{"id":30101,"date":"2016-08-22T06:00:08","date_gmt":"2016-08-22T13:00:08","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/?p=30101"},"modified":"2022-05-10T22:57:08","modified_gmt":"2022-05-11T02:57:08","slug":"the-personal-photography-manual","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/","title":{"rendered":"The Personal Photography Manual"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div data-wp-interactive=\"core\/file\" class=\"wp-block-file\"><object data-wp-bind--hidden=\"!state.hasPdfPreview\" hidden class=\"wp-block-file__embed\" data=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Personal-Photography-Manual-ERIC-KIM.pdf\" type=\"application\/pdf\" style=\"width:100%;height:600px\" aria-label=\"Embed of Embed of Personal Photography Manual ERIC KIM..\"><\/object><a id=\"wp-block-file--media-b83ccb0b-b925-4cb0-b37c-fa947855c9b9\" href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Personal-Photography-Manual-ERIC-KIM.pdf\">Personal Photography Manual ERIC KIM<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Personal-Photography-Manual-ERIC-KIM.pdf\" class=\"wp-block-file__button\" download aria-describedby=\"wp-block-file--media-b83ccb0b-b925-4cb0-b37c-fa947855c9b9\">Download<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30102\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/r0002048-4\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0002048.jpg?fit=4928%2C3264&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"4928,3264\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;5.6&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;GR II&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1463298706&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;18.3&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;800&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.002&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"R0002048\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0002048.jpg?fit=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30102\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0002048.jpg?resize=1180%2C782\" alt=\"R0002048\" width=\"1180\" height=\"782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0002048.jpg?w=4928&amp;ssl=1 4928w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0002048.jpg?resize=660%2C437&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0002048.jpg?resize=768%2C509&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0002048.jpg?resize=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0002048.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0002048.jpg?w=3540&amp;ssl=1 3540w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Dear friend,<\/p>\n<p>I am excited to share my new book with you: &#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Personal-Photography-Manual-ERIC-KIM.pdf\"><em><strong>The Personal Photography Manual<\/strong><\/em><\/a>.&#8221; If\u00c2\u00a0you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve ever wanted to find more meaning, purpose, and direction in your photography, I recommend you to pursue \u00e2\u20ac\u0153<a href=\"http:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2015\/12\/16\/the-personal-photography-manifesto\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i>personal photography<\/i><\/a>.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n<p>What exactly is \u00e2\u20ac\u0153personal photography\u00e2\u20ac\u009d? To me, it is a genre of photography that focuses on yourself\u00e2\u20ac\u201d focuses on your personal life experiences, focuses on photographing your loved ones, and the other elements of your \u00e2\u20ac\u0153boring\u00e2\u20ac\u009d and everyday life. In this book I share some of my personal struggles and how I&#8217;ve been able to keep myself inspired, regardless of my life situation or where I live. I hope this book can empower you to become the best photographer you can become. You can either download the PDF or read it all in this post.<\/p>\n<p>Keep it personal,<\/p>\n<p>Eric<\/p>\n<h2>Download PDF<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Personal-Photography-Manual-ERIC-KIM.pdf\"><strong>Direct Download<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/open?id=0BxslI7nEWY93NDB5bV8tb2ZKWms\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Google Drive Download &gt;&gt;<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Download text:<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.erickimphotography.com\/Downloads\/Books\/PersonalPhotographyManual\/Personal%20Photography%20Manual%20Text\/The%20Personal%20Photography%20Manual-text.docx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Microsoft .docx<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.erickimphotography.com\/Downloads\/Books\/PersonalPhotographyManual\/Personal%20Photography%20Manual%20Text\/The%20Personal%20Photography%20Manual-text.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>PDF<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.erickimphotography.com\/Downloads\/Books\/PersonalPhotographyManual\/Personal%20Photography%20Manual%20Text\/The%20Personal%20Photography%20Manual-text.txt\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>.txt<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<h2>Chapter 1: Disregard what others do<\/h2>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30108\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/cindy-project-1-2\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cindy-Project-1.jpg?fit=1545%2C1024&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1545,1024\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;QSS-32_33&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Cindy Project-1\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cindy-Project-1.jpg?fit=1545%2C1024&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30108\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cindy-Project-1.jpg?resize=1180%2C782\" alt=\"Cindy Project-1\" width=\"1180\" height=\"782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cindy-Project-1.jpg?w=1545&amp;ssl=1 1545w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cindy-Project-1.jpg?resize=660%2C437&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cindy-Project-1.jpg?resize=768%2C509&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Let me outline the biggest causes of misery for photographers:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Feeling that their gear isn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t good enough<\/li>\n<li>Not having enough followers online<\/li>\n<li>Not having others appreciate their work<\/li>\n<li>Not making a living from photography<\/li>\n<li>Not having enough time to take photos<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Personal photography\u00e2\u20ac\u009d is being indifferent to the photography of others; and focusing on your own photography and life.<\/p>\n<h2>Chapter 2: Disconnect<\/h2>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30109\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/cindy-project-4-2\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cindy-Project-4.jpg?fit=1545%2C1024&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1545,1024\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;QSS-32_33&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Cindy Project-4\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cindy-Project-4.jpg?fit=1545%2C1024&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30109\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cindy-Project-4.jpg?resize=1180%2C782\" alt=\"Cindy Project-4\" width=\"1180\" height=\"782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cindy-Project-4.jpg?w=1545&amp;ssl=1 1545w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cindy-Project-4.jpg?resize=660%2C437&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cindy-Project-4.jpg?resize=768%2C509&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>To start off, disconnect from all social media. Yes, all social media. Stop uploading your photos to Facebook, Flickr, Instagram, Tumblr, Google+, or any other social media site you use.<\/p>\n<p>Why?<\/p>\n<p>I am not saying for you not to share your photos. Share more personally\u00e2\u20ac\u201d face-to-face with friends, family, and close colleagues.<\/p>\n<p>What I am discouraging is staring photos with random strangers on the internet, adding tons of #hashtags to your photos (wishing you get more followers, viewer, comments, etc), and getting on the \u00e2\u20ac\u0153social media treadmill\u00e2\u20ac\u009d \u00e2\u20ac\u201d trying to get more attention online.<\/p>\n<p>I am an attention-whore; I love having attention. My #1 goal in my photography was to become \u00e2\u20ac\u0153famous\u00e2\u20ac\u009d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d and to make a living from photography.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30110\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/cindy-project-3-2\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cindy-Project-3.jpg?fit=1545%2C1024&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1545,1024\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Cindy Project-3\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cindy-Project-3.jpg?fit=1545%2C1024&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30110\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cindy-Project-3.jpg?resize=1180%2C782\" alt=\"Cindy Project-3\" width=\"1180\" height=\"782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cindy-Project-3.jpg?w=1545&amp;ssl=1 1545w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cindy-Project-3.jpg?resize=660%2C437&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cindy-Project-3.jpg?resize=768%2C509&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>I am lucky enough now that I am \u00e2\u20ac\u0153famous\u00e2\u20ac\u009d \u00e2\u20ac\u201d I get recognized in the streets, I have a substantial number of followers online, and the blog is #1 for \u00e2\u20ac\u0153street photography blog\u00e2\u20ac\u009d on the internet. I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve gotten free cameras from companies, traveled all around the world, and I make a comfortable living teaching street photography workshops.<\/p>\n<p>Yet, I am still not satisfied. I want more.<\/p>\n<p>I want more cameras. I want more money. I want more followers. I want more influence. I want more fancy cars, clothes, and a nice house. I want millions, no fuck that\u00e2\u20ac\u201d billions. Nothing can ever satisfy my greed.<\/p>\n<p>How do I cut off this madness?<\/p>\n<p>By disconnecting.<\/p>\n<p>I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve intentionally not used social media (all sorts including email) for the last week, and it is the first time in a long time that I feel clean. I feel like it was a \u00e2\u20ac\u0153social media detox\u00e2\u20ac\u009d (kind of how an alcoholic recovers, or a drug-addict). I finally am able to be fully-present with my family, friends, and loved ones.<\/p>\n<p>Furthermore, I no longer take photos where I think at the back of my mind, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153How many likes will I get?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n<p>I also end up taking photos now that I don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t care whether I ever look at them again. I take them for the sake of taking them, rather than hoping to share them online.<\/p>\n<p>But what is the point of taking a photo if you will never share it, or even look at it yourself?<\/p>\n<h2>Chapter 3: Photography=life<\/h2>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30111\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/img_1306-pick-7\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/IMG_1306-pick.jpg?fit=1545%2C1024&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1545,1024\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"IMG_1306-pick\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/IMG_1306-pick.jpg?fit=1545%2C1024&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30111\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/IMG_1306-pick.jpg?resize=1180%2C782\" alt=\"IMG_1306-pick\" width=\"1180\" height=\"782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/IMG_1306-pick.jpg?w=1545&amp;ssl=1 1545w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/IMG_1306-pick.jpg?resize=660%2C437&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/IMG_1306-pick.jpg?resize=768%2C509&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>I think photography is life. Life is photography. They are inter-connected. You cannot separate them.<\/p>\n<p>The #1 goal in life is to live a good life. Photography is just a part of living well.<\/p>\n<p>For me, I like to take photos because it enhances my experiences\u00e2\u20ac\u201d I feel more fully-present, I appreciate small mundane parts of my day (Cindy drinking a coffee, me drinking a nice espresso, or Cindy getting ready to go out with me). These are all very personal things that honestly\u00e2\u20ac\u201d nobody else gives a fuck about. But I give a fuck. I give a \u00e2\u20ac\u0153lot\u00e2\u20ac\u009d of fucks.<\/p>\n<p>When I am on my deathbed, I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m not going to care about any of the photos I shot of strangers on the streets. The only photos I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m going to care is about the photos of my loved ones.<\/p>\n<h2>Chapter 4: Is this your last moment?<\/h2>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30112\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/cindy-project-6\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cindy-Project-6.jpg?fit=1545%2C1024&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1545,1024\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Cindy Project-6\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cindy-Project-6.jpg?fit=1545%2C1024&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30112\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cindy-Project-6.jpg?resize=1180%2C782\" alt=\"Cindy Project-6\" width=\"1180\" height=\"782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cindy-Project-6.jpg?w=1545&amp;ssl=1 1545w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cindy-Project-6.jpg?resize=660%2C437&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cindy-Project-6.jpg?resize=768%2C509&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>I have a personal rule\u00e2\u20ac\u201d whenever I go to sleep or say goodbye to Cindy (or any of my friends\/family\/loved ones) \u00e2\u20ac\u201d I imagine that I will never see them again. I imagine perhaps they die in a car accident, or perhaps I die in my sleep.<\/p>\n<p>None of this is meant to be sadistic. I just do this because it teaches me to truly appreciate the person in the present moment; and to never expect to see them again. This way I will never have any regrets.<\/p>\n<p>For example the other night I went to sleep early, and Cindy went out with her sister to study at some local cafe. I was lying down in a comfortable bed, but the thought came to my mind: \u00e2\u20ac\u0153What if Cindy died in a car accident, or some other terrible thing happened to her? What would I regret not saying or doing?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d So I jumped out, gave Cindy a love and tried to show her every ounce of love I had for her. She looked at me weird and said, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153What did you do that for?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d I smiled coyly; said \u00e2\u20ac\u0153nothing\u00e2\u20ac\u009d \u00e2\u20ac\u201d gave her a peck on the head, and went to sleep.<\/p>\n<p>Thank God; I woke up today and Cindy was there, and I had a big smile on my face.<\/p>\n<h2>Chapter 5: Don&#8217;t photograph what others expect you to photograph<\/h2>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30113\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/img_1499-7\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/IMG_1499-1.jpg?fit=1545%2C1024&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1545,1024\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"IMG_1499\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/IMG_1499-1.jpg?fit=1545%2C1024&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30113\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/IMG_1499-1.jpg?resize=1180%2C782\" alt=\"IMG_1499\" width=\"1180\" height=\"782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/IMG_1499-1.jpg?w=1545&amp;ssl=1 1545w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/IMG_1499-1.jpg?resize=660%2C437&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/IMG_1499-1.jpg?resize=768%2C509&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>You never know when you or your loved ones is going to pass away. So contact them and show them your love while you can. And not only that; but photograph them.<\/p>\n<p>Photograph only what you think is going to be personal to you, rather than what others will think is a \u00e2\u20ac\u0153good\u00e2\u20ac\u009d photo.<\/p>\n<p>Imagine you lived in a world where social media didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t exist, and you only took photos that you would see. What would you continue to photograph, what would you start to photograph, and what would you stop photographing?<\/p>\n<h2>Chapter 6: Don&#8217;t make the camera the focus of your life<\/h2>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30114\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/cindy-project-2-3\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cindy-Project-2.jpg?fit=1545%2C1024&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1545,1024\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Cindy Project-2\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cindy-Project-2.jpg?fit=1545%2C1024&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30114\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cindy-Project-2.jpg?resize=1180%2C782\" alt=\"Cindy Project-2\" width=\"1180\" height=\"782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cindy-Project-2.jpg?w=1545&amp;ssl=1 1545w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cindy-Project-2.jpg?resize=660%2C437&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cindy-Project-2.jpg?resize=768%2C509&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>If you lived in a little box, and nobody gave a shit about what brand of camera or how many megapixels it had, would you really care what camera you used?<\/p>\n<p>I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve used every single fancy and expensive camera out there. Ironically enough I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve settled on a Ricoh GR II digital camera ($550). Why? It is just easy to carry around with me, easy to point-and-click (P mode and ISO 800), inexpensive, and I have don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t have to \u00e2\u20ac\u0153think\u00e2\u20ac\u009d before taking a photo.<\/p>\n<p>The camera doesn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t get in my way. This means that I am better to enjoy living my life, and the camera is just a side-kick, rather than the main focus on my life.<\/p>\n<p>I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve used heavy-ass DSLR\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s (Canon 5D), and smaller (yet still heavy) cameras like a Leica M9+Leica MP. Honestly the bigger your camera, the heavier your camera, the less likely you are to use it.<\/p>\n<p>If you think about it; the smartphone is probably the best camera. You always have it with you, so \u00e2\u20ac\u0153not having a camera on you\u00e2\u20ac\u009d never becomes an excuse.<\/p>\n<p>My good friend Josh White has recently returned to taking photos (mostly) on his smartphone, and when he reflects on all his past photos, some of his most memorable moments were shot on a smartphone. Why? It was the only camera on him, and he didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t have to think.<\/p>\n<p>He mentions something that stuck with me\u00e2\u20ac\u201d a lot of people say they don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t like taking photos on a smartphone because they might print it one day. But Josh says, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Honestly\u00e2\u20ac\u201d will you ever print it? Sure you will. Sure.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d And to be frank; 99% of us will never print our digital photos. If you do, that is awesome.<\/p>\n<p>Just be honest; if you never print your photos, you won\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t start printing (even if you buy a medium-format digital camera with a billion megapixels).<\/p>\n<p>I do encourage you to print your photos though\u00e2\u20ac\u201d it can just be cheap 4\u00c3\u20146 prints from Costco or some local pharmacy or drugstore. And it will bring you joy by putting it on your wall, and giving them out as gifts. But if you don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t plan on doing that, just enjoy them on your smartphone, camera, and share them with your personal friends.<\/p>\n<p>Why do I prefer not using a smartphone?<\/p>\n<p>I honestly think (for me) at the end of the day\u00e2\u20ac\u201d the image quality just isn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t pleasing to my eye. I prefer better-image quality from a pocket camera (Ricoh GR II has a DSLR-sized APS-C sensor) and the camera is always on me anyways.<\/p>\n<p>Furthermore, I fall victim to what Nassim Taleb calls \u00e2\u20ac\u0153neomania\u00e2\u20ac\u009d \u00e2\u20ac\u201d I am never satisfied with my digital devices, and always want to upgrade. Even now, I use a Samsung Galaxy S6 (got for free from Samsung), and I am always jealous of those with an iPhone 6S (apparently the camera is slightly better). And whenever I shoot on my smartphone, I feel like I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m missing out. And I feel miserable, and suddenly start getting cravings to upgrade.<\/p>\n<p>The same happens with me with any tablet I use, any laptop I use, any car I drive, or even e-reader. Nassim Taleb says that most things with an \u00e2\u20ac\u0153on\/off switch\u00e2\u20ac\u009d makes us prone to quickly getting dissatisfied with our digital devices, and we suddenly want to \u00e2\u20ac\u0153upgrade\u00e2\u20ac\u009d when we become jaded and bored with what we have.<\/p>\n<p>The nice thing with the Ricoh GR II is that even though it is an imperfect camera (slow autofocus, slow buffer); the benefits outweigh the negatives (small size, macro capabilities, fantastic image quality, easy to carry with you everywhere you go). And the camera is rarely outdated (the previous Ricoh GR and the new Ricoh GR II are pretty much the same camera, except the GR II has wifi, which is pretty useless at least to me).<\/p>\n<h2>Chapter 7: Don&#8217;t compare yourself with others<\/h2>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30115\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/img_1563-2\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/IMG_1563.jpg?fit=1545%2C1024&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1545,1024\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"IMG_1563\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/IMG_1563.jpg?fit=1545%2C1024&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30115\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/IMG_1563.jpg?resize=1180%2C782\" alt=\"IMG_1563\" width=\"1180\" height=\"782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/IMG_1563.jpg?w=1545&amp;ssl=1 1545w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/IMG_1563.jpg?resize=660%2C437&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/IMG_1563.jpg?resize=768%2C509&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>We are always comparing ourselves to others. We compare ourselves to other photographers\u00e2\u20ac\u201d we feel like our camera isn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t fancy or expensive like theirs, we wish we had more followers (or at least as much as them), and we wish that we were as talented as them.