<\/p>\n
![\"Cindy](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/F2B3DC6D-0DCF-4EC3-B2DE-88E98F8835FE-1000x662.jpeg?resize=1000%2C662\")
<\/p>\n
First and foremost, I’ve learned that photography is one of the best art-creating techniques that exist.<\/p>\n
Photography means to ‘draw with light’ (or paint with light\/write with light).<\/p>\n
- \n
- Photo<\/a>: Comes from Ancient Greek (“phos”) which means ‘light’<\/li>\n
- Graphy<\/a>: To write, scratch into, draw, sketch, paint, etc.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
I think after we get beyond our basic needs, the final human use of our time, energy and human metabolism<\/a> is to create art.<\/p>\n
![\"suit](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/2DC52DB5-4F22-4C20-8F56-B5D85399A2DA-1-1000x1508.jpeg?resize=1000%2C1508\")
<\/p>\nThis goes according to “Maslow’s hierarchy of needs<\/a>” — we first need to cover our physiological needs in life.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/maslow-hierarchy-of-needs-1000x681.png?resize=1000%2C681\")
<\/p>\nThen eventually, we seek ‘self-actualization’ — which is essentially becoming an artist. To create your own reality, to ‘put a dent in the universe’ (in the words of Steve Jobs<\/a>), and to make artwork which is inside our heart and soul<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\n![\"Melbourne](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/eric-kim-photography-0000982-1-1000x1510.jpg?resize=1000%2C1510\")
<\/p>\nThere is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ for your photography philosophy. There’s only genuine or in-genuine; which means, just be 100% honest with yourself and ask yourself:<\/p>\n
\n “Why do I make photos?”\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Share why you make photos here ><\/a><\/p>\n
For myself, I see myself as a visual sociologist<\/a>. I make photos to better understand individuals and society around me. I’m also trying to make some sort of social commentary and critique as well — when it comes to any socio-political-economic statements; like in my SUITS<\/a> project or my ONLY IN AMERICA<\/a> project.<\/p>\n
\nWhat is ‘philosophy’ anyways?<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/eric-kim-photography-0001044-1000x662.jpg?resize=1000%2C662\")
<\/p>\nPhilosophy means “love of wisdom” in Ancient Greek<\/a>:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Philo: Love<\/li>\n
- Sophia: Wisdom\/Knowledge<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
So a philosopher isn’t some monk living by himself in a mountain somewhere; a philosopher is a “lover of wisdom” — someone who seeks to become wiser.<\/p>\n
And wisdom is just ‘good judgement’.<\/p>\n
Related to ‘sophia’ is ‘sapiens’ (as humans, we are ‘Homo sapiens’). Sapien comes from “sapi\u00c5\u008d”, which means to discern, (\u00e2\u20ac\u0153discern, be capable of discerning\u00e2\u20ac\u009d).<\/p>\n
And to me, “knowledge” is to know information which can help us make more beneficial decisions in real life.<\/p>\n
So to me, studying philosophy is to better understand why<\/em> we make photos, and to inspire\/motivate us to continue making photos!<\/p>\n
\nDo you plan on making images until you die?<\/h2>\n
![\"Cindy](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/D79FCCFB-4A7F-49B9-8D88-3CEF3A2D94E4-1000x1504.jpeg?resize=1000%2C1504\")
<\/p>\nAs a photographer, you’re an image-maker. You love making visual artwork.<\/p>\n
But remember– you don’t need to just make photos. You can make moving pictures (video\/cinema), you can make painting\/illustrations\/sculpture<\/a>, and ultimately, you should see yourself as a ‘visual artist<\/a>‘.<\/p>\n
If you call yourself and consider yourself a ‘visual artist’ — a whole new world of opportunities will open up to you!<\/p>\n
And to take it a step further, call yourself an ‘artist-philosopher<\/a>‘.<\/p>\n
You are both<\/em> artist AND<\/em> philosopher.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Artist<\/strong>: You make artwork (anything can be considered art, even peeling a potato consciously, according to Joseph Beuys<\/a>)<\/li>\n
- Philosopher<\/strong>: You are seeking more wisdom, knowledge, and meaning<\/a> in your photography and artwork.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\nConclusion: You’re always in flux<\/h2>\n
![\"63053C45-117B-4B12-B68E-0832EB6B5BB0\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/63053C45-117B-4B12-B68E-0832EB6B5BB0.jpeg?w=783&h=519&ssl=1\" "\\"63053C45-117B-4B12-B68E-0832EB6B5BB0\\"")
<\/a> <\/div> <\/div> ![\"1B6DB0DF-0D30-4FBC-BC3B-816B5E993A61\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/1B6DB0DF-0D30-4FBC-BC3B-816B5E993A61.jpeg?w=389&h=258&ssl=1\" "\\"1B6DB0DF-0D30-4FBC-BC3B-816B5E993A61\\"")
<\/a> <\/div> ![\"B6FCB957-ECA6-4D0B-8EA7-BC17E746772A\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/B6FCB957-ECA6-4D0B-8EA7-BC17E746772A-scaled.jpeg?w=389&h=257&ssl=1\" "\\"B6FCB957-ECA6-4D0B-8EA7-BC17E746772A\\"")
<\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> ![\"img_1025\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/img_1025.jpg?w=291&h=193&ssl=1\" "\\"img_1025\\"")
<\/a> <\/div> <\/div> ![\"img_1499\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/img_1499.jpg?w=291&h=193&ssl=1\" "\\"img_1499\\"")
<\/a> <\/div> <\/div> ![\"img_1563-218\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/img_1563-218.jpg?w=291&h=193&ssl=1\" "\\"img_1563-218\\"")
<\/a> <\/div> <\/div> ![\"img_1572-221\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/img_1572-221.jpg?w=291&h=193&ssl=1\" "\\"img_1572-221\\"")
<\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>\nThere’s no conclusion to your photography; you’re always changing, evolving, and in a state of flux<\/a>.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/eric-kim-los-angeles-sweat--1000x673.jpg?resize=1000%2C673\")
<\/p>\nGive yourself permission to change! Don’t be a self-tyrant to yourself; prohibiting yourself from your own evolution.<\/p>\n
Never stop shooting and exploring!
\nERIC<\/p>\n
\nPhotography Philosophy<\/a><\/h1>\n
![\"Cindy](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/EB9FE12C-2F5B-47A9-AD15-59BDE7099856-800x530.jpeg?resize=800%2C530\")
<\/p>\nPhotography Philosophy 101<\/h2>\n
- \n
- Photography Philosophy 101: I Photograph to See What the World Looks Like Photographed<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Personal Photography Philosophy<\/h2>\n
Why<\/em> do you make photos? Reflect in PHOTO JOURNAL<\/a>:<\/p>\n
- \n
- The Unexamined Life Isn’t Worth Photographing<\/a><\/li>\n
- Do You Like Looking at Your Own Photos? <\/a><\/li>\n
- Life-Affirming Photography<\/a><\/li>\n
- NEVER STOP EVOLVING!<\/a><\/li>\n
- HYPER PHOTOGRAPHY<\/a><\/li>\n
- The Soul of the Photographer<\/a><\/li>\n
- The Photographer as a Vessel<\/a><\/li>\n
- How to Think Outside the Frame<\/a><\/li>\n
- Photography is the Elixir of Life<\/a><\/li>\n
- Imager<\/a><\/li>\n
- Why You Must Photograph<\/a><\/li>\n
- How to See as a Photographer<\/a><\/li>\n
- How to Delete Your Pictures<\/a><\/li>\n
- Your Camera is a Blessing<\/a><\/li>\n
- Reality vs. Perception in Photography<\/a><\/li>\n
- What’s Your Final Aim in Photography?<\/a><\/li>\n
- If We Delete Our Pictures, Do We Delete Ourselves?<\/a><\/li>\n
- There is No Truth in Photography; All is Allowed<\/a><\/li>\n
- MEMENTO MORI PHOTOGRAPHY<\/a><\/li>\n
- YOU ARE A PHOTO GOD.<\/a><\/li>\n
- How to Gain More Control, Freedom, and Happiness in Your Photography<\/a><\/li>\n
- The Will to Shoot<\/a><\/li>\n
- The Art of Constantly BECOMING<\/a><\/li>\n
- The Frame<\/a><\/li>\n
- How to Increase Your Visual Perception<\/a><\/li>\n
