Month: July 2018
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Never Settle
Dear friend, A philosophical idea: never settle.
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Art is the Great Stimulus of Life!
Channeling my inner #nietzsche — art is the stimulus which makes life exciting and worth living!
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5 Simple Henri Cartier-Bresson Composition Tips
What makes a good photo? I traced some of my favorite Henri Cartier-Bresson compositions to find out more for myself:
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ERIC KIM TOKYO STREET PHOTOGRAPHY: Monochrome x RICOH GR II
RICOH GR II, ERIC KIM MONOCHROME PRESET, in TOKYO:
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ERIC KIM STREET PHOTOGRAPHY
All my favorite street photography:
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The Best Cheap Cameras for Street Photography
Street photography is great because it’s the most affordable, open, and democratic form of photography out there. All you need is a cheap camera, the desire to walk and explore, and your own confidence to shoot! Here’s what I consider the best cheap cameras for street photography:
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10 Simple Street Photography Principles
Dear friend, Here are some simple street photography principles which I believe can empower you in your photography!
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Happiness is Creation! #philosophy
Dear friend, A simple yet powerful idea– happiness is creating! Specifically– if you want to be “happier” in life, seek to create more!
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Debt is the Devil
The word encumbered means to be ridden with debt. And we all know the way that people accumulated wealth in the past: sell those who had debt into slavery.
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Mood in Photography
Dear friend, Some more photo philosophizing: what we are trying to do as photographers is to communicate our life experiences, our perspective, and to transmit the emotion and mood we feel to the viewer!
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The Philosophy of Calvin and Hobbes
When I was a child (around 9 years old-12 years old), I grew up on the comic book, ‘Calvin and Hobbes’ (written and illustrated by Bill Watterson). Almost 20 years later (I’m 30 years old now), I actually appreciate it MORE! I never realized quite how philosophical it was– (Calvin and Hobbes is an homage…
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All is Permitted in Photography!
Dear friend, A thought: recognize that everything is permitted in photography. There’s no rules; only tips and ideas. Shoot photography, select your photos, process your photos, and share your photos however you desire or see fit!
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How to Boost Your Mood with Photography
Dear friend, A random thought: I think one of the best ways to conquer depression is via photography; using photography as a tool to improve your mood, elevate your energy, and to see life with more hope, optimism, and joy!
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Enjoy the Present Moment, Adjourn the Future Thought!
Dear friend, A simple thought to find more joy in your life: enjoy your present moment right now, without thinking of the future!
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In Praise of a Simple Lifestyle
Dear friend, A practical thought: to live a happier life, live a simpler life!
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Singapore Color Photography 2018
Personal photography shot in Singapore, on Lumix LX100, processed with VSCO Kodak Portra 800HC preset:
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Photograph.
The biggest sucker mistake we make in life is not shooting, and falling victim to “paralysis by analysis” before shooting a photo.
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What is Style?
Dear friend, A question I’m curious about: what is style, why is important, is it important, how do you define style, and how to determine your style?
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Fill a Void
Dear friend, A practical entrepreneurial idea for you: fill a void.
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STREET CLUB Summer 2018 Last Assignment 4: Loved Ones // Winners Announced Aug 12th!
Super excited for everyone’s past assignments! (Assignment 1 Cafe, Assignment 2 Park, and Assignment 3 Elderly) We wanted to post the last assignment early so that everyone has chance to submit to all the assignments before August 12, when we announce the winners and grand prizes (Grand prize: Saigon Satchel with Street Notes, Street Hunt, Photo…
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Behind-the-Scenes: KOREA by JOSH WHITE – Adobe InDesign Book Layout
Currently working on a new photography book with my friend JOSH WHITE; here are some behind-the-scenes of my design process in Adobe InDesign:
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David Cheng: Singapore Layered Color Street Photography
David Cheng: a good friend of mine (he’s the one who gave Cindy the Lumix LX100), and also the Leica CL, Leica M10, and Leica M-D to test out. Oh yeah, he’s also a really good street photographer, designer, writer, and illustrator!
