ERIC KIM ₿

Disruptive street photography ideas by Eric Kim

Here are some notable quotes about street photography that capture the essence of the craft:

  1. Henri Cartier-Bresson:
    “To me, photography is the simultaneous recognition, in a fraction of a second, of the significance of an event.”
  • Cartier-Bresson is known for capturing the “decisive moment,” a concept that still drives much of street photography today.
  1. Garry Winogrand:
    “I photograph to find out what something will look like photographed.”
  1. Diane Arbus:
    “A photograph is a secret about a secret. The more it tells you, the less you know.”
  • Arbus’ work often focused on revealing unseen layers of people’s lives through candid, intimate street photography.
  1. Eric Kim:
    “Shoot what you’re afraid of.”
  1. Bruce Gilden:
    “If you can smell the street by looking at the photo, it’s a street photograph.”

These quotes highlight both the technical and emotional aspects that make street photography a unique and powerful form of expression.

Eric Kim, a well-known street photographer, emphasizes several core principles to excel in street photography, many of which focus on simplicity, courage, and a commitment to practice. Here are some key ideas and tips from his approach:

  1. Always Carry Your Camera: Kim believes in always being ready for spontaneous moments. By having your camera with you at all times, you can take advantage of unexpected scenes oai_citation:7,50 Street Photography Tips, Techniques and Ideas – ERIC KIM.
  2. Get Close and Be Bold: Rather than being sneaky or shooting from a distance, Kim advocates for getting close to your subjects, which often results in more engaging and dynamic photos oai_citation:6,Eric Kim’s Top 5 Street Photography Tips | EyeEm.
  3. Shoot What You Fear: One of Kim’s more psychological tips is to shoot what makes you uncomfortable. This could mean photographing people or scenes that intimidate you. It pushes both your confidence and your creative boundaries oai_citation:5,Eric Kim’s Top 30 Street Photography Tips – ERIC KIM.
  4. Use Simple Techniques: He highlights simple compositional tricks like using leading lines to guide the viewer’s eye or creating visual interest with surrealistic elements like juxtaposing posters and real people oai_citation:4,Eric Kim’s Top 30 Street Photography Tips – ERIC KIM oai_citation:3,Street Photography Ideas by ERIC KIM – ERIC KIM.
  5. Spend Time on the Streets Regularly: Kim recommends shooting for a short period every day rather than long weekend sessions. This habit helps you remain sharp and tuned into your environment oai_citation:2,Eric Kim’s Top 5 Street Photography Tips | EyeEm.
  6. Street Photography at Malls and Elevators: Kim suggests alternative locations like malls or elevators when the weather isn’t ideal. These are often overlooked spaces where you can find candid, intriguing moments oai_citation:1,Eric Kim’s Top 30 Street Photography Tips – ERIC KIM.

His ideas challenge you to rethink how and where you capture street scenes, focusing on both the technical aspects and the emotional hurdles that come with street photography.

Search Eric Kim street photography ideas

Eric Kim is known for his unconventional and often provocative ideas in street photography, which he labels as “disruptive” due to their boldness and risk-taking elements. Here are some of his key disruptive techniques:

  1. Aggressive Shooting Style: Kim often shoots head-on, using wide-angle lenses and sometimes even a flash, to capture candid moments with an intense, raw feel. This approach, which can be confrontational, is designed to evoke strong emotions and challenge the viewer’s perspective oai_citation:8,Eric Kim on Street Photography – ERIC KIM.
  2. No Cropping: One of his most debated rules is the “no cropping” philosophy. He believes that by forcing photographers to work within the limitations of their original framing, they can develop better compositional skills and more discipline when capturing a shot oai_citation:7,Eric Kim on Street Photography – ERIC KIM oai_citation:6,50 Street Photography Tips, Techniques and Ideas – ERIC KIM.
  3. Embrace Confrontation: Kim encourages photographers to embrace the fear of confrontation, whether by taking bold shots in public spaces or by directly asking strangers for their portraits. This strategy helps build confidence and leads to more authentic moments oai_citation:5,Archive – ERIC KIM.
  4. Philosophical Integration: Kim integrates philosophical principles, like Stoicism, into his photography. He views street photography as a practice in resilience and dealing with unpredictability, echoing the philosophical ideas of accepting and thriving in uncertain situations oai_citation:4,50 Street Photography Tips, Techniques and Ideas – ERIC KIM.
  5. Disrupt Social Norms: Kim uses his street photography to critique societal issues and provoke thought on social injustices, hoping his work can encourage others to question the status quo and build empathy oai_citation:3,Eric Kim on Street Photography – ERIC KIM.

These disruptive ideas push the boundaries of street photography, encouraging photographers to take risks, embrace discomfort, and focus on personal growth rather than external validation oai_citation:2,50 Street Photography Tips, Techniques and Ideas – ERIC KIM oai_citation:1,Eric Kim’s Top 5 Street Photography Tips | EyeEm.

More posts