Photography Technique: Overlap
• The Fishing Technique in Street Photography
• The “Bookend” Technique in Street Photography

---

Everyday Photography

• 7 Tips How to Shoot Better Macro Photography
• Everyday Photography
• 10 Tips How to Take Better Photos of Everyday Life
• 15 Tips How to Shoot Better Selfies
• 10 Tips How to Take Better Photos of Everyday Life

Color Photography 101

• The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Color Photography
• Opponent Process Color Theory For Photographers
• Color Theory For Photographers

New Photography Articles

• 15 Tips How to Shoot Better Selfies
• Photography is All a Matter of Perspective
• Photography Warmup Assignments
• 5 Simple Tips How to Take Better Pictures
• 10 Tips How to Shoot Better Architecture Photography
• 7 Reasons Why I Love Digital Medium-Format Photography
• My Experience Shooting Digital Medium Format in Street Photography
• My Experience Shooting my Friend Wedding on Digital Medium Format

Photography Philosophy

• How to Delete Your Pictures
• Your Camera is a Blessing
• Reality vs. Perception in Photography

Photography Inspiration

• How to Become a Self-Confident Photographer
• The Spirit of Becoming a Photographer
• How to Make Better Pictures
• 10 Tips How to Take Better Photos of People
• How to Avoid Boredom in Photography
• How to Master Photography
• A Photographer’s Guide to Seeing
• PRETENTIOUS PHOTOGRAPHY
• Photography Energy Management
• How to Unlock Your Potential in Photography
• There Are No Good or Bad Photos
• The 5 Minute Photographer
• A-Z: PHOTOGRAPHY DICTIONARY by ERIC KIM
• Why I Want to Be a Photography Newbie Forever
• PHOTOGRAPHY FLUX.
• 10 Creative Photography Assignments to Re-Inspire You
• 50 Photography Tips by ERIC KIM

The Fundamentals of Photography

• Make Simple Pictures
• The Art of Reading a Picture
• How to Choose Your Best Photos
• GET CLOSER.
• Keep or Ditch?
• What Makes a Good Photo?
• Why Photography?
• Everyone is a Photographer
• How to take better pictures
• How to take better selfies
• How to Paint With Light
• Why Bokeh is Overrated

---

Photography Equipment Â»

• What is the Perfect Camera For You?
• What to Consider When Buying a Camera
• More Megapixels, More Problems

How to Take Better Photos »

• How to Take Better Photos
• How to Capture Emotion in Your Photos
• How to Create a “Curiosity Gap” in Your Photos

Composition Lessons »

• Composition Lesson #1: Triangles
• Composition Lesson #2: Figure-to-ground
• Composition Lesson #3: Diagonals

Photography Assignments »

• 40 Practical Photography Assignments
• 15 Street Photography Assignments
• 25 Photography New Year’s Resolutions

Contact Sheets »

• Street Photography Contact Sheets
• Street Photography Contact Sheets Volume II
• Debunking the “Myth of the Decisive Moment”

Editing (Image Selection) »

• How to Choose Your Best Photos
• Be Your Own Harshest Critic
• Nobody Wants to Look at Your Photos

Creativity »

• The Beauty of “Creative Constraints”
• Beginner’s Mind
• Follow Your Intuition

Motivation »

• Each Photo You Take is an “Attempt”
• How to Overcome Photographer’s Block
• Why Do You Need “Inspiration” to Shoot?

Post-Processing

• How to Edit Your Photos
• Grain is Beautiful
• Are Filters “Cheating” in Photography?
• Video: Introduction to Editing, Processing, and Workflow in Lightroom

How to Create a Body of Work

• Don’t Work on Too Many Projects

Technical Photography Settings

• DSLR Photography 101

---

Learn From the Masters of Photography

“He without a past has no future.”

Start here:

1. Why Study the Masters of Photography?
2. Great Female Master Photographers
3. Cheat Sheet of the Masters of Photography
4. 100 Lessons From the Masters of Street Photography
5. Beginner’s Guide to the Masters of Street Photography
6. Download All Articles >

---

The Masters of Photography

Classics never die:

