Author: ERIC KIM

One of the best documentaries I have ever watched is “Jiro Dreams of Sushi.” If you haven’t watched it yet— you are missing out on a visual masterpiece which will change how you think …

Dear friend, I just had a lively conversation with Cindy about the meaning of traveling and photography. Why do we have to make photos while we’re traveling? Do we do it to document our …

Pablo Picasso was one of the most prolific, creative, and inspirational artists who has ever lived. Here is a man who created his own destiny — who constantly re-invented himself (regardless of what his …

Dear friend, I’m currently at the boarding gate from Sydney>Ho Chi Minh>Hanoi, and I have a few minutes to reflect on my experiences in Sydney, Australia.

Today I hang out with my buddy Hugo Sharp, and get a large-format portrait shot of me. Also joining us is my buddy Greg Marsden. We shoot the portrait in the spirit of Richard …

I’m currently reading “The Essential Drucker” by the management educator Peter Drucker. His insights into companies, communities, society have been quite inspirational to me. The most interesting interesting concept that I got from Drucker …

In the ancient days of Socrates, there was a concept of a “daemon” — a little inner-guide which gave you wisdom. That voice is also known nowadays as our conscience or our “gut.” The …

When we are children, everyday is a new adventure. Everyday is a chance to learn something new, to explore, meet new people, learn new words, new phrases, and to pick up new social cues. …

I love gear as much as the next guy. I always get suckered into thinking that if I buy a new camera, a new lens, or some new gadget– I will somehow be more …

I’m currently staying with Cindy’s family in the suburbs, in Garden Grove, Orange County, California. There are no sidewalks here. There is nowhere to shoot “street photography” in the traditional sense. The entire place …

A friend recently asked me, “Eric — why do you give away your photos and stuff for free? Aren’t you worried that people are just going to copy this stuff, and claim it as …

Dear friend, I’ve been blogging since I was 16 years old, which is 12+ years now (from age 16 to age 28). I’ve been blogging about photography for 7+ years (2009–2016). If I started …

Dear friend, This guide is intended for you if you currently own a smartphone (iPhone, Android, etc) and want to learn how to take better photos.

Dear friend, I wanted to write you a little diary entry from Melbourne. I just got here a few days ago, and have been suffering massive headaches (severe caffeine withdrawals from Vietnam) and mild …

My primary passion is “street photography” — yet I find my biggest inspiration for my work comes from photographers who aren’t “street photographers.” Enter Guy Bourdin: a fashion photographer who revolutionized the field (alongside …

After lovely espressos, my homies Nick and Frankie from Slater St. Bench, helped me have an incredible workshop this past weekend in Melbourne. The students practiced the “5 yes, 5 no” assignment, practiced “working …

Dear friend, I wanted to write you this book on how to take better photos. I know you started off with your iPhone, and started to show keen interest on making better images. I …

I remember the first time I came across the work of Helmut Newton. I was in Paris, randomly walking around, when I saw posters for these huge nude photographs. I went to the exhibition, …

Dear friend, I often get the biggest inspiration in my photography and life from non-photographers. Why? I feel that photography is such a tiny field of art, and we can learn so much from …

Dear friend, Sometimes you might feel guilty photographing your subjects. Sometimes it feels wrong. Sometimes you feel wrong and dirty. What is the most “ethical” way to shoot street photography? For a quick summary, …

Dear friend, If you’re reading this, you are probably either an aspiring street photographer, or a street photographer with some miles under your belt looking for some inspiration, direction, or motivation. To the best …

The two things which I think make a great photograph: composition and emotion. There are tons of articles and videos online about how to compose and frame a good photograph. But how do we …

Dear friend, I’m currently at “VPRESSO” (my favorite coffee shop in Hanoi), and it is storming outside. Seriously raining buckets, with thunder booming in the air.

I recently got my film Leica MP serviced at Steve’s Camera in Culver City, LA (highly recommended). I have also been focusing on shooting digital (on a Ricoh GR II) for the last 2-3 …

If we never had any regrets in life, I think many of us would be a lot happier. Regret is the demon of the past which holds us back. Regret is fear that debilitates …

Do your photos bring you joy? Or do you shoot to impress others? My suggestion: focus on making photos that make you happy (not others).

When we read books, listen to podcasts, or learn about how to improve— feedback is always one of the key elements.

What are the best technical settings for street photography? Should you shoot fully-manual? Should you use “P” (program) mode? Should you zone focus?

I was going to write an article on the benefits of shooting autofocus versus manual focus— but realized that is kind of a waste of time.

Dear friend, If you’re new to photography, it can be quite daunting. There is so much information on the internet about photography, but a lot of “mis-information” as well. If I started photography all …

For this episode, Cindy, myself, Chu Việt Hà and our friend Duc jump on a bus for a day-trip to the province of Tuyên Quang (3 hour bus ride from Hanoi) to shoot the Mid-Autumn festival …

Dear friend, I think if you’re like me— you want to be “happy” in life. You want to be happy with your photography, with your friends, relationships, and creative endeavors.

Hey guys, just put together a fun little video with my GoPro on my daily morning routine. Wanted to do for 24 hours, but lost a bit of energy towards the end of the …

In this video, I hit the streets of Hanoi with Chu Viet Ha, one of my favorite street photographers from Hanoi. I get footage of him shooting, talk to him about his photographic process, …

One of the most Googled search phrases on the internet (regarding photography) is “How to take better photos.” Considering so many people search that phrase, I wanted to share some of my personal thoughts …

Whenever I feel frustrated in life, it is because I have a feeling of inertia. I feel like I’m not developing or growing. This often happens in my photography. I keep taking the same …

Dear friends, If you’re interested in learning how to shoot film, start with this guide: Film Street Photography Manual Introduction to Shooting Film in Street Photography What I Learned Shooting 100 Rolls of Black …

We all have problems in life. Some of us are overweight, depressed, or tired all the time. Some of us lack creative inspiration, skills, or outlets for our work. Some of us lack motivation, …

There is never a perfect time for you to take action. There is never a perfect time for you to workout, to photograph, to spend time with your family, to write a blog post, …