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Take Your Street Photography to the Next Level: NYC Dynamic Composition Workshop (October 13-14, 2018)
Dear friend, Don’t miss your unique opportunity to elevate your street photography composition by attending my new and exciting NYC Dynamic Street Photography Composition Workshop (October 13-14th, 2018); all-day Saturday and Sunday.
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Luis Casadevall: Cuba Black and White Street Photography Feedback and Critique
One of my students Luis Casadevall recently went to Cuba and shot monochrome. Here is some of my feedback for his photos (very strong set) — so hopefully you can learn (below are my comments, and feedback/critique):
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RICOH GR II SHARPNESS CLOSEUP PHOTOS
If you want a sharp and compact camera, get the RICOH GR II (no anti aliasing filter, which means super sharp photos!):
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The Zen of No LCD: Digital Leica M-D Review
The LEICA M-D; the ultimate zen minimalist digital camera.
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STREET CLUB Summer School ASSIGNMENT 2 (Park) Feedback
Great job streettogs on the park assignment. Make sure to enroll for ELDERLY ASSIGNMENT (#3). Jump to ERIC KIM FORUM for more fun!
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Photography Composition: Light and Dark
My buddy (the ancient Greek, pre-socratic) philosopher Anaxagoras has some pretty fantastic atomic theories in philosophy. A basic concept is that everything is comprised of dark and light, and other opposites. The reason this was fascinating to me was this: the word “composition” literally means “what something is comprised of, or made of”. Therefore a…
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True Happiness in Photography
I believe it is self evident and obvious that all of us as photographers seek “happiness” in our photography. But what does that even mean? How can one achieve happiness in photography? Is happiness everlasting in photography? What role does money, fame, and external measures of success play into photography? Let’s examine. #photolosophy
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Singapore Street Photography 2018
Lumix LX100 and 24mm focal length Street Photography in Singapore:
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1,000 True Followers: How to Build Your Own Niche in Photography
A simple entrepreneurial idea: to thrive in today’s modern society, create your own niche, create your own ideal lifestyle, and figure out how you can improve your life!
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Never Stop Singing! #poetry
Never stop singing And dancing to the melody of life Life is more than pain and strife Its full of hope and smiles Never forget– you’ll probably live long, and be around for a while
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Ain’t Nobody Stopping You! #poetry
Ain’t nobody stopping you! You got two shoes and ambition Follow your own gut and volition!
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Shape, Arrangement, Position (S.A.P.) and Contour, Inter-Contact, Position (C.I.A.) in Photography
Make better photos by integrating S.A.P. (shape, arrangement, position) as well as C.I.A. (Contour, Inter-Contact, Position) to your photography!
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NOW IS THE TIME TO SHOOT! #photolosophy
Why wait on making photos? You have a camera, yet you don’t take it with you everywhere you go. You don’t have the motivation/inspiration to take photos. You are patiently awaiting the day you can travel, and go on vacation before you feel inspired to make photos.
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Anything that Motivates You to Move is Good! #motivation
Interesting philosophical idea I came across from the old-school (pre-socratic//aka, before socrates) philosopher Anaximander: that the soul is something that has the capacity to set our movement in motion! #MOVEMEAN
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Embrace the Extremes #philosophy
Why I am anti-moderation:
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The Best Government is Self-Government
Why we must control ourselves, and self govern our own actions, behavior, and attitude in life:
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No Photographer Shoots the Same Scene Twice
Getting my #heraclitus on; based on his saying, “No man steps into the same river twice” [because neither the river is the same, nor is the man the same].
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Why Photography Makes Me Happy
I can’t speak for you, but photography has brought me so much happiness, joy, and meaning in my life.
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35 Practical Philosophical Lessons Democritus Has Taught Me
Democritus– one of the best (OG — ‘original gangster’) pre-socratic philosophers:
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Leica M10 Street Photography Review
It is evident that the new Leica M10 is the best digital rangefinder for street photography. The camera is fantastic. Let me share more of my experiences shooting with the Leica M10 and the Leica 28mm f/2.8 Elmarit lens in ‘real life’:
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Don’t Mistake Activity for Achievement
I see this sucker mistake being made all the time in modern society; we mistake activity (answering emails, swiping and typing on our phones) for achievement. What we must focus on is effective, meaningful, and purposeful activity — in order to achieve what is substantial to us!
