• The World is in Your Backyard

    The World is in Your Backyard

    You don’t have to go to the most exotic places to take great photos. Often when it comes to street photography, we think of the masters like Henri Cartier-Bresson and Robert Doisneau who shot in the streets of Paris or hardcore street photographers such as Bruce Gilden in New York. However just because you do not live in a huge city like San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, Paris, London doesn’t mean that you can’t take great photos. Sure you might not see as many people in the streets, but that is hardly an excuse.

    I know a street photographer by the name of Tom Kaszuba who lives in a very small city in Norwich Connecticut where there are barely any people roaming the streets. Although it does make the process more difficult to find more people, it doesn’t deter him from still getting breathtaking images that convey the beauty of every-day life. He would go to street fairs or any other events in which had a large gathering of individuals and would take amazing candid portraits of individuals walking around the streets. His subjects come in all different colors, sexes, and sizes. Although he may not live in New York City or Los Angeles, his vision and determination to photography has helped him create memorable images of a seemingly “unmemorable” town.

    Greg Abate Live! — One of Tom's Finest Photos

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  • Free Color and B/W Lightroom 3 Presets!

    Free Color and B/W Lightroom 3 Presets!

    So these are some presets that I made in Adobe Lightroom 3 and frequently use when converting my images into color or black and white. Granted that I will still do some fine-tweaking to each image after applying these presets, they are a great starting point for the starting Lightroom 3 user. Also make sure that your images in RAW when applying these presets, or they will come out really funky! Enjoy!

    Before (Raw)

    Raw Image
    RAW Image (Before)

    Applying “Eric Lomo Pop” preset:

    "Eric Lomo Pop" Preset applied

    Applying “Eric B/W Dramatic” preset

    "Eric B/W Dramatic" Filter Applied

    Download the Lightroom 3 Presets here:

    – “Eric Lomo Pop”

    – “Eric B/W Dramatic”


    Instructions how to import it into Lightroom 3:

    –Youtube Instructions

    – Digital Photography School Instructions

  • The One Million Dollar Question

    The One Million Dollar Question

    So the other day when I stepped out of my office on 3rd street to go take some photos during my lunch break, I was spotted by a group of Christian missionaries handing out fake one-million dollar bills to passer-by’s. They had interesting caricatures of what I perceive to be famous celebrities in place of some of our beloved presidents. As they noticed at me gazing at them, one of their representatives walked up to me and asked me, “If you were going to die tomorrow, would you definitely be sure that you would be in heaven?” Wow–what a loaded question. I then casually responded, “Of course not.” The man then asked me for 2 of my minutes and during that split-second decision I thought to myself, “Sure, why the hell not.”

    Million Dollar Bill #1

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  • If You Want Greatness Stop Asking For Permission

    If You Want Greatness Stop Asking For Permission

    From my friend Roseann Marquez’s Facebook account. Link to her twitter.

    Makes me think of one of my favorite quotes: “It is better to ask for forgiveness than ask for permission.” That is one of the few things that I have learned in life, which is that people are always so afraid of the negative consequences that they rarely think of the positive outcomes that could come out of breaking out of one’s shell. Fear is one of the things that prevents men (and women alike) from truly achieving what they are capable of. Is failure what scares people, or the fear of failure? Although failing is a disheartening feeling, it does not kill the individual. Rather, it empowers the individual to continue to strive for greatness until it is actually achieved.

    So never fall into complacency. Strive for greatness. And like Nike famously puts it, “Just do it.”

    Truer words couldn't be said.
  • Introduction to Street Photography

    Introduction to Street Photography

    For the last year or so, I have actually been working on a “Street Photography 101” book that I plan on publishing into an ebook. However, considering that I don’t know how long it will take before I have a finished product, I plan on posting several bits and pieces of it into this blog for your critique and reading pleasure. First part of this series, a quick intro into Street Photography 101.

    —

    What is Street Photography?

    There is not one definition which defines street photography. Depending on who you ask or where you find your information, you will come upon conflicting responses. Some street photographers will say that it is about capturing the emotion and expressions of people, while others may put a higher emphasis on the urban environment. However I believe that the most effective street photographs are the ones that synthesize both the human element as well as the urban environment. To capture a moment in which a person is interacting with the environment or in which the environment is interacting with the person is a true mark of a skilled street photographer.

    But when it comes down to it, it is basically taking photos on the streets. So instead of chasing sunsets and exotic creatures, you look for ordinary places and ordinary people and creatively compose them in a clever way. Anybody can take a good picture of a sunset. Although there are many technical details which go into capturing a perfect sunset, anybody can simply point their camera and capture a sunset which is inspiring. But when it comes to street photography, you must constantly be looking for either contrasting elements in an environment which make a photograph interesting.

    Simply put, the main focus of street photography is taking the everyday and the mundane and making it into something unique and beautiful.

    Fly Away
  • 100 Things I Have Learned About Photography

    100 Things I Have Learned About Photography

    Make sure to also read my other more recent list, “102 Things I Have Learned About Street Photography“.

    Written: 10-14-09

    1. Just because someone has an expensive camera doesn’t mean that they’re a good photographer.
    2. Always shoot in RAW. Always.
    3. Prime lenses help you learn to be a better photographer.
    4. Photo editing is an art in itself
    5. The rule of thirds works 99% of the time.
    6. Macro photography isn’t for everybody.
    7. UV filters work just as well as lens caps.
    8. Go outside and shoot photos rather than spending hours a day on photography forums.
    9. Capture the beauty in the mundane and you have a winning photograph.
    10. Film isn’t better than digital.
    11. Digital isn’t better than film.
    12. There is no “magic” camera or lens.
    13. Better lenses don’t give you better photos.
    14. Spend less time looking at other people’s work and more time shooting your own.
    15. Don’t take your DSLR to parties.
    16. Being a photographer is sexy.
    17. Making your photos b/w doesn’t automatically make them “artsy”
    18. People will always discredit your work if you tell them you “photoshop” your images. Rather, tell them that you process them in the “digital darkroom”.
    19. You don’t need to take a photo of everything.
    20. Have at least 2 backups of all your images. Like they say in war, two is one, one is none.
    21. Ditch the neck strap and get a handstrap.
    22. Get closer when taking your photos, they often turn out better.
    23. Be a part of a scene while taking a photo; not a voyeur.
    24. Taking a photo crouched often make your photos look more interesting.
    25. Worry less about technical aspects and focus more on compositional aspects of photography.
    26. Tape up any logos on your camera with black gaffers tape- it brings a lot less attention to you.
    27. Always underexpose by 2/3rds of a stop when shooting in broad daylight.
    28. The more photos you take, the better you get.
    29. Don’t be afraid to take several photos of the same scene at different exposures, angles, or apertures.
    30. Only show your best photos.
    31. A point-and-shoot is still a camera.
    32. Join an online photography forum.
    33. Critique the works of others.
    34. Think before you shoot.
    35. A good photo shouldn’t require explanation (although background information often adds to an image). *
    36. Alcohol and photography do not mix well.
    37. Draw inspiration from other photographers but never worship them.
    38. Grain is beautiful.
    39. Ditch the photo backpack and get a messenger bag. It makes getting your lenses and camera a whole lot easier.
    40. Simplicity is key.
    41. The definition of photography is: “painting with light.” Use light in your favor.
    42. Find your style of photography and stick with it.
    43. Having a second monitor is the best thing ever for photo processing.
    44. Silver EFEX pro is the best b/w converter.
    45. Carry your camera with you everywhere. Everywhere.
    46. Never let photography get in the way of enjoying life.
    47. Don’t pamper your camera. Use and abuse it.
    48. Take straight photos.
    49. Shoot with confidence.
    50. Photography and juxtaposition are best friends.
    51. Print out your photos big. They will make you happy.
    52. Give your photos to friends.
    53. Give them to strangers.
    54. Don’t forget to frame them.
    55. Costco prints are cheap and look great.
    56. Go out and take photos with (a) friend(s).
    57. Join a photo club or start one for yourself.
    58. Photos make great presents.
    59. Taking photos of strangers is thrilling.
    60. Candid>Posed.
    61. Natural light is the best light.
    62. 35mm (on full frame) is the best “walk-around” focal length.
    63. Don’t be afraid to bump up your ISO when necessary.
    64. You don’t need to always bring a tripod with you everywhere you go (hell, I don’t even own one).
    65. It is always better to underexpose than overexpose.
    66. Shooting photos of homeless people in an attempt to be “artsy” is exploitation.
    67. You will find the best photo opportunities in the least likely situations.
    68. Photos are always more interesting with the human element included.
    69. You can’t “photoshop” bad images into good ones.
    70. Nowadays everybody is a photographer.
    71. You don’t need to fly to Paris to get good photos; the best photo opportunities are in your backyard.
    72. People with DSLRS who shoot portraits with their grip pointed downwards look like morons.
    73. Cameras as tools, not toys.
    74. In terms of composition, photography and painting aren’t much different.
    75. Photography isn’t a hobby- it’s a lifestyle.
    76. Make photos, not excuses.
    77. Be original in your photography. Don’t try to copy the style of others.
    78. The best photographs tell stories that begs the viewer for more.
    79. Any cameras but black ones draw too much attention.
    80. The more gear you carry around with you the less you will enjoy photography.
    81. Good self-portraits are harder to take than they seem.
    82. Laughter always draws out peoples’ true character in a photograph.
    83. Don’t look suspicious when taking photos- blend in with the environment.
    84. Landscape photography can become dull after a while.
    85. Have fun while taking photos.
    86. Never delete any of your photos.
    87. Be respectful when taking photos of people or places.
    88. When taking candid photos of people in the street, it is easier to use a wide-angle than a telephoto lens.
    89. Travel and photography are the perfect pair.
    90. Learn how to read a histogram.
    91. A noisy photo is better than a blurry one.
    92. Don’t be afraid to take photos in the rain.
    93. Learn how to enjoy the moment, rather than relentlessly trying to capture the perfect picture of it.
    94. Never take photos on an empty stomach.
    95. You will discover a lot about yourself through your photography.
    96. Never hoard your photographic insight- share it with the world.
    97. Never stop taking photos
    98. Photography is more than simply taking photos, it is a philosophy of life
    99. Capture the decisive moment
    100. Write your own list.
  • Todd White “Paparazzi” Painting

    Todd White “Paparazzi” Painting

    So at the online advertising agency that I work (AKMG), the CEO there has a real great taste in art. He owns several Todd White pieces, who according to his website claims himself as the “critically acclaimed modern master and
    portrait painter for the 21st century.”

    This piece actually hangs in the bathroom, which is quite funny as some of my female co-workers have complained to him that is creepy that it looks like a bunch of photographers are taking photos of them while they use the bathroom. I, however, found it a quite fascinating piece (being a photographer and all). This image says a great deal about society and celebrity-worship, as the piece puts you in the shoes of a celebrity and shows you how it feels like to have all those cameras pointing at you. It definitely does make you feel a bit unnerved and uncomfortable, as the images of the photographers are abstract enough to actually portray face-less photographers. However as a photographer, I feel completely comfortable in front of a camera (as I am the one usually wielding it).

    Paparazzi
  • Hello world!

    Hello world!

    Hey guys, so this is going to be my new blog in which I will post photos, essays, tips, and insights about street photography and more. Don’t worry– erickimphotography.com will still be alive and well. Please leave a comment below and tell me what you think of the new look and what suggestions you think I could incorporate!

    Me on the streets with my old-school Contax rangefinder