Category: Philosophy
Have you ever photographed at your lowest?
Have you ever photographed at your lowest?
You Are Blessed
“Blessings on blessings on blessings. Look at my life man, that’s lessons on lessons on lessons.” – Big Sean (Blessings) Man, we are so blessed. We have so many blessings in our life. We have blessings on blessings on blessings, yet it is easy to forget all the wonderful things we have in our life.
The Photographic Rat Race
They often call the business world the “rat race.” The concept is that we are all like rats on a spinning wheel— trying to earn more money, trying to earn more advancements, trying to work our way up the “corporate ladder.” But the faster we run, the faster the wheel turns, and sooner or later…
Ignore Everybody Else
I think one of the most difficult things in the modern world is to ignore what everyone else is doing, and focus on what you are truly interested and passionate about.
How to Find Your Passion in Photography
pas·sion: A strong amorous feeling or desire; love; ardor. From the Latin word “pati”, which means to ‘suffer.’ We are often told in society “follow your passion” — and I do believe that concept (to an extent). Often we cannot control external factors (like whether or not we can make our passion our full-time profession),…
How to Die Without Regrets
Dear fellow streettog, I want to live my life to the fullest. I want to die without regrets. Often I piss away my days, live a life according to the opinion of others, and desire shit that I don’t need (materialistic things like cars, a lot of money, fancy cameras, shiny devices, and a big…
The Things that Matter Most
Original post from Nick’s blog. Looking Back on Life So it’s that time of year again when I look at my life and all of the things that I’ve accomplished, or in my case, haven’t. My opinions have changed as I’ve gotten older and the things that mattered to me weren’t always the same. I was a…
The Point Isn’t to be a Good Photographer, But to Enjoy Life
Dear friend, I wanted to write you this letter on photography and life. I just finished an epic week-long street photography workshop here in New Orleans, and it was an absolutely incredible experience. I had such a great time with the students, in terms of teaching, bringing people together, and sharing new experiences together.
The Simple Things
A post taken from Josh’s blog. He doesn’t always say much, but like this post talks about, simple things are sometimes good ones. Enjoy. The end of a long weekend. I used to travel on weekends like this. I would go to Tokyo or Hong Kong. Now, I prefer to stay nearer home.
How Much is Enough?
How much is enough? How much is superfluous in life? What is excess baggage that holds you back? What are some demons from your past and mental baggage that holds you back? What are physical possessions which hold you back? What kinds of cameras and equipment hold you back? Which cameras are sitting on your…
Ignore the Barking of Dogs
Dear friend, I wanted to give you some advice on bouncing back from negative and debilitating experiences when you’re shooting street photography.
What is Your Dream?
About a month ago I gave a talk on street photography at EyeEm headquarters in Berlin. During the question and answer session, there was a member in the crowd who asked me the question: “What is your dream?”