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Why the Leica CL is the Best Digital Leica
I borrowed my friend Dav’s new Digital Leica CL for the weekend in Singapore– and man, I was blown away.
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Why the RICOH GR II is the Best Street Photography Camera
I’ve shot with all the cameras in the world, and I can easily say that the RICOH GR II is the best camera for street photography. Why? Let me explain:
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Unlearn
Dear friend, A recognition: to seek true happiness, wisdom, and self actualization; focus on unlearning in life, not “learning”.
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Digital Nomad Photographer
I’ve achieved my dream of living nomadically and pursuing my passion of photography. I want to share a little bit of how this lifestyle is, and why I enjoy this lifestyle.
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Airport Street Photography
If you’re traveling, shoot street photography at the airport!
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Sneak Peak to New HAPTIC Products
New upcoming products from HAPTIC INDUSTRIES:
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Why Share Photos?
Dear friend, Simple question: why share photos?
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Why I Love Saigon
Saigon is my favorite city in the world. Why? Let me share:
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The City of Angels Street Photography Composition
Compositions sketches with iPad and screenshot tool:
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My Top Travel Photography Hacks
Here’s some practical life hacks and travel hacks for you:
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HANOI Black and White Street Photography: RICOH GR II x ERIC KIM PRESET
My favorite Hanoi photos from 2016. Shot in RAW with RICOH GR II x ERIC KIM PRESET:
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Is Black and White or Color Better for Street Photography?
Sounds like a basic question: but what’s better for photography or street photography: black and white or color?
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Ready to Order: My First Photography Children’s Book (First Print Edition)!
MY FIRST PHOTOGRAPHY BOOK (Print Edition): Pick one up for your child or yourself! Only in a limited print run of 20 copies:
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Elderly Photography Assignment
STREET CLUB ASSIGNMENT #3: photograph the elderly!
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VSCO Phone Street Photography
VSCO phone street photography:
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Street Photography Composition Lesson #16: Scale
A photography composition lesson: take photos from very far (or very close) to show a sense of scale.
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SUITS: First Edition Signed Hardcover Photo Book Ready to Order!
Don’t miss out your opportunity to pick up a signed first edition copy of SUITS > (only 19 copies available!)
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Photograph History, Artistically.
I’m currently studying the photos of Robert Capa, and this is what amazes me about his work: he documented history, with beautiful artistry and composition.
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Photo Project/Essay Ideas: Document Your Own Life, Passions, Hobbies, and Interests!
A fun idea: start a photography project based on your passions or side hobbies!
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The Rolling Stone Gathers No Moss; You’re the Boss!
The rolling stone gathers no moss, you’re the boss
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What Moves You?
Dear friend, To philosophize a bit on life — let’s ask ourselves the question, “What moves us?” “What is the primary driver, or motivation behind our actions?” “Why live and wake up in the morning?” — or in simple words, “What moves us?” #philosophy
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Push Yourself Beyond Failure!
Dear friend, I wanted to philosophize a bit with you on failure. Namely, the upside of failure — and why pushing your limits until you fail is a good thing. #zenoferic
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Photolosophy: With Physical Proximity comes Emotional Proximity
A photolosophy idea: by photographing at a close proximity to your subjects, you’re more likely to feel the emotions of your subjects. And the closer you are to your subjects and the closer you frame them (with a wide angle lens), the more emotional connection your viewer can feel from your photos!
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The Joy of Photography
Philosophy means love of wisdom (philos=love) Sophia (wisdom). I then thought as photographers we are also philosographers (lovers of making photos, or loving painting with light)! #photolosophy
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12 Life Lessons from Virgil’s Aeneid
Currently reading the Aeneid, super inspired:
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Chaos Photography
Photography is fun because it is random, chaotic, and unpredictable. Photography would be boring if everything were totally optimized and predictable #inpraiseofrandomness