Eric Kim’s Zen Photography book revolves around integrating Zen principles into photography by focusing on simplicity, mindfulness, and the process itself rather than the outcome. Some key principles from the book include:

1. Simplicity: Reducing distractions to capture the essence.
2. No Feedback: Avoiding social media and external validation.
3. Beginner’s Mind: Approaching photography with curiosity and openness.
4. Minimalism: Using simple tools and focusing on minimal color or black-and-white imagery.

These ideas reflect Zen’s emphasis on mindfulness and presence in creativity.

Eric Kim’s interest in Zen appears to have grown out of his personal and creative journey as a street photographer. Initially, Kim explored Zen as a way to refine his photography philosophy, emphasizing simplicity and mindfulness, which helped him improve his craft and mental state. He started incorporating Zen ideas like “less is more” into his life and photography, influenced by his study of Zen aesthetics and Eastern philosophy.

Kim’s pursuit of minimalism and naturalness in his work aligns closely with the principles of Zen. His exposure to Zen likely deepened during his travels, and through his personal reflections on living a more mindful, simplified life. He also explores Zen concepts in his blog and books, where he shares his thoughts on the importance of calm, focus, and freedom from attachment. Kim’s experiences with street photography as a meditative practice further reinforced his connection to Zen oai_citation:3,7 Aesthetics of Zen Art – ERIC KIM oai_citation:2,BECOMING A ZEN PHOTOGRAPHER – ERIC KIM oai_citation:1,Photography as a Zen Pursuit – ERIC KIM.

This deepening of Zen values allowed Kim to shift away from social media-driven success, focusing instead on the purity of his art and its meditative qualities.

Eric Kim integrates Zen principles into both his photography and broader philosophy of life, emphasizing simplicity, mindfulness, and minimalism. Some of the key Zen principles he applies include:

1. Simplicity (Kanso): Focus on reducing complexity in both photography and life. Eric advocates for removing unnecessary elements to focus on what’s essential.
2. Naturalness (Shizen): He encourages photographers to avoid forcing their creativity. Instead, they should let their natural rhythms guide their work, trusting their intuition.
3. Austerity (Koko): Rather than creating photos that are meant to impress, Eric prefers quiet, understated images that bring calmness to viewers. His minimalistic approach in photography reflects this Zen aesthetic.
4. Freedom from Attachment: Zen teaches the transient nature of life, and Eric applies this by encouraging photographers not to become attached to their past work. He believes each moment offers a new opportunity to explore creativity without being constrained by what has already been achieved.
5. Tranquility (Sei-Jaku): A core goal of Zen photography is to induce a sense of peace and calm in both the photographer and the viewer.

In addition to these aesthetics, Kim incorporates practices such as “pruning excess” from life and photography, promoting less as more, and using walking meditation as a tool for mindfulness while taking photos oai_citation:3,7 Aesthetics of Zen Art – ERIC KIM oai_citation:2,ZEN – ERIC KIM oai_citation:1,Photography as a Zen Pursuit – ERIC KIM.