• Alfred Stieglitz
• Alec Soth
• Alex Webb
• Alexey Brodovitch
• Anders Petersen
• Andre Kertesz
• Ansel Adams
• Araki
• Blake Andrews
• Bruce Davidson
• Bruce Gilden
• Constantine Manos
• Daido Moriyama
• Dan Winters
• David Alan Harvey
• David Hurn
• Diane Arbus
• Dorothea Lange
• Elliott Erwitt
• Eugene Atget
• Eugene Smith
• Fan Ho
• Garry Winogrand
• Gordon Parks
• Helen Levitt
• Henri Cartier-Bresson
• Irving Penn
• Jacob Aue Sobol
• Jeff Mermelstein
• Joel Meyerowitz
• Joel Sternfeld
• Josef Koudelka / Part 2
• Josh White
• Lee Friedlander
• Lisette Model
• Magnum Contact Sheets
• Magnum Photographers
• Mark Cohen
• Martin Parr
• Martine Franck
• Mary Ellen Mark
• Rene Burri
• Richard Avedon
• Richard Kalvar
• Robert Capa
• Robert Frank
• Saul Leiter
• Sergio Larrain
• Sebastião Salgado
• Shomei Tomatsu
• Stephen Shore
• The History of Street Photography
• Todd Hido
• Tony Ray-Jones
• Trent Parke
• Vivian Maier
• Walker Evans
• Weegee
• William Eggleston
• William Klein
• Zoe Strauss

---

Dear friend,

Remember — the initial joy you had in photography, when everything was so interesting?

(more…)

Postcards from the Darkroom Series

(more…)

A mini epiphany that I had while studying the philosopher Democritus: true happiness in life is about living a DYNAMIC, changing, and evolving one —rather than a static, “safe”, and “comfortable” lifestyle.

(more…)

Dear friend,

If you’re interested in street photography, yet — you have hesitations or fears in street photography, this advice is for you.

---

DOWNLOAD PDF

Download PDF presentation on conquering your fears of shooting street photography:

PDF: HOW TO CONQUER YOUR FEARS OF SHOOTING STREET PHOTOGRAPHY

---

CONQUER YOUR FEARS AND MEET NEW PEERS

Take your street photography to the next level >

---

Street photography is 80% guts

To be frank, I think 80% of street photography is just having guts. To have the guts to click the shutter. 20% is skill, and everything else.

I think that street photography is enjoyable because it is so damn hard and scary. If street photography wasn’t scary or difficult, I don’t think it would be enjoyable.

To start off, realize that it is the difficulty and scariness of street photography what makes it so enjoyable. If street photography wasn’t so hard, we would all just be shooting pretty landscape or flower photos.

So first and foremost, recognize that street photography is difficult and scary. And that is OK. Realize that if you feel any fear in Street photography that is a good thing — it means you are human.

And this is my theory: Fear is a good thing — it tells us what to shoot in street photography.

What do you really want to photograph?

For example,

Let’s say you see a scene you want to photograph, but you feel nervous. Your fear or nervousness is a sign that YOU MUST SHOOT THE SCENE. Why? You find the scene fascinating, and the only reason you feel fear is because you desire and want to shoot it.

Think about it: if you didn’t want to photograph the scene, you wouldn’t feel fear.

Therefore, realize that fear is a good thing in Street photography. It guides us, and tells us what to photograph.

Yet, the only problem with fear is when it prevents you from shooting the scene.

---

Channel the fear

For example, nowadays, I still feel afraid photographing certain scenes in Street photography. I still get that adrenaline rush, and that chest bumping feeling.

Yet, the secret is to feel the fear of shooting street photography, but still shoot it anyways.

Therefore, always keep that fear with you, but channel it, and use your fear as a guide. What you just want is this:

Don’t let your fear prevent you from hitting the shutter.

Once again to say this more clearly: feel fear, but shoot it anyways.

---

7 practical tips to conquer your fear of shooting street photography

Okay so now some practical tips on how to conquer your fears in street photography.

1. Jam out to some good beats

I know some of my friends who like to listen to music while shooting street photography.

I generally think this is a good strategy, if you want to overcome your fears and hesitations in Street photography. But the downside of this strategy is that you might get hit by a car if you’re not paying attention, and also you lose the ability to overhear interesting conversations which might lead to good photo opportunities.

But still, try it out if you’re hesitant in Street photography. Put on some headphones, and listen to some techno, hip hop, jazz music, or whatever gets you in the zone.

For techno/electronic music, Geseffelstein is great (listen to “Viol” or “Hellifornia”.

For hip hop, some good pump it up music is “New Level” From ASAP FERG, or “Rap God” by Eminem.

Jazz music: of course, Miles Davis.

So this is the assignment: find an album or playlist you like, and shoot street photography for about an hour listening to that album or playlist. See how this affects your fear levels in Street photography.

