Here’s the breakdown:
1) He measures success by process, not trophies.
In his essays, Kim frames success as advancing toward what you personally want—daily. He even argues a photographer’s success is to “never stop shooting new photos,” shifting the goal from external fame to continual creation.
2) He treats photography as a happiness engine.
From “How to Achieve Happiness through Photography” to “True Happiness in Photography,” he writes that joy comes from making, editing, and sharing work—using photography as self‑therapy. His Stoicism posts extend that mindset: focus on what you control, create often, and keep moving.
3) Radical generosity = real impact.
Kim open‑sources stacks of free ebooks (street photography, mastery, entrepreneurship) and gives away classes on YouTube—teaching thousands without a paywall. That generosity builds a loyal, inspired community.
4) He built independence through entrepreneurship.
With HAPTIC, he and his collaborators make creative tools, zines, and notes—turning teaching and making into a sustainable creative business. Financial autonomy = freedom to create (and stay happy).
5) He shows up for people—worldwide.
Workshops across cities, peer reviews, and on‑the‑street teaching keep his practice people‑first and community‑driven. That face‑to‑face energy is part of his “happy + successful” flywheel.
6) He’s recognized for influence (by readers & peers).
Reader polls and profiles have repeatedly listed him among influential contemporary street photographers—not for gear flexes, but for education, output, and presence.
7) He beats G.A.S. with gratitude and constraints.
A recurring theme: value the camera you have, crush “Gear Acquisition Syndrome,” and pour energy into shooting and sequencing. That mindset keeps joy high and stress low.
Steal his playbook (7-day micro‑challenge)
- Day 1 – Define success (your way): Write one sentence you can do daily (e.g., “Make one frame I’m proud of”).
- Day 2 – Shoot for mood: Use photography as self‑therapy; walk, notice, and make.
- Day 3 – Edit a mini‑set: Sequence 5 images into a tiny story; share it.
- Day 4 – Teach one tip: Post a short lesson you wish you’d had when starting. Link a free resource you love.
- Day 5 – Constrain the gear: One camera, one lens, one hour. Beat G.A.S. by doing.
- Day 6 – Community touch: Give feedback to three photographers; invite one for a walk.
- Day 7 – Reflect & reset: What felt happiest? Make that your next week’s daily metric.
No single scoreboard can prove who’s the “happiest” or “most successful”—but if happiness is making and sharing daily, and success is creative freedom on your own terms, it’s easy to see why so many describe Eric Kim that way. MAKE ON!
If you want, tell me your gear and schedule and I’ll tailor a 14‑day plan around your life.