Human artist blog / Street photography / Philosophy
Shoot
Think
Publish
Street photography as courage. Photography philosophy as embodied life. A living archive by ERIC KIM.
I’m sure you had this experience before— you’re in class, taking a multiple-choice test. You think the answer is “Câ€, and you circle it in. Then a second later, you second-guess yourself, and circle …
Lately I’ve been studying a lot of fashion photographers. Why? I love how many of them started off as painters— having a concept in their mind, and being able to execute them in real …
If you want a quick introduction how to shoot better composition in street photography, check out this video. I distill 3 main street photography composition techniques: Leading lines Depth/Layers Triangles You can also watch …
Dear friend, I am currently at the J.W. Hotel in Hanoi, one of the most ballin’ places I’ve been here so far. Cindy is here for an orientation meeting for her Fulbright scholarship, and …
If you want to learn how to be more low-key and “invisible” when shooting street photography, here are some tips: Click, pause, move on Click, take a step closer, click, repeat Don’t make eye …
I have a lot to thank to social media for my “success†in photography and this blog. But what is social media good for, what is it not good for? How do we get …
If you’ve ever wanted to shoot a photograph on the streets, but was nervous or hesitated, try these practical tips and techniques out: What is the worst case scenario? Assume everyone is your friend …
You have an inner-potential that you’re just waiting to unlock. Don’t wait for others to give you permission to fulfill yourself creatively. Start today, and know that you have no limits.
I think as photographers and creatives, we can learn a lot from scientists. Scientists, when trying to discover “truth†— they experiment. They don’t always take conventional wisdom for granted. They challenge pre-existing beliefs, …
Dear friend, I wanted to give you an update about life in Hanoi, after about 4-5 days of living here, and some random meditations about life.
Matter lays inert if an outside force doesn’t act upon it. If you want a ball to roll, you need to push it. How do you expect to unlock your own potential, and set …
There are no “rights” and “wrongs” when it comes to defining “street photography.” It is your definition. For me, street photography is documenting humanity. It can be done in a public space (subway, mall, …
Many of us have creative ideas. But complexity is what gets in the way.
I recently did my first fashion shoot, with the help of my good friend Bil Brown. Here is some GoPro behind-the-scenes footage, shot by Cindy. If you haven’t read the article, read: 7 Lessons I’ve …
I read an article recently about James Altucher— in which he shared the secret of becoming a great DJ is knowing how to “clear the dance floor†— meaning, you choose a song that …
Dear friends, Currently at “The Coffee House†in Hanoi, and really caffeinated (just had a double-shot of espresso, and some of Cindy’s iced coffee). Being here in Hanoi is absolutely wonderful. We are currently …
Dear friend, I was recently thinking about what my purpose in life is. And I think I got it (for now): “My purpose in life is to empower others.†Pretty simple, huh? I’ve thought …
Dear friend, If you want to earn money through your photography, and have really considered to yourself: “Should I earn money through my photography?†I hope this is some advice that can help you. …
A lot of photographers want to make money with their photography. But a better question should be this: “Should I make money with my photography?†In this article I want to share some of …
Dear friend, I’m currently at Dripp coffee shop in Fullerton, California— waiting for Cindy’s younger sister Jennifer to get out of class, then we are going to have “in and out†burger for lunch. …
No matter who you are, you probably love being creative. Many of us pick up photography to escape the dread of our day jobs. However the issue is that many of us become less …
Walter Margerison is one of my closest homies in Berkeley. Not only did he get his start in “street photography” via inspiration by skating, he is also passionate about coffee. In his office at …
For me, I see myself less of a photographer and more of a teacher. My passion has always to empower other people. Being an extrovert, it brings me the most joy to see others …
I’m about to move to Vietnam for the next 1.5 years, and France for 6 months— and I’ve been thinking about what to bring and what not to bring for my trip. I know …
Here are some student photos from my “Discover Your Unique Voice in Street Photography” workshop in Downtown LA. Each student worked on a small mini-project for the weekend, working on honing their individual style …
I recently had the great pleasure of shooting fashion photography for the first time with Suede Brooks (model), fellow photographer Bil Brown (he arranged it all), as well with stylist (Shaina Feldman), beauty (Elaina …
A few weeks ago, I did one of my popular “Conquer Your Fears of Shooting Street Photography” workshops. I am incredibly proud of all the students’ best photos from the workshop. We worked hard …
(Editor’s Note: Eric interviews Ola Billmont about his process, experiences, and lessons learned in making his new book A Day At The Races. All photos by Ola Billmont) Eric: Hey Ola, long time no chat. Tell …
Dear friend, I am excited to share my new book with you: “The Personal Photography Manual.” If you’ve ever wanted to find more meaning, purpose, and direction in your photography, I recommend you to pursue …
If you love cameras and can’t stop buying them (for the sake of it) I hope you enjoy this video on how to cure our illness. Often we think that our cameras aren’t good …
When I’m out shooting in the streets, I’m not sure what will make a good photograph. However, I know what I am afraid of.
Dear friends, if I haven’t told you yet– I’m moving abroad for the next 2 years. For 1.5 years, I’ll be in Vietnam (8 months in Hanoi, then 6 months in Saigon). After, 6 …
One of my friends asked me: “Eric, what should I do if I’ve totally lost my passion or inspiration for photography” This is what I would tell him:
What is your “style” in street photography? How can you make your work stand out? What makes your photos unique, and what do your photos say about you?
There is a sea of photographers out there. How do you distinguish yourself from the mass of other photographers?
“The Decisive Moment” — a fabled concept introduced by the founder of street photography (Henri Cartier-Bresson). The “decisive moment” is that beautiful fleeting moment– where all the compositional elements come together, and you only …
Dear friends, Cindy and I would love to share with you our creative project we have been working on for the past two years. We call it ‘Haptic Industries.’ Part labor of love, part …
If you’re like me, you might have a hard time staying inspired in your photography. Here are 7 tips which have personally helped me:
The photographers I admire the most are the ones who are able to combine their outside interests to make their photography their own. I first met Bil Brown on Instagram, and since them have …
I recently did a workshop at the studio of my friend Bil Brown, and was blown away with his awesome collection of Japanese photo-books. He re-sparked my interest in Shomei Tomatsu. I’ve seen many …
Trust; human civilizations have survived for millennia with it. Societies without trust have disintegrated. Trust is the glue which holds humankind together. How can you use trust to help you succeed as a photographer?
Nobuyoshi Araki (more commonly known as Araki) is one of the most controversial figures in the photography world. While he is a rock star and a superhero in Japan, a lot of the outside …
Dear streettogs, lately I’ve been inspired to take things “back to basicsâ€. Often I take photography too seriously and forget the importance of always staying a beginner, and sticking to fundamentals. Consider this an …
Hey streettogs, if you want to learn some practical tips and techniques when shooting on the streets, check out the video above, or read more to see all 15 tips:
Another quick video on how I direct my subject when shooting street portraits. You can see the first version: How to Direct Your Subject for a Street Portrait.
In this video, you can see how I interact with my subject and direct them for a street portrait. You can see how I asked my subject to stand behind a clean background, how …
I often do a poll during my workshops: “Raise your hand if you don’t like having your own photo being taken.†Usually more than half of my students raise their hands.
Hey streettogs, my good friend Todd Hatakeyama just put together this cool behind-the-scenes video of the past “Conquer Your Fear of Shooting Street Photography Workshop” in Downtown LA. Check me and the students having …
It is hard to know what makes a “good†photograph, but it is easy to know what makes an intimate photograph.
Dear friend, I wanted to write you this letter about the importance of staying fresh creatively by taking a break from your photography, not forcing you to take photos everyday against your own will.
For a long time I’ve seeked “happiness†in my photography and life. While I still don’t know what “happiness†is, I know what makes me unhappy.
Dear friend, One thought that I’ve been thinking about: why do we “need†more likes or followers? Do we desire more likes or followers because it boosts our self-esteem? Or because it helps validate …
Dear streettogs, here are the slides that I used during my “Street Photography 101” presentation on Day 1 of the Adobe Live-Streaming Workshop. In this presentation I talk about how to conquer your fears …
Dear streettogs, if you didn’t have the chance to watch my free 2-day live streaming street photography workshop with Adobe, below are the videos. If you want to learn how to conquer your fears, …
Apparently in the Marines they take great pride in having the “shittiest equipment†with the least amount of support. They pride themselves in being able to get by with less. They make up for …
I feel one of the best ways to stay inspired and motivated with your photography is to focus on a project. To take lots of random photos of anything and everything often leads to …
When I started street photography, my biggest barrier was myself. Specifically— my barrier was my fear of shooting street photography. It was all in my head.
We all know the feeling— having to do something without wanting to do it. The feeling of going to the gym and meeting a gym trainer against your own will. The feeling of having …
I recently read an eye-opening book: “So Good They Can’t Ignore You: Why Skills Trump Passion in the Quest for Work You Love†— in which the author argues against the “passion†hypothesis (the …
(A.g.’s note: Today’s interview is probably an interesting one. John Milton is a citizen of the world. His travels has brought him to some of the most uncommon places for travel. He answers Eric’s …
Thank you so much for your patience and support as Cindy and I worked to prepare the last batch of Henri neck straps. We received a lot of great feedback, and have made the …
Dear streettogs, I am super pumped to announce that I am hosting my first free live-streaming street photography workshop on July 19-20th (12-3pm Pacific time) on the Adobe Twitch Channel >> The workshop is a …
The “snapshot†is a word looked down with disdain and hatred. No photographer wants to hear that his/her photos look like “snapshots.†We want our photos to be respected, appreciated, and seen as “art.†…
SA 19 Editor’s Choice Evandro Nunes de Oliveira wants us to explore faces and places! (Details of joining and more info after the jump!)
I’ve pretty much shot RAW all my life. There are so many benefits of shooting RAW– in terms of how much flexibility you have with the files, as well as the raw data in …
I remembered when I was sitting in my cubicle, dreaming and lusting after a digital Leica M9. I imagined after buying it, all of my life’s problems would be solved. I imagined the camera …
What is a photographer? A photographer is an individual who sees beauty in the mundane. A photographer is an individual who walks at a slow pace, experiences life fully and vividly, and can capture …
I don’t know about you— but there is nothing I hate more than being a tourist. When you’re a tourist; you feel trapped. You do what everyone else tells you what you should do— …
Dear friend, I recently got back from my honeymoon with Cindy from Mexico city (amazing city, highly recommended) and finally we have some time to decompress, reflect on our wedding, and look through all …
In today’s modern world, procrastination is seen as a negative thing. It is seen as a “disease†that needs to be eliminated. Thousands of self-help books, blog posts, and podcasts encourage and teach us …