ERIC KIM ₿

As a liberal “elite” person, I’m not supposed to like capitalism. But upon deep reflection, I think I do!

(more…)

Initial impressions being back in Hanoi (compared to living here 2 years ago):

(more…)

Chu Viet Ha: one of my best buddies here in Hanoi, and a photographer whose work I really admire.

(more…)

Perhaps there is something in our DNA in which we desire to discharge our creative force and power. Perhaps there is a compulsion we have to make artwork; similar to when we have an urge to workout (if we are muscularly fit?)

Just arrived in Hanoi, and wanted to reflect a bit on why I love Hanoi– and my experiences here.

(more…)

To think different means:

(more…)

Satoki Nagata is a photographer-artist I deeply admire. When I heard he was in a deep depression with his photography, I was shocked. Fortunately he is currently re-gaining his photographic wings– and producing new images. In this interview and feature, Satoki shares some personal thoughts on re-gaining motivation and creative ability in his photography and creative life:

(more…)

A fun idea and thought from my buddy Nietzsche:

Don’t worry about concerning yourself as an “individual”. Instead, consider yourself as a creative activity!

(more…)

In the past a lot of photographers would look down on point and shoot cameras and on photographers who used more “newbie” cameras.

But why this snobbery?

My theory is that insecure photographers are always trying to prop up their legitimacy as photographers by purchasing big/expensive/uncommon cameras, and they feel more powerful and legitimate by disparaging “lesser” photographers who shoot with “worse” cameras like iPhones, smartphones, or point and shoot cameras.

(more…)

Just landed in Hanoi (after a long flight from LAX -> Taipei, to Hanoi), and surprisingly, I’m feeling pretty good! It seems a combination of intermittent fasting, lots of strong black coffee, and a brief nap on the plane did the trick!

(more…)

An anti-romanticism, anti-past/anti-nostalgia view of thinking about life:

(more…)

A lot of us in life feel disempowered, shitty, and lack the vigor to live.

My simple answer:

Art is the reason to live!

Specifically:

YOUR ability/faculty/opportunity to create art.

(more…)

---

How often should I upgrade my camera or devices, or cars, homes, clothes, etc?

(more…)

In traveling, life, etc; it seems that instead of thinking about what to buy, “optimize”, or add to your life, it seems more effective to determine what to shed, what to NOT bring (travel), what NOT to acquire and essentially we’re trying to build this skill:

What to add to shed from your life, not what to add to your life.

(more…)

Flash street photography is fun because it makes interesting images, dynamic compositions, is challenging

(more…)

Color is one of my favorite visual stimuluses:

(more…)

Dear streettogs,

Wanted to give you a life update (and also share the news about my upcoming workshopsin Honolulu (June 29-30), Los Angeles (July 13-14), Berlin (September 14-15) Register Intent here, NYC (October 5-6), and Boston (March 21-22, 2020) – Register intent here.

(more…)

Dear friend,

If you’re hungry to take your street photography to the next level, I cordially invite you to my Discover Your Unique Voice in Street Photography in New York City, October 5-6 2019.

(more…)

There is only one of you in the universe, and your thoughts, ideas, philosophies, and artworks are valuable.

Why strive to become someone else, to emulate the virtues of others, and why negate your personality and ego? Why not assert and express yourself, your individuality, and yourself?

(more…)

A way I love to approach life:

Always in beta testing/prototype quickly, and keep iterating!

(more…)

When in doubt, optimize your life for uberlight.

(more…)

The final installation for the cinematography of John Wick 1. See v4, v3, v2, v1.

(more…)

Continuing our John Wick 1 cinema series. See part 3, part 2, and part 1.

(more…)

Life is short; why discourage anyone else?

(more…)

Hey streettogs, don’t miss your opportunity to join STREET FOTO (SF) this year, June 3-9, 2019th. The lowdown is that there will be epic contests, portfolio reviews, workshops, lectures, photowalks, and exhibitions.

See the contest finalists from 2018: and also subscribe to their email newsletter to be the first to know about all the news for the event!

(more…)

Should we adapt ourselves to our environment, or adapt our environment to ourselves?

Read MORE

I’m amazed — the effect of shooting with a flash during the day (in bright sunlight) improves your photos so much!

