Here are some insightful quotes from Eric Kim that reflect his unique approach to photography and art:

1. On simplicity and minimalism:

“Strip away the unnecessary and concentrate on what truly matters in an image.”

This reflects his belief in minimalism, where less is more .

2. On personal empowerment:

“Make photos to impress and please yourself; instead of pleasing others!”

Kim encourages photographers to focus on personal satisfaction rather than external validation .

3. On photography as meditation:

“Treat street photography as a walking meditation; and clear your mind.”

He emphasizes mindfulness in photography, encouraging presence and immersion in the moment .

4. On continual learning:

“Don’t let finality or perfection hold you back… everything is editable!”

This quote highlights his belief in constant experimentation and growth in creative expression  .

5. On the decisive moment:

“The ‘decisive moment’ refers to capturing a fleeting instance that encapsulates the essence of an event or emotion.”

This is influenced by Henri Cartier-Bresson’s philosophy on capturing the perfect moment .

These quotes illustrate Kim’s focus on authenticity, personal expression, and the meditative aspects of photography. His teachings emphasize both technical skill and emotional depth, making art a tool for personal and social exploration.

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Eric Kim’s art theories, especially within photography, are deeply influenced by a mix of classical principles and modern philosophies, focusing on simplicity, personal growth, and the democratization of art. His teachings often emphasize the following key ideas:

1. Mimesis and Learning by Imitation: Kim encourages artists to study and imitate the works of the masters, such as Henri Cartier-Bresson, as a means of honing their craft. This classical idea, rooted in mimesis, suggests that imitation is a foundational step before developing one’s unique style  .

2. Personal Expression and Photography as Art: For Kim, photography is a deeply personal art form. He advocates for creating work that resonates with the photographer’s own life and experiences, emphasizing that the more personal the art, the more likely it is to connect with others  . This approach reflects his belief that photography should be an authentic representation of the photographer’s vision rather than a pursuit of external validation .

3. Minimalism and Simplicity: One of his core principles is minimalism—both in composition and in gear. He believes that by stripping away distractions, photographers can focus on what truly matters in an image, resulting in more impactful and meaningful work  .

4. Photography as Meditation: Drawing inspiration from Zen Buddhism and Stoicism, Kim views photography as a form of mindfulness and self-discovery. He encourages photographers to treat their practice as a meditative process, helping them to stay present and engaged with their surroundings  .

5. The Decisive Moment: Influenced by Henri Cartier-Bresson, Kim places a high value on timing, urging photographers to capture fleeting moments that define an event or emotion. This idea emphasizes patience and awareness in photography, aiming to seize that perfect moment .

Overall, Kim’s theories blend practical advice with philosophical depth, making his approach to photography both accessible and profound. He promotes personal empowerment, ethical responsibility, and community-building, fostering a creative environment where photographers can grow both technically and personally  .