- Could an AI Shoot the Same Photo as You?<\/a><\/li>\n
- A Photographer\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s Guide to Seeing<\/a><\/li>\n
- THE LESS REAL YOUR PHOTOS, THE BETTER.<\/a><\/li>\n
- Photography as Experience<\/a><\/li>\n
- SHOOT YOU.<\/a><\/li>\n
- MAKE PICTURES, NOT PHOTOGRAPHS<\/a><\/li>\n
- Why You Should Ignore Photography and Art Critics<\/a><\/li>\n
- Do You Live to Photograph, or Photograph to Live?<\/a><\/li>\n
- Living a Good Life is More Important Than Photography<\/a><\/li>\n
- How to Start Fresh in Your Photography<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
START HERE<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n
\nPhilosophy<\/a><\/h1>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/zen-of-eric-cover-no-text-crimson-red-1.jpg?resize=495%2C800\")
<\/p>\nDictate your meaning and purpose in your life:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Inner Power<\/a><\/li>\n
- How to Live a Purposeful Life<\/a><\/li>\n
- My Definition of Happiness<\/a><\/li>\n
- Why Change is Good<\/a><\/li>\n
- Why Work?<\/a><\/li>\n
- How to Live the Happiest Possible Life<\/a><\/li>\n
- The Two-Pronged Approach to Maximize Joy in Your Life<\/a><\/li>\n
- You Always Have Another Option!<\/a><\/li>\n
- INFINITISM<\/a><\/li>\n
- Never Stop!<\/a><\/li>\n
- What is Your Self-Directed Purpose in Life?<\/a><\/li>\n
- Live Today Like it Were Your Last<\/a><\/li>\n
- Do You Photograph to Live, or Live to Photograph?<\/a><\/li>\n
- ARTIST-PHILOSOPHER<\/a><\/li>\n
- Live Life to the Fullest!<\/a><\/li>\n
- In Praise of Selfishness<\/a><\/li>\n
- Why You Must Be a YAY-SAYER to Succeed in Entrepreneurship and Life<\/a><\/li>\n
- Why I Love Walking<\/a><\/li>\n
- Live Life Like a Video Game!<\/a><\/li>\n
- Simple Luxuries in Life<\/a><\/li>\n
- Treat Your Life Like a Fun Experiment!<\/a><\/li>\n
- Only Prove it to Yourself<\/a><\/li>\n
- You Don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t Always Need to Feel Joyful to Live a Fulfilling and Meaningful Life<\/a><\/li>\n
- Life is Too Short to Be Bored!<\/a><\/li>\n
- Money Cannot Destroy Boredom<\/a><\/li>\n
- How to Find Inspiration in Life<\/a><\/li>\n
- Why You Must Ignore Haters to Succeed and Win in Life<\/a><\/li>\n
- An Active Life is a Happy Life<\/a><\/li>\n
- My Simple Joys in Life<\/a><\/li>\n
- Never Stop Striving<\/a><\/li>\n
- How to Motivate Yourself in Life<\/a><\/li>\n
- How to Be Optimistic in Life<\/a><\/li>\n
- How to Dictate Your Purpose in Life<\/a><\/li>\n
- In Praise of a Dynamic Life<\/a><\/li>\n
- PURPOSE.<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n
- How to Enjoy Life<\/a><\/li>\n
- Photography Therapy<\/a><\/li>\n
- How to Conquer Regret<\/a><\/li>\n
- Take Your Play Very Seriously.<\/a><\/li>\n
- How to Prosper<\/a><\/li>\n
- Memento Vivere<\/a><\/li>\n
- Destroy in Order to CREATE<\/a><\/li>\n
- Trust Your Body More Than Your Mind<\/a><\/li>\n
- Make Photos to Make Meaning in Your Life<\/a><\/li>\n
- Seek Knowledge, Not Information<\/a><\/li>\n
- The Purpose of Human Life<\/a><\/li>\n
- How to Overcome Impedence<\/a><\/li>\n
- Why I Love Death<\/a><\/li>\n
- How to Be Centered in the Eternal Now<\/a><\/li>\n
- How to Be Happy<\/a><\/li>\n
- Why Do You Care What Others Think of You?<\/a><\/li>\n
- How to Live a Purposeful Life<\/a><\/li>\n
- Do You Like Looking at Your Own Photos? <\/a><\/li>\n
- The Unexamined Life Isn’t Worth Photographing<\/a><\/li>\n
- Philosopher<\/strong>: You are seeking more wisdom, knowledge, and meaning<\/a> in your photography and artwork.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Artist<\/strong>: You make artwork (anything can be considered art, even peeling a potato consciously, according to Joseph Beuys<\/a>)<\/li>\n
- Graphy<\/a>: To write, scratch into, draw, sketch, paint, etc.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n