Why We Should Embrace Beginner’s Mind in Photography
“If your mind is empty, it is always ready for anything, it is open to everything. In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s mind there are few. ” ― Shunryu Suzuki
You Live in a Paved Paradise
Dear friend, I’m currently sitting at my desk, facing outside. There are beautiful trees, a soft breeze, the sound of birds chirping. I have a “HappyLight” on my left (which helps me wake up in the morning), I have some beloved books to my right, and I’m enjoying a lovely espresso, while doing a little…
2 Lessons Tennis Has Taught Me About Photography and Life
Dear friend, I want to share a story with you. It is an important life lesson that I learned from Greg Lowe, my tennis coach from high school. Okay let’s start from the very beginning. I was a sophomore (or perhaps freshman) in high school (Castro valley high in California), and I heard that there…
You Only Live Once
Dear friend, You might have heard the term “YOLO”, which stands for “you only live once”. However I think most people misconstrue the word. They think that it means to live a life of hedonism and pleasure, and give themselves the license to do stupid shit and waste their time and money. For example, let’s…
On Killing the Ego
Dear friend, I have a problem I need to share with you: I have a huge ego. I love compliments, I love external validation, and I absolutely hate being criticized, judged, or ignored. Recently one of the things I am trying to do in life is to kill my ego. How am I trying to…
Cultivate Your Own Garden
Dear friend, I want to share some meditations and thoughts that are currently on my mind– and perhaps tell some stories. Thank you for being a good friend and listening :) Okay, so I woke up today, lied in bed, and suddenly this thought came to my head: “Cultivate Your Own Garden” I woke up…
Having No Choices is the Ultimate Freedom
Dear friend, I want to tell you the exciting start of my day today. I want to share with you as vividly how it felt, and what is on my mind. I woke up, still feeling a bit drowsy, yet felt alert. I looked around my surroundings. I was in bed, lying next to the…
Don’t Be a Slave
Read as a Google Doc (feel free to suggest edits), or download and print out the PDF. — I am a slave. I am a slave to others’ opinions of me. I am a slave to material things. I am a slave to my bank account and money. I am a slave of my wardrobe, of…
On Positivity and Street Photography
Read as a Google Doc or download as PDF. — There is so much negativity and bullshit out there in modern life. I always hear people bitching and moaning about the difficulties of their lives, how they want more money, how their camera isn’t good enough, how their significant others are horrible people, and how…
On Searching for the Maximum
Read as a Google Doc. — “Over the last 10 years, what has interested me in taking photographs is the maximum — the maximum that exists in a situation and the maximum I can produce from it.” – Josef Koudelka I just finished the second day of my workshop here in Stockholm, and after an…
On the Shortness of Life
Read this article as a Google Doc (would love your comments/edits), download and print as a PDF, as an .epub (e-reader), or .mobi (for Kindle). I also recommend reading the original: “On the Shortness of Life” by Seneca (order the paperback on Amazon). — “What you do today is important because you are exchanging a day…
On Feeling Inadequate as a Photographer (and the Worst Sony A7R II Review Ever)
This article is written by Neil Ta, originally posted here. The views posted here are his and his alone and may or may not be shared by Eric or any other contributors to the website. My life is pretty good. I live in one of the coolest cities in the world, I have a lot of…
Small is Beautiful
Read as a Google Doc or PDF. — Dear Friend, I wanted to share with you some thoughts that are on my mind: The first thing that came to mind: “small is beautiful.” So I have a problem; I am inflicted with this American obsession that “bigger is better.” We want bigger houses, we want…
How to Love Your Haters
Read as a Google Doc or download as PDF. — Dear Ming, I wanted to write you this letter regarding all the trolls and “haters” you have been getting over on your blog. I have a lot of advice for you– advice that has helped me deal with all the negativity on the internet. None…
On the Emptiness of Social Media Fame
Read as a Google Doc or download the PDF. — Dear friend and fellow streettog, I went to sleep last night, and woke up this morning in beautiful Leeds, England, and suddenly this story came to mind. I would like to share you this story if you don’t mind. I forgot where I first heard…
Photography (and Life) is About Subtraction, Not Addition
