Month: January 2020

A thought after getting a gun pulled on me (and not getting shot): Wow, we really got nothing to fear except death. And in modern life, the chance of us actually dying is so …

There is nothing more holy than our own body. Our body is our own personal deity. Why so much disrespect for our body? Why don’t we revere, respect, admire, or prioritize our body? Some …

In photography — detail is fascinating.

One of my fascinations and personal goals in photography: to strive to discover NEW compositions in photography which have yet been discovered, attempted, or done!

Principle of life — being greedy for gains? The insatiable desire for more?

RICOH GR III for life!

Why the mind is great: It filters the unimportant. Perhaps to augment our mind is the wrong notion. Perhaps we should strive to become “more forgetful” in some regards. Intelligence as “via negativa”– the …

A thought: all of existence can be justified even with one great photo. Also— an entire trip or experience can be justified for even one great photo. Same goes with [x] amount of money …

For a more dynamic composition, don’t center your subject. Put them on the extreme left or right:

Thoughts on future-oriented fashion:

Make things or attempt things which endure! Also, invest and use technologies which you imagine will endure. Furthermore, read books, watch films, listen to music, and follow certain lifestyles and diets you desire which …

Not all pain is created equal. Some pain debilitates us, but some pain actually spurs us on. And some (good) pain is a sign that we’re growing! For example when you’ve had a great …

Another life goal of mine this year: Eveyerday become less fearful, and become more confident, courageous and brazen into the future! There’s no downside to failure What I’ve discovered in powerlifting: Failure is just …

Stoicism applied to your own life: All the shitty stuff that happens to you can be channeled by you into something which actually benefits you (for example, post-tramautic growth). It’s like having the Midas …

I often write about “the future” in abstract, but perhaps better to talk about our future; YOUR personal future. What do we want from our personal future? First question: What do you personally want …

What does the future hold for us, or what should the future hold for us? Phones are overrated I believe phones are massively overrated as productivity devices. Phones are great for making phone calls, texting, shooting …

New photo goals: Can we achieve a DEEPER monochrome in black and white photography? How to achieve a deeper monochrome? Seeking deeper monochrome — Deeper shadows RICOH GR III in high contrast black and …

Thinking about the year 2020 and the fact we are living in the future: We seem to want to augment our minds, become “smarter”, “more intelligent”, to augment ourselves with AI/machines, to process more …

It blows my mind that it is 2020 already — I feel a bit disappointed. Where are my flying cars? My Jetsons future?

Photography as the ultimate game!

Philosophical musings on money — from coming with NO money to having money:

Race doesn’t exist — effort does.

Was listening to a vinyl record player the other day and thought: Wow, this is so much more aesthetically beautiful-sounding than a “perfect” mp3 or streaming song. Why is that? My thought: the imperfections …

The principle to life: never stop striving to gain more!

Why chaos makes life more fun, sweet, and interesting:

My only regrets in life: when I failed to trust myself, and trusted the words of others (above myself).

If you make an interesting or good photograph by chance, does it make it any less legitimate? No. Chance is an essential ingredient in photography, especially street photography. And this is what makes photography …

Where do we gain artistic optimism from? Some ideas: Ignorance: The child-like ignorance of the outside world and what other artists are doing. The ability to approach artwork from a “carte blanche” approach — …

Not a matter of discipline, but something else? A thought: We often berate ourselves for not being “disciplined” enough for x, y, z — but perhaps this is the wrong way of thinking. When …

Whatever artwork you make — the goal is to impress (embed) your soul into your artwork. That when someone witnesses your artwork, they can actually see your soul.

I am insanely optimistic. Why? And where does it come from? Some thoughts:

“Life is about reps” – Arnold Schwarzenegger In modern times, to repeat oneself is seen as bad. But in truth, isn’t life about repetition?

