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Enjoy the Process

How do you stay inspired and motivated to photograph until you’re (beyond) 120 years old?

Simple:

Enjoy the process.

Is it fun for you?

If photography isn’t fun for you, it is not worth doing. You don’t have any duty to make good photos. No — making photos should be akin to playing! Photography is playing!

Furthermore, photography is fun and challenging. If it is too easy, it is boring.

Kids on their phones. Providence, 2019
Kids on their phones. Providence, 2019

This is actually why I find street photography so fun; it is the ultimate adrenaline rush!

We street photographers are visual adrenaline junkies.

I know personally speaking, I have had the MOST FUN in street photography when I was challenged. When shooting was ‘scary’ for me:

  • Lowrider. Downtown LA, 2011
    Lowrider. Downtown LA, 2011
  • Jazz hands. Hollywood, 2011
    Jazz hands. Hollywood, 2011

Is a scary process a more fun process?

For myself, a more challenging and difficult process is more fun. This is why I love powerlifting so much; the fun and the ‘danger’ involved!

Downtown LA, 2019
Downtown LA, 2019

I am also attracted to people I find interesting. People who are beautiful, raw, edgy, and ‘different’:

  • Pinocchio nose. Downtown LA, 2015
    Downtown LA, 2015
  • Downtown LA, 2013. Nails. Shot with Leica M9, 35mm lens at .7 meters (minimum focusing distance)
    Downtown LA, 2013. Nails.
  • Downtown LA, 2016
  • Downtown LA, 2011
  • Downtown LA, 2014
    Downtown LA, 2014
  • eric kim street photography finger
    Downtown LA, 2016
  • Downtown LA, 2016
  • Purple woman with glasses. Downtown LA, 2016. I saw this lady in a random elevator and asked for her portrait.
    Downtown LA, 2016. I saw this lady in a random elevator and asked for her portrait.

Living an epic life is the best life

selfie Eric Kim

One of my favorite Nietzsche quotes on living the best possible life (maximizing your enjoyment in existence):

“The secret of realizing the greatest fruitfulness and the greatest enjoyment of existence is: to live dangerously! Build your cities on the slopes of Vesuvius! Send your ships out into uncharted seas! Live in conflict with your equals and with yourselves! Be robbers and ravagers as soon as you cannot be rulers and owners, you men of knowledge! The time will soon past when you could be content to live concealed in the woods like timid deer!” – Nietzsche

LIVE ON!

ERIC


Photography Motivation

ERIC KIM x HENRI NECK STRAP
ERIC KIM x HENRI NECK STRAP

Just shoot it:

  • Better Bad Photos than No Photos
  • Why Keep Making New Art and Photos, Indefinitely?
  • Photography Motivation: What if There is Nothing Interesting to Photograph?
  • Move First, Motivation Later
  • Motivation Follows the Action
  • In Praise of Heroes
  • 5 Tips How to Boost Your Creativity
  • How to Have Inspiration to Take Photos in the Suburbs
  • Anything that Motivates You to Move is Good!
  • The Productive Photographer is the Happiest Photographer!
  • Make Today Count!
  • How to Break Through Photographer’s Block
  • The Joyful Photographer
  • The Dancing Photographer
  • The Kaizen Process of Gradual Self-Improvement in Photography
  • It is Your Duty to Make Beautiful Pictures!
  • Making Pictures IS Happiness!
  • NO EXCUSES.
  • The Pomodoro Photography Technique
  • The ABC of Photography
  • Just Shoot It.
  • How to Change the World With Photography
  • How to Find Inspiration in Photography and Life
  • How to Overcome Resistance
  • Create Against the Past
  • How I Motivate Myself to Make Photos
  • Wear Your Camera Like a Necklace or Bracelet
  • Have Your Photos Come to You
  • How to Level Up in Your Photography
  • How Not to Give a Fuck of What Others Think of You
  • How to Overcome Procrastination in Your Photography
  • How to Reinspire Your Photography
  • What is Your Mission in Photography and Life?
  • How to Overcome Photographer’s Block
  • Be a Photographer Now
  • How to Overcome Boredom with Photography
  • Never Stop Growing as a Photographer
  • Why Do You Need “Inspiration” to Shoot?
  • Just Shoot.
  • 5 Things to Do If You’ve Lost Your Passion for Photography
  • How to Have Unshakeable Confidence in Yourself
  • Don’t Give Up On Your Dream
  • Don’t Waste Your Potential
  • Unlock Your Potential
  • Empower Others With Your Photography
  • Why You Shouldn’t Follow Your Passion in Photography

See all articles >

HENRI SHOULDER STRAP

Film Leica MP x Henri Shoulder Strap (CREMA BROWN)

Supreme >


Street Photography Starter Kit

street photography starter kit by ERIC KIM

Master street photography >


HENRI WRIST STRAP PRO

Henri wrist strap pro

For the pros >

Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Photography Entrepreneurship

My brand-new Udemy Course, "Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Photography Entrepreneurship" now live!

Seize your destiny >


Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Mastering Photography

eric kim ultimate beginners guide to mastering photography udemy

Master photography >

ERIC KIM WORKSHOPS

red hand ERIC KIM

Unleash your creative potential:

2021:

  • April 10-11th, 2021: BOSTON / Discover Your Unique Voice in Photography Workshop [Register Intent Here]
  • May 1-2nd, 2021: CHICAGO / Street Photography Composition Masterclass [Register Intent Here]
  • May 22-22nd, 2021: NEW YORK CITY / STREET PHOTOGRAPHY MASTERCLASS by ERIC KIM [Register Intent Here]

Be notified of when new workshops are live here.


ERIC KIM NEWSLETTER

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WHY APP?

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Never stop asking why?

PHANTOM BLACK HENRI WRIST STRAP

Shoot like a ghost >


STREET NOTES

Never hit the streets without it >


FILM NOTES

Now is your time to (re)learn film >

HENRI WRIST STRAP

The classic CREMA BROWN >

CREATIVE EVERY DAY

Create every day >


PHOTO JOURNAL

Photo Journal Print Edition

Discover more personal meaning in your photography >

OPEN-SOURCE