Read this article on Google Docs or download as a PDF. — I believe photography (and life) is more about subtraction (instead of addition). I’m re-reading “Antifragile” by Nassim Taleb, and his chapter on “Via Negativa” is absolutely golden. The concept is that in modern life, we think the secret to happiness, success, and health is…
How to Be Happy in All Circumstances in Photography
(You can also read this as a Google Doc, or PDF) Dear friend, I just finished reading a book by Roman philosopher Epictetus, titled “Of Human Freedom.” It got me thinking a lot about my own freedom in life, how to be happy in all situations, and how to treat some of the “diseases of…
Desire the Life You Already Have
“One should not spoil what is present by desiring what is absent. Rather, realize that what we have were among the things we might have prayed for.” – Epicurus (via the “Epicurus reader“) I’m never satisfied. I always want more. Nothing is ever good enough. My lifestyle isn’t fancy enough, I lust after different cameras,…
“Letters from a Recovering Camera Addict” Step 2: The Pact
This article is written by Josh White, originally posted here. The views posted here are his and his alone and may or may not be shared by the website as a whole ;) Disclaimer: Sarcasm doesn’t always transfer into written word. Well, “tomorrow” turned into a week. Thank you for those who worried that I…
“Letters from a Recovering Camera Addict” Step 1: Admission
This article is written by Josh White, originally posted here. The views posted here are his and his alone and may or may not be shared by the website as a whole ;) Hi. My name is Josh and I’m an addict. No, I never did drugs. I don’t smoke. I hardly even drink. I’m addicted…
Try it Out For Yourself
Recently I got my laptop stolen in Paris from my backpack. It kinda sucked, but the “blessing in disguise” was that I was able to replace my (slightly) aging 11’’ Macbook air (2012 model). I started to consider a few options: the 13’’ Macbook Air, the 13’’ Macbook Pro, and the new Retina 12’’ Macbook.…
Free E-Book: Zen in the Art of Street Photography
Dear streettogs, I hope you enjoy a new free ebook: “Zen in the Art of Street Photography.” This is a compilation of all of my favorite articles on Zen, Taoism, Buddhism, gratitude, and other random philosophical musings. There isn’t a “correct” order to read this book. You can skip around the chapters, and read the…
The Only Way to Become Indifferent to Criticism: Become Indifferent to Praise as Well
I love attention. I hate criticism and negativity. I want everybody to love me, to love my photography, and my writing. Contrary to popular belief, I actually have very thin skin when it comes to criticism. I pour my heart and soul into my work— whether that is my blogging, my photography, or teaching. But…
Seek Progress, Not Perfection in Your Photography
I just finished reading a new book titled: “Becoming Steve Jobs”, which is a new biography on the life of Steve Jobs. I also read the other (more famous) Walter Isaacson biography: “Steve Jobs”, and found this to be a great refresher to the life, work, and passion of Steve Jobs. In “Becoming Steve Jobs”,…
How Has This Negative Experience Made You Stronger as a Street Photographer?
It is inevitable. Sooner or later, someone will give you shit for taking their photograph. No matter how good your intentions are, there will always be someone who will be offended. You can smile, be friendly, and use all the right techniques — but there are just some people who won’t respond positively. There will…
Measure Your Life as a Photographer in Decades, Not Years
The other night here in Chicago, I woke up in the middle of the night. I was tossing and turning (put on the heater too hot at night). In a state of being half-asleep, I started to have all of these random ideas for blog posts. One of them was: “measure your life as a…
Play the Cards You Are Dealt in Life and Photography
I have been re-reading a lot of stoic philosophy recently, especially “Letters from a Stoic” and “On the Shortness of Life” by Seneca, and “The Meditations” by Marcus Aurelius. One of the biggest things that I have re-learned is that for true happiness, we should focus on appreciating what we currently have, rather than what…
Being Mortal as a Street Photographer
I recently finished “Being Mortal” by Atul Gawande. It is one of the most touching books I have ever read this past year. Atul talks about the tension between living long (versus living a meaningful life). This made me think a lot about my personal mortality, and always how this relates to photography. Here are…
My Top 10 Sources of Discontentment in Street Photography
I ultimately want to be happy. But unfortunately there are a lot of sources of dissatisfaction in my life. There are a lot of things I want to change about my life, and my outlook in the world. In this article I want to share some of the 10 deepest sources of dissatisfaction I’ve had…
The Benefit of Having No Expectations in Street Photography
