{"id":67800,"date":"2017-10-25T06:32:06","date_gmt":"2017-10-25T13:32:06","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/?p=67800"},"modified":"2017-10-25T12:09:06","modified_gmt":"2017-10-25T19:09:06","slug":"the-power-of-photography","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2017\/10\/25\/the-power-of-photography\/","title":{"rendered":"The Power of Photography"},"content":{"rendered":"<figure id=\"attachment_67776\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-67776\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"67776\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2017\/10\/24\/tell-your-own-story\/eric-kim-photography-kyoto-dark-0136720-2\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/ERIC-KIM-PHOTOGRAPHY-KYOTO-DARK-0136720.jpg?fit=1024%2C678&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1024,678\" 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;1503781439&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;0.125&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Cindy behind red curtain. Kyoto, 2017\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Cindy behind red curtain. Kyoto, 2017&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/ERIC-KIM-PHOTOGRAPHY-KYOTO-DARK-0136720.jpg?fit=1024%2C678&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/ERIC-KIM-PHOTOGRAPHY-KYOTO-DARK-0136720-800x530.jpg?resize=800%2C530\" alt=\"Cindy behind red curtain. Kyoto, 2017\" width=\"800\" height=\"530\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-67776\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/ERIC-KIM-PHOTOGRAPHY-KYOTO-DARK-0136720.jpg?resize=800%2C530&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/ERIC-KIM-PHOTOGRAPHY-KYOTO-DARK-0136720.jpg?resize=768%2C509&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/ERIC-KIM-PHOTOGRAPHY-KYOTO-DARK-0136720.jpg?w=1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-67776\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Cindy behind red curtain. Kyoto, 2017<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Photography is a powerful force that can change, and transform our lives, for the better. Photography is amazing, and powerful.<\/p>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/workshops\/\">Conquer Your Fears and Meet New Peers &gt;<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2>1. Why I love street photography<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_67748\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-67748\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"67748\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/learn-from-the-masters\/learn-from-the-masters-book-cover-eric-kim-hapticpress-3-2\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/LEARN-FROM-THE-MASTERS-BOOK-COVER-ERIC-KIM-HAPTICPRESS-3.jpg?fit=800%2C1067&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"800,1067\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;4&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;PENTAX 645Z&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1508165607&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;55&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;3200&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.002&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"LEARN FROM THE MASTERS BOOK by HAPTICPRESS\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/LEARN-FROM-THE-MASTERS-BOOK-COVER-ERIC-KIM-HAPTICPRESS-3.jpg?fit=800%2C1067&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-67748\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/LEARN-FROM-THE-MASTERS-BOOK-COVER-ERIC-KIM-HAPTICPRESS-3-800x1067.jpg?resize=800%2C1067\" alt=\"LEARN FROM THE MASTERS BOOK by HAPTICPRESS\" width=\"800\" height=\"1067\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/LEARN-FROM-THE-MASTERS-BOOK-COVER-ERIC-KIM-HAPTICPRESS-3.jpg?w=800&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/LEARN-FROM-THE-MASTERS-BOOK-COVER-ERIC-KIM-HAPTICPRESS-3.jpg?resize=768%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-67748\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><a href=\"http:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/product\/masters\/\">LEARN FROM THE MASTERS BOOK<\/a> by <a href=\"http:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/shop\/\">HAPTICPRESS<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Consider, photography gives us the power to build our social skills and courage.<\/p>\n<p>For me, the biggest benefit of <a href=\"http:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/street-photography-101\/\">street photography<\/a>: learning the confidence, courage, to take risks by taking photos of strangers. Also, learning how to interact with strangers.<\/p>\n<h2>2. Health and mental benefits<\/h2>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"67278\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2017\/10\/12\/color\/america-by-eric-kim-93820031-2\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/AMERICA-by-ERIC-KIM-93820031.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;&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=\"AMERICA by ERIC KIM-93820031\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/AMERICA-by-ERIC-KIM-93820031.jpg?fit=2000%2C1327&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-67278\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/AMERICA-by-ERIC-KIM-93820031-800x531.jpg?resize=800%2C531\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"531\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/AMERICA-by-ERIC-KIM-93820031.jpg?resize=800%2C531&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/AMERICA-by-ERIC-KIM-93820031.jpg?resize=768%2C510&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/AMERICA-by-ERIC-KIM-93820031.jpg?resize=2000%2C1327&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/AMERICA-by-ERIC-KIM-93820031.jpg?resize=180%2C119&amp;ssl=1 180w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/AMERICA-by-ERIC-KIM-93820031.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The benefit of photography:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>In order to make pictures, we must leave the apartment.<\/li>\n<li>Leaving the apartment is a good thing&#8211; it forces us to interact with the &#8216;real world&#8217;, allows us to walk, stretch our hips, think, and meditate.