(more…)

Part 3 for John Wick 1 (the original). See part 1, and part 2.

(more…)

Part 2 of the first John Wick (see part 1 here). 

(more…)

In life it seems the best strategy is to never stop advancing, moving forward, against any adversaries or difficulties.

(more…)

No more complaining for me.

(more…)

John Wick: one of my favorite films of all-time (both the first and second). Also great cinematography!

(more…)

Smaller is better.

1. For phones, smaller phones are better: Less thumb pain for texting a lot, lighter weight (less strain on hands), generally cheaper than larger devices (iPhone as cheaper than iPhone Max), easier to use/text with one hand, and generally higher pixel density in display.
2. For cameras, point and shoot cameras as the best cameras: Fits in your front pocket, you can shoot with it all the time, you always have the camera with you and ready to shoot. Also in street photography, you are less suspicious looking, and attract less attention. RICOH GR II as a perfect camera.
3. Smaller laptops: Lighter, more compact, less strain when carrying and ability to take it with you everywhere you go. I’ll never buy a big laptop.
4. Smaller cars: Easier to park, ability to park in super small spots, cheaper, more affordable on gas, and generally more fun to drive. My 1990 Miata (no air conditioning, no power steering) as one of the most fun cars I’ve ever driven.
5. Video cameras: Instead of a big video camera, ease of using GoPro, your phone, or the new DJI Video vlogging camera. Smaller video camera setup easier to use, and less conspicuous in public.
6. Smaller headphones: Better to use in-ear monitor headphones than the big noise canceling ones. More compactable in your bag, and less bulk and weight when traveling. Or in general, the joy of the new Apple Airpods for smallness and ease of use.

When Nothing Compelling Exists, Don’t Buy New Things for the Sake of It!

(more…)

If you’re interested in what you’re working on, most likely others will be too!

(more…)

In my never-ending quest to simplify my photographic workflow (and also my life workflow) — I’ve discovered that Apple Photos is actually a very strong alternative to Adobe Lightroom (or perhaps– even superior?)

(more…)

What is the purpose of making timeless art if you’re not going to be around to reap the benefits of your own efforts?

(more…)

In praise of an uncertain, risky, and more fun/adventurous life!

(more…)

Don’t seek inspiration from outside of yourself; seek to inspire yourself with your own photos, your own images.

(more…)

One of the best ways to speed up your photographic workflow:

Only shoot JPEG, don’t bother with additional post-processing, and just share/upload your photos directly!

(more…)

My buddy Jeffrey Lam is currently writing a paper on “Existential Health”; the idea that now, health is more of a philosophical issue.

Which made me realize: at this point photography is the same. Photography is an existential (philosophy of purpose) thing!

(more…)

It seems no matter how exciting or interesting or good something is, we will adapt to it.

Which makes me wonder:

How can we best live our lives, considering we will adapt to almost everything in life?

(more…)

A thought while watching John Wick 2:

John Wick seems to ultimately prefer his pistols (small, most versatile gun). Perhaps we as photographers should also prioritize our smallest and most effective cameras– aka point-and-shoot cameras?

(more…)

To ‘edit‘ your project means to select your favorite photos for a certain project. Here are some practical thoughts and tips on editing your own photography projects:

(more…)

We all want to make good, great, or “better” photos. But a lot of us lack the inspiration to shoot every day, or we lack the motivation to shoot every day. Or perhaps we are too tired. Or nothing around us in our environment inspires us.

So the question is:

Is it possible to make good or interesting photos where we live, or anywhere we are? Is it necessary for you to live in a big city or to be constantly traveling to exotic places to make good photos?

(more…)

I think it is good to have idols and role models who inspire you, and people which motivate you to greatness.

A thought:

Perhaps we should strive to BECOME GREATER than those who came before us, and to become GREATER than idols we admire (who are still alive today).

(more…)

Similar to the notion of “purposeful procrastination” comes my new notion of “delightful delay”:

Don’t feel rushed to adopt new technologies. Don’t be an “early adopter”. Delight in delaying trivial decisions!

