![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/eric-kim-selfie-flash-broken-mirror-red.jpg?resize=1180%2C781\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhen you use the flash on your camera, you create more surreal photos. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
I love shooting with a flash, because you never know what you’re going to get! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/eric-kim-OC-v19-xf10-2018-3237-2000x1333.jpg?resize=1180%2C786\")
Xf10 and flash <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li> ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/eric-kim-OC-v19-xf10-2018-3222-2000x1333.jpg?resize=1180%2C786\")
Shot with XF10 and flash <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li> ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/IMG_20181126_120802-1500x2000.jpg?resize=1180%2C1573\")
Flash inside toaster <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li> ![\"Leica](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/dark-skies-over-tokyo-eric-kim3-2000x1331.jpg?resize=1180%2C785\")
Leica M9, 35mm lens, flash. Tokyo, 2011<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li> ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/IMG_20181129_150026-1500x2000.jpg?resize=1180%2C1573\")
No flash. <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li> ![\"Flash](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/img_1136eric-kim-grit-and-grain-black-and-white-trix1600.jpg?resize=1024%2C1544\")
Flash photo I shot while chatting up a gentleman in Paris, catching his laughing gesture.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li> ![\"Film](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/eric-kim-photography-black-and-white-tri-x-1600-leica-mp-35mm-film-0940.jpg?resize=1024%2C1545\")
Film Leica MP, f\/8, flash at 1\/8th power, 1.2 meters<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li> ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/R0001496-san-francisco-man-hat-flash-bart-1325x2000.jpg?resize=1180%2C1781\")
<\/figure><\/li>![\"Long-distance](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/eric-kim-photography-black-and-white-tri-x-1600-leica-mp-35mm-film-0953.jpg?resize=1180%2C782\")
Long-distance flash photo, film Leica MP, Kodak Tri-X 400 film.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n Furthermore, shooting with a flash helps simplify your photos, by adding contrast to your subjects, and causing them to pop out from the background.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As general tip:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whenever you have the opportunity, always shoot a scene BOTH with (and without) a flash! <\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
2. Simplify the background <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Lumix](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/87A65CDE-E833-4357-9926-F9DCF14EAB90-2000x1336.jpeg?resize=1180%2C788\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nYou can simplify the background by holding your camera super high in the air and pointing downwards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/ERIC-KIM-STREET-PORTRAITS1-1325x2000.jpg?resize=1180%2C1781\")
<\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/ERIC-KIM-STREET-PORTRAITS3-1325x2000.jpg?resize=1180%2C1781\")
<\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/ERIC-KIM-STREET-PORTRAITS7-1325x2000.jpg?resize=1180%2C1781\")
<\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/ERIC-KIM-STREET-PORTRAITS6-1325x2000.jpg?resize=1180%2C1781\")
<\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/new-orleans-street-portrait-1325x2000.jpg?resize=1180%2C1781\")
<\/figure><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nOr another tip is to shoot from a super low angle, and photograph your subject against the sky. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Get closer to your subject <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/3A0F58CF-3B19-462B-9806-816D87DAD7C6-1336x2000.jpeg?resize=1180%2C1766\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBy getting closer to your subject, you will make your subjects look more interesting and distorted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/hearts-downtown-la-street-photography-portrait-2000x1331.jpg?resize=1180%2C785\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nFurthermore getting close to your subjects will make the photos far more intimate. The more intimate your photos, the more emotional response from your viewers. Thus, the more likely the photos will stick in the mind of your viewers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/street-portrait-berkeley-eric-kim-street-photograpy-black-and-white-Monochrome-25-1325x2000.jpg?resize=1180%2C1781\")
<\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/black-and-white-street-portraits-eric-kim11-1000x15101490038501.jpg?resize=1000%2C1510\")
<\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/black-and-white-street-portraits-eric-kim1-1000x1510759219798.jpg?resize=1000%2C1510\")
<\/figure><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n4. Shoot against the sun <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Cindy](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/CC024C88-7A8F-4B4E-AA7D-D55175AAB5D3-2000x1336.jpeg?resize=1180%2C788\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nOften if you shoot against the sun, you can create dramatic effects (lens flare, silhouettes):<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Simple](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/AB35F800-848F-476D-A96E-B81D5965A83A-1325x2000.jpeg?resize=1180%2C1781\")
Simple figure to ground composition. Man in silhouette in black in top left of frame against white sky. <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li> ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/BCAC9029-DC82-4F52-AF3F-F60BF302B736-2000x1325.jpeg?resize=1180%2C782\")
<\/figure><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nBy shooting against the sun, you allow more interesting and random things to happen in your photos! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. Photograph strong emotions and mood <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Eric-Kim-Photography-OSAKA-v10-Lumix-LX100-8590186-2000x1337.jpg?resize=1180%2C789\")
<\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/suits-eric-kim-street-photography-project-36-2000x1327.jpg?resize=1180%2C783\")
<\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/suits-eric-kim-street-photography-project-26-2000x1326.jpg?resize=1180%2C782\")
<\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/eric-kim-street-photography-suits-project-21-2000x1327.jpg?resize=1180%2C783\")
<\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/eric-kim-photography-suits-street-25-2000x1326.jpg?resize=1180%2C782\")
<\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/SUITS-BY-ERIC-KIM10.jpg?resize=1180%2C782\")
<\/figure><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nLook for hand gestures, and scenes that you identify with emotionally. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example for my SUITS<\/a> book, I looked for miserable looking men in suits. It was a self portrait of myself, and how I felt when I had a 9-5 job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shoot hand gestures, or body language or facial expressions you feel evoke an emotional response. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
6. “You don’t take a photo, you make it.”-Ansel Adams<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/03E85DA6-7406-4963-86A8-C49B08B895B0-2000x1500.jpeg?resize=1180%2C885\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nTo make a photo, you must post process your photos in a way which highlights the drama in your photo. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Remember, adding filters or processing is not “cheating”. That’s like saying a chef who uses spices and herbs is “cheating” (it is part of the artistry!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/201A93DC-958A-4480-9907-0ECD3FF7CD3C.jpeg?resize=1180%2C1334\")
Processing with iPad Lightroom <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Thus, have fun with post processing! Keep experimenting with it and have fun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Experiment using Apple Photos, Adobe Lightroom, and VSCO. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
7. Simplify<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/5AA486AD-6917-4F80-9552-FE7001525AB8-2000x1325.jpeg?resize=1180%2C782\")
<\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/574C88A6-FAEE-45FF-9688-D986D0A9F5DE-1325x2000.jpeg?resize=1180%2C1781\")
<\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/09D04848-FB67-44AF-B42E-8C7A823D4366-2000x1336.jpeg?resize=1180%2C788\")
<\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/3413C296-B2EA-4F4E-86A9-B87D74803258-1336x2000.jpeg?resize=1180%2C1766\")
<\/figure><\/li>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/B07FAB6F-385D-4A4D-A2AA-6F513051E856-2000x1336.jpeg?resize=1180%2C788\")
<\/figure><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nThe best photography compositions are the most simple. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Constantly strive to simplify your photos. Seek elegance and simplicity<\/a> as an aesthetic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
