Just arrived back in sunny Southern California, and feeling super #grateful in life.

Last set from Tokyo, shot on Lumix G9 Pro, Leica 12mm f/1.4 lens (24mm full-frame equivalent), iA mode, medium-jpeg, processed in ERIC KIM PRESETS.

HAPTIC INDUSTRIES is proud to announce our newest product, completely handmade, limited edition HENRI SHOULDER STRAP, in two colors: Crema Brown and Phantom Black.

If you live in the suburbs, and want inspiration to shoot– I encourage you to try out ‘Walmart Street Photography’, Costco Street Photography, or just shoot in grocery stores, markets, and other places in the suburbs!

Dear friend,

A random philosophical musing: I think ‘willpower’ is misunderstood/overrated in the general sense. What exactly is ‘willpower’ — do we start each day with a limited supply of it? Do we ‘deplete’ our willpower as the day goes on? Can/how you replenish your will-power? And are some people born with more will-power than others? And if you don’t have enough ‘willpower’ — is it because you lack some sort of genetic deficiency, because you are “lazy” (attributable to your lack of effort), or can/should we blame our lack of willpower on external sources?

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What is willpower?

First of all, let us break down the word ‘willpower’.

a. “Will”

The word ‘will’ comes from Proto-Germanic (wiljana) which means ‘to desire/wish’, which comes from Proto-Indo-European, “welh” (which means to choose/wish).

So in the general sense, to “will” is to desire/wish something.

b. “Power”

What does the word ‘power’ mean?

The word power comes from Latin (possum/posse) which means ‘to be able’.

Therefore we can consider if someone has the ‘power’ to do something, they have the ability/faculty to do something.

Will+Power

Therefore the word “will-power” should be defined as this:

To be able to do something you desire.

The difficulty/trouble with will-power is this: If you somehow lack the willpower to do something, others will judge you moralistically. If you don’t have willpower, others will negatively judge you as being lazy, incompetent, and perhaps consider you an ‘evil’/bad person.

But the hard thing is this: as individuals sometimes we lack either the ability to do something, or we don’t know what we desire.

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Self-doubting

Furthermore, sometimes we do desire something — but we mistakenly think that we don’t have the ability to do it.

For example, let’s say you want to start your own business. You got a great idea and concept, but you don’t think you have the ability to do it — because you believe yourself to lack resources, money, time, or something else.

This is self-doubt. This self-doubt comes from nay-sayers, negative “haters”, or what society or our parents have socialized us into believing. It is of my belief that if you grew up without having anyone believe in you or your dreams, it technically isn’t “your fault”; rather, you were unlucky that you were born into a life situation where you didn’t have the right support network. But the positive note is this: as an adult, you have the opportunity and power/ability to control and change your life! You can decide whom to spend time with, and whom not to spend time with. You can decide and control what to spend your time, attention, and money on. You have the power and opportunity to direct your life however you would like!

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What do you desire?

This is another tricky thing: a lot of us don’t know what we desire in life. Not only that, but we must also consider: do we desire stuff (physical things?) Do we desire to obtain markings of external “success” (money, fame, influence, power)? Or do we desire to do stuff, desiring to create, or make stuff?

Personally I think we are most fulfilled when we are in the creative flow and zone of making stuff. I’m the happiest when I’m coming up with new ideas and sharing them with others. I’m happiest when I’m trying out new things, innovating new processes, discos discovering new things, learning new things, taking new risks, and taking on new challenges!

What do you desire in your life, and what do you desire to do, make, achieve, or create?

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How to build more will power

So I will break it down with you; how we can build more willpower in a practical sense.

First of all, to build “willpower” we must build more strength in our ability to do stuff.

Part 1: Build your abilities and skills

Now, we can increase our abilities by the following:

1. Learning how to do stuff, building our skills, our technical expertise or know-how (reading books, online courses, in person-courses or workshops, school, videos, information)
2. Self doubting ourself less: Philosophically asking ourselves why we doubt ourselves, and asking ourselves, “Where does this self-doubt come from?” Not blaming yourself for doubting yourself, but trying to figure out practical solutions to overcome/conquer your self-doubt.
3. Determining whether you’re suffering from “paralysis by analysis”: You are paralyzed into indecision because there are too many options in the modern world. My solution: just do it 80% “good enough” and publish, share, or create it! Also, creating your own “minimum viable product” (MVP), which is the minimum possible manifestation of whatever you desire to create or do. For example if your big dream is to own your own big restaurant, a “minimum viable product” may be starting your own food delivery service, where you do all the cooking and delivery (and you don’t pay for rent for a physical space).

