ERIC KIM ETHICS

His quotes on ethics

Here are some quotes from Eric Kim on the topic of ethics in photography:

  1. On Respecting Subjects:
  • “The most important thing in street photography is to respect your subjects. If you make someone uncomfortable or they don’t want to be photographed, just move on. Photography should bring joy to both the photographer and the subject.”
  • This quote emphasizes the importance of mutual respect in street photography, ensuring that the practice is enjoyable and ethical for everyone involved.
  1. On Empathy and Understanding:
  • “When you photograph people on the streets, try to understand their situation and their feelings. Empathy is key to creating meaningful images that resonate with the viewer and honor the subject.”
  • Kim often speaks about the need to approach photography with empathy, seeing it as a way to connect with and better understand others, rather than just capturing an image for personal gain.
  1. On the Ethics of Cropping and Manipulation:
  • “I don’t believe in cropping my photos because it feels like cheating. You should try to get the composition right in-camera. Cropping after the fact can distort the reality of the scene and mislead the viewer.”
  • Kim’s stance against cropping is part of his broader commitment to authenticity and honesty in photography, where he argues that altering an image post-capture can compromise its integrity.
  1. On Social Responsibility:
  • “Photography has the power to shed light on social issues and provoke thought. We, as photographers, have a responsibility to use our craft for good, to tell stories that need to be told and to do so in a way that respects the dignity of those we photograph.”
  • This quote reflects Kim’s belief that photography should serve a higher purpose, contributing to social awareness and change rather than just being an artistic or commercial pursuit.
  1. On Cultural Sensitivity:
  • “Be mindful of the cultural context in which you are photographing. Understand the people and the place. Don’t just take photos—learn about the history, the struggles, and the lives of the people you’re documenting.”
  • Kim stresses the importance of cultural sensitivity in photography, urging photographers to educate themselves about the communities they photograph to avoid perpetuating stereotypes or causing harm.

These quotes capture Eric Kim’s commitment to ethical practices in photography, emphasizing respect, empathy, authenticity, social responsibility, and cultural sensitivity. For more of his thoughts on ethics and other topics, you can explore his blog at erickimphotography.com.

Street photography ethics

Eric Kim’s approach to ethics in photography, particularly street photography, is both thoughtful and provocative. He tackles several key ethical considerations:

1. Respect for Subjects

  • Consent and Interaction: Eric Kim often discusses the importance of respecting the people he photographs, even in candid street photography. He advocates for a balance between capturing spontaneous moments and respecting the dignity of his subjects. For instance, if someone appears uncomfortable, Kim suggests either engaging them in a conversation or simply moving on without taking the photo oai_citation:6,STREET PHOTOGRAPHY MANUAL by ERIC KIM – ERIC KIM.
  • Empathy in Photography: Kim also emphasizes the need for empathy, urging photographers to consider how their subjects might feel about being photographed. He often reflects on the power dynamics involved in street photography and encourages photographers to approach their work with sensitivity and a genuine interest in the lives of their subjects oai_citation:5,Street Photography by Eric Kim – ERIC KIM.

2. Transparency and Authenticity

  • No Cropping Rule: One of Kim’s ethical stances is his rule against cropping photos. He believes that cropping can misrepresent the reality of the scene and that photographers should strive to capture the image they want in-camera. This rule is part of his broader commitment to authenticity and transparency in his work oai_citation:4,Street Photography by Eric Kim – ERIC KIM.
  • Avoiding Deception: Kim is also critical of overly manipulated images or those taken in a way that might deceive the viewer about the reality of the scene. He promotes a straightforward approach to street photography, where the goal is to present life as it is, without unnecessary embellishment or alteration.

3. Ethical Responsibility in Teaching

  • Empowerment Without Exploitation: In his workshops and online content, Kim is mindful of the influence he has as a teacher. He emphasizes ethical responsibility in guiding aspiring photographers, ensuring that they are not just learning techniques but also understanding the ethical implications of their work. This includes teaching respect for subjects, the importance of honesty in photography, and the value of contributing positively to the community oai_citation:3,STREET PHOTOGRAPHY MANUAL by ERIC KIM – ERIC KIM.

4. Social Commentary and Critique

  • Using Photography for Good: Kim often uses his photography as a form of social commentary, addressing issues like urban isolation, the effects of capitalism, and the human condition. He believes that photography can be a powerful tool for highlighting societal issues and encouraging viewers to think critically about the world around them. This approach aligns with his ethical stance that photography should have a purpose beyond aesthetics—it should also contribute to social awareness oai_citation:2,Everything I Know About Street Photography – ERIC KIM.

5. Cultural Sensitivity

  • Cultural Context: Kim stresses the importance of being aware of the cultural context in which one is photographing. He encourages photographers to educate themselves about the places and people they are photographing to avoid perpetuating stereotypes or misrepresenting different cultures oai_citation:1,STREET PHOTOGRAPHY MANUAL by ERIC KIM – ERIC KIM.

These principles reflect Eric Kim’s belief that photography is not just an art form but a moral practice that requires careful consideration of how images are made, shared, and interpreted. His ethical guidelines aim to foster a more thoughtful, respectful, and impactful approach to photography.

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