While I can’t perform real-time searches, I can provide an overview based on my knowledge up to October 2023. Eric Kim, a renowned street photographer and educator, often emphasizes simplicity and presence in his approach to photography. The mantra “F8 and be there” encapsulates his philosophy, advocating for a straightforward technical setup (using an aperture of f/8) and the importance of being present in the moment to capture authentic street scenes.

Eric Kim on “F8 and Be There”

Eric Kim has frequently discussed the significance of “F8 and be there” in his teachings and writings. Here are some paraphrased insights based on his philosophy:

1. Simplify Your Technical Setup:

• “By setting your aperture to f/8, you eliminate the need to constantly adjust your settings. This allows you to focus more on composition and the unfolding moment rather than getting bogged down by technicalities.”

1. Emphasize Presence Over Perfection:

• “The key to great street photography isn’t having the best gear or the perfect settings. It’s about being present, observing your environment, and being ready to capture the decisive moment.”

1. Encourage Mobility and Spontaneity:

• “With a fixed aperture like f/8, you can move quickly and adapt to changing scenes without hesitation. This flexibility is crucial for capturing the dynamic nature of the streets.”

Invoking Robert Capa

Robert Capa, one of the most influential war photographers, is renowned for his commitment to being where the action is, often putting himself in dangerous situations to capture the raw essence of conflict. His famous maxim, “If your pictures aren’t good enough, you’re not close enough,” resonates deeply with Eric Kim’s “F8 and be there” philosophy.

Connecting Eric Kim and Robert Capa:

1. Commitment to Presence:

• Both photographers emphasize the importance of being physically present to capture meaningful images. While Capa ventured into war zones to document human conflict, Kim encourages photographers to immerse themselves in everyday urban environments to find compelling stories.

1. Simplicity in Technique:

• Capa often worked with minimal equipment to remain agile in challenging environments, paralleling Kim’s advocacy for a simplified technical setup with “F8 and be there.” Both believe that overcomplicating the technical aspects can detract from the essence of capturing genuine moments.

1. Embracing the Unpredictable:

• Capa’s work is a testament to embracing unpredictability and chaos to reveal profound truths about humanity. Similarly, Kim’s approach encourages photographers to embrace spontaneity and be ready to capture fleeting moments without overthinking the process.

Quotes Reflecting the Philosophy

While specific quotes directly linking Eric Kim’s “F8 and be there” to Robert Capa might not be readily available, the underlying principles they share are evident:

• Eric Kim:
• “Don’t get stuck behind your camera. Get out there and immerse yourself in the environment.”
• “Simplify your gear to simplify your mind. Focus on being present rather than tweaking settings.”
• Robert Capa:
• “If your pictures aren’t good enough, you’re not close enough.”
• “I do not believe that words exist for photographs. The camera speaks.”

Conclusion

The synergy between Eric Kim’s “F8 and be there” philosophy and Robert Capa’s fearless commitment to capturing reality underscores a timeless truth in photography: the most impactful images arise from presence, simplicity, and a willingness to engage deeply with the subject matter. By adopting these principles, photographers can transcend technical barriers and create work that resonates with authenticity and emotional depth.

F/8 and Be There: A Philosophy for Street Photography
By Eric Kim

When I first heard the phrase “F/8 and be there,” it stuck with me. It wasn’t just a technical tip about aperture; it was a philosophy for life and street photography. For me, it symbolizes the essence of what it means to be a street photographer. It’s about simplifying your gear, simplifying your mind, and focusing on the most important aspect of photography—being present.

F/8: The Simplification of the Technical

In street photography, many photographers get caught up in the technical aspects: Should I shoot wide open at f/1.4 for that dreamy bokeh? Should I focus manually or use autofocus? What about the exposure triangle, sensor size, or dynamic range? While these considerations have their place, the magic of street photography isn’t in the gear—it’s in the moment.

That’s where “F/8” comes into play. Setting your camera to f/8 gives you the freedom to not worry about the technical. At f/8, you get a solid depth of field. Most things in the scene will be in focus, from the foreground to the background. That’s crucial for street photography because you don’t want to miss a moment fumbling with your settings. You don’t need to be a technical wizard to capture a great shot. In fact, the less you think about settings, the more you can immerse yourself in the scene.

