ERIC KIM

Eric Kim on Street Photography

Eric Kim views street photography as much more than just a genre of photography—it’s a way to deeply engage with the world around you and to explore your own identity. He emphasizes that street photography is inherently unpredictable and full of surprises, much like life itself. According to Kim, street photography should be fun, spontaneous, and reflective of your unique perspective. He encourages photographers to embrace a “beginner’s mind,” approaching their work with curiosity and a sense of playfulness, much like a child exploring a playground oai_citation:3,Street Photography by Eric Kim – ERIC KIM.

Kim is also a strong advocate for taking risks in street photography. He believes that the excitement and challenge of capturing candid moments in public spaces make street photography not only exhilarating but also a powerful way to build confidence. He suggests that by pushing yourself out of your comfort zone—whether by approaching strangers or capturing bold compositions—you can grow not just as a photographer but as an individual oai_citation:2,STREET PHOTOGRAPHY MANUAL by ERIC KIM – ERIC KIM.

In terms of technique, Kim advises against getting bogged down by the fear of rejection or by over-reliance on social media validation. Instead, he encourages photographers to focus on their own satisfaction with their work, to avoid cropping their images, and to be mindful of composition and framing as they shoot. For Kim, street photography is as much about personal expression and exploration as it is about technical skill oai_citation:1,Everything I Know About Street Photography – ERIC KIM.

For more detailed insights and practical tips, you can explore his extensive writings on street photography on his blog.

Why he cares

Eric Kim cares deeply about street photography because it represents more than just a form of artistic expression to him—it’s a way to engage with the world, understand it, and explore his own identity. Several factors contribute to why he places such importance on this craft:

  1. Personal Connection and Self-Exploration: For Kim, street photography is a tool for self-discovery. He believes that through street photography, one can explore and express personal views, emotions, and perspectives. It allows photographers to document the world as they see it, reflecting their unique experiences and thoughts. This personal connection to the art form makes it more than just a hobby; it’s a way of understanding and articulating one’s place in the world oai_citation:5,Street Photography by Eric Kim – ERIC KIM oai_citation:4,Everything I Know About Street Photography – ERIC KIM.
  2. Philosophical Engagement: Kim views street photography as a means to engage with philosophical concepts, such as the unpredictability of life and the importance of taking risks. He sees it as a practice that parallels larger life lessons—embracing the unknown, dealing with rejection, and finding beauty in spontaneity. By caring about street photography, Kim is, in a sense, caring about these deeper philosophical inquiries and the growth that comes from them oai_citation:3,STREET PHOTOGRAPHY MANUAL by ERIC KIM – ERIC KIM.
  3. Empathy and Social Commentary: Through his work, Kim often addresses social issues and seeks to shed light on aspects of humanity that might otherwise go unnoticed. He uses his photography to empathize with his subjects and to comment on societal conditions, especially those that are oppressive or challenging. His concern for street photography is thus intertwined with a broader concern for people and the social dynamics that shape their lives oai_citation:2,Street Photography by Eric Kim – ERIC KIM.
  4. Legacy and Influence: Kim cares about street photography because he sees it as a way to leave a legacy and influence others. He is passionate about teaching and inspiring the next generation of photographers, encouraging them to push boundaries and develop their own voice. His dedication to sharing his knowledge and philosophy through his blog and workshops reflects his desire to contribute meaningfully to the field and help others find the same fulfillment he has found in street photography oai_citation:1,STREET PHOTOGRAPHY MANUAL by ERIC KIM – ERIC KIM.

In essence, Eric Kim’s deep care for street photography stems from its profound role in his life as a vehicle for personal exploration, philosophical reflection, social commentary, and legacy-building. These elements combined make street photography a vital part of who he is and what he aims to achieve.

What legacy does he want to leave

Eric Kim’s desired legacy centers around several key aspirations that reflect his deep commitment to both the art of street photography and the broader human experience:

