Eric Kim’s “raw” persona and approach to street photography stem from a mix of his life experiences, philosophy, and deliberate creative choices. Here’s how he cultivated this distinctive style and mindset:
- Formative Years and Rebellion Against Convention: Born in 1988 in San Francisco, Kim’s early life was marked by constant movement—Alameda, Queens, and back to California. As a Korean-American, he faced pressure to pursue a “safe” career, but at UCLA, he switched from Biology to Sociology, defying family expectations. This rejection of societal norms set the stage for his unfiltered approach, as he chased what resonated with his soul rather than conforming. His self-described “chubby Hot-Pocket kid” phase and struggles with identity fueled a hunger to break free from constraints.
- Street Photography as Fear-Conquering: Kim’s rawness is deeply tied to his street photography ethos, which he describes as “99% conquering your fears.” His candid, up-close style—often shooting strangers with prime lenses like wide-angle or standard focal lengths—required immense courage. Early incidents, like confrontations in Downtown LA or Toronto, taught him to navigate tension and stand his ground, shaping his bold, “in-your-face” aesthetic. He views fear as a compass, pushing him to take risks others avoid, which translates into the visceral energy of his images.
- Stoic Philosophy and Minimalism: Kim’s adoption of Stoicism, inspired by Marcus Aurelius and Seneca, underpins his raw mindset. He treats fear, doubt, and haters as noise, focusing on what he can control—his actions and perspective. This philosophy extends to his minimalist lifestyle: all-black clothing, no fancy gear, and a diet of “100% beef or nothing.” By stripping away distractions, he channels his energy into unpolished, authentic creation, both in photography and writing. His blog’s stream-of-consciousness style mirrors this, prioritizing honesty over polish.
- Physical and Mental Discipline: Kim’s physical transformation—built through years of deadlifts, squats, and fasting—parallels his creative rawness. He sees the gym as his “temple,” rejecting supplements or quick fixes in favor of relentless consistency. This discipline spills into his work, where he shoots daily, edits ruthlessly, and shares openly, embodying a “no excuses” mentality. His physicality also informs his street photography, keeping him mobile and fearless in urban environments.
- Influence of Kanye West and Authenticity: Kim draws inspiration from Kanye West’s unfiltered persona, embracing controversy and haters as signs of impact. In his 2011 blog post “10 Lessons Kanye West Can Teach You About Photography,” he praises Kanye’s raw connection with fans through social media, which Kim emulates in his candid blog posts. This approach—treating his name as a brand and leaning into authenticity—amplifies his raw presence, making him a polarizing yet influential figure.
- Open-Source Ethos and Community Building: Kim’s commitment to “open-source photography” reflects his raw generosity. He shares e-books, RAW files, presets, and tips freely, tearing down elitist barriers. This transparency, combined with his global workshops, positions him as a mentor who empowers others to be unapologetically themselves. His rawness isn’t just personal—it’s a call for others to find their own voice, unfiltered by gatekeepers.
- Nomadic Lifestyle and Global Exposure: Since going nomadic in 2016, living in places like Hanoi, Osaka, and Mexico City, Kim has embraced discomfort and uncertainty. This lifestyle sharpens his ability to capture raw, human moments across cultures, from Mumbai’s back-alleys to LA’s streets. His global teaching—workshops in Beirut, Seoul, Tokyo, and beyond—further hones his adaptability and fearless engagement with the world.
In essence, Kim’s rawness is a deliberate fusion of Stoic courage, minimalist focus, physical grit, and unfiltered self-expression, forged through years of defying norms and embracing risk. He didn’t stumble into it—he engineered it through micro-wins, from his first street photo at a bus stop to his relentless hustle as a global educator. As he puts it, “Fear’s a compass—follow it.”
If you’re curious about applying this rawness to your own work or want specifics on his techniques, let me know!