<\/p>\n<p>But everyone is different. Are you jealous of an NBA player because they were born 7 foot tall; while you are only 5 foot 10 inches? That is something you don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t have control over.<\/p>\n<p>Similarly; some of us are born into situations where we might not be able to be the world\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s \u00e2\u20ac\u0153best\u00e2\u20ac\u009d photographer. We might have a shitty job that requires a 90-hour work-week, we might have babies to take care of, or we might be color-blind, or we might be missing one eye which doesn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t give us as much good depth-perception. Or perhaps you were raised in an engineering-oriented family that hated art; so you missed out getting some sort of arts education when you were young.<\/p>\n<p>Regardless\u00e2\u20ac\u201d it makes no sense to be jealous of other photographers whose life circumstances are different than yours.<\/p>\n<p>The solution?<\/p>\n<p>Be satisfied and content with the life you already have. And also try to achieve your \u00e2\u20ac\u0153persona maximum\u00e2\u20ac\u009d in your own life and photographic abilities.<\/p>\n<p>You were given some sort of \u00e2\u20ac\u0153maximum capability\u00e2\u20ac\u009d in terms of your photography and artistic ability. Rather than trying to achieve what others have achieved, see if you can reach 100% of your potential.<\/p>\n<p>For example, in powerlifting (weight lifting with heavy-ass weights), there is a biological limit to how much a man can lift. No matter how much you train, no matter how much steaks you eat, or how much whey protein powder you eat, you will never be able to deadlift more than 2,000 pounds. A bull will always be stronger than you, no matter how hard you train (the human limit is finite).<\/p>\n<p>But let\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s say you are 5\u00e2\u20ac\u212210 inches, 170 pounds\u00e2\u20ac\u201d one day you might be able to achieve a 500-600 pound deadlift. But after that, you probably won\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t be able to.<\/p>\n<p>And once you are able to achieve your \u00e2\u20ac\u0153personal maximum\u00e2\u20ac\u009d \u00e2\u20ac\u201d this can lead to depression. There is no more room to progress. Powerlifters and bodybuilders call this a \u00e2\u20ac\u0153plateau\u00e2\u20ac\u009d \u00e2\u20ac\u201d and there is nothing more shitty than a plateau.<\/p>\n<p>Similarly in the corporate world, they call it a \u00e2\u20ac\u0153glass ceiling\u00e2\u20ac\u009d \u00e2\u20ac\u201d a point in which you cannot earn more money or advance any more (often happens to people of color, women, and young people).<\/p>\n<p>So the goal is to achieve your personal maximum\u00e2\u20ac\u201d but know that no matter how hard you try, you will never reach 100%. And you never really want to reach 100%. But the journey of trying to reach your personal maximum is what you desire.<\/p>\n<h2>Chapter 8: Don&#8217;t define yourself<\/h2>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30116\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/r0000049-4\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0000049.jpg?fit=4928%2C3264&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"4928,3264\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;2.8&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;GR II&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1449352035&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;18.3&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;800&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.025&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"R0000049\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0000049.jpg?fit=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30116\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0000049.jpg?resize=1180%2C782\" alt=\"R0000049\" width=\"1180\" height=\"782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0000049.jpg?w=4928&amp;ssl=1 4928w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0000049.jpg?resize=660%2C437&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0000049.jpg?resize=768%2C509&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0000049.jpg?resize=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0000049.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0000049.jpg?w=3540&amp;ssl=1 3540w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>So strip away all labels in your photography. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Street photography\u00e2\u20ac\u009d, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153documentary photography\u00e2\u20ac\u009d, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153portrait photography\u00e2\u20ac\u009d, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153wedding photography\u00e2\u20ac\u009d, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153landscape photography\u00e2\u20ac\u009d \u00e2\u20ac\u201d all photography is photography. Even \u00e2\u20ac\u0153personal photography\u00e2\u20ac\u009d is another label that you probably shouldn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t apply to yourself. Just call it \u00e2\u20ac\u0153photography.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Or better yet\u00e2\u20ac\u201d don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t call it \u00e2\u20ac\u0153photography.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Call it \u00e2\u20ac\u0153living well\u00e2\u20ac\u009d \u00e2\u20ac\u201d and taking photos of yourself living well.<\/p>\n<p>So please no more dick-measuring contests with the camera or lens you use. No more bragging about how many followers you have on social media. No more adding ridiculous numbers of hashtags to your images to hope to get more followers. No more refreshing your phone every 5 minutes, seeing if there is someone who recently commented or \u00e2\u20ac\u0153liked\u00e2\u20ac\u009d your photo, or commented on it.<\/p>\n<p>Take a social media \u00e2\u20ac\u0153detox\u00e2\u20ac\u009d or \u00e2\u20ac\u0153fast\u00e2\u20ac\u009d \u00e2\u20ac\u201d and see how much clearer your mind and self-satisfied you become.<\/p>\n<p>I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m not telling you to give up social media forever\u00e2\u20ac\u201d I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m just trying to share how to use it more mindfully.<\/p>\n<p>Like with food, eating 24\/7 without break will give us indigestion, cause us to become soft and flabby, and give us a lot of diseases. However fasting from eating will make us leaner, stronger, meaner, less prone to sickness and disease, and happier. But there is a certain point where you need to break your fast and to start eating again.<\/p>\n<p>So treat social media the same. Don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t check your social media everyday. Take a few days off. Take a week off, take a month off, take a year off\u00e2\u20ac\u201d whatever works for you.<\/p>\n<p>And when you return to social media, ask yourself \u00e2\u20ac\u0153why\u00e2\u20ac\u009d you are on social media? Are you sharing photos because you want to share your joy and happiness with the world? Are you doing it because you want more followers? Are you doing it because you are insecure or lonely? Or do you have something genuinely good to contribute to society?<\/p>\n<p>Ask yourself these questions.<\/p>\n<p>And in the meanwhile, hug your loved ones, photograph them, and photograph if today were your last day on earth. Remember living well is our #1 concern in life, photography (and everything else) comes secondary.<\/p>\n<h2>Chapter 9: Getting started in personal photography<\/h2>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30117\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/r0002951-2\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0002951.jpg?fit=1936%2C2912&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1936,2912\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;7.1&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;GR II&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1456395919&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;18.3&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;400&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.0005&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"R0002951\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0002951.jpg?fit=1330%2C2000&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30117\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0002951.jpg?resize=1180%2C1775\" alt=\"R0002951\" width=\"1180\" height=\"1775\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0002951.jpg?w=1936&amp;ssl=1 1936w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0002951.jpg?resize=439%2C660&amp;ssl=1 439w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0002951.jpg?resize=768%2C1155&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0002951.jpg?resize=1330%2C2000&amp;ssl=1 1330w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>To get started in \u00e2\u20ac\u0153personal photography\u00e2\u20ac\u009d \u00e2\u20ac\u201d consider what you find meaningful in your life. Who are your close loved ones, and how do your photos reflect those relationships?<\/p>\n<p>Death is something that hangs over all of us, like a dagger, suspended in the air, and we aren\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t sure when that string is going to snap. I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve had friends who died suddenly (age 27), friends-of-friends who passed away in car accidents, and other friends or acquaintances who suddenly got cancer or some other rare disease.<\/p>\n<p>We never know when we are going to pass.<\/p>\n<p>So the point of \u00e2\u20ac\u0153personal photography\u00e2\u20ac\u009d is to truly make photos for ourselves\u00e2\u20ac\u201d not for others. \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Personal photography\u00e2\u20ac\u009d seeks for you to make personal memories\u00e2\u20ac\u201d for yourself, your close friends, and for your family. According to \u00e2\u20ac\u0153personal photography\u00e2\u20ac\u009d \u00e2\u20ac\u201d you want to create personal documents that generations-to-come (in your family) can appreciate.<\/p>\n<p>\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Personal photography\u00e2\u20ac\u009d is documenting the happy moments in your life, the tough times, and to document how you were able to persevere.<\/p>\n<p>In terms of \u00e2\u20ac\u0153personal photography\u00e2\u20ac\u009d \u00e2\u20ac\u201d the camera or documenting tool doesn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t really matter. My suggestion is to use the easiest, least-obtrusive, smallest, and lightest camera\u00e2\u20ac\u201d something that is easy for you to carry with you. That can be your smartphone camera, a small compact camera, or anything else that can slip into your bag, and constantly be with you.<\/p>\n<h3>Step 1: Notice<\/h3>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30118\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/img_cupping-3\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/IMG_Cupping.jpg?fit=4928%2C3264&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"4928,3264\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;3.2&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;GR&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1442063589&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;18.3&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;200&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.02&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"IMG_Cupping\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/IMG_Cupping.jpg?fit=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30118\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/IMG_Cupping.jpg?resize=1180%2C782\" alt=\"IMG_Cupping\" width=\"1180\" height=\"782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/IMG_Cupping.jpg?w=4928&amp;ssl=1 4928w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/IMG_Cupping.jpg?resize=660%2C437&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/IMG_Cupping.jpg?resize=768%2C509&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/IMG_Cupping.jpg?resize=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/IMG_Cupping.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/IMG_Cupping.jpg?w=3540&amp;ssl=1 3540w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>In today\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s society, we are constantly being distracted by flashing notifications, emails, text messages, social media updates, blogs, games, apps, and advertisements vying for our attention.<\/p>\n<p>Personally I have found that most of modern technology prevents us from noticing the beauty in life\u00e2\u20ac\u201d especially within our lives.<\/p>\n<p>To \u00e2\u20ac\u0153notice\u00e2\u20ac\u009d more is to turn off your technology. So for example when you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re at home, turn off your phone. Appreciate the company of your loved ones\u00e2\u20ac\u201d your children, your partner, or friends. Be fully-engaged in conversation with them, and know how to <em>focus<\/em> in your inter-personal communications.<\/p>\n<p>Furthermore, when you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re out walking in the streets, <em>walk slowly<\/em>, and look all around you. Specifically\u00e2\u20ac\u201d <em>look down<\/em>, and <em>look up<\/em>. Take a 360 degree view of the world around you\u00e2\u20ac\u201d and just <em>notice<\/em> all of these interesting things around you.<\/p>\n<p>A lot of photographers complain that their hometowns are too \u00e2\u20ac\u0153boring\u00e2\u20ac\u009d to photograph and that their lives are too \u00e2\u20ac\u0153boring.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n<p>I think it is all about perspective\u00e2\u20ac\u201d I have friends in NYC who find it \u00e2\u20ac\u0153boring\u00e2\u20ac\u009d, friends in Paris who find it \u00e2\u20ac\u0153boring\u00e2\u20ac\u009d, and friends in Tokyo who think the city and their lives are \u00e2\u20ac\u0153boring.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n<p>\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Boring\u00e2\u20ac\u009d is just a state of mind\u00e2\u20ac\u201d if you are like a child, everything is interesting. A child is constantly curious, always wanting to learn more, and notices every little thing.<\/p>\n<p>Another way to \u00e2\u20ac\u0153notice\u00e2\u20ac\u009d \u00e2\u20ac\u201d unplug your headphones, and learn how to listen to \u00e2\u20ac\u0153quiet.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t feel the need to constantly stimulate yourself with audio-visual information. Just stop, breathe, and enjoy the peace.<\/p>\n<h3>Step 2: Appreciate<\/h3>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30119\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/r0000048-3\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0000048.jpg?fit=4928%2C3264&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"4928,3264\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;2.8&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;GR II&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1457783398&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;18.3&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;560&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.02&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"R0000048\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0000048.jpg?fit=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30119\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0000048.jpg?resize=1180%2C782\" alt=\"R0000048\" width=\"1180\" height=\"782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0000048.jpg?w=4928&amp;ssl=1 4928w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0000048.jpg?resize=660%2C437&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0000048.jpg?resize=768%2C509&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0000048.jpg?resize=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0000048.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0000048.jpg?w=3540&amp;ssl=1 3540w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Another part of \u00e2\u20ac\u0153personal photography\u00e2\u20ac\u009d is to appreciate the beauty all around you. Sure you can <em>notice<\/em> the beauty, but can you really <em>appreciate<\/em> it?<\/p>\n<p>For me, I take a lot of things for granted. I take the amazing public transportation system for granted, I take my loving partner Cindy for granted, I take my family for granted, I take my smartphone for granted, I take my camera for granted, and I take the internet for granted. I become \u00e2\u20ac\u0153used to\u00e2\u20ac\u009d all these great marvels in my life\u00e2\u20ac\u201d and the beauty that God and the world has given me in nature, human relationships, and my friendships.<\/p>\n<p>To appreciate something is quite difficult. A simple exercise to better appreciate things: <strong>vividly imagine as if you lost it<\/strong>. For example, to better appreciate your loved ones, imagine hearing if they got hit by a drunk driver\u00e2\u20ac\u201d how would you feel? What would you regret <em>not<\/em> saying or <em>not<\/em> doing? And furthermore, are there certain moments you had together that you would regret <em>not<\/em> photographing?<\/p>\n<p>Everything in life is fleeting, including photographs. But I feel that through \u00e2\u20ac\u0153personal photography\u00e2\u20ac\u009d \u00e2\u20ac\u201d documenting your personal moments helps you better appreciate the moments.<\/p>\n<p>By being able to identify, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153This is a wonderful moment\u00e2\u20ac\u009d \u00e2\u20ac\u201d you are able to not only photograph it, but to relish in the moment.<\/p>\n<h3>Step 3: Document<\/h3>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30120\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/r0000271-3\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0000271.jpg?fit=4928%2C3264&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"4928,3264\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;2.8&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;GR II&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1458241963&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;18.3&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;6400&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.025&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"R0000271\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0000271.jpg?fit=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30120\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0000271.jpg?resize=1180%2C782\" alt=\"R0000271\" width=\"1180\" height=\"782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0000271.jpg?w=4928&amp;ssl=1 4928w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0000271.jpg?resize=660%2C437&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0000271.jpg?resize=768%2C509&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0000271.jpg?resize=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0000271.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0000271.jpg?w=3540&amp;ssl=1 3540w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>As photographers, we are documenters. We document history, we document those around us, and we document society around us. Not only that, but we are creative; we make art, we interpret, and we analyze.<\/p>\n<p>To document is the last step of \u00e2\u20ac\u0153personal photography.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Generally if you want to document a moment faithfully\u00e2\u20ac\u201d it is to compose and frame the scene well.<\/p>\n<p>For example, decide what <em>not<\/em> to include in the frame. Decide what is <em>not<\/em> interesting\u00e2\u20ac\u201d only focus on the essential in the frame.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30122\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/0-cindy-mask-contact-2\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/0-cindy-mask-contact.jpg?fit=2550%2C1325&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"2550,1325\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"0-cindy-mask contact\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/0-cindy-mask-contact.jpg?fit=2000%2C1039&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30122\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/0-cindy-mask-contact.jpg?resize=1180%2C613\" alt=\"0-cindy-mask contact\" width=\"1180\" height=\"613\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/0-cindy-mask-contact.jpg?w=2550&amp;ssl=1 2550w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/0-cindy-mask-contact.jpg?resize=660%2C343&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/0-cindy-mask-contact.jpg?resize=768%2C399&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/0-cindy-mask-contact.jpg?resize=2000%2C1039&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/0-cindy-mask-contact.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>I feel that photography is more about subtraction, rather than addition. So always ask to yourself, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Is this really an essential part of the frame? Can I remove this subject, element, or distraction from the background?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n<p>By eliminating distractions and noise, you can focus on what is important in your photograph\u00e2\u20ac\u201d your main subject. What is essential, and truly important to you.<\/p>\n<h2>Chapter 13: Documenting emotion<\/h2>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30121\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/cindy-project-10\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cindy-Project-10.jpg?fit=4928%2C3264&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"4928,3264\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;2.8&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;MPANY,&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1453918428&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;18.3&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;3200&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.066666666666667&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Cindy Project-10\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cindy-Project-10.jpg?fit=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30121\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cindy-Project-10.jpg?resize=1180%2C782\" alt=\"Cindy Project-10\" width=\"1180\" height=\"782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cindy-Project-10.jpg?w=4928&amp;ssl=1 4928w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cindy-Project-10.jpg?resize=660%2C437&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cindy-Project-10.jpg?resize=768%2C509&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cindy-Project-10.jpg?resize=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cindy-Project-10.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cindy-Project-10.jpg?w=3540&amp;ssl=1 3540w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>When it comes to documenting your personal life and personally-meaningful moments, think about the <em>emotion<\/em> you see when you identify or appreciate a scene.<\/p>\n<p>This means following your gut.<\/p>\n<p>Often times in photography we try to \u00e2\u20ac\u0153rationalize\u00e2\u20ac\u009d everything that we see. We treat ourselves more like robots; rather than emotional human beings. Sometimes we think that our emotions get in the way of making decisions\u00e2\u20ac\u201d but actually it is our emotions which are the driving force behind making decisions.<\/p>\n<p>There was a scientific study in which the subjects no longer felt \u00e2\u20ac\u0153emotions\u00e2\u20ac\u009d in the traditional sense. However their \u00e2\u20ac\u0153analytic\u00e2\u20ac\u009d mind was still intact. But the problem was when faced with simple decisions (whether to stay indoors or go for a walk) they couldn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t make any decisions on their own. They didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t have emotions or a gut-feeling to guide their lives.<\/p>\n<h2>Chapter 14: Shooting for yourself or for others?<\/h2>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30123\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/r0131772-4\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0131772.jpg?fit=3264%2C4928&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"3264,4928\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;7.1&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;GR&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1428877607&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;18.3&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;400&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.0005&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"R0131772\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;NYC, 2015&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0131772.jpg?fit=1325%2C2000&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30123\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0131772.jpg?resize=1180%2C1782\" alt=\"R0131772\" width=\"1180\" height=\"1782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0131772.jpg?w=3264&amp;ssl=1 3264w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0131772.jpg?resize=437%2C660&amp;ssl=1 437w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0131772.jpg?resize=768%2C1160&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0131772.jpg?resize=1325%2C2000&amp;ssl=1 1325w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0131772.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>In the genre of \u00e2\u20ac\u0153personal photography\u00e2\u20ac\u009d \u00e2\u20ac\u201d the first person to always satisfy or impress is yourself. You are the main character in this play. Everyone else is just watching.<\/p>\n<p>But of course, as human beings we are also social beings. As photographers, we like to share our work with others, and feel a sense of appreciation for our work.<\/p>\n<p>In order to balance taking photos for yourself, and for others\u00e2\u20ac\u201d my suggestion is this: photograph photos that <i>you<\/i> like and simply let others naturally find and discover and appreciate your work. <b>Don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t seek to make photos to satisfy your audience<\/b>.<\/p>\n<p>Many artists lose their sense of integrity, vision, or principles when they start to follow the whims of the masses. A true artist has his or her own vision\u00e2\u20ac\u201d and is unwavering.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30126\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/r0000626-4\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0000626-1.jpg?fit=3936%2C2608&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"3936,2608\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;5.6&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;GR II&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1458992998&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;18.3&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;1600&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.0015625&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"R0000626\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;NYC, 2015&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0000626-1.jpg?fit=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30126\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0000626-1.jpg?resize=1180%2C782\" alt=\"R0000626\" width=\"1180\" height=\"782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0000626-1.jpg?w=3936&amp;ssl=1 3936w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0000626-1.jpg?resize=660%2C437&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0000626-1.jpg?resize=768%2C509&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0000626-1.jpg?resize=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0000626-1.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0000626-1.jpg?w=3540&amp;ssl=1 3540w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Take for example Steve Jobs, someone who would create a \u00e2\u20ac\u0153reality distortion field\u00e2\u20ac\u009d and project his vision onto others\u00e2\u20ac\u201d rather than letting reality dictate its rules to him. This is what helped him create so many innovative products, by refusing to add a stylus or keyboard to the iPad. But now, the modern Apple is starting to lose its creative vision\u00e2\u20ac\u201d by creating a slew of products to simply satisfy the masses.<\/p>\n<p>As for you, if you upload any of your personal photos to social media\u00e2\u20ac\u201d you might get distracted by the amount of \u00e2\u20ac\u0153likes\u00e2\u20ac\u009d or comments you get on a photograph. Trust me, it has happened to me.<\/p>\n<p>One of the things that helped me re-focus on taking photos for myself is to <em>not<\/em> share my photos on social media. I took a brief hiatus from uploading images to social media for about 2-3 months, and I started to ask myself, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Do I like my own photos?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d rather than always wondering whether others would like my photos.<\/p>\n<p>If I made a photograph that I didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t like, but others loved\u00e2\u20ac\u201d would I truly be happy? On the other hand, if I made a photograph that I loved but others didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t\u00e2\u20ac\u201d would I be happy?<\/p>\n<p>Ultimately this is a decision <i>you<\/i> need to make\u00e2\u20ac\u201d nobody else can make that decision for you. But always keep this in mind, and always be mindful that <b>your own opinion of your own photos matters the most<\/b>.<\/p>\n<h2>Chapter 15: The &#8220;Cindy Project&#8221;<\/h2>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30127\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/r0001006-4\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001006.jpg?fit=4928%2C3264&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"4928,3264\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;4.5&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;GR II&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1460548750&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;18.3&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;800&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.01&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"R0001006\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001006.jpg?fit=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30127\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001006.jpg?resize=1180%2C782\" alt=\"R0001006\" width=\"1180\" height=\"782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001006.jpg?w=4928&amp;ssl=1 4928w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001006.jpg?resize=660%2C437&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001006.jpg?resize=768%2C509&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001006.jpg?resize=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001006.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001006.jpg?w=3540&amp;ssl=1 3540w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>One of my main frustrations in photography is that I am not always able to shoot \u00e2\u20ac\u0153street photography.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Street photography is my first passion\u00e2\u20ac\u201d but often when I am living in boring residential areas, there aren\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t any people walking in the streets.<\/p>\n<p>I still wanted to be creative, and to photograph, and to create art. I didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t realize it\u00e2\u20ac\u201d but Cindy was the best subject that I always overlooked.<\/p>\n<p>My main inspiration to start documenting Cindy was from my friend Josh White, who passionately documents those who he loves and is close with. He made an interesting point to me, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Why is it that we take photos of strangers with cameras that cost thousands of dollars, and only take photos of our loved ones with iPhones?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n<p>It is true. We travel to foreign or exotic places and take expensive DSLR\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s and lenses, and try to create \u00e2\u20ac\u0153art\u00e2\u20ac\u009d of strangers\u00e2\u20ac\u201d people we don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t even know. But when it comes to documenting personally meaningful moments, we take mindless snapshots or \u00e2\u20ac\u0153selfies\u00e2\u20ac\u009d \u00e2\u20ac\u201d without consideration of composition, and making the photograph look beautiful.<\/p>\n<p>So flip the equation\u00e2\u20ac\u201d perhaps you should take more haphazard photos of strangers or people who aren\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t as meaningful to you, and to take more \u00e2\u20ac\u0153artistic\u00e2\u20ac\u009d and more \u00e2\u20ac\u0153considered\u00e2\u20ac\u009d photographs of your loved ones.<\/p>\n<p>How does Cindy feel?<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30129\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/cindy-project-7-2\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cindy-Project-7.jpg?fit=4928%2C3264&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"4928,3264\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;2.8&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;MPANY,&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1452789031&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;18.3&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;560&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.025&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Cindy Project-7\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cindy-Project-7.jpg?fit=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30129\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cindy-Project-7.jpg?resize=1180%2C782\" alt=\"Cindy Project-7\" width=\"1180\" height=\"782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cindy-Project-7.jpg?w=4928&amp;ssl=1 4928w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cindy-Project-7.jpg?resize=660%2C437&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cindy-Project-7.jpg?resize=768%2C509&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cindy-Project-7.jpg?resize=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cindy-Project-7.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cindy-Project-7.jpg?w=3540&amp;ssl=1 3540w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>One question I get a lot when it comes to documenting Cindy is \u00e2\u20ac\u0153How does Cindy feel about it?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Cindy has told me that sometimes she feels that she has no control\u00e2\u20ac\u201d because I am controlling her image and deciding which moments to document, how to present her, and I am indeed creating a certain image of her.<\/p>\n<p>However what has helped tremendously is making her a <em>collaborative partner<\/em>. When I ask to take certain photos of her, she knows how to pose in a certain way to present herself in a way which she feels is faithful to herself.<\/p>\n<p>Not only that, but I will always ask her if I could publish a certain photograph of her. If she isn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t comfortable with me uploading a photo of her online, that is fine\u00e2\u20ac\u201d I keep it for myself on my hard drive.<\/p>\n<p>Not only that, but I ask Cindy which of her photos she likes the most\u00e2\u20ac\u201d so she is a collaborative partner in terms of the editing (selection) process as well.<\/p>\n<p>Unfortunately not everyone out there has partners who are willing to being photographed. Your partner might be beautiful to you, but your partner might feel uncomfortable being photographed. In this case, you don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t need to force it. Furthermore, you can also tell them that you will not upload any of the photos to the internet without their permission.<\/p>\n<p>Or you can just take the photos for yourself, print them out, and put them into family albums.<\/p>\n<p>Remember: you never want to let your photography or \u00e2\u20ac\u0153art\u00e2\u20ac\u009d supersede the dignity, respect, and feelings of your loved ones.<\/p>\n<h2>Chapter 16: Every moment is precious<\/h2>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30128\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/r0000481-3\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0000481.jpg?fit=4928%2C3264&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"4928,3264\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;5.6&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;GR II&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1458561039&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;18.3&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;400&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.0005&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"R0000481\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0000481.jpg?fit=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30128\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0000481.jpg?resize=1180%2C782\" alt=\"R0000481\" width=\"1180\" height=\"782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0000481.jpg?w=4928&amp;ssl=1 4928w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0000481.jpg?resize=660%2C437&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0000481.jpg?resize=768%2C509&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0000481.jpg?resize=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0000481.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0000481.jpg?w=3540&amp;ssl=1 3540w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Another aspect of \u00e2\u20ac\u0153personal photography\u00e2\u20ac\u009d is to realize that every moment is precious. There are not certain moments which are more \u00e2\u20ac\u0153valuable\u00e2\u20ac\u009d than other moments.<\/p>\n<p>For example, the smallest moments are precious. The moment having your morning coffee, having lunch with your friend, or cuddling up on the couch with your partner in the evening.<\/p>\n<p>When you are fully in-the-moment; is there anywhere else you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122d rather be?<\/p>\n<h2>Chapter 17: Follow your intuition<\/h2>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30130\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/cindy-project-5-2\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cindy-Project-5.jpg?fit=4928%2C3264&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"4928,3264\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;5.6&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;MPANY,&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1453652861&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;18.3&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;400&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.0028571428571429&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Cindy Project-5\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cindy-Project-5.jpg?fit=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30130\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cindy-Project-5.jpg?resize=1180%2C782\" alt=\"Cindy Project-5\" width=\"1180\" height=\"782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cindy-Project-5.jpg?w=4928&amp;ssl=1 4928w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cindy-Project-5.jpg?resize=660%2C437&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cindy-Project-5.jpg?resize=768%2C509&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cindy-Project-5.jpg?resize=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cindy-Project-5.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cindy-Project-5.jpg?w=3540&amp;ssl=1 3540w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>One of the problems we have in the West is that we are always told to be \u00e2\u20ac\u0153rational.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Thinking for yourself and relying on your gut are not respected. With \u00e2\u20ac\u0153personal photography,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d follow your intuition. Follow your gut. If for some reason, you see a moment, and you think it might be a good moment, just take the damn photo.<\/p>\n<p>Furthermore, never think to yourself, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Oh, that is a cliche shot. It probably will be boring, better not bother taking the photo.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d No. Rather, listen to your gut, and take the photo. You can always decide to edit it out afterwards.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30131\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/0-cindy-hand-contact-1\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/0-cindy-hand-contact-1.jpg?fit=2550%2C3300&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"2550,3300\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"0-cindy hand contact-1\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/0-cindy-hand-contact-1.jpg?fit=1545%2C2000&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30131\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/0-cindy-hand-contact-1.jpg?resize=1180%2C1527\" alt=\"0-cindy hand contact-1\" width=\"1180\" height=\"1527\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/0-cindy-hand-contact-1.jpg?w=2550&amp;ssl=1 2550w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/0-cindy-hand-contact-1.jpg?resize=510%2C660&amp;ssl=1 510w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/0-cindy-hand-contact-1.jpg?resize=768%2C994&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/0-cindy-hand-contact-1.jpg?resize=1545%2C2000&amp;ssl=1 1545w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/0-cindy-hand-contact-1.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/> <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30132\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/0-cindy-hand-contact-2\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/0-cindy-hand-contact-2.jpg?fit=2550%2C2413&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"2550,2413\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"0-cindy hand contact-2\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/0-cindy-hand-contact-2.jpg?fit=2000%2C1893&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30132\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/0-cindy-hand-contact-2.jpg?resize=1180%2C1117\" alt=\"0-cindy hand contact-2\" width=\"1180\" height=\"1117\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/0-cindy-hand-contact-2.jpg?w=2550&amp;ssl=1 2550w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/0-cindy-hand-contact-2.jpg?resize=660%2C625&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/0-cindy-hand-contact-2.jpg?resize=768%2C727&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/0-cindy-hand-contact-2.jpg?resize=2000%2C1893&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/0-cindy-hand-contact-2.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>For this photograph, I was sitting on the couch in my apartment, enjoying a nice tea with Cindy. The sun started to set, and I saw the magnificent light peering through. I started making photos of her in the light. She held her hand up to block the light, and I saw the shape of the triangle showing only her eye. I love the diagonals in the photo, and my shadow, which makes it autobiographical.<\/p>\n<h2>Chapter 18: Create history<\/h2>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30133\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/r0002393-2\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0002393.jpg?fit=3264%2C4928&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"3264,4928\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;2.8&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;GR II&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1453192611&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;18.3&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;800&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.066666666666667&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"R0002393\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0002393.jpg?fit=1325%2C2000&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30133\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0002393.jpg?resize=1180%2C1782\" alt=\"R0002393\" width=\"1180\" height=\"1782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0002393.jpg?w=3264&amp;ssl=1 3264w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0002393.jpg?resize=437%2C660&amp;ssl=1 437w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0002393.jpg?resize=768%2C1160&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0002393.jpg?resize=1325%2C2000&amp;ssl=1 1325w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0002393.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>In \u00e2\u20ac\u0153personal photography,\u00e2\u20ac\u009d you are a historian. You capture the moments which are special to you, and you create historical documents that your future children (and their future children) will appreciate.<\/p>\n<p>Whenever I see a wonderful moment, I think to myself, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153If I <i>don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t<\/i> take this photo, will I regret it 10 years from now?\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n<p>In the prior photo, Cindy was in her room, reading a book to her niece Amelia. It was a beautiful moment&#8211; a moment I know that both Cindy and Amelia will appreciate when Amelia is a teenager, or even an adult.<\/p>\n<p>Treat every personal moment as precious. If you don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t document your own personal history, the personal history of your family and friends, who else will do it?<\/p>\n<h2>Chapter 19: Shoot yourself<\/h2>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30134\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/95110021-2\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/95110021.jpg?fit=3087%2C2048&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"3087,2048\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;QSS-29_31&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"95110021\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/95110021.jpg?fit=2000%2C1327&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30134\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/95110021.jpg?resize=1180%2C783\" alt=\"95110021\" width=\"1180\" height=\"783\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/95110021.jpg?w=3087&amp;ssl=1 3087w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/95110021.jpg?resize=660%2C438&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/95110021.jpg?resize=768%2C510&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/95110021.jpg?resize=2000%2C1327&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/95110021.