For example,

1. Delight in the classics (classic books, poetry, design, artworks)
2. Be skeptical of new technologies and “first generation” products.
3. When in doubt, don’t buy it.
4. Stick to the tried and true.
5. Don’t seek to “improve” your workflows. Seek to simplify and streamline your workflows.
6. Ignore trends and hype. If it smells like a fad, it probably is a time-wasting and distracting fad, that will quickly pass.
7. If you discover tools you really like, stick with them as long as possible!
8. With technology, often it is a good idea to invest in something one generation older (used or refurbished) for massive savings and better value!

Photography must be fun, or else it isn’t worthwhile. Here are some fun photography tips for you:

(more…)

Ever since being a fat kid (hot pocket diet as a child), I have always been curious about physical exercise, diet, and health.

But when people talk about “health” — things/foods/lifestyles which are “healthy” versus “unhealthy” — what do people really mean to say?

(more…)

There is no “ideal” body shape. Just strive to look the way you want to look:

(more…)

I’ve been quite religiously following a quite strict intermittent fasting schedule the last 2 years (no breakfast or lunch, only a massive dinner), and here are some practical tips and intermittent fasting hacks which have helped me (based on my own personal experience):

(more…)

Life is too short to be basic.

(more…)

A question that arose in my mind this morning:

Is entertainment ‘bad’?

Furthermore:

When we say ‘entertainment’ — what do we really mean?

(more…)

I think more important than image quality of a camera is ergonomics (size, feel of the camera in your hand, UI/UX of menu and button system, responsiveness, haptic feedback, build quality, and weight/compactness).

(more…)

How should you live your life? A thought:

Focusing our lives on our artistic and intellectual output/growth.

(more…)

Freedom of time, freedom over your schedule, health (physiological vigor), and motivation and power to create your own artwork.

(more…)

A thought while shooting on a phone today:

What is “Image Quality” when we talk about it in photography? Are there objective measures 9r “image quality”? And when we say “image quality”, what do we *really* mean to say?

(more…)

I love democracy, open-access, and I like the idea that no matter how rich or poor you are, you can gain access to the same tools.

This stems from the fact that I grew up poor and I always wondered:

If I were richer or had more money, would I somehow become more empowered with certain (expensive) tools?

For example in the domain of photography; always wondering whether if I bought a full-frame camera that I’d unlock more of my artistic potential. Or conquering my fears in street photography by owning a stealthy Leica.

After my last decade+ of inquiry, here are some of my thoughts:

(more…)

The more things you own, the more things own you.

(more…)

Never stop being curious in your photography:

(more…)

One of the sentiments I hate in photography at the moment:

Everyone thinks they’re a photographer now.

But the truth is everyone has already been a photographer! Why this pretentious nonsense of trying to categorize some of us as photographers and some of us as non-photographers?

(more…)

Photography is kind of like Pokémon:

The ultimate telos (purpose) is to catch all of the Pokémon which exist.

So I wonder for us as photographers– is our purpose to capture as many photographic moments/photos as possible?

(more…)

A little bit ago I watched the classic Arnold Schwarzenegger documentary “Pumping Iron” on Netflix, and loved it. But a thing that I found very curious or strange:

None of these super strong and buff dudes working out are using headphones or really listening to music.

Which made me wonder:

If they can get that strong and lift so heavy weights without headphones or listening to music; what do they know/experience that I don’t know?

Which made me wonder:

I wonder if I can become stronger at the gym without listening to music/headphones?

(more…)

A thought:

In today’s sedentary society, it seems that the ultimate luxury is (one of the most basic human needs): the ability to walk!

(more…)

After shooting with the Leica Q2 for about a week (having shot crop APS-C sensors and digital medium format) — I was thinking:

Is full-frame overrated or underrated?

(more…)

Making photos as a way to augment your memory (looking at old photos to more vividly remember lovely memories!)

(more…)

Flash opens up the world, changes the world, and creates so many new photo opportunities!

(more…)

This is a super basic idea, but I think an important one:

Do you enjoy looking at your own photos?

Moreover:

Would you pursue photography as an art-creation form, even if you couldn’t share your photos with others?

(more…)

One of the biggest inspirations behind the idea of ARS:

Recognizing that your artwork and life is always in beta (testing) mode.

(more…)