What Photos Last?
Art x humanist photos. This is why I consider Henri Cartier-Bresson and Josef Koudelka so successful — they both blended artistic photos that centered on humanity.
Art x humanist photos. This is why I consider Henri Cartier-Bresson and Josef Koudelka so successful — they both blended artistic photos that centered on humanity.
Great Josef Koudelka compositions:
What I’ve discovered in my life: When I succeed, it ain’t that big of a deal. When I fail, it ain’t that big of a deal either.
Nietzsche is my best friend, guide, mentor, and hype-man. Nietzsche is probably the most life affirming person. Second is probably Kanye. Anyways, here are some of my favorite quotes from Nietzsche, and why it shapes how I live:
A fun play from the Nietzsche quote: “Without music, life would be a mistake.” Assuming photography is your primary art-form, a life without photography (your art) isn’t a life worth living.
What makes street photography so fun and interesting? The hormonal rush we get from it!
How do you stay inspired and motivated to photograph until you’re (beyond) 120 years old? Simple: Enjoy the process.
Get free photography inspiration on ERIC KIM NEWSLETTER > Happy Monday friends! I just wanted to send you some quick inspiration, tips, and ideas.
In some regards, I think that Henri Cartier-Bresson is highly UNDERRATED. By looking through ~5,000+ of his photos, here are some under-known photos I analyzed, and the elegant arabesque (curve) compositions I uncovered: PDF Video slideshow
A combination of living nomadically (and being rooted) as the optimal lifestyle.
We all have this romantic notion of the photographer: nomadic and wandering, lightweight, simple lifestyle— extreme delight in making beautiful images. Where does this notion come from, and is it a good one? Or bad?
Some of my personal favorite compositions from Henri Cartier-Bresson, from some of his lesser-known photos (found on magnumphotos.com website).
Color is only fun when it’s unrealistic, exaggerated and extreme! HYPER CHROMA:
When I was getting my feet wet in photography and street photography, I came across the Leica camera (the camera that Henri Cartier-Bresson globe-trotted with). I was confused. Why is the Leica M camera worth $7,000+? And the lenses often $2500+?
When in doubt, shoot ‘bad’ photos!
The photos you shoot today will become the history of tomorrow.
As photographer-artists, what is it we are hungry for, and what we are searching for?
We all obviously like money, and desire money. But for what? Do we want money to buy things? Do we want money to simply give us a ‘basic income‘ for basics of living (paying rent, basic food, utilities)? Do we want money as a form of ‘keeping track of our success in life?’ Money as…
A thought today: What percentage of us is biological and genetics, and what percentage of us is socialization?
A useful heuristic: Study the masters of the masters you admire, in order to learn deeper.
When people say, “the camera doesn’t matter”, what they really mean to say is: Your skill as a photographer doesn’t increase proportionally with the expense of your camera. For example having a $10,000 camera won’t make me 10x skillful than if I have a $1000 camera. So this is what I want to explain —…
To ‘entertain’ literally means “to hold the attention” [of x]. Many of us like to be ‘entertained’ (by others). Generally speaking, entertainment is seen as a passive act. My thoughts and questions: Why do we get bored, and why do we want to BE entertained (passive receiving), instead of actively entertaining ourselves (by producing, making,…
You don’t take a photo, you make it (Ansel Adams)
Is your desire to spend more time with yourself and with your own thoughts, or to escape yourself and your own thoughts?
Dear friend, If you want to make great photographs while elevating your photographic skills, technique, and artistic vision, I cordially invite you to my upcoming NEW ORLEANS Street Photography Experience (Feb 29-30th, 2020). O yeah, and the FOOD, coffee, sights, culture, drinks, atmosphere (and beignet deep-fried donuts) are out-of-this-world!
Without art, there is no life.
The eternal joy of creation (and destruction), just like Heractlius‘ child — continually building sand-castles, only to break them down again, or let them wash back into the ocean!
In a world with Uber, and in a future of electric self-driving cars — what are cars for? Which cars are the best, and for what?
It isn’t about how good you are as an artist, all that matters is the quantum of creative courage you got!
Of course genetics exists. But the problem about believing too much in genetics is this: We tend to believe that our future and fate is determined by our genetics. And that our genetics overpower our effort and willpower. Let me share more thoughts with you:
A realization: More effective to train for strength (powerlifting) and gain muscle as a consequence, than to strive to maximize muscle growth.
If you need the ultimate everyday “daily driver”, “daily carry”, and want to be inspired and motivated everyday to shoot new photos, RICOH GR III x ERIC KIM is the answer.
To buy stuff doesn’t take skill. It’s boring. More fun, challenging, interesting and dangering to create, innovate, and produce. In praise of “producerism”, not consumerism.
I think film will be around forever, and I’m very grateful for my experiences shooting film. But at this point moving forward, “electric” (digital) cameras are the future.
The stoic motto— There is no greater joy than being alive. All the “downsides” of existence are petty concerns.
Assuming you have a luxury good or tool with the apex quality, craftsmanship and beauty, it is more “sustainable”because you’re more likely to own it forever and not throw it away.
The key to success in modern times: Start your own (self-hosted wordpress.org) blog.
The biggest danger: Indoctrination of certain beliefs, instead of being able to pursue your own (genius) artistic vision. Instead, become an entrepreneur.
Why do nerds on the internet desire to setup walls, definitions, and modes of doing things? Because they have no self-confidence in themselves and what they do. Avoid ANY and EVERY photographer who seems spiteful, aloof, and pretentious. They’re probably hiding some hidden (and toxic) insecurity.
Don’t do anything in life you don’t care about. And in terms of living your life, only do and pursue things you care about. Go back to your 16 year old self, in terms of your visions, dreams, and things you cared for. Let this guide you!
What makes a genius? I don’t believe that certain individuals are born genetically different from us, “born” to be geniuses. No–a genius is simply someone with monster-like courage, a relentless vision, and someone who is brave enough NOT to compromise their ideals.
When I was 20 years old, I discovered this camera called ‘Leica’. It was fascinating to me (Henri Cartier-Bresson shot with it, and many of the masters). I had all these romantic notions of it, and my dream was to buy a Leica M9, and in 2011 I bought one (used). Since then I’ve tested…
RICOH GR III FIRMWARE V1.30 Update available on their site!
A simple thought: When making life choices, let your own fun-meter gauge your direction. For example: Only do what is fun and interesting to you. Never do what is boring, uninteresting, or ‘meh’ to you.
A thought: Perhaps we should think of the phone less as a camera, more of a productivity device. Have the phone as a mini mobile computer, and your RICOH GR III as your standalone primary camera.
Whenever I meet people who are “Marxist”, super anti capitalist or anti system, yet watch Netflix, shop at Whole Foods, and order stuff on Amazon, I get super suspicious.
Personal reflections:
One of the cameras which is truly great is the older Leica M9. To me, it’s far more interesting, sexy, and beautiful than the newer Leica M240, and even the newest Leica M10.
Darker, stronger, more solid, simpler, and deeper black monochromes:
Of course you can photograph anything and everything. But here are some practical ideas: