ERIC KIM ₿

Dear friend,

I believe in active leisure in life— rather than just ‘entertaining ourselves to death.’

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Eric — if you bought that new Leica, you would realize your potential.

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Dear friend,

If you’re reading this — you might be considering whether to go to photography or art school.

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Dear friend,

I want to write you a letter about why I write:

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New articles:

• Equipment »
• Cinematography »
• The Art of Photography »
• Motivation »
• Soul Photography »
• Composition »
• Personal Photography »

If you’re new, start here:

1. Street Photography 101
2. The Art of Street Photography
3. Free Photography Bootcamp
4. Personal Photography »
5. Personal Philosophy »
6. Zen Philosophy »
7. Stoicism »

For offline viewing, download all articles >

“I build the cars I like. If people wished to buy them, well, that could possibly be arranged.” Ettore Bugatti

It is impossible to know whether others will like your photos or not.

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I’ve been ‘tracing’ my favorite Edward Hopper paintings to better understand light, composition, color, and form:

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Lamborghini MERCY
our souls be so thirsty
for something true and real
and worthy to become me.

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My current mood-board:

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Dear friend,

I had this thought recently — nothing unlimited is good, and nothing good is unlimited.

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This is a list of my personal favorite equipment in photography, computers, and life (as of 2017):

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Dear friend,

I want to share why I fast (or why I don’t eat breakfast or lunch).

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Dear friend,

A concept I want to share with you in photography: “The regret minimization framework.”

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Dear friend,

Here are some lies that were spoon-fed me in photography, and I will debunk them for you:

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SUITS: Print Hardcover Book

Invest in SUITS, Hardcover Print Edition I on Amazon >

Dear friend, I am proud to share my first PDF photography book with you: SUITS:

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Dear friend,

I spend a lot of time making YouTube videos — but why do I do it?

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I admit– I’m a lazy photographer.

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I’ve always loved the proportions of the classic ‘e30’ BMW 320i.

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Dear Eric,

You are 12 years old. Here is some advice I would give you.

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Continuing with our epic series on AKIRA (see PART I of AKIRA if you missed out):

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Dear friend,

I just learned something interesting today— to be a ‘poet’ means just to be a ‘maker.’

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Dear friend,

I just watched AKIRA (1988 Japanese Anime) and my mind is blown.

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I just watched Batman: The Dark Knight (the older one) — and was blown away.

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Dear Eric,

You are 18 years old— here is some words of wisdom I would drop on you:

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Dear friend,

I just watched Dr. Strange— and man, I was blown away. I was blown away with the morals of the movie (the idea of living for something greater than yourself), the visuals (surreal as fuck), and the cinematography was fantastic.

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Dear friend,

Never let anyone critique your photos— especially if they’re not a photographer.

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What if, you lived the rest of your life in Hanoi, Vietnam?

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Dear friend,

I think street photography is better at bringing you happiness than taking medication or going on a fancy vacation — here is why:

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If you’re lacking inspiration to shoot others– shoot yourself.

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Dear friend,

I think the reason why street photography is fun is because it is risky.

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Here are some street portraits I like, and I will explain why I like them:

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HOPE IS DOPE
HOPE IS DOPE

When your haters keep beating on you, keep bouncing off the ROPES

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When we are beginner photographers— we want to go “pro”.

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Dear friend,

I believe in religious tolerance.

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Dear friend,

What is success in photography and life?

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Lately I’ve been reading a lot of haiku poetry — and one of the concepts that inspires me the most is the concept of spontaneity.

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Dear friend,

I wanted to write you a letter on love and photography:

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Using Photoshop to make cubist photos (inspired by Pablo Picasso):

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I have a 25% rule for myself— whenever I feel exhausted, finished, or can’t do any more, I try to push myself 25% more than what I think my “limit” is.

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Dear friend,

You have the power to become a hero.

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Dear friend,

Here are some tips on how to make good photos:

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Super inspired by the compositions and cinematography (and surprisingly the story-line of the movie: “Suicide Squad”:

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Dear friend,

Cindy and I are excited to share with you our latest creative collaboration: DARK SKIES OVER TOKYO.

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A quick street photography tip: When you’re shooting on the streets, focus on the edges of the frame.

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Dear friend,

I want to share you a secret; nobody wants to look at your photos. (more…)

Street photography,
Don’t care about what others say— just shoot freely.

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Dear friend,

In life and street photography— we are given decisive moments. It is our choice whether to seize it or not.

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Super-inspired by Kendrick Lamar’s new music video for his new song: “HUMBLE”:

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Fuck fear,
don’t cower, like a deer
in the headlights

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Dear friend,

Do you live to photograph, or photograph to live?

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All the cameras we have are good enough — the limiting factors are the software (how good is the user-interface, helpful features, as well as ease of use). (more…)

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Dear friends,

If you plan on going on a flight, or going somewhere without internet access (and still want access to this blog), you can download this entire blog (offline, without images) as a 1.4GB (yes, very big) direct download. All you need to do is extract this .ZIP file, and open up ‘index.html’ to access the entire site. Have fun :)

• Dropbox Download (1.4GB) >

See all downloads >

Dear friend,

I want to write you a letter on how and why to photograph life:

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“Fear never advanced any man to the highest standing.” – Pubilius Syrus

Most of us are scared shitless to do what we are interested, curious, or passionate about— because we fear failure. (more…)

I love America, and her ideals of freedom for all:

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Conquer your fears and meet new peers:

• Apr 29-30: Bangkok – Street Photography (Hosted by Monogram Asia)
• Sept 13-17: Tokyo – Street Photography Experience
• Oct 4-5: NYC – Conquer Your Fears in Street Photography
• Oct 7-8: NYC – Discover Your Unique Voice in Photography

For any questions about workshops or returning student discounts, contact neil.ta@erickimphotography.com

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Here are all of the free downloads available to you, with love:

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Monochrom bliss:

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Start from age 90 (on deathbed; and live in reverse):

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From Aesop Fables, some personal notes for myself:

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Don’t see yourself as a “photographer” — just see yourself as a kid running around with a camera.

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Dear friend,

Don’t think or worry too much about your style, direction, or definition of photography.

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Dear friend,

I want to write you some words of encouragement to have creative confidence in yourself:

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Dear friend,

When it comes to your photography, art, or life — a tip I have for you on living: decisions you make is either a “Hell fucking yeah, or no.”

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Damn it feels good to be fucking alive,
To jump and jive
to realize
that I am alive.

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Dear friend,

You have in the power to reset, or reformat your brain.

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Only work on a photography project if it works for you — if you find it confusing, stressful, or boring; don’t do it. (more…)

How to make your photos go viral (like a virus):

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Don’t stay low; glow.

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