2. Pretend like you’re shooting something behind your subject

Avoid eye contact and pretend you’re shooting something behind your subject, or pretend you’re photographing something else.

3. Smile

This is a basic one: a smile goes a long way, regardless of what country you’re in.

This is one aphorism I recommend:

When in doubt, smile.

When you’re shooting, smile. This way you will feel less self-conscious.

The assignment: for an entire hour, smile at everyone you photograph, and say “thank you”.

You can practice smiling in different ways:

• Smile first, then shoot.
• Shoot while smiling.
• Shoot, then smile afterwards.

A smile works regardless of what country you’re in. Smiling is the universal language.

4. Set your camera to P (program mode), center point autofocus, and ISO 1600

This is ERIC KIM’s patented “set it and forget it” settings. Set your camera to P (program mode), center point autofocus, and ISO 1600.

Honestly, these settings will work 90% of the time in Street photography. And why these settings?

The less you think about your settings in Street photography, the less hesitation you will have before you shoot Street photography.

Hesitation is the enemy in street photography.

Avoid ‘Paralysis by analysis’

Our brain only has so much processing power. It is a waste of energy to think of your technical settings and trying to conquer your fears in street photography.

If you have to always think about your technical settings, you fall into “paralysis by analysis” — you become paralyzed, because you analyze your settings too much.

Try shooting with your camera in P (program mode), center point autofocus, and ISO 1600 for an entire day, and see how it works for you.

5. Use an LCD screen

This is another practical tip: use a point and shoot camera (like RICOH GR II), or just use the LCD screen in your camera for street photography. The problem of using a viewfinder is that it screams “photographer!” too loud, and will draw unwanted attention towards you.

I find shooting with a point and shoot camera makes me more stealth, and makes me look more like a tourist. Anything that can make you look more like a tourist is a good thing. Oh yeah, it also helps that I am Asian (unless I’m shooting in Asia).

This is an unrelated note — but experiment shooting with touristy clothes (fanny pack and tourist t-shirts) when you’re on the streets, and see if people ignore you more.

6. Don’t drop your camera immediately after taking a photo

The biggest tip: don’t drop your camera after taking a photo.

Rather, hold your camera up, shoot, click, and PAUSE.

The mistake we make is that after we take a photo, we immediately drop our camera and move on — which is a dead giveaway that we have taken someone’s photo.

If you want to be more stealth, shoot, click, and pause. This pause confuses people.

Then after you pause, keep clicking. I’ve found in my personal experience: the pause after I shoot street photography is what often leads to more interesting photos. Because I keep shooting, and squeeze more out of the lemon. And for me, the best photos I shoot are generally towards the end.

7. Realize you’re not doing anything wrong

Ask yourself a question,

Do I like having my own photograph taken?

If not, learn how to be comfortable being photographed by others. Because the mistake we make is,

If we don’t like being photographed, we assume others don’t like being photographed.

In reality, there are vain people (like ERIC KIM) who love being photographed.

If you don’t like being photographed, you will assume others don’t like being photographed — and therefore you will feel some sort of guilt when shooting Street photography.

But, you’re not doing anything wrong when shooting street photography.

You’re capturing the beauty of everyday life; and sharing that joy with others — you are doing a GOOD THING for society!

Conclusion

Street photography is hard and scary — yet, that is what makes street photography fun and enjoyable.

My suggestion: seek to hesitate a little less in your street photography everyday.

Also applied to life — what if we had fewer fears, hesitations — how much more could we achieve in life?

BE BOLD,
ERIC

DOWNLOAD PDF

Download PDF presentation on conquering your fears of shooting street photography:

PDF: HOW TO CONQUER YOUR FEARS OF SHOOTING STREET PHOTOGRAPHY

---

FREE Ultimate Beginners Guide To Street Photography PDF Visualizations >

See all free street photography PDF Visualizations >

---

MASTERS

Learn timeless lessons from the masters of street photography >

---

STREET NOTES

Take your street photography to the next level with STREET NOTES >

STREET NOTES MOBILE EDITION >

---

For more inspirational free resources, join ERIC KIM NEWSLETTER and be the first to get exclusive content, access to books, presets, and new upcoming workshops.

---

STREET PHOTOGRAPHY 101

If you’re new to street photography, start here:

• 100 Lessons From the Masters of Street Photography
• How to Shoot Street Photography
• Street Photography by Eric Kim

---

STREET NOTES.

Push yourself out of your comfort zone with STREET NOTES: Mobile Edition.