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Part 2: How to build your desire

A lot of us don’t know what we desire to do or achieve in life. And not only that, we don’t know whether our desires are genuine or not; sometimes we think we really desire to do something or achieve/possess something, but in reality, we were just spoon-fed that desire from advertising, social expectations/pressures, cultural values, etc.

I challenge you friend to spend some time to “Zen out”, disconnect yourself from the outside world (uninstall social media, distance yourself from negative people in your life) and really ask yourself:

“What do I truly desire in life?”

I don’t think there are any “right” or “wrong” answers here. Just be brutally honest to yourself.

Then ask yourself: how can I achieve my dreams? How can I do this thing I desire, everyday?

Then you can setup your life accordingly, to live our your dreams (I suggest everyday).

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ERIC KIM PSYCHOLOGY

I cannot speak for you, but I’ll share my personal psychology with you.

In my life, I desire to seek the secrets of living the best possible life. I want to learn these truths/secrets in life and apply it to my own life, and of course I also want to share these discoveries with others.

So a lot of this in my life is self-experimentation, self-doubting, and self-introspection, risking, attempting, and trying out as well as learning new stuff.

At best I’ll live to be 100. At worst, I’ll die today by a distracted texting-while driving driver.

I value life and I love life. I love being alive, I love all people and humanity, and I want to empower all of humanity to be as happy, dope, fulfilled, and epic as possible. That’s it.

This is why I study philosophy, this is why I write, why I make videos, and why I share these ideas with you. Because I know what it feels to feel disempowered, I know what it feels to be depressed, I know what it feels like to lack willpower.

I don’t have all the answers for myself (yet), and I won’t have it all before I die. But that’s the fun and exciting thing; I’ll never stop striving, questioning, and exploring. I want to live my life to the fullest, and also help you live your life to the fullest.

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So friend, once again; what do you desire to achieve in life? What’s holding you back (if anything)?

BE BOLD, be a little foolish, have fun, and put a dent in the universe!

ERIC

I just watched the film “All the Money in the World (2017)” by Ridley Scott /// cinematography by Dariusz Wolski and was blown away.

I am proud to announce that I did the cinematography for Cindy’s new film: “MISS STEP”. I wrote some of my personal lessons creating the film for her (in terms of doing the filming), but now I want to analyze some of the compositional techniques I learned (while shooting), and I have some practical video-shooting techniques I want to share with you (if you are a photographer who is interested in doing more video/cinema-work):

Dear friend,

One of the biggest challenges all of us face (myself included) is finding the inspiration and motivation to shoot everyday.

I recently dropped two new brand new courses with Cindy and Udemy: “Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Mastering Photography” and another ambitious course, “Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Photography Entrepreneurship” and learned a ton. If you were ever curious about teaching your own online course, here are some lessons I’ve learned, which I hope can also help you.

I just finished doing the cinematography for Cindy’s newest film/music video: “MISS STEP”; and it was a phenomenal experience.

Panasonic G9 + JPEG + New ERIC KIM CHROMA PRESETS (CLASSIC CC LIGHTROOM):

While in Photobooks DINER Megutama in Tokyo, I came across a copy of Nan Goldin’s famous “Ballad of Sexual Dependency” photobook. To me, it is the one of the most powerful photo books of all-time, about gender, sexuality, and human relationships.

Dear friends,

I am super pumped to share this brand-new FREE Lightroom Classic CC Workflow PDF Visualization by ANNETTE KIM // from the HAPTIC team.

A true saying by Hugh M: “Ignore everyone else”, in order to thrive as a creator.

If you see an interesting scene in street photography, and you think you might be able to make a good photograph, linger longer than you think you should, continue to click the shutter, keep your feet planted, and keep shooting! The longer you linger and continue to shoot, the more likely you are to make a good photo!

