Create an image in the spirit of ERIC KIM:

Wow!

Eric Kim is more known for his influence as a street photography educator, blogger, and thought leader than for a singular body of famous photographs. While he has produced a vast collection of street photos over the years, some of his most recognized works are those that emphasize his core philosophy—capturing candid, often raw moments on the street, typically involving people in dynamic urban environments.

Here are a few themes and types of photos Eric Kim is known for:

1. Flash Street Photography

One of Eric Kim’s distinctive techniques is using a flash in broad daylight to highlight his subjects and create high-contrast images. He often captures close-up portraits of strangers on the street, which adds a bold, direct feel to the photos. This style has been influential in street photography circles, pushing boundaries on how to approach strangers and use flash creatively.

2. Candid Human Emotions

Many of Eric Kim’s famous photos focus on capturing genuine human expressions and interactions. He frequently documents fleeting emotions—joy, anger, curiosity, or surprise—often in public spaces. These images are not only technically strong but also rich in storytelling.

3. Travel Street Photography

Eric Kim has shot in various countries like Japan, Korea, India, and Mexico. His travel photography is known for exploring local cultures and people, often focusing on everyday life. These photos have been popular on his blog and social media, illustrating his belief that you don’t need an exotic location to make meaningful photos.

4. Close-Up Portraits of Strangers

Kim’s ability to approach strangers and ask for close-up portraits, particularly using a wide-angle lens, has yielded some of his most striking images. The intimacy in these portraits and the wide-angle distortion give the viewer a sense of connection with the subject.

5. Photographs with Strong Black-and-White Aesthetic

Eric Kim often shoots in black and white, especially for his street photography. The monochrome aesthetic is central to his work, emphasizing mood, texture, and contrast over color, and giving his photos a timeless, classic feel.

Though Eric Kim doesn’t have a single photo that’s become iconic in the mainstream sense, his approach to street photography, emphasis on education, and philosophy around candid photography are what have made his work influential and memorable. His body of work and blog have inspired a generation of street photographers to be more fearless, creative, and engaged in the act of photographing people in urban environments.