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>As photographers, we\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re always photographing others. But how often do we photograph ourselves?<\/p>\n<p>\u00e2\u20ac\u0153Honor thy selfie\u00e2\u20ac\u009d&#8211; don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t forget to take self-portraits of yourself (as well as photographing your loved ones).<\/p>\n<p>Over the years, you will age, the way you dress will change, and you will (eventually) die.<\/p>\n<p>I love looking back at old photographs of myself; to see how far I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve come. I sometimes laugh at how I used to dress, how I used to do my hair, and how I lived my life.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30135\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/img_0885-7\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/IMG_0885.jpg?fit=1545%2C1024&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1545,1024\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;QSS-32_33&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"IMG_0885\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/IMG_0885.jpg?fit=1545%2C1024&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30135\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/IMG_0885.jpg?resize=1180%2C782\" alt=\"IMG_0885\" width=\"1180\" height=\"782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/IMG_0885.jpg?w=1545&amp;ssl=1 1545w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/IMG_0885.jpg?resize=660%2C437&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/IMG_0885.jpg?resize=768%2C509&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/> <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30136\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/img_0887-4\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/IMG_0887.jpg?fit=1545%2C1024&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1545,1024\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;QSS-32_33&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"IMG_0887\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/IMG_0887.jpg?fit=1545%2C1024&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30136\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/IMG_0887.jpg?resize=1180%2C782\" alt=\"IMG_0887\" width=\"1180\" height=\"782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/IMG_0887.jpg?w=1545&amp;ssl=1 1545w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/IMG_0887.jpg?resize=660%2C437&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/IMG_0887.jpg?resize=768%2C509&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/> <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30137\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/img_0947-2\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/IMG_0947.jpg?fit=1545%2C1024&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1545,1024\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;QSS-32_33&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"IMG_0947\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/IMG_0947.jpg?fit=1545%2C1024&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30137\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/IMG_0947.jpg?resize=1180%2C782\" alt=\"IMG_0947\" width=\"1180\" height=\"782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/IMG_0947.jpg?w=1545&amp;ssl=1 1545w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/IMG_0947.jpg?resize=660%2C437&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/IMG_0947.jpg?resize=768%2C509&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Take self-portraits of your shadow, your reflection, or shadow. By photographing yourself, it is an act of self-exploration. Furthermore, you make yourself immortal, and capture your soul for your future family to remember.<\/p>\n<h2>Chapter 20: See yourself through others<\/h2>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30138\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/suits-1-13\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Suits-1.jpg?fit=3088%2C2048&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"3088,2048\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Suits-1\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Suits-1.jpg?fit=2000%2C1326&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30138\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Suits-1.jpg?resize=1180%2C783\" alt=\"Suits-1\" width=\"1180\" height=\"783\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Suits-1.jpg?w=3088&amp;ssl=1 3088w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Suits-1.jpg?resize=660%2C438&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Suits-1.jpg?resize=768%2C509&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Suits-1.jpg?resize=2000%2C1326&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Suits-1.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Every photograph you take is a self-portrait and a reflection of your own inner-state. So realize that every time you make a photograph, it is less about your subject and more about <i>you.<\/i><\/p>\n<p>When I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m out shooting in the streets, I try to connect emotionally with my subjects. I try to empathize with them, but I also project my own emotions onto them. In addition, I also tend to identify subjects who look how I feel.<\/p>\n<p>For example, my \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Suits\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 project is auto-biographical, and a reflection of how <i>I <\/i>felt when I worked in the corporate world as a \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Suit.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d I felt trapped, miserable, and wanted freedom. I started to get overly obsessed with money, image, and status. But once I got laid off, I felt free. But now whenever I see other men in suits looking miserable, I empathize with them. Because I felt how they felt.<\/p>\n<h2>Chapter 21: Document your hobbies<\/h2>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30139\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/r0061603\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0061603.jpg?fit=4928%2C3264&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"4928,3264\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;11&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;GR&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1391464230&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;ERIC KIM&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;18.3&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;3200&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.025&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"R0061603\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0061603.jpg?fit=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30139\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0061603.jpg?resize=1180%2C782\" alt=\"R0061603\" width=\"1180\" height=\"782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0061603.jpg?w=4928&amp;ssl=1 4928w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0061603.jpg?resize=660%2C437&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0061603.jpg?resize=768%2C509&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0061603.jpg?resize=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0061603.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0061603.jpg?w=3540&amp;ssl=1 3540w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>One of my passions and hobbies (besides photography) is powerlifting. For me, powerlifting is all about meditation and gaining control and peace over my mind. When I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m in the gym and deadlifting, I zone out. All the stresses, anxieties, and frustrations in life disappear. There is nothing but me and the iron bar.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30140\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/r0062037\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0062037.jpg?fit=4928%2C3264&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"4928,3264\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;5.6&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;GR&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1392435523&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;ERIC KIM&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;18.3&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;1600&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.025&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"R0062037\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0062037.jpg?fit=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30140\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0062037.jpg?resize=1180%2C782\" alt=\"R0062037\" width=\"1180\" height=\"782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0062037.jpg?w=4928&amp;ssl=1 4928w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0062037.jpg?resize=660%2C437&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0062037.jpg?resize=768%2C509&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0062037.jpg?resize=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0062037.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0062037.jpg?w=3540&amp;ssl=1 3540w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>\u00c2\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u00c2\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u00c2\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u00c2\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u00c2\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30141\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/r0062011\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0062011.jpg?fit=3936%2C2608&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"3936,2608\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;4&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;GR&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1392435291&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;ERIC KIM&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;18.3&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;3200&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.022222222222222&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"R0062011\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0062011.jpg?fit=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30141\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0062011.jpg?resize=1180%2C782\" alt=\"R0062011\" width=\"1180\" height=\"782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0062011.jpg?w=3936&amp;ssl=1 3936w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0062011.jpg?resize=660%2C437&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0062011.jpg?resize=768%2C509&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0062011.jpg?resize=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0062011.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0062011.jpg?w=3540&amp;ssl=1 3540w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Whenever I finished an intense workout, I would eat a handful of almonds (provided for free by the gym). To me, this is a photograph that symbolizes my relationship with powerlifting more than a literal photograph of the weights.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30142\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/r0061582\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0061582.jpg?fit=4928%2C3264&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"4928,3264\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;5.6&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;GR&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1391463092&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;ERIC KIM&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;18.3&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;2200&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.016666666666667&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"R0061582\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0061582.jpg?fit=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30142\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0061582.jpg?resize=1180%2C782\" alt=\"R0061582\" width=\"1180\" height=\"782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0061582.jpg?w=4928&amp;ssl=1 4928w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0061582.jpg?resize=660%2C437&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0061582.jpg?resize=768%2C509&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0061582.jpg?resize=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0061582.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0061582.jpg?w=3540&amp;ssl=1 3540w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/> <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30143\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/r0061655\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0061655.jpg?fit=4928%2C3264&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"4928,3264\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;4&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;GR&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1391641543&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;ERIC KIM&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;18.3&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;1600&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.008&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"R0061655\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0061655.jpg?fit=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30143\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0061655.jpg?resize=1180%2C782\" alt=\"R0061655\" width=\"1180\" height=\"782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0061655.jpg?w=4928&amp;ssl=1 4928w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0061655.jpg?resize=660%2C437&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0061655.jpg?resize=768%2C509&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0061655.jpg?resize=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0061655.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0061655.jpg?w=3540&amp;ssl=1 3540w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30144\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/r0061850\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0061850.jpg?fit=3264%2C4928&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"3264,4928\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;4&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;GR&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1392093950&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;ERIC KIM&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;18.3&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;3200&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.016666666666667&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"R0061850\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0061850.jpg?fit=1325%2C2000&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30144\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0061850.jpg?resize=1180%2C1782\" alt=\"R0061850\" width=\"1180\" height=\"1782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0061850.jpg?w=3264&amp;ssl=1 3264w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0061850.jpg?resize=437%2C660&amp;ssl=1 437w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0061850.jpg?resize=768%2C1160&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0061850.jpg?resize=1325%2C2000&amp;ssl=1 1325w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0061850.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Furthermore, I made a lot of great friends and acquaintances at the gym. They were a great source of wisdom, inspiration, and motivation.<\/p>\n<p>If you want to know what to photograph, just photograph your hobbies and passions.<\/p>\n<h2>Chapter 22: Photograph your friends<\/h2>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30145\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/provincetown-the-old-colony-1-5\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Provincetown-The-Old-Colony-1.jpg?fit=4708%2C3139&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"4708,3139\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;2.8&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;X-T1&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1410970409&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;27&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;3200&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.018181818181818&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Provincetown-The-Old-Colony-1\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Provincetown-The-Old-Colony-1.jpg?fit=2000%2C1333&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30145\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Provincetown-The-Old-Colony-1.jpg?resize=1180%2C787\" alt=\"Provincetown-The-Old-Colony-1\" width=\"1180\" height=\"787\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Provincetown-The-Old-Colony-1.jpg?w=4708&amp;ssl=1 4708w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Provincetown-The-Old-Colony-1.jpg?resize=660%2C440&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Provincetown-The-Old-Colony-1.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Provincetown-The-Old-Colony-1.jpg?resize=2000%2C1333&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Provincetown-The-Old-Colony-1.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Provincetown-The-Old-Colony-1.jpg?w=3540&amp;ssl=1 3540w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/> <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30146\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/provincetown-the-old-colony-2-4\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Provincetown-The-Old-Colony-2.jpg?fit=3187%2C4781&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"3187,4781\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;5.6&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;X-T1&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1410971563&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;27&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;3200&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.00625&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Provincetown-The-Old-Colony-2\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Provincetown-The-Old-Colony-2.jpg?fit=1333%2C2000&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30146\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Provincetown-The-Old-Colony-2.jpg?resize=1180%2C1770\" alt=\"Provincetown-The-Old-Colony-2\" width=\"1180\" height=\"1770\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Provincetown-The-Old-Colony-2.jpg?w=3187&amp;ssl=1 3187w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Provincetown-The-Old-Colony-2.jpg?resize=440%2C660&amp;ssl=1 440w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Provincetown-The-Old-Colony-2.jpg?resize=768%2C1152&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Provincetown-The-Old-Colony-2.jpg?resize=1333%2C2000&amp;ssl=1 1333w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Provincetown-The-Old-Colony-2.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>When I attended a Magnum workshop with Constantine Manos \/ David Alan Harvey in 2015, I had a great time hanging out with my good friends Kile, Quoc, and Karl. It was great waking up with them before sunrise (around 5am), shooting the sunrise, and having a lovely breakfast and tons of coffee. We chatted, shared life experiences, and became close homies.<\/p>\n<p>For my week-long project, I visited a bar called the \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Old Colony.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d For the project I photographed the people at the bar, but also portraits of my friends.<\/p>\n<p>Don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t feel like you always need to photograph strangers, models, or others outside of your circle of friends. Often your friends can be the best subjects, because you know them the best.<\/p>\n<h2>Chapter 23: Step outside your comfort zone<\/h2>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30147\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/gallo-2-3\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Gallo-2.jpg?fit=4928%2C3264&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"4928,3264\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;4&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;GR&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1372441819&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;18.3&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;1600&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.016666666666667&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Gallo boxing. Lansing, 2014.\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Gallo boxing. Lansing, 2014.  &lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Gallo-2.jpg?fit=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30147\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Gallo-2.jpg?resize=1180%2C782\" alt=\"Gallo-2\" width=\"1180\" height=\"782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Gallo-2.jpg?w=4928&amp;ssl=1 4928w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Gallo-2.jpg?resize=660%2C437&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Gallo-2.jpg?resize=768%2C509&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Gallo-2.jpg?resize=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Gallo-2.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Gallo-2.jpg?w=3540&amp;ssl=1 3540w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/> <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30152\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/gallo-11\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Gallo-11.jpg?fit=4928%2C3264&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"4928,3264\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;4&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;GR&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1372792444&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;18.3&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;3200&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.00625&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Gallo boxing. Lansing, Michigan 2014\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Gallo boxing. Lansing, Michigan 2014&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Gallo-11.jpg?fit=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30152\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Gallo-11.jpg?resize=1180%2C782\" alt=\"Gallo-11\" width=\"1180\" height=\"782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Gallo-11.jpg?w=4928&amp;ssl=1 4928w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Gallo-11.jpg?resize=660%2C437&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Gallo-11.jpg?resize=768%2C509&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Gallo-11.jpg?resize=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Gallo-11.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Gallo-11.jpg?w=3540&amp;ssl=1 3540w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/> <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30151\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/gallo-10\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Gallo-10.jpg?fit=4810%2C3186&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"4810,3186\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;4&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;GR&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1372441582&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;18.3&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;3200&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.0125&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Gallo-10\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Gallo-10.jpg?fit=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30151\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Gallo-10.jpg?resize=1180%2C782\" alt=\"Gallo-10\" width=\"1180\" height=\"782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Gallo-10.jpg?w=4810&amp;ssl=1 4810w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Gallo-10.jpg?resize=660%2C437&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Gallo-10.jpg?resize=768%2C509&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Gallo-10.jpg?resize=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Gallo-10.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Gallo-10.jpg?w=3540&amp;ssl=1 3540w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/> <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30150\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/gallo-9\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Gallo-9.jpg?fit=4928%2C3264&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"4928,3264\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;4&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;GR&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1372703028&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;18.3&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;3200&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.00125&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Gallo boxing. Lansing, Michigan 2014\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Gallo-9.jpg?fit=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30150\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Gallo-9.jpg?resize=1180%2C782\" alt=\"Gallo-9\" width=\"1180\" height=\"782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Gallo-9.jpg?w=4928&amp;ssl=1 4928w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Gallo-9.jpg?resize=660%2C437&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Gallo-9.jpg?resize=768%2C509&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Gallo-9.jpg?resize=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Gallo-9.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Gallo-9.jpg?w=3540&amp;ssl=1 3540w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/> <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30149\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/gallo-6\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Gallo-6.jpg?fit=4928%2C3264&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"4928,3264\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;4&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;GR&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1372701476&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;18.3&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;3200&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.003125&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Gallo boxing. Lansing, Michigan 2014\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Gallo boxing. Lansing, Michigan 2014&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Gallo-6.jpg?fit=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30149\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Gallo-6.jpg?resize=1180%2C782\" alt=\"Gallo-6\" width=\"1180\" height=\"782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Gallo-6.jpg?w=4928&amp;ssl=1 4928w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Gallo-6.jpg?resize=660%2C437&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Gallo-6.jpg?resize=768%2C509&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Gallo-6.jpg?resize=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Gallo-6.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Gallo-6.jpg?w=3540&amp;ssl=1 3540w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/> <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30148\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/gallo-4\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Gallo-4.jpg?fit=4928%2C3264&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"4928,3264\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;4&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;GR&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1372791539&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;18.3&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;3200&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.016666666666667&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Gallo-4\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Gallo-4.jpg?fit=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30148\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Gallo-4.jpg?resize=1180%2C782\" alt=\"Gallo-4\" width=\"1180\" height=\"782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Gallo-4.jpg?w=4928&amp;ssl=1 4928w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Gallo-4.jpg?resize=660%2C437&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Gallo-4.jpg?resize=768%2C509&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Gallo-4.jpg?resize=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Gallo-4.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Gallo-4.jpg?w=3540&amp;ssl=1 3540w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>\u00c2\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u00c2\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30154\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/gallo-12\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Gallo-12.jpg?fit=4928%2C3264&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"4928,3264\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;4&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;GR&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1372792141&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;18.3&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;3200&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.008&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Gallo-12\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Gallo-12.jpg?fit=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30154\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Gallo-12.jpg?resize=1180%2C782\" alt=\"Gallo-12\" width=\"1180\" height=\"782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Gallo-12.jpg?w=4928&amp;ssl=1 4928w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Gallo-12.jpg?resize=660%2C437&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Gallo-12.jpg?resize=768%2C509&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Gallo-12.jpg?resize=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Gallo-12.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Gallo-12.jpg?w=3540&amp;ssl=1 3540w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/> <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30155\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/gallo-13-2\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Gallo-13.jpg?fit=3264%2C4928&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"3264,4928\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;4&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;GR&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1372791889&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;18.3&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;1600&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.016666666666667&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Gallo-13\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Gallo-13.jpg?fit=1325%2C2000&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30155\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Gallo-13.jpg?resize=1180%2C1782\" alt=\"Gallo-13\" width=\"1180\" height=\"1782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Gallo-13.jpg?w=3264&amp;ssl=1 3264w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Gallo-13.jpg?resize=437%2C660&amp;ssl=1 437w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Gallo-13.jpg?resize=768%2C1160&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Gallo-13.jpg?resize=1325%2C2000&amp;ssl=1 1325w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Gallo-13.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Boxing has always been something interesting to me. Perhaps it comes from the fact that I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve always been a scrawny Asian kid and self-conscious. Boxing seemed like the ultimate \u00e2\u20ac\u0153manly\u00e2\u20ac\u009d sport that built self-discipline, strength, bravery, and grit.<\/p>\n<p>When I did a social media campaign for Ford, one of the challenges I gave myself to visit a boxing gym (to learn boxing, and to take photographs). I visited a local gym called \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Gallo Boxing\u00e2\u20ac\u009d in Lansing, Michigan, and pushed myself out of my comfort zone to make a mini-project on the gym. I befriended a lot of the guys there, heard their life stories, and eventually mailed them some prints of them.<\/p>\n<p>I thank photography for giving me the opportunity to trying out new things. If it weren\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t for the camera, I certainly wouldn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t be as adventurous in life. Thank God for photography.<\/p>\n<h2>Chapter 24: Life and death<\/h2>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30156\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/halabujee-2-5\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-2.jpg?fit=3533%2C2313&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"3533,2313\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1372359779&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Halabujee-2\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-2.jpg?fit=2000%2C1309&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30156\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-2.jpg?resize=1180%2C773\" alt=\"Halabujee-2\" width=\"1180\" height=\"773\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-2.jpg?w=3533&amp;ssl=1 3533w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-2.jpg?resize=660%2C432&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-2.jpg?resize=768%2C503&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-2.jpg?resize=2000%2C1309&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-2.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/> <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30157\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/halabujee-3-5\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-3.jpg?fit=3559%2C2369&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"3559,2369\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1372359050&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Halabujee-3\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-3.jpg?fit=2000%2C1331&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30157\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-3.jpg?resize=1180%2C785\" alt=\"Halabujee-3\" width=\"1180\" height=\"785\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-3.jpg?w=3559&amp;ssl=1 3559w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-3.jpg?resize=660%2C439&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-3.jpg?resize=768%2C511&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-3.jpg?resize=2000%2C1331&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-3.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/> <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30158\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/halabujee-4-5\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-4.jpg?fit=3436%2C2344&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"3436,2344\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1372358428&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Halabujee-4\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-4.jpg?fit=2000%2C1364&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30158\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-4.jpg?resize=1180%2C805\" alt=\"Halabujee-4\" width=\"1180\" height=\"805\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-4.jpg?w=3436&amp;ssl=1 3436w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-4.jpg?resize=660%2C450&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-4.jpg?resize=768%2C524&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-4.jpg?resize=2000%2C1364&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-4.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/> <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30159\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/halabujee-5-4\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-5.jpg?fit=3596%2C2375&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"3596,2375\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1372335521&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Halabujee-5\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-5.jpg?fit=2000%2C1321&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30159\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-5.jpg?resize=1180%2C779\" alt=\"Halabujee-5\" width=\"1180\" height=\"779\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-5.jpg?w=3596&amp;ssl=1 3596w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-5.jpg?resize=660%2C436&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-5.jpg?resize=768%2C507&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-5.jpg?resize=2000%2C1321&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-5.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-5.jpg?w=3540&amp;ssl=1 3540w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/> <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30160\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/halabujee-7-4\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-7.jpg?fit=3571%2C2363&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"3571,2363\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1372335983&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Halabujee-7\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-7.jpg?fit=2000%2C1323&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30160\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-7.jpg?resize=1180%2C781\" alt=\"Halabujee-7\" width=\"1180\" height=\"781\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-7.jpg?w=3571&amp;ssl=1 3571w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-7.jpg?resize=660%2C437&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-7.jpg?resize=768%2C508&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-7.jpg?resize=2000%2C1323&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-7.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/> <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30161\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/halabujee-8-4\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-8.jpg?fit=3586%2C2356&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"3586,2356\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1372341809&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Halabujee-8\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-8.jpg?fit=2000%2C1314&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30161\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-8.jpg?resize=1180%2C775\" alt=\"Halabujee-8\" width=\"1180\" height=\"775\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-8.jpg?w=3586&amp;ssl=1 3586w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-8.jpg?resize=660%2C434&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-8.jpg?resize=768%2C505&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-8.jpg?resize=2000%2C1314&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-8.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/> <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30162\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/halabujee-9-5\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-9.jpg?fit=3577%2C2369&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"3577,2369\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1372342767&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Halabujee-9\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-9.jpg?fit=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30162\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-9.jpg?resize=1180%2C781\" alt=\"Halabujee-9\" width=\"1180\" height=\"781\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-9.jpg?w=3577&amp;ssl=1 3577w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-9.jpg?resize=660%2C437&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-9.jpg?resize=768%2C509&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-9.jpg?resize=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-9.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/> <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30163\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/halabujee-10-5\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-10.jpg?fit=3517%2C2350&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"3517,2350\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1372342974&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Halabujee-10\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-10.jpg?fit=2000%2C1336&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30163\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-10.jpg?resize=1180%2C788\" alt=\"Halabujee-10\" width=\"1180\" height=\"788\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-10.jpg?w=3517&amp;ssl=1 3517w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-10.jpg?resize=660%2C441&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-10.jpg?resize=768%2C513&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-10.jpg?resize=2000%2C1336&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-10.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/> <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30164\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/halabujee-11-4\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-11.jpg?fit=3568%2C2356&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"3568,2356\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1372344499&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Halabujee-11\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-11.jpg?fit=2000%2C1321&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30164\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-11.jpg?resize=1180%2C779\" alt=\"Halabujee-11\" width=\"1180\" height=\"779\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-11.jpg?w=3568&amp;ssl=1 3568w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-11.jpg?resize=660%2C436&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-11.jpg?resize=768%2C507&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-11.jpg?resize=2000%2C1321&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-11.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/> <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30165\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/halabujee-12-4\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-12.jpg?fit=3506%2C2375&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"3506,2375\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1372345580&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Halabujee-12\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-12.jpg?fit=2000%2C1355&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30165\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-12.jpg?resize=1180%2C799\" alt=\"Halabujee-12\" width=\"1180\" height=\"799\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-12.jpg?w=3506&amp;ssl=1 3506w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-12.jpg?resize=660%2C447&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-12.jpg?resize=768%2C520&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-12.jpg?resize=2000%2C1355&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-12.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/> <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30166\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/halabujee-13-5\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-13.jpg?fit=3576%2C2356&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"3576,2356\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1372345359&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Halabujee-13\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-13.jpg?fit=2000%2C1318&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30166\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-13.jpg?resize=1180%2C777\" alt=\"Halabujee-13\" width=\"1180\" height=\"777\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-13.jpg?w=3576&amp;ssl=1 3576w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-13.jpg?resize=660%2C435&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-13.jpg?resize=768%2C506&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-13.jpg?resize=2000%2C1318&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-13.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/> <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30167\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/halabujee-14-7\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-14-1.jpg?fit=3568%2C2344&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"3568,2344\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1372346327&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Halabujee-14\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-14-1.jpg?fit=2000%2C1314&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30167\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-14-1.jpg?resize=1180%2C775\" alt=\"Halabujee-14\" width=\"1180\" height=\"775\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-14-1.jpg?w=3568&amp;ssl=1 3568w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-14-1.jpg?resize=660%2C434&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-14-1.jpg?resize=768%2C505&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-14-1.jpg?resize=2000%2C1314&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-14-1.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/> <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30168\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/halabujee-15-4\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-15.jpg?fit=3545%2C2356&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"3545,2356\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1372345944&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Halabujee-15\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-15.jpg?fit=2000%2C1329&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30168\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-15.jpg?resize=1180%2C784\" alt=\"Halabujee-15\" width=\"1180\" height=\"784\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-15.jpg?w=3545&amp;ssl=1 3545w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-15.jpg?resize=660%2C439&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-15.jpg?resize=768%2C510&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-15.jpg?resize=2000%2C1329&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-15.