How to Discover Your Unique Vision as a Photographer

Dear friends:

This year, let us strive to discover our unique vision as a photographer.

PDF: How to Discover Your Unique Vision as a Photographer Download

Why?

Vision means to see. Each and every photographer is a visionary.

Therefore, what we want to do is to seek differentiation as photographer visionaries. We want to discover what sets us apart from other photographers.

Why be different?

Well, without even trying, we are different. There are no 2 humans on planet Earth who have the same DNA, the same life experiences, etc. Without trying, you are unique.

Is it good to be unique?

Yes. This leads to increased pride for us as photographers. And pride for us as photographers is a virtue. The more pride we have in our photos, the better.

Do you prefer your own photos or the photos of others?

A big thing:

Do you aspire to become your own photographer, or do you aspire to become another photographer?

The best approach to the masters of photography is simple:

Learn the lessons from them, extract their inspiration and motivation, and apply it to our own creative vision.

We must not be the slave of our masters; we must learn from them, then cut the umbilical chord and move onto our own creative vision.

So how do I discover my unique vision?

A big thing:

Do not desire the life, lifestyle, or the living conditions of anyone else.

For example for a long time I fantasized about living in San Francisco, New York, Paris, etc. But now I have discovered:

No man or person is satisfied where they are.

Even the most successful, rich, and influential people I know — nobody is happy. Nobody likes where they live, their home, their wealth, etc.

Thus:

Take your present condition and exploit the maximum out of it.

Also, channel your hate and disdain in a productive way.

For example, I hate the suburbs. But as of late, I have embraced it, and have sought to become the best suburb street photographer. And yes, you can shoot suburb street photography.

Or if you live in a boring-ass town, exploit it.

Exploit the boredom and safety of your life in virtuously productive ways.

Expanding your impact

Make a newsletter: Deliverability of a newsletter is 1000x over social media.
Don’t just talk photography, talk life. For example, I had the epiphany while writing my 100 tips list — very easy to come up with lots of ideas when you don’t just restrict it to photography. Photography and life is the best integration.
Open source blogging: Make your own self hosted blog (wordpress.org as the engine, bluehost.com or 1and1.com as the service provider). The more open source you can make your photography blog and approach, the better.
Multiply yourself: ARSBETA.COM as a ‘scaleable’ form of photography feedback.
WHY APP? Ask yourself 10x why you do photography, and seek the answers to your own thinking.

ERIC KIM WORKSHOPS

For real feedback on your photographic vision, I cordially invite you to my new and upcoming Discover Your Unique Vision in Photography Workshop in SF this Jan 29th, 2022. The best way to start this year on the right foot!