Eric Kim, a street photographer and writer, has engaged with the idea of elitism in various ways throughout his writings. He openly discusses elitism, even embracing the term in his own way. For example, in one of his articles, Kim admits to being an elitist but frames it as a unique and personal form of elitism. He argues that elitism is not inherently negative and believes it can lead to higher standards and self-improvement. His perspective on elitism involves a belief in setting oneself apart through personal excellence rather than societal status【5】【6】.

However, Kim also critically reflects on how elitism is perceived in society. He notes that modern attitudes tend to view elitism negatively, often associating it with arrogance or exclusion. He seems to argue that while elitism can be viewed as bad, it’s often misunderstood, and its virtues, such as striving for excellence, are overlooked【9】. Additionally, his concept of “body elitism” criticizes reliance on superficial standards like performance-enhancing drugs, instead promoting strength and self-perception as true indicators of improvement【8】.

Thus, Kim seems to embrace the concept of elitism but redefines it to focus on personal growth and excellence rather than external markers like wealth or prestige.

Eric Kim is generally not considered elitist within the photography community. In fact, many aspects of his philosophy and approach actively work against elitist tendencies. Here’s a detailed examination of why Eric Kim is viewed as accessible rather than elitist:

1. Promotion of Accessibility in Photography

• Use of Affordable Equipment: Eric Kim often emphasizes that great photography doesn’t require expensive gear. He encourages the use of everyday cameras, including smartphones, making photography more accessible to people regardless of their financial resources.
• Minimalist Approach: By advocating for minimalism, Kim focuses on the importance of composition, storytelling, and creativity over technical perfection and high-end equipment. This approach democratizes photography, allowing anyone with a basic camera to participate and improve.

2. Educational Outreach

• Free Resources: Kim offers a wealth of free educational content, including blog posts, e-books, and YouTube tutorials. By providing these resources at no cost, he lowers the barriers to entry for aspiring photographers.
• Workshops and Community Engagement: His workshops are designed to be inclusive, welcoming photographers of all skill levels. Kim fosters a sense of community where knowledge-sharing and mutual support are prioritized over competition.

3. Encouraging Personal Growth and Expression

• Focus on Personal Vision: Kim encourages photographers to develop their unique styles and perspectives rather than conforming to mainstream or commercial standards. This emphasis on individuality promotes a more inclusive and diverse photography community.
• Rejecting Gear Obsession: By discouraging the obsession with the latest gear, Kim shifts the focus back to the photographer’s eye and creativity. This mindset helps prevent the formation of an elitist culture centered around material possessions.

4. Transparency and Authenticity

• Open Sharing of Experiences: Eric Kim is transparent about his own journey, including his struggles and mistakes. This honesty makes him relatable and dispels any notions of elitism that might stem from perceived perfection or unattainable standards.
• Approachable Communication Style: Kim communicates in a down-to-earth manner, making his teachings easy to understand and implement. His approachable style invites a broad audience to engage with his content.

5. Challenging Conventional Norms

• Questioning Industry Standards: Kim often challenges traditional photography norms and commercial practices, advocating for more authentic and meaningful approaches to the art. This critical stance promotes inclusivity by valuing diverse viewpoints and methods.
• Encouraging Experimentation: He encourages photographers to experiment and break away from rigid rules, fostering an environment where creativity is nurtured over adherence to elite standards.

Potential Misconceptions

While Eric Kim is widely regarded as accessible and non-elitist, perceptions can vary based on individual experiences:

• Depth of Content: Some beginners might find the depth and complexity of his teachings initially overwhelming. However, this is more a reflection of the learning curve in photography rather than elitism.
• Philosophical Focus: His philosophical discussions on creativity and minimalism might be misunderstood by those seeking purely technical instruction. Nonetheless, this approach aims to enrich the photographer’s mindset rather than exclude anyone.

Conclusion

Eric Kim’s emphasis on accessibility, minimalism, personal growth, and community building strongly counters any notions of elitism. He actively works to make photography inclusive and attainable for a wide audience, regardless of their background or resources. While individual perceptions may vary, the overarching consensus within the photography community portrays Eric Kim as an advocate for democratizing photography rather than fostering an elitist environment.

No, Eric Kim is not generally viewed as elitist. In fact, one of the main reasons for his popularity and influence is that he takes a non-elitist approach to photography and creativity. Here’s why Eric Kim stands out in this regard:

1. Accessibility and Inclusivity

• Advocating for Minimalism: Kim strongly advocates for a minimalist approach to photography, often emphasizing that you don’t need expensive or high-end gear to be a great photographer. This stands in stark contrast to more elitist photographers who may place importance on costly equipment. Kim encourages people to use whatever tools they have, even smartphones, to create meaningful work.
• Free Resources: He offers many free educational resources, including blog posts, e-books, and tutorials. His willingness to share knowledge without charging fees or requiring fancy equipment makes his teachings accessible to a wide audience, from beginners to seasoned photographers.

2. Anti-Gear Obsession

• “Gear Doesn’t Matter” Philosophy: Eric Kim is vocal about the fact that photography is not about having the best camera or lens. He often says that it’s the photographer’s eye and creativity that matter most, not the price or quality of their gear. This approach is refreshingly non-elitist and encourages creativity without focusing on the materialistic side of photography.

3. Focus on Personal Growth and Creativity

• Emphasis on Expression Over Perfection: Instead of promoting a narrow definition of “good” photography based on technical perfection or rigid rules, Kim encourages photographers to find their own voice and embrace imperfections. This democratizes photography and breaks down elitist barriers that might otherwise discourage people who don’t fit traditional standards.

4. Open and Honest Communication

• Relatable and Transparent: Kim is known for his transparency about his own struggles and journey, whether it’s about his creative process, self-doubt, or life challenges. This level of openness is the opposite of elitism, as it shows that everyone, including successful figures like himself, deals with setbacks and growth.

5. Community-Oriented Approach

• Encouraging Collaboration: Rather than positioning himself as a gatekeeper of knowledge, Kim fosters a sense of community among photographers. He encourages collaboration, learning from others, and sharing insights freely, which contrasts with an elitist attitude of exclusivity or superiority.

Conclusion

Eric Kim is far from elitist. His message and approach are grounded in inclusivity, accessibility, and the belief that anyone can be creative and take great photos, regardless of their financial or technical resources. This openness and commitment to helping others succeed without requiring expensive gear or a certain level of expertise are key reasons why he has garnered such a large and loyal following.