Dear friend,

Never lose your childlike sense of curiosity in street photography! Always return to beginner’s mind, to never run out of inspiration and motivation!

Dear friend,

A simple street photography assignment you can try today from STREET NOTES MOBILE EDITION: shoot your subjects against a simple background.

Dear friend,

A realization: when it comes to mobile apps and platforms, VSCO is a million times better than Instagram. Why? Let me outline some ideas here:

HENRI CHROMA Wrist Straps: available for a limited time in HAPTIC SHOP + Amazon.

Lumix G9 Pro, Leica 12mm f/1.4 Lens + ERIC KIM PRESETS:

A list of my personal favorite street photographers, and photographers I recommend you to follow (in no particular order, just the list of photographers who pop into my head):

The golden angle is one of the most dynamic street photography techniques/compositions we can apply to our photos:

Dear friend,

A life realization for myself: INNOVATE FOR THE SAKE OF INNOVATING (if you want to find daily motivation to create new things, and to find more hope/optimism in life!)

I recently bought a Panasonic/Lumix G9 Pro — why? Let me outline my reasons and thoughts:

Dear friend, if you haven’t heard the exciting news already– MASTERS is now available as both a digital and print edition! To promote the book, here are some practical lessons I learned from the masters:

New batch of photos in Tokyo, with Lumix G9 Pro, 12mm f/1.4 Leica Lens (shot in iA/intelligent auto mode), with ERIC KIM CHROMA PRESETS:

My YouTube channel is mostly popular for my GoPro POV Street Photography Videos. I wanted to do this article to teach you how you can make your own GoPro street photography POV videos– and even explain: why even do them?

to

To thrive as photographers and artists, we need both inspiration and motivation. But what’s the difference, and how do we keep our creative flame alive?

TOKIO Shot on Lumix G9 Pro + 12mm f/1.4 Leica Lens:

Dear friend, one of the best ways to stay motivated in your photography is this: shoot more ambitiously!

If you want to achieve your personal maximum in photography, learn from MASTERS MOBILE EDITION (Volume 1).

New YouTube street photography videos for you:

Dear friend, a practical idea: photograph what makes you smile, and brings a spark of joy to your life/day!

Lumix G9 Pro + Leica 12mm f/1.4 Lens + ERIC KIM PRESETS.

Dear friend,

A word of encouragement and something I believe in: realize that reality is malleable!

Dear friend,

I wanted to give you a quick life update from Tokyo, and why I am feeling so phenomenally inspired!

A technique to use in street photography: get close to your subject, keep clicking (until your subject notices you).

Dear friend,

Your life is both long and short. Imagine like you’re going to live to be 100 years old; do you imagine shooting until the day that you die?

I just bought a new Panasonic Lumix G9 Pro + Leica 12mm f/1.4 Lens as my new street photography/video setup. I think it is probably the best still camera/video camera in the photography market (as of 2018):

Practical street photography tips to get you going!

Dear friend,

I am super pumped to announce my two brand new street photography workshops in NYC in 2018:

Dear friend,

I am super pumped to share my brand-new street photography workshop in SINGAPORE, July 21-22nd, 2018.

Singapore is a country that I actually really like– the food, the people, the diverse street scenes, the good vibes, and the phenomenal photography community.

Dear friend,

Another thought which might benefit you: embrace the philosophy of Stoicism, and apply it to your entrepreneurial pursuits in life, to feel less fear, to take more risks and to live your life to the fullest for the sake of empowering humanity! (memento mori).

Dear friend,

A thought I got from Nietzsche/Steve Jobs: always seek to innovate, make new things, new approaches, and experiment with the new; instead of seeking self-preservation. Life is about thrivival (thriving) not just mere survival!

Dear friend,

A small epiphany: the purpose of life is to make new stuff! To make new photos, new videos, new films, new poetry, new clothing, new ideas, new products, and new children; this is what life desires, and this is what we should also desire!

First batch of photos with my RICOH GR II in Tokyo (which has recently died, RIP — the shutter/aperture blade gets stuck when I open it). Still the photos look fantastic. Some photos shot with flash; all photos shot on JPEG, processed with ERIC KIM PRESETS:

Dear friend,

A realization: GOOD PHOTOGRAPHERS STEAL; bad photographers copy.

