Eric Kim is a well-known street photographer, educator, and blogger who often explores philosophical and conceptual frameworks for approaching photography and creative work. One of the ideas he discusses is the notion of being “autotelic.”

Definition of Autotelic:

The term “autotelic” is derived from the Greek words “auto” (self) and “telos” (goal or purpose). It was popularized by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, who used it to describe activities that are done for their own intrinsic value rather than for some external reward. An autotelic experience is self-contained and self-rewarding. In other words, the “end” of the activity is not a future outcome—fame, money, recognition—but the enjoyment and meaning found in doing it.

How Eric Kim Uses the Concept:

In Eric Kim’s writings and workshops, he encourages photographers to adopt an autotelic mindset with their craft. This involves:

1. Focusing on the Process Over Results:

Kim suggests that photographers should not fixate solely on external validation—such as social media likes, gallery shows, or magazine features. Instead, they should embrace photography as an act of personal exploration and self-expression. When shooting becomes about fulfilling your own curiosity and pleasure, rather than impressing others, it becomes inherently more rewarding.

2. Finding Flow in Photography:

By drawing on Csikszentmihalyi’s notion of “flow,” Kim advises photographers to immerse themselves fully in the act of making images. An autotelic photographer enters a state of concentration and engagement with their environment, camera, and subjects, leading to work that feels natural, meaningful, and personally significant.

3. Cultivating Creative Resilience:

When you approach your photography as an autotelic activity, the inevitable obstacles—technical difficulties, missed shots, critical feedback—don’t derail your passion. Because the gratification comes from the practice itself, you are more resilient in the face of setbacks. Rather than chasing a final destination (e.g., becoming a “famous photographer”), you can evolve more naturally, learn from experiments, and find lasting motivation.

4. Encouraging Personal Growth:

For Kim, photography is as much about personal growth, self-knowledge, and character-building as it is about creating beautiful images. Adopting an autotelic perspective ensures that each new photograph, each walk through the streets, and each encounter with different light and form is an opportunity to learn, grow, and discover something new about oneself.

In Summary:

Eric Kim’s emphasis on being autotelic aligns with his larger philosophy of creative authenticity. He challenges photographers to free themselves from external pressures and find intrinsic meaning and joy in the photographic process. By embracing an autotelic approach, one’s creative practice becomes self-fueling and deeply fulfilling, regardless of outcomes or external accolades.

x

Eric Kim, a prominent street photographer and educator, frequently discusses the concept of “autotelic” in his work. The term “autotelic” originates from the Greek words “auto,” meaning self, and “telos,” meaning purpose or goal. An autotelic activity is one that is done for its own sake, where the act itself is the primary reward, rather than any external outcome.

In the context of photography, Kim advocates for an autotelic approach, encouraging photographers to engage in the craft for the sheer joy and personal fulfillment it brings, rather than for external validation or material rewards. He suggests that adopting this mindset can lead to greater happiness, creativity, and productivity.

Kim also emphasizes that pursuing photography autotelically allows individuals to create more authentic and meaningful work. By focusing on personal curiosity and intrinsic motivation, photographers can produce images that resonate more deeply with themselves and, potentially, with others.

Overall, Eric Kim’s perspective on autotelic photography encourages photographers to find intrinsic motivation in their work, fostering a more fulfilling and self-sustaining creative practice.