It’s not possible to literally become someone else, such as Eric Kim. However, if you admire Eric Kim for his work—he’s a well-known street photographer and educator—and you’d like to follow a similar path or adopt some of his approaches, you can take certain steps that align with his style, philosophy, and career trajectory. Here are some suggestions on how to learn from Eric Kim’s example and incorporate his methods into your own development:
1. Study His Work and Philosophy:
• Visit His Blog and Website: Eric Kim’s website (erickimphotography.com) is a treasure trove of articles, essays, tips, and philosophical musings on street photography. Regularly reading his blog posts will help you understand his approach to photography, the way he thinks about creativity, and how he views the world.
• Read His Books and Guides: Kim has published free e-books and numerous guides focused on topics such as composition, shooting techniques, overcoming fear in street photography, and developing a personal style. These resources can deepen your understanding of his method.
• Follow His Social Channels: Studying his Instagram or YouTube content allows you to see his day-to-day photographic style, learn from behind-the-scenes insights, and grasp his attitudes toward art and life.
2. Adopt His Core Principles:
Eric Kim often emphasizes simplicity, authenticity, and interacting genuinely with your environment. To channel that spirit:
• Embrace Minimalism in Gear: Kim often advocates for not worrying too much about technical perfection or expensive gear. Use a single camera and lens combo, and spend more time shooting than obsessing over equipment.
• Focus on Human Connection: Instead of relying on distant, candid shots, consider interacting with your subjects. Smile, talk to them, and create a comfortable environment that leads to more authentic portraits and moments.
• Be Fearless and Curious: Overcome the fear of photographing strangers by recognizing that street photography is about storytelling and documentation. Practice regularly and challenge yourself to get closer to people and scenes.
3. Develop Your Own Visual Voice:
While you can learn from Kim’s techniques, his ultimate message often encourages photographers to discover their own unique approach. After you’ve tried his methods, experiment and adapt what resonates to find your voice. Ask yourself: What appeals to me about his style? Is it the boldness, the personal interaction, the compositional clarity? Identify those elements and reshape them into something personal to you.
4. Engage in Community and Workshops:
Eric Kim often hosts workshops and participates in photography communities. If possible:
• Attend a Workshop or Online Course: Joining a workshop, whether hosted by Kim or other street photographers influenced by him, can offer hands-on learning, feedback, and mentorship.
• Join Photography Groups: Interacting with other street photographers online or in local meetups encourages you to share work, get critiques, and stay inspired—something Kim often promotes.
5. Cultivate a Thoughtful, Reflective Practice:
Kim’s writing and philosophy often encourage photographers to think deeply about why they photograph and what they hope to express. Emulate this reflective approach:
• Keep a Photography Journal: Write about your fears, your successes, and what you learn with each outing.
• Integrate Philosophy and Art into Your Photography: Explore writings not just by Kim, but by philosophers, artists, and other creative minds he references. This broadens your perspective and shapes a more meaningful photographic practice.
In Summary:
You can’t “become” Eric Kim, but you can learn from him. Study his materials, practice his techniques, adopt his philosophies, and then synthesize those insights into your own distinctive style. Over time, you’ll become a photographer who’s inspired by Eric Kim’s approach but is ultimately true to your own unique vision.