“I am content with few, content with one, content with none at all.” – Seneca, Letters from a Stoic I have a problem. I have really high expectations for myself. I want to become the best photographer I possibly can, the best teacher I possibly can, and also the best blogger that I possibly can.…
How to Overcome Self-Criticism in Street Photography
I think in photography it is good to have some self-criticism. If you want to be the best photographer you possibly can, you want to be more discerning about your images. You want to produce better work. You want to see the extent of your limits. But every once in a while we get a…
Just one more photo
My mom recently came back from an epic backpacking trip through Nepal for about 28 days. She is an incredible woman. At the age of 59, she was able to withstand the freezing cold, the difficulty of breathing in high altitude, and the challenge of keeping her motivation up for nearly a month in which…
Free E-Book: Letters from a Street Photographer
I am excited to announce that I finally put together my free ebook: “Letters from a Street Photographer“. This book is much more philosophical in nature– and combines the philosophy of stoicism and street photography. If you seek more purpose, happiness, and meaning in your photography, this book is for you. Here is a breakdown…
How to Be a More Mindful Street Photographer
I just finished a book called “10% happier”, which preached the benefits of meditation and mindfulness in everyday life. There is a lot of pain and anxiety from everyday life, and one of the main causes of that is longing for something. Wanting something that we don’t have. By focusing too much on the future and…
Hunger Breeds Sophistication
In Vietnam I recently learned a saying, “Cai kho lo cai khon” which means: from difficulty, emerges the wise. (Note I didn’t include diacritics). Another saying in Vietnamese (can’t remember it) is “The resourceful man might go hungry, but won’t starve.” Even Steve Jobs said, “Stay hungry, stay foolish.”
Street Photography and The Human Condition
I always think about the meaning of life— and you can probably notice that this blog has become heavily philosophy-based the last few months. This is due to the fact that I have been thinking much more about living a purposeful life as a photographer. Not only that, but I have also had a few…
A Near-Death Experience
(Originally written October 24th, 2014) I am being a little over-dramatic— but I recently had a near-death experience. It was another normal day. I was simply writing for my blog, drinking coffee, and just finished a workout. I was a bit hungry, so I went over to my kitchen, poured out a hand-few of cashew…
Keep Shooting or Die
I recently was listening to a podcast interview with Tony Robbins (on the “Tim Ferris Show”) and was struck by something Tony said: progress is happiness. As you guys are probably well-aware of, I think a lot about happiness and progress in life. I want to live a happy and fulfilling life. I don’t want…
What You Can (and Can’t) Control in Street Photograpy
There isn’t a lot of things you can control in street photography. However these are the things you can control:
“Letters from a Street Photographer” #6: How to Live a Purposeful Life
Tied into the previous chapter on how to live a happy life– I also encourage trying to live a purposeful life. What is the difference between a happy life and a purposeful life? I think simply a “happy” life is to be free of pain, to be overall joyful, and to be free of stress…
“Letters from a Street Photographer” #5: How to Be Happy
For this chapter I want to focus on a section which I think is important for everyone in life: learning how to be happy, fulfilled, and content with your street photography (and your personal life). Happiness is one of the most elusive things in the world– which we have always chased for millennia. However the…
“Letters from a Street Photographer” #4: Fuck Fame
I’ll admit it. I’m incredibly jealous. Whenever I see my close friends, other photographers, family, or anyone else doing “successful” things– I feel a tinge of jealousy. In the back of my head– I might think negative thoughts like, “That person didn’t deserve that recognition or success” – self-doubt myself “Why am I not as…
“Letters from a Street Photographer” #3: How to Focus on Your Life’s Work
There are so many distractions out there. We live in an age where it is almost impossible not to be distracted. Our phones are constantly buzzing. We see thousands of advertisements a day that are vying for our attention. We are bombarded with emails from spammers, we are bombarded with notifications, we are bombarded by…
“Letters from a Street Photographer” #2: How to Deal with Negative Criticism (Part 2/2)
This is Part 2/2 of my chapter on How to Deal with Negative Criticism. Read Part 1 on How to Deal With Negative Criticism.