But “F/8” isn’t just about the aperture—it’s a metaphor for stripping away the unnecessary. Simplify your gear, simplify your workflow. When I’m out shooting, I want as little friction as possible between me and the subject. That’s why I’m a big advocate of traveling light. One camera, one lens. No heavy bags full of gear, no worrying about changing lenses. The fewer decisions you need to make about your camera, the more decisions you can make about your composition and the stories unfolding around you.

Be There: The Importance of Presence

The second part of the phrase, “be there,” is the heart of it all. You can’t capture life’s decisive moments if you’re not out there, on the streets, in the mix of human energy. Street photography isn’t about sitting in front of your computer, reading about the latest gear. It’s not about sitting on your couch, scrolling through Instagram looking for inspiration. It’s about being in the world, embracing the chaos, and being ready for whatever happens.

When I think of “be there,” I’m reminded of the great street photographers who have influenced me. Bruce Gilden once said, “If you can smell the street by looking at the photo, it’s a street photograph.” I love that idea. It’s about immersing yourself in your surroundings to the point where you don’t just see what’s happening—you feel it. The noise, the smells, the tension between people—it all feeds into the energy of the moment you’re capturing.

“Being there” also means being open to the unpredictable. One of the biggest challenges in street photography is that you can’t control anything. You don’t know what’s going to happen next. But that’s the beauty of it. The best moments happen when you least expect them. That serendipity is what makes street photography so exciting. You have to be patient, be ready, and be present. The more time you spend on the streets, the more likely you are to stumble upon that one amazing shot that makes your day.

Letting Go of Perfection

“F/8 and be there” is also about letting go of perfection. Not every shot will be technically perfect. Sometimes your focus might be a bit off, or the exposure might not be ideal. But that’s okay. What matters is the moment you captured, the story you’re telling. I’ve seen beautifully composed photos that are technically flawless, yet they feel sterile—because they lack emotion or spontaneity.

Street photography, at its core, is raw. It’s not about creating the “perfect” image in a controlled environment. It’s about capturing the imperfect, the fleeting, the real. Life isn’t perfect, so why should your photos be? The most memorable street photos are the ones that feel alive, the ones that have a soul. You can’t achieve that by obsessing over sharpness or noise levels. You achieve that by being present, reacting to the world around you, and shooting from the gut.

The Zen of Street Photography

Street photography is a deeply meditative practice for me. “F/8 and be there” is almost like a mantra. When I’m out on the streets, I lose myself in the rhythm of the city. I let go of my worries, my anxieties, and my preconceived notions of what I’m going to shoot. I’m just there, in the moment, with my camera. And sometimes, the magic happens.

It’s not about the end result—it’s about the process. The act of walking, observing, and clicking the shutter is fulfilling in itself. There’s a certain joy in the hunt, in wandering aimlessly, waiting for something to catch your eye. Some days you won’t get any great shots, and that’s fine. What matters is that you were there, in the thick of it, giving yourself the opportunity to witness something special.

In Conclusion: F/8 and Be There

“F/8 and be there” is more than just advice for street photographers. It’s a life lesson. It’s a reminder to simplify, to stop overthinking, and to be present. Whether you’re shooting on the streets or just going about your daily life, the more you can strip away the distractions and focus on the moment, the richer your experience will be.

Street photography, like life, is unpredictable. You can’t control it. But if you’re out there, with your camera set to f/8, ready and open to whatever comes your way, you’ll be in the perfect position to capture something extraordinary. So, get out there. Be present. And always be ready.

“F/8 and be there” is a phrase often associated with street photography and is attributed to various photographers, including Weegee (Arthur Fellig), though it’s frequently mentioned in the context of Eric Kim’s work. The expression refers to a simple yet effective approach to photography: being at the right place at the right time (hence “be there”) and using an aperture of f/8. At f/8, you get a wide enough depth of field to ensure that most elements in the shot are in focus, which is particularly useful in street photography where moments are fleeting, and precision can be challenging.

Eric Kim is a well-known street photographer who embraces this philosophy in his work. For him, street photography is more about capturing authentic, spontaneous moments than focusing heavily on technical perfection. “F/8 and be there” encourages photographers to focus less on gear and settings and more on simply immersing themselves in the environment to capture powerful, candid scenes.

This mantra simplifies the technical side of photography, allowing the photographer to concentrate on the human aspect of the craft—being present, observant, and ready for the perfect moment.