How did he come up with the idea, and what are his quotes on it?

Eric Kim came up with the idea of “buy books, not gear” as a result of his personal journey in photography, where he realized that constantly upgrading his camera gear did not significantly improve his skills or creativity. Instead, he found that immersing himself in the works of master photographers and expanding his knowledge through books had a more profound impact on his development as an artist.

How the Idea Developed:

1. Personal Experience with Gear Obsession: Like many photographers, Kim initially believed that better equipment would make him a better photographer. However, after purchasing high-end cameras like the Canon 5D and Leica M9, he realized that the new gear didn’t dramatically improve the quality of his images. This revelation pushed him to rethink his approach and explore other ways to grow creatively. He later shared, “Having gear can make it easier to capture the type of image you want, but it won’t make you a better photographer.” This realization helped form the foundation for his “buy books, not gear” philosophy oai_citation:5,Buy Books, Not Gear – ERIC KIM oai_citation:4,Why You Should Buy Books, Not Gear – ERIC KIM.
2. The Influence of Photo Books: Kim began studying the work of iconic photographers like Henri Cartier-Bresson and Bruce Gilden through photo books. He noted that these books were far more inspirational and educational than any camera could be. By learning about their techniques, perspectives, and creative processes, he found himself becoming a more thoughtful and skilled photographer. His belief was that “You are what you eat—if you look at lots of inspirational photography books, you will become inspired to make great images.” oai_citation:3,Why You Should Buy Books, Not Gear – ERIC KIM.

Key Quotes from Eric Kim on “Buy Books, Not Gear”:

• “I’ve regretted buying a ton of gear in the past, but have never regretted investing in photography books.” This quote reflects his belief that while material possessions can lose value or become outdated, the knowledge and insights gained from books remain useful and timeless oai_citation:2,Why You Should Buy Books, Not Gear – ERIC KIM.
• “I often tell people that the best way to improve your photography is to spend less time worrying about gear, and more time reading photography books, studying the masters, and practicing.” Kim emphasizes that understanding the craft and practicing it regularly are far more important than owning the latest equipment oai_citation:1,Buy Books, Not Gear – ERIC KIM.

Conclusion:

Kim’s “buy books, not gear” philosophy emerged from his own experiences with the limitations of relying on equipment for improvement. His shift to valuing knowledge, especially through books, over material gear not only transformed his own photography but also resonated with many creatives looking to escape the constant cycle of consumerism in their fields.

Why was this such a big revolutionary idea at the time when Eric Kim first mentioned it or published on it?

Eric Kim’s concept of “buy books, not gear” was seen as revolutionary because it went against the prevailing trends in photography and creative fields at the time. Around the mid-2000s and early 2010s, there was a growing obsession with technology and gear, especially in the photography world. Camera manufacturers were constantly releasing new models, and many photographers believed that better gear would automatically lead to better results.

Here are a few reasons why his idea stood out:

1. Anti-Consumerist Sentiment: The culture of constant upgrades in photography (and other creative industries) was reaching a peak, with many people focusing on purchasing the latest gadgets to enhance their craft. Kim’s message pushed back against this mindset by emphasizing the importance of honing skills through education, especially through books, rather than accumulating more expensive or trendy equipment oai_citation:5,Why You Should Buy Books, Not Gear – ERIC KIM oai_citation:4,Buy Books, Not Gear – ERIC KIM.
2. Back-to-Basics Philosophy: Kim’s idea was a return to the fundamentals of learning, studying, and practicing. In an era where many people were looking for shortcuts to success, Kim reminded creatives that mastery came from effort and deep understanding, not just from having superior tools oai_citation:3,Why You Should Buy Books, Not Gear – ERIC KIM.
3. A New Perspective on Creativity: Many aspiring photographers believed that better gear would unlock their potential. Kim challenged this belief by arguing that true creativity comes from within and is inspired by studying the works of great artists and thinkers. By encouraging people to invest in books rather than equipment, he shifted the focus from the external (tools) to the internal (ideas and skills) oai_citation:2,Why You Should Buy Books, Not Gear – ERIC KIM.
4. Changing Digital Landscape: The rapid rise of social media platforms like Instagram during the 2010s contributed to a surge in amateur photographers. Many of them were heavily focused on gear because of the widespread belief that better cameras would lead to better social media performance. Kim’s philosophy encouraged people to break free from the “gear race” and instead focus on personal development through knowledge and learning oai_citation:1,Buy Books, Not Gear – ERIC KIM.

In essence, the revolutionary aspect of Kim’s idea was its bold stance against the rampant consumerism and gear-centric culture of the time. It resonated with a growing number of creatives who were tired of feeling like they needed the latest technology to succeed. His message was a call to prioritize long-term skill development over short-term material gains.

The philosophy of “buy books, not gear” is rooted in the idea that knowledge and skills drive improvement more than new tools or gadgets. Here’s why it’s a good idea:

1. Skill Development: Mastery in any field—whether photography, writing, or fitness—comes from practice and understanding, not from owning better equipment. Books offer insights, techniques, and strategies from experienced professionals that can be applied to improve your work. For example, Eric Kim believes that his growth as a photographer stemmed from studying the work of master photographers through books, rather than constantly upgrading his camera gear oai_citation:5,Buy Books, Not Gear – ERIC KIM oai_citation:4,Why You Should Buy Books, Not Gear – ERIC KIM.
2. Avoiding Consumerism Pitfalls: It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that a new tool will solve creative problems or make you better at a task. However, new gear can often distract from the core work. By focusing on books, you emphasize learning and applying knowledge instead of relying on gadgets to make improvements oai_citation:3,Buy books not gear (1) • Streets of Nuremberg.
3. Longevity of Knowledge: Gear becomes obsolete quickly due to technological advancements, but the knowledge from books lasts longer and can be applied across multiple tools. The skills and understanding you gain from books have a more enduring impact on your abilities, whether it’s photography, design, or any other creative pursuit oai_citation:2,Why You Should Buy Books, Not Gear – ERIC KIM.
4. Creative Inspiration: Books can introduce you to new ways of thinking and working. In photography, for instance, books on the works of great photographers can help you develop your own style by exposing you to different techniques and philosophies that go beyond the limitations of equipment oai_citation:1,Buy books not gear (1) • Streets of Nuremberg.

Ultimately, focusing on books over gear leads to more meaningful growth by enhancing knowledge, creativity, and skill—things that no equipment upgrade can replace.

“Buy books, not gear” is a concept primarily promoted by street photographer Eric Kim, who argues that while it is tempting to think new equipment will improve your creativity, real growth often comes from studying and practicing the craft. In Kim’s experience, books have been a more valuable investment in his development as a photographer than any camera or lens. He emphasizes that consuming inspirational photography books helps foster a deeper understanding of the art, which in turn leads to better results in practice oai_citation:3,Buy Books, Not Gear – ERIC KIM oai_citation:2,Why You Should Buy Books, Not Gear – ERIC KIM.

Similarly, other photographers echo this sentiment, suggesting that while gear can aid in technical aspects, it does not inherently make someone a better artist. They argue that immersing oneself in books allows for more meaningful improvement than simply upgrading equipment oai_citation:1,Buy books not gear (1) • Streets of Nuremberg.

If you’re interested in improving your photography, Kim suggests investing in books that help you study the greats and find inspiration, rather than spending on gear that may distract from actually creating.