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/> <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30169\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/halabujee-19-4\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-19.jpg?fit=3557%2C2356&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"3557,2356\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1372342499&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Halabujee-19\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-19.jpg?fit=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30169\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-19.jpg?resize=1180%2C782\" alt=\"Halabujee-19\" width=\"1180\" height=\"782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-19.jpg?w=3557&amp;ssl=1 3557w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-19.jpg?resize=660%2C437&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-19.jpg?resize=768%2C509&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-19.jpg?resize=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-19.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/> <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30170\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/halabujee-20-6\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-20.jpg?fit=3566%2C2363&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"3566,2363\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1372360292&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Halabujee-20\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-20.jpg?fit=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30170\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-20.jpg?resize=1180%2C782\" alt=\"Halabujee-20\" width=\"1180\" height=\"782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-20.jpg?w=3566&amp;ssl=1 3566w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-20.jpg?resize=660%2C437&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-20.jpg?resize=768%2C509&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-20.jpg?resize=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-20.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/> <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30171\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/halabujee-21-4\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-21.jpg?fit=3517%2C2331&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"3517,2331\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1372361052&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Halabujee-21\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-21.jpg?fit=2000%2C1326&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30171\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-21.jpg?resize=1180%2C782\" alt=\"Halabujee-21\" width=\"1180\" height=\"782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-21.jpg?w=3517&amp;ssl=1 3517w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-21.jpg?resize=660%2C437&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-21.jpg?resize=768%2C509&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-21.jpg?resize=2000%2C1326&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Halabujee-21.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Photography is the closest thing you can get to making something last forever and become \u00e2\u20ac\u0153immortal.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Photography is recognizing that a moment is fleeting, and will disappear. Photography is reminding yourself that the people you photograph will eventually die.<\/p>\n<p>So while our friends and family are alive, why not photograph them? I find that photographing my loved ones helps me appreciate them more.<\/p>\n<p>In 2013, I got a call that my grandfather passed away. I jumped on a plane, and decided to document his funeral, in a search to connect closer to him. I felt that by documenting his funeral, I could treasure him one last time.<\/p>\n<p>The experience was very moving. It changed my relationship with death&#8211; I realized that with the death of my grandfather, it brought my family closer together. With death comes new life.<\/p>\n<h2>Chapter 25: Your style is unique<\/h2>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30172\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/r0001383-4\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001383-1.jpg?fit=1987%2C3000&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1987,3000\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;5.6&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;GR II&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1462019525&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;18.3&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;400&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.003125&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"R0001383\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;SF, 2016&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001383-1.jpg?fit=1325%2C2000&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30172\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001383-1.jpg?resize=1180%2C1782\" alt=\"R0001383\" width=\"1180\" height=\"1782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001383-1.jpg?w=1987&amp;ssl=1 1987w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001383-1.jpg?resize=437%2C660&amp;ssl=1 437w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001383-1.jpg?resize=768%2C1160&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001383-1.jpg?resize=1325%2C2000&amp;ssl=1 1325w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Know that your style in photography is unique. There is nobody else who sees the world the way you do.<\/p>\n<p>I have a lot of photographers who ask me advice on how to find their \u00e2\u20ac\u0153style.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n<p>Style for me is two things:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Aesthetics (how a photo looks like)<\/li>\n<li>A reflection of your personality<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>For example, I love to interact with my subjects. However the unique thing is that a lot of my photos look candid (when in reality, they are shot in-between moments when I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m interacting with my subject).<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30173\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/0-marty-contact-2\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/0-marty-contact-1.jpg?fit=2351%2C1292&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"2351,1292\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"0-marty-contact\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/0-marty-contact-1.jpg?fit=2000%2C1099&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30173\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/0-marty-contact-1.jpg?resize=1180%2C648\" alt=\"0-marty-contact\" width=\"1180\" height=\"648\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/0-marty-contact-1.jpg?w=2351&amp;ssl=1 2351w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/0-marty-contact-1.jpg?resize=660%2C363&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/0-marty-contact-1.jpg?resize=768%2C422&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/0-marty-contact-1.jpg?resize=2000%2C1099&amp;ssl=1 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>For example, I bumped into this interesting fellow on the streets of SF, and he was a fascinating character (found out he also shot street photography). I interacted and chatted with him while shooting photos of him, and I happened to get a photo of him with an interesting look while he was talking.<\/p>\n<p>I know a lot of street photographers who look down on interacting with your subjects. Apparently the \u00e2\u20ac\u0153rule\u00e2\u20ac\u009d in street photography is that you aren\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t \u00e2\u20ac\u0153allowed\u00e2\u20ac\u009d to talk to your subjects (they must be shot candidly).<\/p>\n<p>But I respect street photographers who only shoot candidly (because that is their personal style; they prefer to be more in the shadows, which reflects their more introverted personalities).<\/p>\n<p>Discover the aesthetic or \u00e2\u20ac\u0153look\u00e2\u20ac\u009d that you like in your photography. If your heart sings in monochrome, stick to that. If color is your thing, stick with color. Find a camera and focal length that suits your personality, and stick with it.<\/p>\n<p>As with <i>how<\/i> you shoot&#8211; follow your personality. If you like to chat with people and \u00e2\u20ac\u0153work the scene\u00e2\u20ac\u009d, go for that. If you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re more of a \u00e2\u20ac\u0153one shot, one kill\u00e2\u20ac\u009d type of person, shoot that way.<\/p>\n<p>The only way to be authentic in photography is for your photography to reflect your inner-voice.<\/p>\n<h2>Chapter 26: Embrace every opportunity<\/h2>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30174\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/r0001373-5\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001373-1.jpg?fit=3936%2C2608&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"3936,2608\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;5.6&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;GR II&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1462004162&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;18.3&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;800&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.002&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"R0001373\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;BART, 2016&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001373-1.jpg?fit=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30174\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001373-1.jpg?resize=1180%2C782\" alt=\"R0001373\" width=\"1180\" height=\"782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001373-1.jpg?w=3936&amp;ssl=1 3936w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001373-1.jpg?resize=660%2C437&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001373-1.jpg?resize=768%2C509&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001373-1.jpg?resize=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001373-1.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001373-1.jpg?w=3540&amp;ssl=1 3540w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>I think the common excuse that all of us photographers make (myself included) is that we never have enough time or opportunities to shoot. But it is only an excuse&#8211; we have infinite opportunities to shoot, our only barrier is ourselves.<\/p>\n<p>For example, ever since I got rid of my car, I take a lot more public transportation (bus, subway)&#8211; yet I squander these moments. Rather than using this as an opportunity to make images, I just screw around on my smartphone. So I have this personal rule now: before I zone out (checking my phone, reading a book, texting) I take a deep breath, look around me, and appreciate my surroundings for a few minutes.<\/p>\n<p>In this above image, I turned off my smartphone for a few minutes, and noticed this beautiful light hitting this woman\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s face. She was thinking about something deep&#8211; I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m glad I wasn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t distracted so I could notice and capture this moment. Use your lifestyle to the maximum; make photos, not excuses.<\/p>\n<h2>Chapter 27: Embrace nature<\/h2>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30175\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/r0000873-2\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0000873.jpg?fit=4928%2C3264&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"4928,3264\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;16&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;GR II&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1460042807&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;18.3&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;400&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.076923076923077&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"R0000873\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0000873.jpg?fit=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30175\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0000873.jpg?resize=1180%2C782\" alt=\"R0000873\" width=\"1180\" height=\"782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0000873.jpg?w=4928&amp;ssl=1 4928w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0000873.jpg?resize=660%2C437&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0000873.jpg?resize=768%2C509&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0000873.jpg?resize=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0000873.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0000873.jpg?w=3540&amp;ssl=1 3540w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Often when I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m feeling \u00e2\u20ac\u0153blocked\u00e2\u20ac\u009d photographically (in terms of creativity), I like to go for a walk and embrace nature. There is an ancient saying \u00e2\u20ac\u0153<i>All art is an imitation of nature<\/i>.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d If you think about it, it is true. Many painters and artists paint beautiful landscapes, and many of us photographers make images of people, cities, and society.<\/p>\n<p>What I love about photographing nature is that it helps me get into a more meditative, contemplative, and appreciative mood. I also feel that going on long walks with your camera (near nature, preferably near the water) is a good way to \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Zen\u00e2\u20ac\u009d out.<\/p>\n<p>For this photograph, I was walking by the Berkeley marina (a few miles from my apartment), and I saw these grasses swaying in the wind. I went on a walk with my Ricoh and put the shutter-speed slow, and just photographed the movement and energy of the grass. It is a \u00e2\u20ac\u0153nothing\u00e2\u20ac\u009d photograph, but personally meaningful to my state-of-mind when I photographed it (thinking of transience in life).<\/p>\n<h2>Chapter 28: Light is beauty<\/h2>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30176\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/r0001059\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001059.jpg?fit=4928%2C3264&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"4928,3264\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;5.6&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;GR II&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1460804346&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;18.3&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;1600&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.0055555555555556&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"R0001059\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;SF, 2016&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001059.jpg?fit=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30176\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001059.jpg?resize=1180%2C782\" alt=\"R0001059\" width=\"1180\" height=\"782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001059.jpg?w=4928&amp;ssl=1 4928w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001059.jpg?resize=660%2C437&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001059.jpg?resize=768%2C509&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001059.jpg?resize=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001059.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001059.jpg?w=3540&amp;ssl=1 3540w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Photography literally means \u00e2\u20ac\u0153<i>painting with light<\/i>.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d A lot of the emotions we capture in our photos are highly influenced by light.<\/p>\n<p>I used to never think about light when making images. I would just see something interesting, and snap away.<\/p>\n<p>Nowadays I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m much more conscious about the light. Because if I see something beautiful, and want to show the beauty that I see, I must use the light in my favor.<\/p>\n<p>For example for this above image, I was in the Tenderloin in SF, and saw this woman who I thought was beautiful. I approached her, complimented her look, and I asked her to stand in front of the doorway, to give her that beautiful natural and diffused light on her face. The soft light shows her soft beauty&#8211; the aesthetic of the light adds to the emotional impact I wanted in this image.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30178\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/1-contact-sfbraids\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/1-contact-sfbraids.jpg?fit=2458%2C1650&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"2458,1650\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"1-contact-sfbraids\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/1-contact-sfbraids.jpg?fit=2000%2C1343&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30178\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/1-contact-sfbraids.jpg?resize=1180%2C792\" alt=\"1-contact-sfbraids\" width=\"1180\" height=\"792\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/1-contact-sfbraids.jpg?w=2458&amp;ssl=1 2458w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/1-contact-sfbraids.jpg?resize=660%2C443&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/1-contact-sfbraids.jpg?resize=768%2C516&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/1-contact-sfbraids.jpg?resize=2000%2C1343&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/1-contact-sfbraids.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>In terms of how I made this photograph, I first took a series of vertical portraits of her. I then realized that she looked a bit stiff, so I asked her to \u00e2\u20ac\u0153play with her braids.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n<p>What I love most about this photograph is how I was able to make her \u00e2\u20ac\u0153feel beautiful.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d I thought she was beautiful, but perhaps she didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t have that self-confidence in herself.<\/p>\n<p>After doing this little mini-portrait session with her in the streets, I overheard that she was so excited having her portrait taken, and she told someone that, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153He made me feel like a model, and made me feel so beautiful!\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n<p>Make someone feel beautiful today.<\/p>\n<h2>Chapter 29: Have your loved ones participate<\/h2>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30180\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/r0001114\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001114.jpg?fit=3936%2C2608&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"3936,2608\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;3.2&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;GR II&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1460963705&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;18.3&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;1600&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.022222222222222&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"R0001114\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001114.jpg?fit=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30180\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001114.jpg?resize=1180%2C782\" alt=\"R0001114\" width=\"1180\" height=\"782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001114.jpg?w=3936&amp;ssl=1 3936w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001114.jpg?resize=660%2C437&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001114.jpg?resize=768%2C509&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001114.jpg?resize=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001114.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001114.jpg?w=3540&amp;ssl=1 3540w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>As I have been more focused on documenting my loved ones, I also have been getting my loved ones to participate.<\/p>\n<p>For example, I have been working on my \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Cindy project\u00e2\u20ac\u009d for a while now&#8211; and Cindy has been starting her own \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Eric project\u00e2\u20ac\u009d as well.<\/p>\n<p>I think it is fascinating&#8211; to see her make photos of me in intimate situations, either when I am with my mom, by myself, or doing something else. By having Cindy be an active participant as well&#8211; it makes the whole photography process much more inclusive and meaningful. Plus, it is fascinating to be on the other side of a camera. By knowing how it feels like being on the other side of the lens, you learn how to photograph your loved ones more conscientiously as well.<\/p>\n<p>So ask your loved ones to take some photos of you as well&#8211; you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll be surprised what they will take.<\/p>\n<h2>Chapter 30: Shoot in places you love<\/h2>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30181\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/0-r0000449-copy\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/0-R0000449-copy.jpg?fit=1656%2C2500&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1656,2500\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;5.6&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;GR II&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1458560783&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;18.3&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;250&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.005&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"0-R0000449 copy\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/0-R0000449-copy.jpg?fit=1325%2C2000&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30181\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/0-R0000449-copy.jpg?resize=1180%2C1781\" alt=\"0-R0000449 copy\" width=\"1180\" height=\"1781\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/0-R0000449-copy.jpg?w=1656&amp;ssl=1 1656w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/0-R0000449-copy.jpg?resize=437%2C660&amp;ssl=1 437w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/0-R0000449-copy.jpg?resize=768%2C1159&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/0-R0000449-copy.jpg?resize=1325%2C2000&amp;ssl=1 1325w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/> <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30182\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/1-contact-braids-nyc\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/1-contact-braids-nyc.jpg?fit=2399%2C1650&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"2399,1650\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"1-contact-braids-nyc\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/1-contact-braids-nyc.jpg?fit=2000%2C1376&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30182\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/1-contact-braids-nyc.jpg?resize=1180%2C812\" alt=\"1-contact-braids-nyc\" width=\"1180\" height=\"812\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/1-contact-braids-nyc.jpg?w=2399&amp;ssl=1 2399w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/1-contact-braids-nyc.jpg?resize=660%2C454&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/1-contact-braids-nyc.jpg?resize=768%2C528&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/1-contact-braids-nyc.jpg?resize=2000%2C1376&amp;ssl=1 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Nowadays I don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t really go out and \u00e2\u20ac\u0153shoot\u00e2\u20ac\u009d anymore. Rather what I do is I just go to places that I love, live the life that I love, and photograph whatever happens my way. Rather than forcing myself to go out and shoot photos, <b>I let the photos come to me<\/b>.