{"id":71425,"date":"2017-11-30T09:06:56","date_gmt":"2017-11-30T17:06:56","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/?p=71425"},"modified":"2017-11-30T08:44:26","modified_gmt":"2017-11-30T16:44:26","slug":"forever-be-an-amateur","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/2017\/11\/30\/forever-be-an-amateur\/","title":{"rendered":"Forever Be an Amateur"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"ERIC
ERIC KIM with Contax II rangefinder, 2009<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\n \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I am an amateur and intend to remain one my whole life long. I attribute to photography the task of recording the real nature of things, their interior, their life. The photographer\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s art is a continuous discovery, which requires patience and time. A photograph draws its beauty from the truth with which it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s marked.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d \u00e2\u20ac\u201c Andre Kertesz<\/a>\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

<\/p>\n

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New ERIC KIM EXPERIENCES ><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Learn From the masters<\/a><\/h2>\n
\"\"<\/a>
LEARN FROM THE MASTERS by HAPTIC<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Learn more about MASTERS ><\/a><\/p>\n

Buy MASTERS on Amazon ><\/a><\/p>\n

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The secret of lifelong inspiration<\/h2>\n
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Forever be an amateur spread from MASTERS<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The secret to being an inspired photographer for your entire life? Easy: forever be an amateur.<\/p>\n

To be called an ‘amateur’ photographer is o en seen as an insult. But the truth is: ‘amateur’ comes from the word ‘amator’, latin for ‘love.’ Therefore, an ‘amateur’ photographer is someone who shoots for the love of it. You can make money from photography and still be an ‘amateur’, because photography is your love.<\/p>\n

\"Finger
Finger pointing. Amsterdam, 2017<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

To shoot photography for the love it means that you are ‘intrinsically’ driven. You do not make photos for the ‘extrinsic’ rewards of fame, social media followers, or money.
\nWhen we work too hard to be ‘professional’ and ‘serious’ in our photography, we forget the playful spirit of children. I believe in this concept of ‘beginner’s mind<\/a>‘ — when we are beginners, everything is new and exciting. We experiment. We play. We have fun.<\/p>\n

\"Dark
Dark skies over Tokyo, 2011<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Anders Petersen<\/a> once said that his dream was to wander the streets, just like it was his first time. To wander the streets with the curious eye of a child. I want to do the same.<\/p>\n

Another simple way to never lose inspiration in your photography is to avoid boredom. When you feel bored in your photography, switch things up.<\/p>\n

\"Yellow
Yellow arrow and pointing finger. Amsterdam, 2017<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Instead of shooting digital, try shooting 35mm film (FILM NOTES<\/a>). Instead of always shooting in the same neighborhood, shoot in different part of town. Look at something familiar with a new fresh perspective<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Blue
Blue face and eyes. Amsterdam, 2017<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

And never forget to always question yourself, ‘Why do I make photos?’ Whenever I am in doubt, I ask myself ‘why<\/a>‘.<\/p>\n

For myself, I make photos to find more personal meaning in my life. To feel more connected to society. To find more appreciation in the beauty of everyday life<\/a>, and to be grateful to be alive.<\/p>\n

\"Blue
Blue sky. Amsterdam, 2017<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Nowadays, I make photos of my friends, loved ones, and family more than of strangers. Why? Because I know at the end of my life, the photos of my loved ones will matter the most.
\nSo friend, never forget why you make photos. Never stop wondering, growing, and shooting. Be a life- long amateur photographer, and your curiosity will never die.<\/p>\n

\"Colorful
Colorful wall abstract. Amsterdam, 2017<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

NEVER STOP LEARNING,
\nERIC & CINDY
\nExcerpt from LEARN FROM THE MASTERS<\/a><\/p>\n

Amateur isn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t a dirty word<\/h2>\n
\"ERIC
ERIC KIM abstract selfie, Amsterdam 2017<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

When we start any hobby or passion in life, we talk down ourselves and say that \u00e2\u20ac\u0153I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m just an amateur\u00e2\u20ac\u009d.<\/p>\n

Let\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s change the culture. Instead, revel and be PROUD in the fact that you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re an amateur.<\/p>\n

\"Red
Red and blue abstract. Amsterdam, 2017<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Even if you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re a professional photographer and making a living from photography. If you still love what you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re doing, you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re an amateur.<\/p>\n

\"Hand
Hand tattoo. Amsterdam, 2017<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n