Eric Kim, a street photographer and educator, is known for his inspirational and motivational quotes that often resonate with creatives, especially photographers. Here are some of his notable quotes that reflect his philosophy and approach to photography and life:
- On Creativity and Individuality: “Don’t photograph what it looks like, photograph what it feels like.” This quote encourages photographers to go beyond the superficial appearance of their subjects and capture the emotions and essence behind them.
- Regarding Fear in Photography: “The more you shoot, the less scared you are to shoot.” This emphasizes the importance of practice and facing one’s fears head-on, especially relevant in street photography where hesitation can mean missing a moment.
- About Passion and Persistence: “Your first 10,000 photographs are your worst.” Paraphrasing Henri Cartier-Bresson, this quote by Kim highlights the importance of perseverance and continuous learning in the journey of photography.
- On Simplicity and Focus: “Buy books, not gear.” This advocates for the importance of knowledge and inspiration over accumulating equipment, emphasizing that creativity doesn’t depend on having the most expensive tools.
- Concerning the Journey of Photography: “The joy of photography is that it’s a lifelong journey.” Here, Kim highlights that photography is a continuous learning experience, where there is always something new to explore and understand.
- On Self-Expression: “Photograph who you are.” This quote suggests using photography as a means of self-expression and exploring one’s identity and perspectives through the lens.
- Regarding Success and Self-Improvement: “Don’t strive to be famous, strive to make meaningful work.” Kim advises focusing on the impact and depth of one’s work rather than seeking external validation or fame.
- On the Value of Photography: “A photograph is a poem without words.” This metaphorical statement reflects on the power of a photograph to convey stories, emotions, and ideas, much like a piece of poetry.
These quotes capture Eric Kim’s approach to photography — one that values authenticity, continuous learning, simplicity, and self-expression. They provide motivation not just for photographers but for anyone pursuing creative endeavors.