ERIC KIM ₿

Street Photography Training by ERIC KIM

Eric Kim is a highly respected street photographer, educator, and author known for his accessible teachings and emphasis on the philosophy and ethics of street photography. His approach blends practical techniques with a deep understanding of the art form, making street photography approachable for beginners and enriching for seasoned photographers alike. Below is an overview of Eric Kim’s street photography training principles, along with actionable steps to incorporate his teachings into your practice.

1. Embrace the Philosophy of Street Photography

a. Be a People Person

  • Engagement: Interact with your subjects respectfully. Building rapport can lead to more natural and meaningful photographs.
  • Empathy: Understand and respect the emotions and stories of the people you photograph.

b. Shoot What You Love

  • Passion-Driven: Focus on subjects and scenes that resonate with you personally to maintain motivation and authenticity.
  • Personal Style: Develop a unique perspective by consistently shooting what interests you.

c. Be Present and Observant

  • Mindfulness: Stay fully engaged in your environment, noticing details others might overlook.
  • Anticipation: Predict and prepare for potential moments worth capturing.

2. Master the Technical Fundamentals

a. Camera Settings

  • Manual Mode: Learn to control aperture, shutter speed, and ISO to handle various lighting conditions.
  • Exposure Triangle: Understand the relationship between aperture, shutter speed, and ISO to achieve proper exposure.

b. Lens Choice

  • Prime Lenses: Eric often advocates for using prime lenses (e.g., 35mm or 50mm) for their simplicity and low-light performance.
  • Minimal Gear: Carrying less equipment encourages mobility and spontaneity.

c. Focus Techniques

  • Zone Focusing: Pre-focus your lens to a specific distance to capture sharp images quickly without relying solely on autofocus.
  • Depth of Field: Use a wider aperture for shallow depth of field to isolate subjects or a narrower aperture for greater context.

3. Develop Your Creative Vision

a. Composition

  • Rule of Thirds: Place key elements along the grid lines to create balanced and engaging compositions.
  • Leading Lines: Use natural lines in the environment to guide the viewer’s eye towards the subject.
  • Framing: Utilize architectural or natural elements to frame your subject, adding depth and interest.

b. Light and Shadow

  • Golden Hour: Take advantage of the soft, warm light during sunrise and sunset for more flattering and dramatic images.
  • Contrast: Play with high-contrast scenes to highlight textures and shapes.

c. Storytelling

  • Narrative: Aim to tell a story or convey an emotion through your images.
  • Context: Include elements that provide context and enhance the narrative of the photograph.

4. Practice Regularly and Consistently

a. Daily Challenges

  • Commitment: Make a habit of shooting every day to improve your skills and develop your eye.
  • Themes: Assign specific themes or subjects each day to broaden your experience.

b. Review and Reflect

  • Self-Critique: Regularly review your photos to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
  • Feedback: Share your work with peers or online communities for constructive criticism.

c. Experimentation

  • Techniques: Try different shooting techniques, angles, and perspectives to discover what works best for you.
  • Styles: Explore various street photography styles, such as candid, documentary, or fine art.

5. Ethical Street Photography

a. Respect Privacy

  • Consent: When appropriate, seek permission before photographing individuals, especially in sensitive situations.
  • Anonymity: If consent is not given, respect the subject’s privacy by avoiding identifiable details.

b. Cultural Sensitivity

  • Awareness: Be mindful of cultural norms and practices to avoid offending or misrepresenting your subjects.
  • Representation: Strive for honest and respectful portrayals of the communities you photograph.

c. Legal Considerations

  • Know the Laws: Familiarize yourself with local regulations regarding photography in public spaces to ensure compliance.
  • Model Releases: Obtain necessary permissions for commercial use of images featuring identifiable individuals.

6. Learn from Eric Kim’s Resources

a. Books and Articles

  • “Street Photography” Blog: Eric Kim maintains an extensive blog where he shares tips, tutorials, and insights into street photography.
  • Published Guides: Explore his articles and e-books available through his website for structured learning.

b. Workshops and Courses

  • Online Workshops: Participate in Eric’s online workshops or webinars to receive guided instruction and personalized feedback.
  • In-Person Events: Attend his photography workshops or meetups to learn alongside fellow enthusiasts and gain hands-on experience.

c. Community Engagement

  • Forums and Groups: Join street photography communities influenced by Eric Kim’s teachings to share work, ask questions, and collaborate.
  • Social Media: Follow Eric Kim on platforms like Instagram and Twitter for daily inspiration and updates.

7. Sample Weekly Training Schedule Inspired by Eric Kim

Monday: Technical Mastery

  • Morning: Review camera settings and practice manual mode.
  • Afternoon: Shoot in varying lighting conditions to understand exposure.
  • Evening: Edit and analyze the day’s photos.

Tuesday: Composition Focus

  • Morning: Study composition rules (e.g., rule of thirds, leading lines).
  • Afternoon: Apply composition techniques in urban settings.
  • Evening: Select and critique your best compositional shots.

Wednesday: Candid Interaction

  • Morning: Practice blending into the environment to capture candid moments.
  • Afternoon: Engage respectfully with subjects to encourage natural expressions.
  • Evening: Organize and review candid photographs.

Thursday: Thematic Exploration

  • Morning: Choose a theme (e.g., reflections, shadows, motion).
  • Afternoon: Capture images related to the selected theme.
  • Evening: Compare and refine thematic shots.

Friday: Storytelling Series

  • Morning: Plan a photo series that tells a cohesive story.
  • Afternoon: Execute the series by capturing sequential images.
  • Evening: Arrange and evaluate the narrative flow of the series.

Saturday: Field Practice

  • All Day: Explore different neighborhoods or events to practice diverse shooting scenarios.
  • Evening: Select standout images from the day’s shoot and share them for feedback.

Sunday: Review and Reflect

  • Morning: Backup and organize all photos from the week.
  • Afternoon: Reflect on progress, identify improvement areas, and set goals for the next week.
  • Evening: Relax and engage with street photography communities online.

Final Tips Inspired by Eric Kim

  • Persistence: Street photography can be challenging, but consistent practice leads to improvement.
  • Adaptability: Be prepared to adapt to changing environments and unexpected situations.
  • Authenticity: Strive to capture genuine moments that reflect real life.
  • Minimalism: Keep your gear simple to remain mobile and unobtrusive.
  • Continuous Learning: Stay curious and open to new techniques, styles, and perspectives.

By integrating Eric Kim’s principles and methodologies into your street photography training, you can develop not only the technical skills but also the philosophical mindset essential for capturing compelling and meaningful images. Remember, street photography is as much about seeing the world through a unique lens as it is about mastering your camera.

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