If you want to make better photos while traveling, here are some practical tips:

(more…)

Dear friend,

I want to reflect with you some life lessons I’ve learned while living abroad and on the road for the last 2 years.

(more…)

Dear friend,

I am currently writing these lines in (cold) Boston — a city which is incredibly beautiful, historic, and has fascinating juxtapositions.

(more…)

One interesting thing I’ve noticed in a lot of street photographers which debilitates them from shooting street photography: the feeling of guilt of photographing a stranger without their permission, the feeling of guilt that they are “bothering” or “upsetting” their subjects, and the feeling of guilt that what they’re doing is inherently wrong or “evil”.

(more…)

If you’re looking for photographic inspiration, shoot in these different places:

(more…)

What is self-confidence, why is self-confidence important, and how can we become more self-confident?

(more…)

(more…)

Creative dynamite
overcome your pain and strife
keep flying high; creative kite
be excited for the future, its all joy no bite

Creative flight,
this shit is tight
and rife with hope and opportunity
never feel fear; just make art and do it fluidly
make art like a child, stupidly
and foolishly.

Creative wheel,
Keep your axles spinning
perpetual motion

Keep streaming with the digital ocean.

ERIC

POETRY

• KILL EK
• ROOTS.
• MURALS.
• Keep Sailing

Dear friend, one of the secrets of ‘true’ happiness in life: focus on your own ‘creative flourishing’.

(more…)

If you’re an entrepreneur, you must seek growth over everything else.

(more…)

HOW TO SEE is your personal visual acuity manual to learn to “SEE” composition, color, and “read” (evaluate) the elements of a good photograph.

(more…)

Don’t think; just shoot!

(more…)

Practical, fun, and creative photography assignments to reinspire you:

(more…)

To make better compositions, don’t center your subjects. To make your compositions more dynamic, put your subjects off to the side.

(more…)

(more…)

(more…)

What is the first driver– what is the initial spark which causes us to move, or do stuff in life?

(more…)

Why be simple photographer?

(more…)

Dear friend,

The antidote to nihilism or pessimism in life is to ACT — to do something (self-directed) that fulfills our own inner curiosities, or our own inner creative motives.

(more…)

How can we live without optimism? Optimism is the elixir of life!

(more…)

(more…)

You can make epic night and winter street photographs, just remember to go out and shoot!

(more…)

It is my theory that we all have a creative instinct, but we allow our inner critic (or outside critics) to prevent ourselves from self-expression.

(more…)

The secret of living a happy life is to live a purposeful life.

(more…)

Postcards from the Darkroom Series

(more…)

Some more fun philosophizing — a photographer is all about making fictions with his or her photos; altering and transforming reality with their camera.

(more…)

(more…)

One of the most challenging things in the wintertime is to overcome the feeling of depression, gloom, and to discover inspiration and motivation to make photos, explore, find joy and optimism, and make art.

(more…)

Dear friend,

If you want to succeed as an entrepreneur — realize, INFLUENCE is the most important thing to cultivate.

(more…)

Dear friend,

I’m currently the most prolific I’ve ever been in photography– shooting hundreds of photographs a day of just random stuff. I feel fantastic, and want to share this joy with you — how I have been able to shoot photographs everyday, and find joy and beauty in the mundane, everyday.

(more…)

(more…)

Cindy posed this question to me, “What do you do once all of your dreams in life are realized?”

(more…)

I just turned 30 years old — here are some personal life lessons I’ve learned so far:

(more…)

STREET HUNT is your personal guide to push yourself outside of your comfort zone, and to embark on new, exciting, and fun street photography adventures!

(more…)

“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” – Leonardo da Vinci

(more…)

One of the greatest joys of being alive is having the opportunity to talk, engage, and interact with other humans.

(more…)

Adventure awaits! CHOOSE YOUR OWN PHOTOGRAPHY ADVENTURE is your unique opportunity to find inspiration through helpful photography assignments catered to you.

(more…)

What is social media, why use social media, and what are practical strategies we can implement?

(more…)

Download your free and exclusive PDF guide: “How to Monetize Your Photography” by ANNETTE KIM.