<\/p>\n<p>Cindy and I travel a lot together, and love to find good food to eat while traveling. We encountered this nice restaurant that served great meatballs, and we sat at the counter, when our waitress approached us. She was beautiful&#8211; with great eyes, great skin, and great braids.<\/p>\n<p>There was light streaming through the window, and it lit her up like a movie star. I loved the dramatic light, and her face, and I asked if I could make a portrait of her. She said yes.<\/p>\n<p>Because I like to shoot portraits of strangers, I always keep my eyes open wherever I am. This can be in a restaurant, in a cafe, or even a pub. I have even asked people to take their portrait inside a Costco or grocery store.<\/p>\n<p>To take better photos, take photos in places where you love to be. That might be your local gym, your local cafe, local restaurant, your school, your workplace, or neighborhood.<\/p>\n<p>Also photograph in a place that makes you comfortable and feels like \u00e2\u20ac\u0153home.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d This can even literally be inside your house.<\/p>\n<h2>Chapter 31: Everyday is a new day<\/h2>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30184\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/r0001348-2\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001348.jpg?fit=4928%2C3264&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"4928,3264\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;5.6&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;GR II&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1461694276&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;18.3&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;1600&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.00125&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"R0001348\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001348.jpg?fit=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30184\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001348.jpg?resize=1180%2C782\" alt=\"R0001348\" width=\"1180\" height=\"782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001348.jpg?w=4928&amp;ssl=1 4928w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001348.jpg?resize=660%2C437&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001348.jpg?resize=768%2C509&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001348.jpg?resize=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001348.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001348.jpg?w=3540&amp;ssl=1 3540w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Everyday is a new day for you to make photos. In order to grow, you need to make new work. Don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t be stuck in the past, enjoy your present moment, and photograph each day as it comes.<\/p>\n<p>For me, sometimes I get too trapped into my past work. I sometimes let this become a detriment&#8211; I feel like I have a certain \u00e2\u20ac\u0153style\u00e2\u20ac\u009d that I need to be loyal to.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30185\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/r0001353-2\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001353.jpg?fit=3264%2C4928&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"3264,4928\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;2.8&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;GR II&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1461698472&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;18.3&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;1600&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.1&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"R0001353\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001353.jpg?fit=1325%2C2000&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30185\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001353.jpg?resize=1180%2C1782\" alt=\"R0001353\" width=\"1180\" height=\"1782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001353.jpg?w=3264&amp;ssl=1 3264w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001353.jpg?resize=437%2C660&amp;ssl=1 437w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001353.jpg?resize=768%2C1160&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001353.jpg?resize=1325%2C2000&amp;ssl=1 1325w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001353.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>But realize that everyday you are born anew. Each day will offer you new life experiences, the chance to interact with new people, or the chance with you to interact with old family and friends.<\/p>\n<p>Always see each of your days and life experiences as a new life. This will keep your eyes fresh, curious, inquisitive, and appreciative of your life.<\/p>\n<p>You haven\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t taken your best photo yet. <b>Your best photo is your next photo to come<\/b>.<\/p>\n<h2>Chapter 32: Is photography adding or removing stress from your life?<\/h2>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30186\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/r0001161-2\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001161.jpg?fit=3936%2C2608&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"3936,2608\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;3.5&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;GR II&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1461401370&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;18.3&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;800&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.016666666666667&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"R0001161\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001161.jpg?fit=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30186\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001161.jpg?resize=1180%2C782\" alt=\"R0001161\" width=\"1180\" height=\"782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001161.jpg?w=3936&amp;ssl=1 3936w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001161.jpg?resize=660%2C437&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001161.jpg?resize=768%2C509&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001161.jpg?resize=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001161.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001161.jpg?w=3540&amp;ssl=1 3540w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Our lives are stressful, complicated, and difficult. Photography should be a tool to <i>remove<\/i> stress, anxiety, and frustration from our lives. If photography is <i>adding<\/i> complications to your life&#8211; why are you doing it?<\/p>\n<p>For me, photography is one of the most natural ways to relieve the anxieties of my life. When I get into a fight with Cindy, feel trapped or cooped, or need to think&#8211; I just go out for a walk (and bring my camera along).<\/p>\n<p>For me, photography is self-therapy. Photography has done more than any other artistic medium to relieve a lot of my personal suffering and frustrations with life. Photography helps me discover my true inner-voice as well, and gives me the courage, bravery, to pursue what is truly important in my life.<\/p>\n<h2>Chapter 33: Empower yourself<\/h2>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30187\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/r0000300-2\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0000300.jpg?fit=4928%2C3264&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"4928,3264\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;5.6&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;GR II&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1464182315&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;18.3&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;400&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.001&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"R0000300\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0000300.jpg?fit=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30187\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0000300.jpg?resize=1180%2C782\" alt=\"R0000300\" width=\"1180\" height=\"782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0000300.jpg?w=4928&amp;ssl=1 4928w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0000300.jpg?resize=660%2C437&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0000300.jpg?resize=768%2C509&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0000300.jpg?resize=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0000300.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0000300.jpg?w=3540&amp;ssl=1 3540w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>When I have the camera in hand, I feel more confident, courageous, and empowered. I often feel timid around strangers <i>without<\/i> a camera. Rather than being embarrassed that you are a photographer, or feel awkward being seen carrying around a camera&#8211; embrace it.<\/p>\n<p>Realize the camera is a tool for self-empowerment. The camera gives you an excuse to explore the world, to step outside of your daily routines, and to grow (emotionally, spiritually, and visually). Street photography in particular has taught me valuable social skills. I used to never have the courage to interact with a stranger, or even make \u00e2\u20ac\u0153small talk.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d Now, I am a lot hesitant in awkward social situations, and I can have a conversation with anybody.<\/p>\n<p>When you have the camera around your neck or in your hand, imagine like you are a superhero. The camera will empower you and give you super-human confidence, courage, and the ability to notice things you might not ordinarily notice.<\/p>\n<h2>Chapter 34: The camera is your slave<\/h2>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30073\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/09\/07\/how-to-get-more-followers-on-social-media\/ek-1-4\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/EK-1.jpg?fit=4256%2C2832&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"4256,2832\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;2.8&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;Rinzi Ruiz&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;NIKON D700&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1317752169&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;Rinzi Ruiz Photography&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;24&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;800&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.0025&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"EK-1\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/EK-1.jpg?fit=2000%2C1331&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30073\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/EK-1.jpg?resize=1180%2C785\" alt=\"EK-1\" width=\"1180\" height=\"785\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/EK-1.jpg?w=4256&amp;ssl=1 4256w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/EK-1.jpg?resize=660%2C439&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/EK-1.jpg?resize=768%2C511&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/EK-1.jpg?resize=2000%2C1331&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/EK-1.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/EK-1.jpg?w=3540&amp;ssl=1 3540w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Talking about cameras, make the camera your slave. Don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t be the slave of your camera.<\/p>\n<p>Far too often as photographers, we worry too much about what camera, lens, or technical settings to use. My suggestion: use the cheapest, smallest, and most compact camera that makes it \u00e2\u20ac\u0153frictionless\u00e2\u20ac\u009d for you to make images. For me, that is just a compact point-and-shoot camera, put into \u00e2\u20ac\u0153P\u00e2\u20ac\u009d (program) mode. This allows me to not think while taking the photos&#8211; but to simply react to the scene in front of me.<\/p>\n<p>Furthermore, think of how liberating it is when you no longer care about what camera you own. You first of all save a ton of money (which can be used to travel, take photography classes, buy photography books), and you focus on the artistic side of things.<\/p>\n<p>There are no more bad cameras. Make your camera an extension of your eye.<\/p>\n<h2>Chapter 35: Don&#8217;t discriminate<\/h2>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30188\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/r0001531-4\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001531-1.jpg?fit=3264%2C4928&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"3264,4928\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;5&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;GR II&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1462448325&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;18.3&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;1100&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.008&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"R0001531\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001531-1.jpg?fit=1325%2C2000&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30188\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001531-1.jpg?resize=1180%2C1782\" alt=\"R0001531\" width=\"1180\" height=\"1782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001531-1.jpg?w=3264&amp;ssl=1 3264w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001531-1.jpg?resize=437%2C660&amp;ssl=1 437w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001531-1.jpg?resize=768%2C1160&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001531-1.jpg?resize=1325%2C2000&amp;ssl=1 1325w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001531-1.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>In theory, no one scene, no one person, or no one photograph is \u00e2\u20ac\u0153better\u00e2\u20ac\u009d than another.<\/p>\n<p>Often in photography we \u00e2\u20ac\u0153judge\u00e2\u20ac\u009d too much. We judge whether we think a city is \u00e2\u20ac\u0153interesting\u00e2\u20ac\u009d, we judge whether we think a certain subject is \u00e2\u20ac\u0153interesting\u00e2\u20ac\u009d, and we judge whether we think a certain photograph is \u00e2\u20ac\u0153interesting.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n<p>But in personal photography, everything can be interesting. It just depends on how close you look.<\/p>\n<p>Furthermore, realize that what might be considered \u00e2\u20ac\u0153ugly\u00e2\u20ac\u009d in traditional senses&#8211; may be beautiful in others.<\/p>\n<p>For example, I saw this man who was missing a pupil in one eye. Others might think that makes him look \u00e2\u20ac\u0153scary\u00e2\u20ac\u009d and unapproachable. But I knew that he was just another guy at the end of the day.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30189\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/0-one-eye-contact-mikie-2\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/0-one-eye-contact-mikie-1.jpg?fit=2341%2C2410&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"2341,2410\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"0-one eye contact &amp;#8211; mikie\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/0-one-eye-contact-mikie-1.jpg?fit=1943%2C2000&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30189\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/0-one-eye-contact-mikie-1.jpg?resize=1180%2C1215\" alt=\"0-one eye contact - mikie\" width=\"1180\" height=\"1215\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/0-one-eye-contact-mikie-1.jpg?w=2341&amp;ssl=1 2341w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/0-one-eye-contact-mikie-1.jpg?resize=641%2C660&amp;ssl=1 641w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/0-one-eye-contact-mikie-1.jpg?resize=768%2C791&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/0-one-eye-contact-mikie-1.jpg?resize=1943%2C2000&amp;ssl=1 1943w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>I approached him and I told him that I loved his \u00e2\u20ac\u0153look\u00e2\u20ac\u009d, and asked if I could make a few portraits of him. He was ecstatic&#8211; and I ended up emailing him some photos (he told me he is currently working on some mixtapes, and he loved the portrait I shot of him).<\/p>\n<p>Don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t discriminate your subjects based on your pre-conceived notions of them. Have an open mind, and treat everybody equally.<\/p>\n<p>The same goes with scenes&#8211; treat every scene equally, and this will help you find some deeper beauty inherent in the world.<\/p>\n<h2>Chapter 36: No regrets<\/h2>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30191\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/r0001505-2\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001505.jpg?fit=3264%2C4928&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"3264,4928\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;4&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;GR II&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1462442447&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;18.3&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;400&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.0125&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"R0001505\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001505.jpg?fit=1325%2C2000&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30191\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001505.jpg?resize=1180%2C1782\" alt=\"R0001505\" width=\"1180\" height=\"1782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001505.jpg?w=3264&amp;ssl=1 3264w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001505.jpg?resize=437%2C660&amp;ssl=1 437w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001505.jpg?resize=768%2C1160&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001505.jpg?resize=1325%2C2000&amp;ssl=1 1325w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0001505.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Your life is short. Don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t live life with any regrets.<\/p>\n<p>Don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t regret the past. Don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t wish that you started photography when you were younger. Don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t wish you lived in some different city. Don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t wish you had a different lifestyle.<\/p>\n<p>Embrace the life you currently have. Make the best out of the life you currently live.<\/p>\n<p>Make every moment count. Live a photographic life authentic to you, and make sure to never go to sleep at night with any regrets in your photography.<\/p>\n<h2>Chapter 37: Evolve<\/h2>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30190\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/r0000517-3\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0000517.jpg?fit=3264%2C4928&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"3264,4928\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;5.6&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;GR II&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1458738048&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;18.3&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;400&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.004&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"R0000517\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0000517.jpg?fit=1325%2C2000&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30190\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0000517.jpg?resize=1180%2C1782\" alt=\"R0000517\" width=\"1180\" height=\"1782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0000517.jpg?w=3264&amp;ssl=1 3264w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0000517.jpg?resize=437%2C660&amp;ssl=1 437w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0000517.jpg?resize=768%2C1160&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0000517.jpg?resize=1325%2C2000&amp;ssl=1 1325w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0000517.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>You don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t want to stagnate in your photography and life.<\/p>\n<p>To me, happiness is growth. Happiness is the feeling of progress, the feeling that you are moving forward, and the feeling that you are constantly evolving (for the better).<\/p>\n<p>To me, depression is all about feeling stuck. It is about constantly repeating yourself. Lacking inspiration. Wishing that you could create new things, but not having that ability.<\/p>\n<p>Evolution is your life-blood as a photographer. The more you evolve in your photography, the more fresh you keep your eyes. You stay curious, and you push your limits.<\/p>\n<p>By evolving, you will alienate some of your followers and viewers. They might like your \u00e2\u20ac\u0153old stuff\u00e2\u20ac\u009d better than your \u00e2\u20ac\u0153new stuff.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n<p>But if your new work is what brings you happiness, why do you care what others think?<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30192\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/1-teeth-nyc-contact\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/1-teeth-nyc-contact.jpg?fit=2418%2C2422&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"2418,2422\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"1-teeth nyc contact\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/1-teeth-nyc-contact.jpg?fit=1997%2C2000&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30192\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/1-teeth-nyc-contact.jpg?resize=1180%2C1182\" alt=\"1-teeth nyc contact\" width=\"1180\" height=\"1182\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/1-teeth-nyc-contact.jpg?w=2418&amp;ssl=1 2418w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/1-teeth-nyc-contact.jpg?resize=290%2C290&amp;ssl=1 290w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/1-teeth-nyc-contact.jpg?resize=660%2C660&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/1-teeth-nyc-contact.jpg?resize=768%2C769&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/1-teeth-nyc-contact.jpg?resize=1997%2C2000&amp;ssl=1 1997w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/1-teeth-nyc-contact.jpg?resize=640%2C640&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/1-teeth-nyc-contact.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Think about \u00e2\u20ac\u0153survival of the fittest\u00e2\u20ac\u009d &#8212; could all these animals survive if they didn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t evolve and gain new adaptations that helped them?<\/p>\n<p>I think one of the most important things about your evolution in photography is to keep it natural and organic. Don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t <i>force<\/i> yourself to evolve in your photography before you are ready.