How to Make Memorable and Meaningful Street Photographs
We all want to make a memorable street photograph. An image that burns inside our memory. An image that touches our heart and touches our soul. We want that image to be epic, energetic, edgy, and emotional. And of course, we want external validation for our image (via respect from other photographers, validation on social…
“Letters from a Street Photographer” #2: How to Deal with Negative Criticism (Part 1/2)
For this chapter in my on-going “Letters from a Street Photographer” book, I wanted to write a topic that I am very familiar with– how to deal with negative criticism (and thrive and benefit from it). For those of you who have followed me and my blog for a while– you will know that I…
“Letters from a Street Photographer” #1: How to Live and Shoot without Regrets
This is Chapter 1 on a series of blog posts I will do on the philosophy of Stoicism, and how I relate it to street photography. I draw upon the book: “On the Shortness of Life” from Seneca. The title of this series is inspired by “Letters from a Stoic” (also by Seneca). I have…
15 (More) Lessons Taoism Has Taught Me About Street Photography
I have been a long-time admirer of the philosophies of Zen Buddhism, Taoism, and Stoicism. In-fact, I have gained more insights about photography from these philosophies (than I have from any book on photographic theory). I recently re-read a new english version of the “Tao Te Ching“– the classic manual on the art of living.…
On Opportunity Costs in Street Photography
Life is short and limited. We only have so many days to live. We only have so many zeroes in our bank accounts. We all want to live happy, productive lives. We want happiness in our photography. We want to creatively thrive, and live a life which we don’t have any regrets. I have lots…
On Purpose and Street Photography
I’m currently reading a book titled: “Happiness by Design: Change What You Do, Not How You Think”. In the book, the author defines happiness as being primarly composed of two things: pleasure and purpose. To find “optimal” happiness in life, the author encourages us to find a balance between pleasure and purpose in our life.…
On Patience and Street Photography
I am often frustrated with my photography. Sometimes I will prowl the streets for hours, without getting any decent shots. Sometimes I ask myself, “what is the point of all of this”– does it all really matter? One of the biggest inspirations in my photography is Josef Koudelka. He is the type of photographer who…
On Excuses and Street Photography
We often have tons of excuses in life. We don’t have enough time. We don’t have enough money. We don’t have the opportunities to do what we love. I always make tons of excuses in my street photography. When I am traveling on the road, I have tons of opportunities to shoot and always feel…
Please Tell Me My Photos Suck (And How I Can Improve)
We are insecure. We don’t want people to be brutally honest with us. We like feeling liked. We don’t want to hear the truth, or at least what people really think about us and our work. We like it when things are sugar coated (I know I do), and facing reality can be tough. I…
“Needing” versus “Wanting” to Make Photographs
What motivates you in street photography? What is the fuel that keeps you going? Why do you decide to go out and shoot, even though you might be tired, exhausted, or frustrated?
Nobody Gives a Shit About Your Photos
Nobody gives a shit about your photos (except yourself). Sometimes I get frustrated and confused why I take photos. I think ultimately I take photos because I want my photos to influence, affect, and perhaps inspire my viewers (and other photographers). This sometimes gives me anxiety because it puts a lot of pressure on me…
Embracing FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) in Street Photography
I recently came across a funny phrase: “FOMO”. It stands for “fear of missing out”. Nowadays, “FOMO” is ubiquitous in digital life. We always feel like we are missing out– that someone is doing something more interesting than us.
Savoring the Moment
I just checked out of my hotel in Seoul, and was on my way to the subway. I had a bunch of bags I had to carry, and ended up missing two potential street photos I would have liked to capture: One of the shots was a guy in a suit, with his suit jacket…
A Letter to My 18 Year Old Self: If I Started Street Photography All Over Again
Dear Eric, You are 18 years old. You just got a point and shoot digital camera from Mom as a high school graduation present. You are super excited, as you never had a camera before. A lot of exciting things will happen in your life surrounding photography. I wanted to write this letter to you…