STREET NOTES PAPER EDITION ON AMAZON >

---

Street Photography Composition Techniques

• 10 Inspirational Sergio Larrain Compositions
• 5 Henri Cartier-Bresson Photography Composition Lessons
• Street Photography Technique: Overlap
• Street Photography Composition Lesson: Chunking
• The Fishing Technique in Street Photography

Street Photography Articles

• Street Photography Lifestyle
• How to Use Tactful Flattery in Street Photography
• How to Conquer Social Anxiety With Street Photography
• Street Photography Secrets Debunked
• 10 Dynamic Street Photography Tips
• The Benefits of Shooting Street Photography
• The Street Photography Manifesto
• My Experience Shooting Digital Medium Format in Street Photography
• Why Do You Feel Guilty Shooting Street Photography?
• Improvise in Street Photography
• Ethics in Street Photography

---

LEARN FROM THE MASTERS OF STREET PHOTOGRAPHY

Timeless wisdom from the masters of street photography.

Learn more about MASTERS >

Buy MASTERS on Amazon >

---

FUNDAMENTALS OF STREET PHOTOGRAPHY

• The Psychology of Street Photography
• Fundamentals to Street Photography
• How to Conquer Fear in Street Photography
• Street Photography Secrets
• NEO STREET PHOTOGRAPHY
• Street Photography Lenses
• Street Photography Settings
• Street Photography Techniques
• Street Photography Ideas
• CLOSER.
• CLEAN BACKGROUND

Street Photography Inspiration

• How to Enter the Street Photography Zone
• Simple Street Photography Tips
• How to Defuse Confrontations in Street Photography 
• How to Make Controversial Street Photographs
• Street Photography Project Ideas
• How to Make Good Street Photos
• Is Defining “STREET PHOTOGRAPHY” a Good Thing?
• STREET PHOTOGRAPHY “RULES” TO BREAK
• Walking Meditation in Street Photography
• 10 COMMANDMENTS OF STREET PHOTOGRAPHY
• Street Photography is Improvisation
• In Praise of Randomness in Street Photography
• How to Become a Fearless Photographer
• How to Make Better Street Photographs
• 12 ERIC KIM Street Photography Assignments
• Meaningful Street Photography
• 25 Street Photography Tips by ERIC KIM

---

Beginner Street Photography Articles

Get started in street photography:

Definitions in Street Photography

• Visual Sociology Street Photography
• Why Street Photography?
• What is Street Photography?
• Why Shoot Street Photography?
• The History of Street Photography

How to Shoot Street Photography

• How to Shoot Street Photography
• Street Portraits 101 by ERIC KIM
• The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Street Photography
• 70 Street Photography Tips for Beginners
• 15 Street Photography Techniques and Tips
• A Letter to My 18 Year Old Self: If I Started Street Photography All Over Again

Street Photography Equipment

• What is the Best Camera for Street Photography?
• What is the Best Lens for Street Photography?
• What to Consider When Buying a Camera

See all equipment articles >

How to Conquer Your Fears in Street Photography

• How to Conquer Your Fears in Life
• Shoot What You’re Afraid Of
• How to Channel Your Fear into Bravery

See all articles to conquer your fears >

---

Intermediate Street Photography Articles

Take your street photography to the next level:

• How to Become a Stoic Street Photographer
• The 10 Principles of Good Street Photography
• 7 Tips How to Capture “The Decisive Moment” in Street Photography
• The Importance of Social Skills in Street Photography
• The Street Photography Code of Ethics
• “Taking” vs “Making” Photos in Street Photography
• Follow Your Gut in Street Photography
• 10 Reasons Why You Should Never Chimp While Shooting Street Photography

---

Advanced Street Photography Articles

Find deeper meaning in your street photography:

• How to Master Street Photography
• How to Be a Zen Street Photographer
• Personal Street Photography
• The “Bookend” Technique in Street Photography
• Street Photography is Self-Therapy
• Zen in the Art of Street Photography
• Taoism and Street Photography
• How to Find Your Style in Street Photography
• Follow Your Gut in Street Photography

---

Street Photography Tips & Technique

Learn how to shoot on the streets:

• 70 Street Photography Tips for Beginners
• 15 Street Photography Techniques and Tips
• Flash Street Photography Guide
• Take More Risks
• Don’t Think About Composition When You’re Shooting Street Photography
• 7 Tips How to Capture “The Decisive Moment” in Street Photography
• 7 Tips How to Make a Great Street Photograph
• Tokyo Street Photography Contact Sheets
• Video: Why it is Important to “Work the Scene” in Street Photography
• Shoot Less, Better
• Make Shitty Photos
• Shoot Effortlessly
• 10 Tips for Candid Street Photography
• 103 Lessons I’ve Learned From Street Photography