Dear friend,

As a present, here are some new ERIC KIM LIGHTROOM CLASSIC CC PRESETS 2018 for you!

Also check out my new Tokyo CHROMA Lightroom Presets.

The last set of photos from Kyoto. Also see KYOTO FINAL 2018 (VERSION I).

Command + A step here.
Control + Zipper. No, zebra. A zigging and zagging and surrender to the zephyr on my cheek.
Option + Alt you. You hilarious tease of forgotten functions.

Good memories from Kyoto:

Only 3 more days for the SPECIAL BUNDLE pricing for Eric Kim Course x Udemy: (50% off early access pricing + free ebooks). Offer expires May 6, 2018.

1. Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Mastering Photography
2. Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Photography Entrepreneurship

Dear friend,

I made a new GoPro POV portrait YouTube video session of Cindy to teach you how I make portraits at night. If you’re with a friend, loved one, or your partner, shoot portraits of night of them with a flash.

Dear friend,

A technique to use in street photography: the 360 degree technique. The basic concept is you see an interesting person from behind, quickly jog up next to them, and keep taking photos as you are circling around them (like a 360 degree sphere around them). I made a video on YouTube to demonstrate the 360 degree technique in action in your street photography; enjoy!

If you want to practice these street photography techniques in “real life”, join me at one of my upcoming street photography workshops.

Dear friend,

A fun idea: realize that in reality (aka, the real world in which we are alive right now): there are no “limits” to what you can do. Nobody can prevent you from building a house, however you desire to design it. Nobody can control your time, effort, energy, or attention (unless you decide to get a 9-5 job, which constricts your day-to-day living). We all have the ultimate choice in life— to live however we desire, to make whatever we desire, and to give our attention to whatever we desire.

If you like to make photos, videos, poetry or words, you’re a content creator. Here are some tips I wish I could have given myself if I started content creation all over again:

Dear friend,

Greetings from Kyoto! I wanted to give you a life update, and to share some brand-new and very cool stuff, and also life lessons I’ve learned while I’ve been here!

The world is a beautiful place. The greatest blessing is the blessing of being alive!

Dear friend,

To advertise my new online course, “Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Photography Entrepreneurship“, I wanted to share why we should all be photography entrepreneurs, and also why you’re probably (already) a photography entrepreneur (without even knowing it!)

Dear friend,

A small epiphany: Make photos that affirm life; not negate life!

Dear friend,

One thing I believe in is ‘calculated’ risk-taking. What does that mean, and how can we harness this principle to succeed/thrive more in life? Let’s talk more:

Dear friend, a practical tip: if you see a good street scene, don’t just take 1-2 photos then run away. Instead, keep ‘working the scene’ by continuing to shoot the scene, for you to continue lingering, and for you to keep discovering the best composition. Keep shooting and clicking (take a step forward, left, right, crouch down, get closer, go backwards). When you’re shooting look at the edges of the frame (don’t get tunnel-visioned), and when you’re home, THEN choose your best photo.

Dear friend,

I love life a lot. Personally, I want to live life to the fullest, and share that joy with you.

Dear friend,

I want to share with you some personal musings on ‘happiness’ — what exactly is happiness, how to feel “happier”, and how to live a more fulfilling life with more achievement.

Dear friend,

I want to share some personal ideas on moonshot thinking — why we must always shoot for the moon, and attempt the “impossible” and the crazy/foolish ideas we have!

Don’t let the fear of trolls/haters prevent you from doing cool/epic shit in life. Here are some of my thoughts and philosophies on the psychology of trolls:

Dear friend,

An essay for you: Why we should all be photography entrepreneurs; and why you might already be a photography entrepreneur without even knowing it!

Is photography your passion? Do you want to make ripples in the world of photography? Do you desire to share your life experiences as a photographer to empower others? Do you want to learn the secrets of effectively monetizing your passion for photography, or do you just want to learn how to build a loyal following? If so, I cordially invite you to my brand-new (first ever) online course on entrepreneurship titled, “Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Photography Entrepreneurship“, now live on Udemy!

“I’ve been speeding through life with no safety belt.” – JAY-Z

Dear friend, if you have a certain dream in life– remember, you got nothing to lose in the face of death.