<\/p>\n<p>But how will you know that you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re ready to evolve In your photography?<\/p>\n<p>I say follow your gut. Once you start becoming bored of photography, it is necessary for you to change things up. Perhaps try a different focal length, try a different medium (film or digital), shoot a different neighborhood, or try a different approach (portraits instead of candid photos).<\/p>\n<p>For me, I have gone through many \u00e2\u20ac\u0153phases\u00e2\u20ac\u009d in my photography. First it was shooting \u00e2\u20ac\u0153decisive moment\u00e2\u20ac\u009d street photographs (like <a href=\"http:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2014\/12\/09\/17-lessons-henri-cartier-bresson-taught-street-photography\/\">Henri Cartier-Bresson<\/a>, finding an interesting background, and waiting for someone to walk into the scene). Then it was to shoot flash like <a href=\"http:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2013\/08\/24\/5-lessons-bruce-gilden-has-taught-me-about-street-photography\/\">Bruce Gilden<\/a> (candidly). Then it was to shoot in color (inspired by <a href=\"http:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2012\/03\/26\/10-things-martin-parr-can-teach-you-about-street-photography\/\">Martin Parr<\/a> \/ <a href=\"http:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2013\/04\/10-lessons-william-eggleston-has-taught-me-about-street-photography\/\">William Eggleston<\/a>). Then it was to shoot urban landscapes (inspired by <a href=\"http:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2013\/03\/29\/10-lessons-lee-friedlander-has-taught-me-about-street-photography\/\">Lee Friedlander<\/a>). Then it was to shoot more \u00e2\u20ac\u0153<a href=\"http:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2015\/06\/04\/free-book-the-street-portrait-manual\/\">street portraits<\/a>\u00e2\u20ac\u009d, then shooting less \u00e2\u20ac\u0153street photography\u00e2\u20ac\u009d, and now I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m focusing on my \u00e2\u20ac\u0153personal photography\u00e2\u20ac\u009d of Cindy, myself, and my family.<\/p>\n<p>Also with my \u00e2\u20ac\u0153street photography\u00e2\u20ac\u009d I am more interested in interacting with my subjects&#8211; shooting portraits of them in monochrome; seeking some sort of gesture or emotion in my photos that helps me connect with them.<\/p>\n<p>Don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t look back in your photography. Keep pushing forward to evolve; never settle.<\/p>\n<h2>Chapter 38: Photograph your own life<\/h2>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30193\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/cinderic-wedding-1\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-1.jpg?fit=4928%2C3264&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"4928,3264\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;3.2&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;MPANY,&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1464349946&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;18.3&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;800&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.016666666666667&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Cinderic Wedding-1\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Garden Grove, 2016&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-1.jpg?fit=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30193\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-1.jpg?resize=1180%2C782\" alt=\"Cinderic Wedding-1\" width=\"1180\" height=\"782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-1.jpg?w=4928&amp;ssl=1 4928w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-1.jpg?resize=660%2C437&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-1.jpg?resize=768%2C509&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-1.jpg?resize=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-1.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-1.jpg?w=3540&amp;ssl=1 3540w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/> <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30194\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/cinderic-wedding-2\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-2.jpg?fit=4928%2C3264&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"4928,3264\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;5.6&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;MPANY,&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1465626581&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;18.3&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;1600&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.002&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Cinderic Wedding-2\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-2.jpg?fit=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30194\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-2.jpg?resize=1180%2C782\" alt=\"Cinderic Wedding-2\" width=\"1180\" height=\"782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-2.jpg?w=4928&amp;ssl=1 4928w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-2.jpg?resize=660%2C437&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-2.jpg?resize=768%2C509&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-2.jpg?resize=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-2.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-2.jpg?w=3540&amp;ssl=1 3540w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/> <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30195\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/cinderic-wedding-3\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-3.jpg?fit=4928%2C3264&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"4928,3264\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;4.5&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;MPANY,&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1464349817&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;18.3&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;800&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.011111111111111&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Cinderic Wedding-3\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-3.jpg?fit=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30195\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-3.jpg?resize=1180%2C782\" alt=\"Cinderic Wedding-3\" width=\"1180\" height=\"782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-3.jpg?w=4928&amp;ssl=1 4928w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-3.jpg?resize=660%2C437&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-3.jpg?resize=768%2C509&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-3.jpg?resize=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-3.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-3.jpg?w=3540&amp;ssl=1 3540w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/> <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30196\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/cinderic-wedding-4\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-4.jpg?fit=3936%2C2608&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"3936,2608\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;3.5&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;MPANY,&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1465625770&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;18.3&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;1600&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.016666666666667&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Cinderic Wedding-4\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-4.jpg?fit=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30196\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-4.jpg?resize=1180%2C782\" alt=\"Cinderic Wedding-4\" width=\"1180\" height=\"782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-4.jpg?w=3936&amp;ssl=1 3936w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-4.jpg?resize=660%2C437&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-4.jpg?resize=768%2C509&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-4.jpg?resize=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-4.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-4.jpg?w=3540&amp;ssl=1 3540w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/> <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30197\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/cinderic-wedding-5\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-5.jpg?fit=4928%2C3264&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"4928,3264\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;3.5&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;MPANY,&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1465633526&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;18.3&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;400&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.016666666666667&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Cinderic Wedding-5\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-5.jpg?fit=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30197\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-5.jpg?resize=1180%2C782\" alt=\"Cinderic Wedding-5\" width=\"1180\" height=\"782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-5.jpg?w=4928&amp;ssl=1 4928w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-5.jpg?resize=660%2C437&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-5.jpg?resize=768%2C509&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-5.jpg?resize=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-5.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-5.jpg?w=3540&amp;ssl=1 3540w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/> <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30198\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/cinderic-wedding-6\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-6.jpg?fit=3936%2C2608&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"3936,2608\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;2.8&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;MPANY,&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1465633398&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;18.3&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;800&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.02&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Cinderic Wedding-6\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-6.jpg?fit=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30198\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-6.jpg?resize=1180%2C782\" alt=\"Cinderic Wedding-6\" width=\"1180\" height=\"782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-6.jpg?w=3936&amp;ssl=1 3936w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-6.jpg?resize=660%2C437&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-6.jpg?resize=768%2C509&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-6.jpg?resize=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-6.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-6.jpg?w=3540&amp;ssl=1 3540w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/> <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30199\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/cinderic-wedding-7\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-7.jpg?fit=3936%2C2608&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"3936,2608\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;2.8&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;MPANY,&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1465633464&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;18.3&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;800&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.033333333333333&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Cinderic Wedding-7\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-7.jpg?fit=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30199\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-7.jpg?resize=1180%2C782\" alt=\"Cinderic Wedding-7\" width=\"1180\" height=\"782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-7.jpg?w=3936&amp;ssl=1 3936w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-7.jpg?resize=660%2C437&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-7.jpg?resize=768%2C509&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-7.jpg?resize=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-7.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-7.jpg?w=3540&amp;ssl=1 3540w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/> <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30200\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/cinderic-wedding-8\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-8.jpg?fit=4928%2C3264&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"4928,3264\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;5.6&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;MPANY,&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1465645909&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;18.3&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;1600&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.025&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Cinderic Wedding-8\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-8.jpg?fit=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30200\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-8.jpg?resize=1180%2C782\" alt=\"Cinderic Wedding-8\" width=\"1180\" height=\"782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-8.jpg?w=4928&amp;ssl=1 4928w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-8.jpg?resize=660%2C437&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-8.jpg?resize=768%2C509&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-8.jpg?resize=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-8.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-8.jpg?w=3540&amp;ssl=1 3540w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/> <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30201\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/cinderic-wedding-9\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-9.jpg?fit=3936%2C2608&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"3936,2608\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;2.8&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;MPANY,&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1465639390&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;18.3&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;560&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.025&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Cinderic Wedding-9\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-9.jpg?fit=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30201\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-9.jpg?resize=1180%2C782\" alt=\"Cinderic Wedding-9\" width=\"1180\" height=\"782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-9.jpg?w=3936&amp;ssl=1 3936w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-9.jpg?resize=660%2C437&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-9.jpg?resize=768%2C509&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-9.jpg?resize=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-9.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-9.jpg?w=3540&amp;ssl=1 3540w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/> <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30202\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/cinderic-wedding-10\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-10.jpg?fit=4928%2C3264&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"4928,3264\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;3.5&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;MPANY,&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1465646191&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;18.3&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;800&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.0125&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Cinderic Wedding-10\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-10.jpg?fit=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30202\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-10.jpg?resize=1180%2C782\" alt=\"Cinderic Wedding-10\" width=\"1180\" height=\"782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-10.jpg?w=4928&amp;ssl=1 4928w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-10.jpg?resize=660%2C437&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-10.jpg?resize=768%2C509&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-10.jpg?resize=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-10.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-10.jpg?w=3540&amp;ssl=1 3540w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/> <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30203\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/cinderic-wedding-11\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-11.jpg?fit=4928%2C3264&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"4928,3264\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;5.6&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;MPANY,&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1465496119&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;18.3&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;800&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.0025&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Cinderic Wedding-11\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-11.jpg?fit=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30203\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-11.jpg?resize=1180%2C782\" alt=\"Cinderic Wedding-11\" width=\"1180\" height=\"782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-11.jpg?w=4928&amp;ssl=1 4928w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-11.jpg?resize=660%2C437&amp;ssl=1 660w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-11.jpg?resize=768%2C509&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-11.jpg?resize=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-11.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Cinderic-Wedding-11.jpg?w=3540&amp;ssl=1 3540w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>For a long time in my photography, it was always about documenting the lives of others. However ever since I started to focus on photographing my own life, I have gained a lot more personal satisfaction. No matter how \u00e2\u20ac\u0153boring\u00e2\u20ac\u009d your life is, there is always something interesting or meaningful to photograph. If you treat your entire life as your life\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s project, how can you run out of ideas and inspiration?<\/p>\n<p>When I married Cindy, the love of my life, I decided to document my wedding day. It helped me be more appreciative of the small behind-the-scenes moments. Not only that, but I have a beautiful document that helps me re-live my special day.<\/p>\n<p>Document your pivotal life events. Photograph your dates with your partner. Photograph your children. Photograph your wedding day. Photograph your life when you are going through good times and bad times. When you look at your photos in the future, you will be grateful for all the beautiful moments of your life.<\/p>\n<h2>Chapter 39: Conclusion<\/h2>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"30204\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/22\/the-personal-photography-manual\/r0003516-2\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0003516-2.jpg?fit=3264%2C4928&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"3264,4928\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;5.6&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;GR II&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1469724152&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;18.3&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;800&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.005&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"R0003516-2\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Downtown LA, 2016 #cindyproject&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0003516-2.jpg?fit=1325%2C2000&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-30204\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0003516-2.jpg?resize=1180%2C1782\" alt=\"R0003516-2\" width=\"1180\" height=\"1782\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0003516-2.jpg?w=3264&amp;ssl=1 3264w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0003516-2.jpg?resize=437%2C660&amp;ssl=1 437w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0003516-2.jpg?resize=768%2C1160&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0003516-2.jpg?resize=1325%2C2000&amp;ssl=1 1325w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/R0003516-2.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1180px) 100vw, 1180px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Thank you so much for joining me on this journey of putting together the \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Personal Photography Manual.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n<p>This book was a chance for me to reflect on my own photography, my mortality, and the purpose behind my photography. I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve discovered that at the end of the day, it doesn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t matter what kind of photos I make. What is the most important is this: <b>to make personally-meaningful photos<\/b>. It could be street photographs, urban landscapes, portraits of friends or loved ones, or even self-portraits of myself.<\/p>\n<p>So friend, I encourage you to not define yourself as a photographer. Simply life a meaningful life, and use the camera as a tool to enhance your life experiences.<\/p>\n<p>Capture the good times, the painful times, and always be grateful.<\/p>\n<p>It doesn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t matter if others like your photos or not. If you like your own photos, you feel like you are constantly growing and learning, and you aren\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t bored&#8211; what else could you ask for?<\/p>\n<p>Life is short. Why waste your valuable life, attention, and energy in impressing others with your photos?<\/p>\n<p>Live a life authentic to you, and make photos that are authentic to you.<\/p>\n<p>Never give up, never stop growing, and remember&#8211; have fun.<\/p>\n<p>Always,<\/p>\n<p>Eric<\/p>\n<p><i>@ Artis Coffee, Berkeley, August 16, 2016<\/i><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Dear friend, I am excited to share my new book with you: &#8220;The Personal Photography Manual.&#8221; If\u00c2\u00a0you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve ever wanted to find more meaning, purpose, and direction in your photography, I recommend you to pursue \u2026<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"_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-30101","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-posts"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30101","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=30101"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30101\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":400901,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30101\/revisions\/400901"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=30101"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=30101"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=30101"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}