See all street photography tips and techniques >

Street Photography Guides

In-depth guides on street photography:

• How to Shoot Candid Street Photography
• How to Shoot Street Portraits with Permission
• How to Shoot Black and White Street Photography
• How to Shoot Color Street Photography
• How to Shoot Street Portraits with Permission
• How to Shoot Layers in Street Photography
• How to Shoot Urban Landscapes

Street Photography Equipment

The best equipment for street photography:

• What is the Best Camera for Street Photography?
• What is the Best Lens for Street Photography?
• Why I Love Cameras with Non-Interchangeable Lenses
• The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide for Cameras in Street Photography
• What to Consider When Buying a Camera for Street Photography
• In Street Photography, The Smaller the Camera, the Better
• Why Sharpness is Overrated in Street Photography
• How to Shoot Street Photography on a DSLR

See all equipment articles >

Street Photography Editing and Workflow

• Video: Introduction to Editing, Processing, and Workflow in Lightroom
• How to Edit (Choose Your Best Photos) in Street Photography
• How Studying Contact Sheets Can Make You a Better Street Photographer
• Debunking the “Myth of the Decisive Moment”

How to Start a Street Photography Project

• Free E-Book: The Street Photography Project Manual
• How to Start Your Own Street Photography Project
• How to Come Up With a Personal Photography Project Idea

---

Learn From the Masters of Street Photography

“He without a past has no future.”

Start here:

1. Why Study the Masters of Photography?
2. Great Female Master Photographers
3. Cheat Sheet of the Masters of Photography
4. 100 Lessons From the Masters of Street Photography
5. Beginner’s Guide to the Masters of Street Photography
6. Download All Articles >

---

The Masters of Photography

Classics never die:

• Alfred Stieglitz
• Alec Soth
• Alex Webb
• Alexey Brodovitch
• Anders Petersen
• Andre Kertesz
• Ansel Adams
• Araki
• Blake Andrews
• Bruce Davidson
• Bruce Gilden
• Constantine Manos
• Daido Moriyama
• Dan Winters
• David Alan Harvey
• David Hurn
• Diane Arbus
• Dorothea Lange
• Elliott Erwitt
• Eugene Atget
• Eugene Smith
• Fan Ho
• Garry Winogrand
• Gordon Parks
• Helen Levitt
• Henri Cartier-Bresson
• Irving Penn
• Jacob Aue Sobol
• Jeff Mermelstein
• Joel Meyerowitz
• Joel Sternfeld
• Josef Koudelka / Part 2
• Josh White
• Lee Friedlander
• Lisette Model
• Magnum Contact Sheets
• Magnum Photographers
• Mark Cohen
• Martin Parr
• Martine Franck
• Mary Ellen Mark
• Rene Burri
• Richard Avedon
• Richard Kalvar
• Robert Capa
• Robert Frank
• Saul Leiter
• Sergio Larrain
• Sebastião Salgado
• Shomei Tomatsu
• Stephen Shore
• The History of Street Photography
• Todd Hido
• Tony Ray-Jones
• Trent Parke
• Vivian Maier
• Walker Evans
• Weegee
• William Eggleston
• William Klein
• Zoe Strauss

---

Free Downloads

• Eric Kim Lightroom Presets
• Street Photography Presentations

See all free downloads >

Free Street Photography Books

Distilled information on street photography:

• STREET PHOTOGRAPHY MANUAL by ERIC KIM
• The Art of Street Photography
• 100 Lessons From the Masters of Street Photography
• Street Photography Contact Sheets
• Street Photography 101
• Street Photography 102
• Film Street Photography Manual
• The Street Photography Composition Manual
• The Street Portrait Manual
• 31 Days to Overcome Your Fear in Street Photography
• Zen in the Art of Street Photography

For more resources on photography, Start Here >

Dear friend,

Recently I’ve found a huge new spurt of creative inspiration for photography, and have been shooting more on a daily basis than ever. What has helped me? Let me share with you what has worked for me:

(more…)

(more…)

If you want to make more interesting photos, make more surreal photos:

(more…)

Dear friend,

If you’ve ever had ‘photographer’s block’, and felt creatively frustrated, and have no inspiration or will to shoot — I hope this advice can help you.

(more…)