SHOOT ON! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
ERIC <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- \n\t
![\"ERIC](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/photographers-wallet-.jpg?resize=450%2C450&ssl=1\")
ERIC KIM WALLET<\/h2>\n\t$<\/span> 500<\/bdi><\/span><\/span>\n<\/a>Add to cart<\/a>\t\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n<\/li>\n
- \n\t
![\"MUSE](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/MUSE-BY-KIM-GREEN-1.jpg?resize=450%2C450&ssl=1\")
MUSE BY KIM<\/h2>\n\t$<\/span> 590<\/bdi><\/span><\/span>\n<\/a>Add to cart<\/a>\t\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n<\/li>\n
- \n\t
![\"Eric](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/IMG_0512.webp?resize=450%2C450&ssl=1\")
ERIC KIM NECK STRAP MARK II<\/h2>\n\t$<\/span> 299<\/bdi><\/span><\/span>\n<\/a>Add to cart<\/a>\t\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n<\/li>\n
- \n\t\n\tSale!<\/span>\n\t
![\"HENRI](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/henri-neck-strap-mark-iv-blood-red-7.jpg?resize=450%2C450&ssl=1\")
HENRI NECK STRAP MARK IV<\/h2>\n\t$<\/span> 599<\/bdi><\/span> –<\/span> $<\/span> 699<\/bdi><\/span>Price range: $ 599 through $ 699<\/span><\/span>\n<\/a>Select options<\/a>\t\n\t\tThis product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page\t<\/span>\n<\/li>\n
- \n\t
![\"ERIC](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/ERIC-KIM-WRIST-STRAP-MARK-II-x-RICOH-GR-III11-scaled.jpg?resize=450%2C450&ssl=1\")
ERIC KIM WRIST STRAP MARK II<\/h2>\n\t$<\/span> 199<\/bdi><\/span><\/span>\n<\/a>Add to cart<\/a>\t\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n<\/li>\n
- \n\t\n\tSale!<\/span>\n\t
![\"HENRI](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/henri-wrist-strap-pro-phantom-black-.jpg?resize=450%2C450&ssl=1\")
HENRI WRIST STRAP (PRO)<\/h2>\n\t
$<\/span> 399<\/bdi><\/span><\/del> Original price was: $ 399.<\/span>$<\/span> 199<\/bdi><\/span><\/ins>Current price is: $ 199.<\/span><\/span>\n<\/a>Select options<\/a>\t\n\t\tThis product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page\t<\/span>\n<\/li>\n- \n\t\n\tSale!<\/span>\n\t
![\"HENRI](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/IMG_4578-scaled.webp?resize=450%2C450&ssl=1\")
HENRI SHOULDER STRAP<\/h2>\n\t
$<\/span> 1,650<\/bdi><\/span><\/del> Original price was: $ 1,650.<\/span>$<\/span> 499<\/bdi><\/span><\/ins>Current price is: $ 499.<\/span><\/span>\n<\/a>Select options<\/a>\t\n\t\tThis product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page\t<\/span>\n<\/li>\n- \n\t\n\tSale!<\/span>\n\t
![\"Henri](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/Henri-Wrist-Strap-COLOR-9-scaled.jpg?resize=450%2C450&ssl=1\")
Henri Wrist Strap CHROMA LIMITED EDITION<\/h2>\n\t$<\/span> 69<\/bdi><\/span> –<\/span> $<\/span> 290<\/bdi><\/span>Price range: $ 69 through $ 290<\/span><\/span>\n<\/a>Select options<\/a>\t\n\t\tThis product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page\t<\/span>\n<\/li>\n
- \n\t
![\"We](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/08\/ERIC-KIM-PHOTOGRAPHY-KYOTO-0136345-scaled.jpg?resize=450%2C450&ssl=1\")
HENRI WRIST STRAP (CREMA BROWN)<\/h2>\n\t$<\/span> 59<\/bdi><\/span><\/span>\n<\/a>Add to cart<\/a>\t\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Simple and practical tips on making better photos:<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":124525,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"jetpack_seo_schema_type":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_ek_photo_artist_note":"","_ek_photo_thesis":"","_ek_photo_camera":"","_ek_photo_place":"","_ek_photo_human_moment":"","_ek_photo_sequence":"","_ek_photo_question":"","_ek_photo_canonical_claim":"","_ek_photo_ai_summary":"","_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[17],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-124510","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-posts"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/Screenshot_20190104-163900_Chrome.jpg?fit=1079%2C753&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/124510","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=124510"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/124510\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":124527,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/124510\/revisions\/124527"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/124525"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=124510"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=124510"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=124510"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
- \n\t