(more…)

What is fear in street photography, and how can we conquer and overcome it?

(more…)

Dear friend,

What holds us down and holds us back in life? Often our fear of failure that is self imposed by ourselves.

(more…)

What is entrepreneurship? To me, it is taking risks for the sake of the collective of humanity, and discovering knowledge, wisdom, and utility for our fellow human beings.

(more…)

As I write these lines from my laptop, while standing (with laptop on top of a microwave in the Airbnb kitchen of our apartment in Lisbon), we are preparing our last day with our moms.

First sent out to ERIC KIM NEWSLETTER

My mom, Cindy’s mom, Cindy and I had a phenomenal time here in Lisbon — enjoying the absolutely delicious spicy frango chicken, and also the epic home-cooking that our moms have been doing for us.

Every day, our moms (while Cindy and I are usually still in bed), go to the local Lisbon farmers market, buys fresh groceries, fresh meats (most chicken/pork being around 1-2 euros for a kilogram (2 pounds)), and also go on little expeditions with one another.

Cindy and I have been working on some really cool video projects while in Marseille, and while here in Lisbon, we have been spending time interviewing our moms (Cindy did a video project titled: “The Undeniable Force of Kho Khan“), and I’ve been philosophizing a lot on why Street Photography is Empowerment.

Also Cindy and I worked together (for countless hours, and with endless espressos) perfecting our new book: “Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Mastering Street Photography” — thank all of you who picked up a copy. It has been a fun challenge distilling all of my knowledge in street photography, and writing a personal, honest, and practical/philosophical guide to street photography.

Traveling with (both) our moms

Some people ask — “How is it like traveling with both your moms?” To answer shortly: awesome. Having double-mom power is the biggest blessing — Cindy and I love our time talking with them, learning more about our childhood, and also about their personal goals/ambitions in life.

For example, I have been teaching my mom how to start her own photography blog in Korean– both on her Chromebook and on her phone. Cindy has been empowering her mom to take photos, create slideshows using the free ‘Quik’ app in the Google Play store, and also how to crop/create her own profile pictures.

10 Life Epiphanies

Also some life epiphanies I’ve had:

1. I prefer home-cooked food, rather than going out to fancy restaurants
2. Walking is very important for my mental health — I’ve been spending more time to just go on walks with my camera (RICOH GR II x ERIC KIM NECK STRAP).
3. There is never an ‘optimal’ time to publish or do anything. The secret is to just make the best out of everyday — and those little acts will snowball massively over time.
4. In photography, I love shooting high-contrast JPEG color (positive film preset on RICOH GR II), program mode, shooting while walking, and just shooting snapshots. Enjoying the joy of everyday photography.
5. The best photographer is the cheerful photographer.
6. Better to post your own photos to your own photography blog, than post it on social media.
7. Photography and art is about self-expression.
8. Street photography is surrealism.
9. Key to a happy life: Living a DYNAMIC (not static) life.
10. Monetizing your passion for photography won’t cause you to lose your passion.

Next Stops: London, NYC, Los Angeles, Kyoto, Tokyo

Tonight we are leaving to the airport at 3am, and then heading to (hopefully warm) London.

We are crashing with our friends Simon & Lisa, and I’m teaching a London Conquer Your Fears in Street Photography Workshop this weekend.

I am also super excited that my sister ANNETTE is joining us for a new London HAPTIC Internship, where we are all going to work on some super exciting art projects for you!

Also upcoming is my 30th birthday — on Jan 31st. I hope to use this opportunity to reflect on my life, my values, and my future direction as well.

Then what is next?

• In NYC I am doing a Conquer Your Fears Workshop Feb 21-22nd, then also a NYC Dynamic Street Photography Composition Workshop (Feb 24-25th). If you’re interested in a returning-student discount or a special bundled discount, contact my workshops manager at
  neilta@gmail.com
• March 31 I am teaching a Downtown LA / Conquer Your Fears in Street Photography and will hopefully spend some good quality time with Cindy’s family in the OC.
• May, I am teaching a KYOTO-UJI / Zen Creative Photography Experience (May 2-5), and also a TOKYO / Travel Street Photography Experience (May 9-13th).

