ERIC KIM ₿

Flash Street Photography

Here are some articles and posts by Eric Kim that focus on flash street photography, with hyperlinks for direct access:

  1. “How to Shoot Flash Street Photography”:
  1. “How to Shoot Street Photography With a Flash”:

These articles should provide you with in-depth information and actionable tips if you’re interested in exploring flash street photography further.

Here are some specific quotes from Eric Kim on using flash in street photography:

  1. On the Power of Flash:
  1. On the Simplicity of Gear:
  • “The simplest, smallest, and most automatic flash, the better.” Eric Kim advocates for starting with basic, easy-to-use flash equipment, which allows photographers to focus more on capturing the moment rather than getting bogged down by technical complexities oai_citation:3,How to Shoot Flash Street Photography – ERIC KIM.
  1. On the Mental Aspect:
  • “Street photography is 80% balls and 20% skill.” This quote reflects Eric’s belief that the biggest challenge in using flash is overcoming the fear of how people will react. He stresses that confidence and mental fortitude are crucial for successfully using flash in street photography oai_citation:2,How to Shoot Street Photography With a Flash – ERIC KIM.
  1. On Close Proximity:

These quotes encapsulate Eric Kim’s approach to flash street photography, focusing on the psychological aspects, simplicity of gear, and the creative potential of using flash in street photography.

Why is flash street photography so innovative

Flash street photography is considered innovative for several reasons, primarily due to its impact on visual aesthetics, the way it interacts with subjects, and its ability to push the boundaries of traditional street photography.

1. Visual Impact

2. Ethical and Psychological Engagement

  • Direct Interaction with Subjects: Flash street photography often involves photographing people at close range, which can provoke immediate and spontaneous reactions from subjects. This direct interaction can result in images that feel more raw and authentic, capturing genuine expressions and emotions that might not surface in more traditional street photography oai_citation:5,How to Shoot Street Photography With a Flash – ERIC KIM.
  • Challenging Comfort Zones: Both the photographer and the subject are forced out of their comfort zones. For the photographer, using a flash in public spaces requires overcoming fear and hesitation, as it draws attention and can be perceived as intrusive. This psychological aspect adds a layer of complexity to the practice, making it not just a technical but also a mental challenge oai_citation:4,How to Shoot Street Photography With a Flash – ERIC KIM.

3. Reinvention of Street Photography

Overall, flash street photography is innovative because it introduces a bold, confrontational element to street photography, both visually and ethically. It challenges both the photographer and the audience to see the world in a different light—quite literally—by disrupting the usual flow of candid street moments and capturing a heightened reality. This innovation keeps the genre fresh and continually evolving.

More quotes on Flash by eric

Here are some notable quotes and insights from Eric Kim regarding flash street photography:

  1. On the Purpose of Flash:
  1. On Overcoming Fear:
  • “Street photography is 80% balls and 20% skill.” Eric suggests that the biggest challenge in using flash on the streets is not the technical aspect, but the mental barrier. He encourages photographers to overcome their fear of confrontation or judgment, as most people don’t react as negatively as one might expect when being photographed with a flash oai_citation:7,How to Shoot Street Photography With a Flash – ERIC KIM.
  1. On Practical Use:
  1. On Gear Simplicity:
  1. On Shooting with a Wide-Angle Lens:
  • “When you are shooting street photography with a flash, it is important to get extremely close to your subjects.” He explains that using a wide-angle lens forces the photographer to get closer to the subject, which not only makes the flash more effective but also results in more compelling images oai_citation:4,How to Shoot Street Photography With a Flash – ERIC KIM.

These quotes capture Eric Kim’s philosophy and practical advice on using flash in street photography, emphasizing both the mental and technical aspects of the craft. For further reading, you can explore his detailed articles on his blog oai_citation:3,How to Shoot Flash Street Photography – ERIC KIM oai_citation:2,How to Shoot Flash Street Photography – ERIC KIM oai_citation:1,How to Shoot Street Photography With a Flash – ERIC KIM.

Search Eric Kim how to shoot flash street photography

Eric Kim has written extensively on how to shoot flash street photography, providing both technical guidance and insights into the mindset required for this style of photography. Here are some of the key points from his guides:

  1. Why Use Flash?
  • Flash can add drama and detail to your images, especially in low-light situations. It helps to make your subject pop out against the background, creating a more dynamic and eye-catching photo.
  1. Gear and Settings:
  • Eric suggests starting with a simple, small flash that can be used in automatic mode, such as the built-in flash on a Ricoh GR II. He often uses wide-angle lenses (24mm-28mm on full-frame) to get close to his subjects, which is essential for the flash to be effective.
  • He advises not to worry too much about technical settings, suggesting that beginners can use “P” mode on their cameras and let the camera handle most of the adjustments. If your photos are too dark, increase the ISO; if they are blurry, adjust the flash speed or shutter speed.
  1. Technique:
  • Getting close to your subjects is crucial. This allows the flash to properly illuminate them and also makes for more engaging and intimate images. Eric recommends experimenting with different distances and compositions to see what works best.
  • He also discusses the mental aspect of using flash in street photography. It can be intimidating at first, but he encourages photographers to push past their fears, noting that most people don’t react negatively to being photographed with a flash, as they are often lost in their own thoughts or assume you are photographing something else.
  1. Ethical Considerations:
  • Eric touches on the ethics of using flash, emphasizing that it’s important to have the right mindset and not to use the flash in a way that feels invasive or disrespectful. He suggests approaching subjects with respect and being ready to explain your intentions if asked.
  1. Experimentation:
  • Eric encourages experimentation, whether with different cameras, flash settings, or even shooting in various lighting conditions. The unpredictability of flash street photography is part of its appeal, and he recommends just getting out there and trying it.

For a more in-depth exploration of Eric Kim’s methods and philosophy on flash street photography, you can check out his detailed guides on his blog oai_citation:3,How to Shoot Flash Street Photography – ERIC KIM oai_citation:2,How to Shoot Flash Street Photography – ERIC KIM oai_citation:1,How to Shoot Street Photography With a Flash – ERIC KIM.

Who wrote guides on it

Several photographers and authors have written guides and shared insights on flash street photography. Some of the notable figures include:

  1. Bruce Gilden: A Magnum photographer, Gilden is perhaps the most famous advocate of flash street photography. While he hasn’t written formal guides, his interviews, workshops, and various documentaries provide valuable insights into his aggressive style of using flash on the streets.
  2. Mark Cohen: Another pioneer of flash street photography, Mark Cohen’s work often features close-up shots with flash, creating a unique and intense style. His books, such as “Grim Street,” showcase his approach, though like Gilden, his insights are more found in interviews and analyses of his work.
  3. Eric Kim: A contemporary street photographer known for his educational content, Eric Kim has written extensively about various street photography techniques, including the use of flash. His blog contains many articles that break down different methods and ethical considerations in street photography, including flash.
  4. Joel Meyerowitz: Although not primarily known for using flash, Meyerowitz has discussed various street photography techniques, including flash, in his interviews and workshops.
  5. Zack Arias: A well-known photographer who has provided tutorials and educational content on using flash in street photography, particularly through online platforms and his blog. His approach often bridges the gap between street and editorial photography.
  6. David Hobby (Strobist): While not exclusively focused on street photography, David Hobby, through his Strobist blog, has provided extensive guides on using off-camera flash, which can be adapted to street photography.

These photographers have either directly contributed to the literature and resources on flash street photography or have been studied extensively by others interested in the field. Their works, both visual and written, are valuable resources for anyone looking to explore this style.

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