Why street photography? Some reasons: Insanely fun: I keep finding street photography fun, challenging, and interesting. There is no finality to it; I keep changing as a street photographer over time, I keep accumulating …

Why do we get bored? Because lack of challenge, difficulty, risk, randomness, or chaos! Solution: Add more difficulty in our lives: Powerlifting style, increase one-rep max for deadlift. Take more risks, particularly social risks …

The basic notion of wabi-sabi in Japanese aesthetics: Over time, the more you use something, the more “worn in” it becomes, and the more beautiful it becomes! The tricky thing: Most technological things become …

It seems to me, the best way to live life is to attempt to MAX OUT. In weight-lifting, strive towards the powerlifting “one rep max” style, and keep attempting MORE until you MAX OUT, …

Composition is something I am insanely passionate about. Why? Let me share:

I just got back from Mexico City, and am currently reviewing my photos (two weeks of shooting everyday). Some ideas and tips:

No photograph is inert. No photograph is objective. All photographs are subjective to you, and every photo you shoot (and end up sharing) has a certain message. So the question to you, my dear …

When I pursue and follow and listen to my will, I’m happy! When I act contrary to my will, or feel as if I’m not able to act upon my will, I feel unhappy. …

In today’s world, if you desire success, best to advertise yourself, your character, your ideas, your skills, and your soul over other people, other companies, and other products!

We need both pain AND pleasure to accomplish grand things in life!

A simple street photography assignment: When you see something interesting, shoot at least 36 photos of it (same number as you would a roll of film!)

Why do I like good value? When I get something which I perceive is good value— I feel more clever, smart, and innovative! To be able to figure out a more cost-effective solution for …

“Where shall I go? The net is vast and infinite.” One of my favorite films of all time:

Why have philosophers always recommended a life of maximal frugality and economy? Not frugality for the sake of frugality, but a life of the maximal personal independence.

My thought: There is no “finality” for you as a photographer or artist. Instead, better to consider that you’re always in a state of becoming as a photographer and visual-artist.

Who is the best person to trust? Trust yourself. Trust your gut. Trust your personal taste in aesthetics. Trust your own moral judgement, your own ethics, without worrying that someone is “looking over your …

The danger of metrics and measuring/weighing yourself: The ability to LOSE COURAGE and LOSE FAITH in yourself after measuring yourself to arbitrary numbers.

In praise of standing, walking, and dancing:

A realization about myself: I am an elitist. I don’t want to be one of the herd.

A thought: To become the apex version of ourselves, we should strive to maximally build both our body AND mind.

To curate your photos: Display and show/select the photos you CARE about!

The soul of the street photographer: Ever curious Ever ambitious Ever hungry for more!

Free photography tips on ERIC KIM NEWSLETTER > Dear friend, I am fresh off a plane (after being in Mexico City for two weeks, and in Cuba for a week) and back home in …

Dear friend, If you desire to CONQUER COMPOSITION and take your street photography to epic new heights, I invite you to my new Chicago CONQUER COMPOSITION Workshop (April 25-26th, 2020).

The turbo thought for today: What do you desire to become, and why?

A big thing that has helped re-motivate my photography: Don’t care whether you make “good” or “bad” photos. Better yet: don’t strive to make good photos. Just shoot for fun!

The power of digital is highly underrated.

Keep doing something and never get bored of it! No fatigue, no boredom — only fun, excitement! The same or similar workflow — yet the process is always interesting, fun, and exciting. No need …

I’ve been obsessed with technology ever since I was a kid. But the question: What do I really want from technology? Well — I want a lot of things. Let me try to outline …

I’m currently 31 years old, and effectively I feel retired. What does it mean to be retired, and how to retire? I cannot speak for you, but let me simply draw upon my experiences …

With my hands, with my laptop; I can impact change and move the world!

Is a stratified society necessary for the few (artist-philosophers) to thrive?

Often we take photography too seriously. Why not just photograph for fun?

Do you love or hate reality? Do you prefer “idealism” (false reality), or do you love reality in all its tragedy and cruel comedy?

New street photo ideas:

Mexico City: one of the best cities for living, street photography, travel, food, coffee, chocolate, meat, dessert, fancy restaurants, street food/tacos, affordable, bread, and more. What else do you need?