<\/li>\n<li>Therefore in the process of making pictures (by walking around, interacting with the world), we are strengthening and healing our minds. We give our minds the opportunity to also wander &#8212; to actually <em>THINK<\/em> (something that seems to be of in short supply nowadays).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>3. Meeting new people<\/h2>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"67276\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2017\/10\/12\/color\/america-by-eric-kim-2-3\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/AMERICA-by-ERIC-KIM-2.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&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1374793095&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;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"AMERICA by ERIC KIM-2\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/AMERICA-by-ERIC-KIM-2.jpg?fit=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-67276\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/AMERICA-by-ERIC-KIM-2-800x530.jpg?resize=800%2C530\" alt=\"Woman flexing bicep in red bikini\" width=\"800\" height=\"530\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/AMERICA-by-ERIC-KIM-2.jpg?resize=800%2C530&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/AMERICA-by-ERIC-KIM-2.jpg?resize=768%2C509&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/AMERICA-by-ERIC-KIM-2.jpg?resize=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/AMERICA-by-ERIC-KIM-2.jpg?resize=180%2C119&amp;ssl=1 180w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/AMERICA-by-ERIC-KIM-2.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/AMERICA-by-ERIC-KIM-2.jpg?w=3540&amp;ssl=1 3540w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Whenever I do photography workshops, the biggest benefit is bringing people together.<\/p>\n<p>Humans are social creatures. Without social interaction, intercourse, or connection&#8211; we start to become depressed, we start to lose a zest for living, and we start to die.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"67257\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2017\/10\/12\/color\/colors-11-8\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Colors-11.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;&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=\"Colors-11\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Colors-11.jpg?fit=2000%2C1327&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-67257\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Colors-11-800x531.jpg?resize=800%2C531\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"531\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Colors-11.jpg?resize=800%2C531&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Colors-11.jpg?resize=768%2C510&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Colors-11.jpg?resize=2000%2C1327&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Colors-11.jpg?resize=180%2C119&amp;ssl=1 180w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Colors-11.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Photography has given me the opportunity to open my mind to different peoples, different cultures, to travel, and to explore the world. It has broadened and opened up my horizons.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"67262\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2017\/10\/12\/color\/americans-13-12\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/americans-13.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=\"americans-13\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/americans-13.jpg?fit=2000%2C1326&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-67262\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/americans-13-800x531.jpg?resize=800%2C531\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"531\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/americans-13.jpg?resize=800%2C531&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/americans-13.jpg?resize=768%2C509&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/americans-13.jpg?resize=2000%2C1326&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/americans-13.jpg?resize=180%2C119&amp;ssl=1 180w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/americans-13.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>I love meeting other photographers at coffee shops, sitting, and not just talking photography&#8211; but life. We discuss politics, philosophy, psychology, economics, and everything in-between.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"67263\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2017\/10\/12\/color\/eric-kim-street-photography-color-chroma-19-13\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/eric-kim-street-photography-color-chroma-19.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;1443085968&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;0.0028571428571429&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"eric kim street photography &amp;#8211; color &amp;#8211; chroma-19\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/eric-kim-street-photography-color-chroma-19.jpg?fit=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-67263\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/eric-kim-street-photography-color-chroma-19-800x530.jpg?resize=800%2C530\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"530\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/eric-kim-street-photography-color-chroma-19.jpg?resize=800%2C530&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/eric-kim-street-photography-color-chroma-19.jpg?resize=768%2C509&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/eric-kim-street-photography-color-chroma-19.jpg?resize=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/eric-kim-street-photography-color-chroma-19.jpg?resize=180%2C119&amp;ssl=1 180w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/eric-kim-street-photography-color-chroma-19.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/eric-kim-street-photography-color-chroma-19.jpg?w=3540&amp;ssl=1 3540w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Photography is an excuse to be more social. Even when you call up a friend to go on a &#8216;photo walk&#8217; &#8212; what better thing to do than to walk with a friend, snap a few pictures, chat, catch up, and feel that human-social warmth?