Then for the rest of the year? Not quite sure. but life is all about the ride.

Thank you

As always, thank you so much for supporting my journey with Cindy, and for your never-ending encouragement and support. None of this would be possible without you.

Gratefully,
ERIC

Stay updated with ERIC KIM NEWSLETTER

After a month of traveling with our moms and working on some secret projects, Eric and I (Cindy) proudly announce the reopening of the HAPTIC shop with the launch of the new ERIC KIM NECK STRAP.

(more…)

After 2 years of prototyping, HAPTIC INDUSTRIES is proud to announce the new minimal, elegant, and strong ERIC KIM Neck Strap.

(more…)

Cindy here: This is the last week and assignment for the free STREET CLUB WINTER SCHOOL in the Eric Kim Forum! Participate in the photo assignments and provide constructive feedback on other’s photos.

On January 31 (Eric’s birthday!) he will do a video review of all the photos submitted in Street Club and pick two winners for the grand prizes 1) Best photo and 2) Best Critique. From now until January 30, submit your photos and critiques to any of the week’s assignments.

(more…)

This special feature post was written by Berlin street photographer Oliver Krumes. Check out his work here.

Negative core beliefs hold us back from many things in life – such as finally quitting an unsatisfactory job to pursue  working, for example, as a photographer or leaving an unhealthy relationship to  seek the love of your life. I have come to realize that negative core beliefs have even affected my biggest passion: photography.

(more…)

Dear friend,

If you want to use photography as a tool of empowerment for yourself, this book is for you.

(more…)

Why is street photography so great? To me, it is all about self-empowerment.

(more…)

Here are my top 30 street photography tips to get you shooting on the streets:

(more…)

In Photography Entrepreneurship 101, we have covered how to make money from photography– but we haven’t quite covered should you try to make a full-time living from your photographic passion?

(more…)

Dear friend,

One of the best joys in photography is having the opportunity to express yourself.

(more…)

Dear friend,

Why is it so hard for us to stay inspired in photography? This is something that has challenged me for a long time — and I think I’ve discovered some of the solutions and secrets for myself. I hope some of my experiences can also help empower you.

(more…)

In this post we will cover practical tips and guidelines on how to shoot better portrait photos. You will learn how to interact and guide your subject, and reveal their soul with you lens.

(more…)

One of the reasons why I love street photography: it is the ultimate form of self-therapy– for my mind, my well-being, my mental health, and my overall optimism and positivity towards life.

(more…)

Dear friend,

To advertise my new book: “Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Mastering Street Photography“, here is a list of practical and philosophical tips on street photography, which I hope can empower you to take your street photography to the next level:

(more…)

Dear friend,

I am very excited to share my new book with you: Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Street Photography — your new personal primer to mastering the fundamentals of street photography, conquering your fears, and taking your street photography to the next level.

(more…)

Photography is not possible without composition– don’t miss out on these 5 essential photography composition tips:

(more…)

Dear friend,

If you want to find more joy, happiness, and fulfillment in your photography and life — I recommend ‘Everyday Photography’:

(more…)

Can a photographer shoot video as well? Here are some practical lessons I learned while shooting video and the cinematography for “The Undeniable Force of Khó Khăn” by Cindy Nguyen.

(more…)

Dear friend,

If you’ve ever wanted to learn practical monetization strategies in photography– this is advice I would have given myself:

(more…)

This is a special feature post by Aaron Feser, a photographer and videographer based in Calgary, Canada. You can see more of his work here.

Shooting photographs with video has a difficulty level that falls somewhere between stills and video. It’s a hybrid tool that’s only practical for special situations. But if you like a challenge it represents a unique creative experience that might change the way you think about street photography.

(more…)

I think a 35mm ‘full frame-equivalent’ lens is ideal for 90% of street photographers. Why a 35mm lens, and how do you shoot with it in street photography? Some practical ideas:

(more…)

Currently in Lisbon, one of my new favorite cities in the world for food, colors, travel, light, photography, and living.

(more…)

(more…)

If you’re busy with a day-job, and when you leave the office and it turns dark — try out night photography.

(more…)