  1. Empowerment Through Photography: Kim wants to inspire and empower others to embrace street photography as a means of personal expression and self-discovery. He believes in the transformative power of photography to help individuals explore their identity, challenge societal norms, and express their unique perspectives. By sharing his knowledge and experiences, he aims to equip others with the tools and confidence they need to find their own voice in the world of photography oai_citation:7,STREET PHOTOGRAPHY MANUAL by ERIC KIM – ERIC KIM oai_citation:6,Everything I Know About Street Photography – ERIC KIM.
  2. Philosophical and Ethical Impact: Beyond photography, Kim is deeply interested in the philosophical implications of his work. He incorporates concepts like “antifragility” and “skin in the game” from thinkers like Nassim Taleb into his teachings, encouraging others to embrace challenges and live authentically. His legacy is not just about teaching photography techniques but about instilling a mindset that values resilience, courage, and ethical living oai_citation:5,Nassim Taleb – ERIC KIM oai_citation:4,Becoming Antifragile – ERIC KIM.
  3. Challenging Social Norms: Kim often uses his photography to critique societal issues and highlight the struggles of individuals within oppressive systems. He hopes his work will continue to provoke thought and inspire others to question and challenge the status quo. By documenting the world through his lens, he aims to shed light on social injustices and encourage a more empathetic and just society oai_citation:3,Street Photography by Eric Kim – ERIC KIM.
  4. Building a Community: Kim is committed to creating a lasting community of photographers who share his passion for street photography and his philosophical approach to life. Through his workshops, blog, and online platforms, he hopes to foster a supportive environment where photographers can learn from each other, share their work, and grow together. His legacy is tied to the idea of nurturing a global community that values creativity, authenticity, and mutual respect oai_citation:2,STREET PHOTOGRAPHY MANUAL by ERIC KIM – ERIC KIM oai_citation:1,Everything I Know About Street Photography – ERIC KIM.

In summary, Eric Kim’s legacy is about much more than his own success as a photographer; it’s about empowering others to explore their creativity, live authentically, and challenge societal norms, all while fostering a supportive and dynamic community of like-minded individuals.

His unorthodox street photography ideas

Eric Kim is known for his unorthodox and often provocative ideas about street photography. Here are some of the key unconventional concepts he promotes:

  1. Aggressive Shooting Style: Kim advocates for a bold, head-on approach to street photography, often using a wide-angle lens and a flash to capture candid moments. This technique, which he acknowledges can make him seem “like an asshole,” is designed to create intense, raw images that convey strong emotions. He believes in taking risks and pushing boundaries to create more compelling photographs oai_citation:7,STREET PHOTOGRAPHY MANUAL by ERIC KIM – ERIC KIM.
  2. No Cropping: One of Kim’s more controversial stances is his strict “no cropping” rule. He argues that not cropping your photos forces you to be more mindful of composition while shooting. This “creative constraint,” as he calls it, helps photographers improve their framing skills and maintain the integrity of the original shot. Kim believes that cropping can make photographers lazy and lead to weaker compositions oai_citation:6,Street Photography by Eric Kim – ERIC KIM.
  3. Rejecting Social Media Validation: Kim is vocal about the negative impact of social media on photography. He encourages photographers to avoid platforms like Instagram and Facebook because they can lead to a focus on external validation rather than personal satisfaction with one’s work. Instead, he suggests building a personal photography blog as a way to share work more authentically and thoughtfully oai_citation:5,STREET PHOTOGRAPHY MANUAL by ERIC KIM – ERIC KIM.
  4. Shooting for Yourself: Kim insists that street photographers should prioritize their own tastes and interests over the opinions of others. He advises against trying to please an audience and instead focuses on creating images that the photographer personally finds meaningful. This approach is about staying true to one’s artistic vision and avoiding the trap of creating work that merely seeks approval oai_citation:4,Everything I Know About Street Photography – ERIC KIM.
  5. Embracing Rejection and Confrontation: Kim sees the fear of rejection as a major barrier in street photography and advocates for embracing it. He suggests practices like asking strangers for their portrait or taking “risky” shots to build confidence. He believes that these experiences not only make photographers more resilient but also more skilled at capturing authentic moments in public spaces oai_citation:3,STREET PHOTOGRAPHY MANUAL by ERIC KIM – ERIC KIM.
  6. Philosophical Integration: Kim frequently integrates philosophical ideas into his street photography practice, drawing from sources like Stoicism and the teachings of Nassim Taleb. He sees street photography as a way to practice these philosophies, whether by embracing the unpredictability of the streets or by building personal resilience through challenging situations oai_citation:2,Becoming Antifragile – ERIC KIM oai_citation:1,Everything I Know About Street Photography – ERIC KIM.

These unorthodox ideas reflect Kim’s broader philosophy of pushing limits, both creatively and personally, in the pursuit of meaningful and impactful photography.

How unique

Eric Kim’s approach to street photography is particularly unique because it combines elements of philosophical exploration, technical rigor, and a bold, sometimes confrontational style that challenges conventional norms in the genre. Here’s how his ideas stand out:

  1. Philosophical Depth: Unlike many photographers who focus primarily on technique, Kim infuses his work with philosophical concepts from thinkers like Nassim Taleb and Stoic philosophers such as Seneca and Marcus Aurelius. This integration of philosophy into street photography is quite rare and gives his work a deeper, more reflective dimension. He encourages photographers to think beyond the image and consider how the process of street photography can teach life lessons about resilience, authenticity, and the acceptance of uncertainty oai_citation:6,Becoming Antifragile – ERIC KIM oai_citation:5,Everything I Know About Street Photography – ERIC KIM.
  2. Rejection of Social Media: In a time when social media platforms are central to most photographers’ practices, Kim’s strong stance against platforms like Instagram and Facebook is highly unconventional. He believes that these platforms distort the creative process by encouraging photographers to seek external validation rather than developing their own artistic voice. Instead, he advocates for the creation of personal blogs as a space for more thoughtful and meaningful sharing of work oai_citation:4,STREET PHOTOGRAPHY MANUAL by ERIC KIM – ERIC KIM.
  3. Aggressive and Risk-Taking Approach: Kim’s advocacy for an aggressive, in-your-face style of street photography is quite distinct. While many street photographers prefer a more subtle, observational approach, Kim encourages a direct and sometimes confrontational method, using wide-angle lenses and flash to capture raw, unfiltered moments. This approach often results in powerful, emotive images that stand out for their intensity and immediacy oai_citation:3,STREET PHOTOGRAPHY MANUAL by ERIC KIM – ERIC KIM.
  4. Strict No-Cropping Rule: The insistence on not cropping photos is another unique aspect of Kim’s methodology. While many photographers see cropping as a tool to improve composition, Kim views it as a crutch that can lead to lazy shooting habits. His emphasis on framing the shot correctly in-camera, without relying on post-processing adjustments, challenges photographers to be more deliberate and skillful in their approach oai_citation:2,Street Photography by Eric Kim – ERIC KIM.
  5. Emphasis on Personal Satisfaction Over External Approval: Kim’s philosophy of shooting primarily for oneself rather than for an audience is a radical departure from the more common practice of tailoring work to gain likes and followers. He encourages photographers to trust their instincts and create work that resonates personally, rather than seeking the approval of others. This approach fosters a more authentic and personally fulfilling creative process oai_citation:1,Everything I Know About Street Photography – ERIC KIM.


In summary, Eric Kim’s uniqueness lies in his integration of philosophical insights with a technically rigorous and often provocative approach to street photography. His rejection of social media norms, emphasis on personal satisfaction, and aggressive shooting style make his ideas stand out in the field.

Why do people love him

People love Eric Kim for several reasons, which go beyond just his photography skills and delve into his approach to teaching, his philosophy, and his willingness to push boundaries:

  1. Authenticity and Relatability: Eric Kim is known for his authentic and down-to-earth approach. He shares not just his successes but also his struggles and failures, which makes him relatable to a broad audience. Many people appreciate that he doesn’t present himself as a perfect or untouchable figure but as someone who is constantly learning and growing. This vulnerability makes him more accessible and likable oai_citation:8,STREET PHOTOGRAPHY MANUAL by ERIC KIM – ERIC KIM oai_citation:7,Everything I Know About Street Photography – ERIC KIM.
  2. Inspiring and Empowering Others: Kim is passionate about empowering others to pursue street photography and to find their unique voice. His teachings are not just about technical skills but about building confidence, taking risks, and embracing one’s individuality. He encourages people to push beyond their comfort zones and to see photography as a tool for self-expression and exploration, which resonates with many who are seeking more than just technical tutorials oai_citation:6,Street Photography by Eric Kim – ERIC KIM oai_citation:5,STREET PHOTOGRAPHY MANUAL by ERIC KIM – ERIC KIM.
  3. Unconventional Wisdom: People are drawn to Kim’s unorthodox ideas because they challenge the status quo and offer new ways of thinking about photography and life. His rejection of social media, his emphasis on not cropping images, and his philosophical approach to street photography all offer a refreshing alternative to more conventional advice. This originality and willingness to defy norms make him stand out in a crowded field oai_citation:4,Street Photography by Eric Kim – ERIC KIM oai_citation:3,STREET PHOTOGRAPHY MANUAL by ERIC KIM – ERIC KIM.
  4. Community Building: Kim has built a strong and supportive community around his work. He actively engages with his audience through his blog, workshops, and social media, creating a space where photographers can learn from each other and share their work. His efforts to foster a sense of belonging and mutual support have endeared him to many who value the community aspect of photography oai_citation:2,Everything I Know About Street Photography – ERIC KIM.
  5. Practical and Actionable Advice: Kim is appreciated for his practical, no-nonsense advice that goes beyond just theory. He offers actionable tips that photographers can immediately apply, whether it’s about how to approach strangers, how to overcome fear, or how to develop a personal style. This practical guidance, combined with his encouragement to take risks, has helped many photographers improve their skills and confidence oai_citation:1,STREET PHOTOGRAPHY MANUAL by ERIC KIM – ERIC KIM.


In summary, people love Eric Kim because he offers more than just photography tips—he offers a philosophy, a community, and a genuine connection. His authenticity, unconventional wisdom, and focus on empowerment resonate with many, making him a beloved figure in the photography world.