<\/p>\n<h2>4. Photography as a creative outlet<\/h2>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"67275\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2017\/10\/12\/color\/america-by-eric-kim-33-2\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/AMERICA-by-ERIC-KIM-33-scaled.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;&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=\"AMERICA by ERIC KIM-33\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Leica MP + Leica Summicron 35mm f2 ASPH + Kodak Portra 400&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/AMERICA-by-ERIC-KIM-33-scaled.jpg?fit=2000%2C1327&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-67275\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/AMERICA-by-ERIC-KIM-33-800x531.jpg?resize=800%2C531\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"531\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/AMERICA-by-ERIC-KIM-33-scaled.jpg?resize=800%2C531&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/AMERICA-by-ERIC-KIM-33-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C510&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/AMERICA-by-ERIC-KIM-33-scaled.jpg?resize=2000%2C1327&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/AMERICA-by-ERIC-KIM-33.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Photography also gives us a creative outlet.<\/p>\n<p>As humans, we are all born as artists. We have this inner-drive, and this inner-need to <em>express<\/em> our creativity.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"67266\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2017\/10\/12\/color\/america-by-eric-kim-3-2\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/AMERICA-by-ERIC-KIM-3.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;&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=\"AMERICA by ERIC KIM-3\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/AMERICA-by-ERIC-KIM-3.jpg?fit=2000%2C1327&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-67266\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/AMERICA-by-ERIC-KIM-3-800x531.jpg?resize=800%2C531\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"531\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/AMERICA-by-ERIC-KIM-3.jpg?resize=800%2C531&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/AMERICA-by-ERIC-KIM-3.jpg?resize=768%2C510&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/AMERICA-by-ERIC-KIM-3.jpg?resize=2000%2C1327&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/AMERICA-by-ERIC-KIM-3.jpg?resize=180%2C119&amp;ssl=1 180w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/AMERICA-by-ERIC-KIM-3.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>I think we all have infinite amounts of creative energy and power dammed up within ourselves&#8211; kind of like creative steam inside a pressure cooker. But if you keep your creativity pot on the stove for too long (without releasing the creative steam)&#8211; the whole thing will explode.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"67264\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2017\/10\/12\/color\/eric-kim-street-photography-only-in-america-9-13\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/eric-kim-street-photography-Only-in-America-9.jpg?fit=4535%2C3035&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"4535,3035\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;EZ Controller&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=\"eric kim street photography &amp;#8211; Only in America-9\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Leica MP + Leica Summicron 35mm f2 ASPH + Kodak Portra 400&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/eric-kim-street-photography-Only-in-America-9.jpg?fit=2000%2C1338&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-67264\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/eric-kim-street-photography-Only-in-America-9-800x535.jpg?resize=800%2C535\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"535\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/eric-kim-street-photography-Only-in-America-9.jpg?resize=800%2C535&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/eric-kim-street-photography-Only-in-America-9.jpg?resize=768%2C514&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/eric-kim-street-photography-Only-in-America-9.jpg?resize=2000%2C1338&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/eric-kim-street-photography-Only-in-America-9.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/eric-kim-street-photography-Only-in-America-9.jpg?w=3540&amp;ssl=1 3540w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>You need a way to <em>channel<\/em> your creative energy and steam in a positive way.<\/p>\n<p>For example, steam power is what drove a lot of early locomotion and trains. I think now our creative power and steam can drive our <em>creative locomotion<\/em> &#8212; creative movement of walking and taking pictures, of moving our hands and drawing\/painting, by dancing, writing poetry, making videos and films, or whatever.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"67277\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2017\/10\/12\/color\/america-by-eric-kim-0059986-2\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/AMERICA-by-ERIC-KIM-0059986.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;1378771287&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;ERIC KIM&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;18.3&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;400&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.025&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"AMERICA by ERIC KIM-0059986\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Woman in gas station with chest tattoo &lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/AMERICA-by-ERIC-KIM-0059986.jpg?fit=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-67277\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/AMERICA-by-ERIC-KIM-0059986-800x530.jpg?resize=800%2C530\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"530\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/AMERICA-by-ERIC-KIM-0059986.jpg?resize=800%2C530&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/AMERICA-by-ERIC-KIM-0059986.jpg?resize=768%2C509&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/AMERICA-by-ERIC-KIM-0059986.jpg?resize=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/AMERICA-by-ERIC-KIM-0059986.jpg?resize=180%2C119&amp;ssl=1 180w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/AMERICA-by-ERIC-KIM-0059986.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/AMERICA-by-ERIC-KIM-0059986.jpg?w=3540&amp;ssl=1 3540w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Anything that gives you a positive channel to express and release your creative steam is a good thing. And photography is one of the easiest, cheapest, most accessible, and most democratic ways to express your creativity.<\/p>\n<h2>5. How photography has personally benefitted me<\/h2>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"67267\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2017\/10\/12\/color\/america-by-eric-kim-5-2\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/AMERICA-by-ERIC-KIM-5.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;&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=\"AMERICA by ERIC KIM-5\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/AMERICA-by-ERIC-KIM-5.jpg?fit=2000%2C1327&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-67267\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/AMERICA-by-ERIC-KIM-5-800x531.jpg?resize=800%2C531\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"531\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/AMERICA-by-ERIC-KIM-5.jpg?resize=800%2C531&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/AMERICA-by-ERIC-KIM-5.jpg?resize=768%2C510&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/AMERICA-by-ERIC-KIM-5.jpg?resize=2000%2C1327&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/AMERICA-by-ERIC-KIM-5.jpg?resize=180%2C119&amp;ssl=1 180w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/AMERICA-by-ERIC-KIM-5.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Personal benefits from photography that I&#8217;ve gotten:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Health benefits<\/strong>: Improved mood by walking around a lot, by getting out of the apartment, by exercising my legs (after a full day of shooting, my leg muscles feel good and sore).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Social benefits<\/strong>: Opening up my heart to new ideas, people, and cultures.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Pursuing my inner-curiosity<\/strong>: I often walk in the streets and go down alley-ways that interest me, or step into stores that interest me. Photography gives me a reason to be curious. Because my excuse is, &#8216;I am curious <em>in order<\/em> to make pictures.&#8217; Nobody can blame me &#8212; if they ask me, &#8216;What are you doing?&#8217; I can just respond, &#8216;Don&#8217;t mind me, I&#8217;m just wandering around and taking pictures.&#8217; People shrug their shoulders and say, &#8216;Oh&#8211; okay!&#8217;<\/li>\n<li><strong>Opportunity to share and teach<\/strong>: This is one of my biggest passions&#8211; to create and obtain information and knowledge, and to <em>share<\/em> it with others. To me, information and knowledge is sterile, dull, useless&#8211; without fellow human beings to share this information to empower others with. This is why I keep all my materials <a href=\"http:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/open-source\/\">open source<\/a> &#8212; so anyone can easily access, download, transmit, remix, share, and empower themselves &#8212; with the information. Of course, what you decide to do with the knowledge and information is up to you. But at least you got the access.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Critical Observation<\/strong>: I&#8217;ve found that I&#8217;ve become more political or socially conscious and aware of class and race differences, through photography. For example, after a trip to Washington DC &#8212; I was able to photograph and spot and notice gentrification, &#8216;in the flesh&#8217; (or better yet, &#8216;through pictures&#8217;). By taking pictures, I have to <em>force<\/em> myself to &#8216;notice&#8217; the world, things, and changes around me. Therefore in short, <strong>photography has made me more perceptive, critical, and observant of the world around me&#8211; in order for me to make my own social critiques, commentary, and to state my own opinion on the state of the world and nation.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<figure id=\"attachment_67777\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-67777\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"67777\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2017\/10\/24\/tell-your-own-story\/eric-kim-kyoto-chroma-2017-0139526-2000x1325\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/ERIC-KIM-KYOTO-CHROMA-2017-0139526-2000x1325.jpg?fit=1024%2C678&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1024,678\" 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=\"Portrait of Cindy at Traveling Coffee. Kyoto, 2027\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Portrait of Cindy at Traveling Coffee. Kyoto, 2017&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/ERIC-KIM-KYOTO-CHROMA-2017-0139526-2000x1325.jpg?fit=1024%2C678&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-67777\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/ERIC-KIM-KYOTO-CHROMA-2017-0139526-2000x1325-800x530.jpg?resize=800%2C530\" alt=\"Portrait of Cindy at Traveling Coffee. Kyoto, 2027\" width=\"800\" height=\"530\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/ERIC-KIM-KYOTO-CHROMA-2017-0139526-2000x1325.jpg?resize=800%2C530&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/ERIC-KIM-KYOTO-CHROMA-2017-0139526-2000x1325.jpg?resize=768%2C509&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/ERIC-KIM-KYOTO-CHROMA-2017-0139526-2000x1325.jpg?w=1024&amp;ssl=1 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-67777\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Portrait of Cindy at Traveling Coffee. Kyoto, 2017<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>6. Photography as a social-political power<\/h2>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"67259\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2017\/10\/12\/color\/colors-24-14\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Colors-24.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=\"Colors-24\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Surreal street photo: why is there a security camera in the desert? Photo by ERIC KIM&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Colors-24.jpg?fit=2000%2C1326&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-67259\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Colors-24-800x531.jpg?resize=800%2C531\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"531\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Colors-24.jpg?resize=800%2C531&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Colors-24.jpg?resize=768%2C509&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Colors-24.jpg?resize=2000%2C1326&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Colors-24.jpg?resize=180%2C119&amp;ssl=1 180w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Colors-24.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>I also find the power of photography is to show beauty.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/10\/12\/8-lessons-ansel-adams-can-teach-you-about-photography\/\">Ansel Adams<\/a> was able to conserve the beauty of the national forests by photographing them &#8212; and by showing the president and the masses:<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>\n  These photographs are a testament to the beauty of nature. We should not tear down these beautiful forests to just build condos for millennials.\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>Of course I just made that up.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"67255\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2017\/10\/12\/color\/blue-blue-3\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/blue-blue.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=\"Leica MP + Leica Summicron 35mm f2 ASPH + Kodak Portra 400. Blue box against blue sky.\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Leica MP + Leica Summicron 35mm f2 ASPH + Kodak Portra 400. Blue box against blue sky. &lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/blue-blue.jpg?fit=2000%2C1327&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-67255\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/blue-blue-800x531.jpg?resize=800%2C531\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"531\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/blue-blue.jpg?resize=800%2C531&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/blue-blue.jpg?resize=768%2C510&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/blue-blue.jpg?resize=2000%2C1327&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/blue-blue.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>But Ansel Adams did indeed push for conservation efforts. Therefore, to me, ultimately &#8212; Ansel Adams was first and foremost a nature-lover. He showed his love of nature through his photography. And he used his photographic skills to show his appreciation of the beauty of nature with the public&#8211; and then the public then understood <em>why<\/em> nature was so important, and therefore rallied together to protect nature.<\/p>\n<p>Therefore, photography was a social-political tool that <a href=\"http:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2016\/10\/12\/8-lessons-ansel-adams-can-teach-you-about-photography\/\">Ansel Adams<\/a> used to protect nature.<\/p>\n<h2>7. Express your gratitude towards life through photography<\/h2>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"67234\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2017\/10\/12\/color\/eric-kim-street-portraits2\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/ERIC-KIM-STREET-PORTRAITS2.jpg?fit=3264%2C4928&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"3264,4928\" 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;1426141678&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;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Woman with thick glasses and green hat. BART, 2015\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Woman with thick glasses and green hat. BART, 2015&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/ERIC-KIM-STREET-PORTRAITS2.jpg?fit=1325%2C2000&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-67234\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/ERIC-KIM-STREET-PORTRAITS2-800x1208.jpg?resize=800%2C1208\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"1208\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/ERIC-KIM-STREET-PORTRAITS2.jpg?resize=800%2C1208&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/ERIC-KIM-STREET-PORTRAITS2.jpg?resize=768%2C1160&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/ERIC-KIM-STREET-PORTRAITS2.jpg?resize=1325%2C2000&amp;ssl=1 1325w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/ERIC-KIM-STREET-PORTRAITS2.jpg?resize=119%2C180&amp;ssl=1 119w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/ERIC-KIM-STREET-PORTRAITS2.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>For me, I want to show through my photography:<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>\n  The world is a beautiful place. Be grateful to be alive. While you&#8217;re alive, use photography as a tool to express your gratitude for being alive&#8211; and share that joy with others.\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"67237\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2017\/10\/12\/color\/eric-kim-street-portraits5\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/ERIC-KIM-STREET-PORTRAITS5.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 II&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1444922689&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;0.00033333333333333&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"ERIC KIM STREET PORTRAITS5\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Red shirt and green background. Low perspective shot. New Orleans, woman and deer. Shot at -1 exposure compensation on RICOH GR II&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/ERIC-KIM-STREET-PORTRAITS5.jpg?fit=1325%2C2000&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-67237\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/ERIC-KIM-STREET-PORTRAITS5-800x1208.jpg?resize=800%2C1208\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"1208\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/ERIC-KIM-STREET-PORTRAITS5.jpg?resize=800%2C1208&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/ERIC-KIM-STREET-PORTRAITS5.jpg?resize=768%2C1160&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/ERIC-KIM-STREET-PORTRAITS5.jpg?resize=1325%2C2000&amp;ssl=1 1325w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/ERIC-KIM-STREET-PORTRAITS5.jpg?resize=119%2C180&amp;ssl=1 119w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/ERIC-KIM-STREET-PORTRAITS5.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>I do this by photographing strangers, buildings, places, and the love of my life&#8211; Cindy. I wish everyone could start their own &#8216;<a href=\"http:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2017\/03\/31\/how-to-start-your-own-cindy-project\/\">Cindy Project<\/a>&#8216; &#8212; photographing their loved ones, <a href=\"http:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2017\/08\/14\/memento-mori-photography\/\">MEMENTO MORI<\/a> (knowing that one day, they will die). So using photography as a tool to remind yourself: I am grateful for my loved ones.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"67220\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2017\/10\/12\/black-and-white\/eric-kim-photography-2017-hue-0004461-17\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/eric-kim-photography-2017-hue-0004461.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;1485172199&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;ERIC KIM PHOTOGRAPHY&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;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"eric kim photography -2017 &amp;#8211; hue-0004461\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/eric-kim-photography-2017-hue-0004461.jpg?fit=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-67220\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/eric-kim-photography-2017-hue-0004461-800x530.jpg?resize=800%2C530\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"530\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/eric-kim-photography-2017-hue-0004461.jpg?resize=800%2C530&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/eric-kim-photography-2017-hue-0004461.jpg?resize=768%2C509&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/eric-kim-photography-2017-hue-0004461.jpg?resize=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/eric-kim-photography-2017-hue-0004461.jpg?resize=180%2C119&amp;ssl=1 180w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/eric-kim-photography-2017-hue-0004461.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/eric-kim-photography-2017-hue-0004461.jpg?w=3540&amp;ssl=1 3540w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>8. YOU GOT THE POWER!<\/h2>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"67222\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2017\/10\/12\/black-and-white\/cindy-project-monochrome-black-and-white-eric-kim24-3\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Cindy-Project-Monochrome-black-and-white-Eric-Kim24.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 II&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=\"Cindy Project Monochrome &amp;#8211; black and white &amp;#8211; Eric Kim24\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Cindy-Project-Monochrome-black-and-white-Eric-Kim24.jpg?fit=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-67222\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Cindy-Project-Monochrome-black-and-white-Eric-Kim24-800x530.jpg?resize=800%2C530\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"530\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Cindy-Project-Monochrome-black-and-white-Eric-Kim24.jpg?resize=800%2C530&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Cindy-Project-Monochrome-black-and-white-Eric-Kim24.jpg?resize=768%2C509&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Cindy-Project-Monochrome-black-and-white-Eric-Kim24.jpg?resize=2000%2C1325&amp;ssl=1 2000w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Cindy-Project-Monochrome-black-and-white-Eric-Kim24.jpg?resize=180%2C119&amp;ssl=1 180w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Cindy-Project-Monochrome-black-and-white-Eric-Kim24.jpg?w=2360&amp;ssl=1 2360w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/Cindy-Project-Monochrome-black-and-white-Eric-Kim24.jpg?w=3540&amp;ssl=1 3540w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Photography is one of the ultimate powers in life. Don&#8217;t squander your power. Express your greatest, and fullest joy and affirmation for life through blessing it with your lens.<\/p>\n<p>BE STRONG,<br \/>\nERIC<\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/workshops\/\">Conquer Your Fears and Meet New Peers &gt;<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Photography is a powerful force that can change, and transform our lives, for the better. Photography is amazing, and powerful.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":67776,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":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_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[17],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-67800","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-posts"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/ERIC-KIM-PHOTOGRAPHY-KYOTO-DARK-0136720.jpg?fit=1024%2C678&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/67800","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=67800"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/67800\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":67821,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/67800\/revisions\/67821"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/67776"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=67800"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=67800"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=67800"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}