Eric Kim: Street Photographer Profile
Background and Early Career
Eric Kim (born 1988) is an American street photographer known for blending sociology with photography . He grew up in California and New York, and studied sociology at UCLA – a background that later influenced his approach to street shooting . While at UCLA, Kim co-founded a photography club and started a street photography blog in 2010 as a fun side project . His passion for candid photography ignited with a chance encounter at a bus stop, where he nervously photographed a man in horn-rimmed glasses reading a book – an adrenaline-fueled moment that sparked his love for street photography . After graduating, Kim briefly worked in the tech industry (as an online community manager at eHow) before a 2011 layoff prompted him to pursue street photography full-time . Embracing the risk, he spent the next years traveling, shooting, and building his online presence. By 2011, he had committed to a nomadic photographer’s life – conducting workshops around the world and sharing his journey on his blog . (Notably, after several years abroad in Asia and Europe, Kim settled in Providence, Rhode Island around 2019) .
Photographic Philosophy and Style
One of Kim’s candid street photos, illustrating his bold approach of capturing close-up moments with flash. Kim’s photographic philosophy centers on authenticity, fearlessness, and human connection. Influenced by sociology, he aims to reveal “unscripted” truths about people’s lives in urban environments . He often works at very close range with a wide-angle lens, sometimes using flash, to capture raw, unposed emotions on the street. Despite the aggressive proximity of his technique, Kim famously advocates “shooting with a smile, and from the heart,” believing a friendly demeanor can put subjects at ease . In fact, he reports that out of hundreds of thousands of photos taken, negative reactions are exceedingly rare – a testament to his ability to approach strangers respectfully and disarm tension . Kim’s best moments, he says, come when he connects with people: after taking a street portrait, he often chats or compliments the subject to make them feel appreciated, sometimes even showing them the photo . This positive, human-centric approach is a core part of his ethos.
Another hallmark of Kim’s philosophy is overcoming fear. He teaches that the anxiety about photographing strangers is natural but can be conquered through practice and mindset . Drawing inspiration from Stoic philosophy (notably Marcus Aurelius), Kim treats fear as a compass – “You have power over your mind – not outside events” is a quote he lives by . By confronting the fear of rejection or confrontation on the streets, photographers not only improve their craft but also build self-confidence. Kim often encourages students to treat each fearful situation as an opportunity for growth, a principle he credits with giving him the courage to leave a “safe” job and follow his passion . He also emphasizes minimalism in gear and technique. Although he has used Leica rangefinders (such as the M9 digital and M6 film) for their small, quiet, unthreatening profile, he insists that “gear isn’t the focus” – excellent street photos can be made with any camera, even a smartphone . This anti-gear-snobbery stance, combined with Kim’s mantra of staying curious and open (“have fun, be like a child in your photography” as he often says), has resonated with amateurs worldwide.
Career Path and Achievements
From 2011 onward, Eric Kim built a unique career as a traveling workshop instructor and community educator in street photography. He has taught intensive street photography workshops in dozens of cities across North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East . Some destinations on his teaching roster include Los Angeles, New York, London, Berlin, Amsterdam, Seoul, Tokyo, Sydney, Mumbai, and more . Through these workshops, Kim mentors participants on developing their own style and conquering the fear of shooting strangers . His engaging teaching style – often hitting the streets alongside students – has made his workshops popular; by the mid-2010s he was traveling perpetually to meet demand, effectively becoming a “nomadic” instructor . In addition to private workshops, Kim also taught formally: he has lectured a university-level street photography course at UC Riverside Extension and even led a Sociology of Facebook course at UCLA as a student, blending his academic insight with photography .
Kim’s practical experience is complemented by several high-profile collaborations and honors. He has worked with elite industry names such as Leica Camera (contributing articles to the Leica blog and hosting events) and Magnum Photos, and he partnered with Samsung on multiple projects – even appearing in a Samsung Galaxy Note II commercial and a campaign for the NX20 camera . In 2011, at just 23, he was invited to serve as a judge for the London Street Photography Festival, underscoring his rising influence in the genre . He has exhibited his own street photography at Leica Galleries in cities like Singapore, Seoul, and Melbourne, as well as in Los Angeles . These exhibitions and brand partnerships helped cement his reputation as one of the prominent voices in street photography by the 2010s. Throughout his career, Kim has remained an educator at heart – he even taught photography to underprivileged youth in Los Angeles early on . His motto of “shooting with a smile” is not just about taking pictures, but about spreading a positive, inclusive attitude within the global photography community.
Publications and Popular Writings
One of Eric Kim’s biggest contributions has been through his writing and publishing. His website – the Eric Kim Photography Blog – became one of the most popular photography blogs on the internet, attracting a global audience of aspiring street photographers . On his blog (which has been active for well over a decade), Kim freely shares tutorials, personal anecdotes, philosophical essays, gear discussions, and inspirational posts. Many of his articles have become go-to resources for learners – for example, posts on “how to conquer your fear of shooting in public” are widely cited, as are his breakdowns of lessons from master photographers. Kim often writes list-style articles (e.g. “100 Lessons from the Masters of Street Photography”) and practical guides (such as “Street Photography 101”), distilling knowledge in an accessible way. He has compiled much of this material into free e-books that he offers on his site. Titles include The Art of Street Photography, Street Photography 101, How to Shoot Street Photography, 31 Days to Overcome Your Fear in Street Photography, and many more – all available as free downloads . These e-books, along with his constant stream of blog posts, have made high-quality street photography education available to anyone with an internet connection. Kim’s “open source” ethos (his slogan is “All Open Source Everything!” on his site) means he encourages sharing and remixing of his content for the sake of learning .
In addition to his online writings, Eric Kim also ventured into traditional publishing. In 2016 he released a print book titled “Street Photography: 50 Ways to Capture Better Shots of Ordinary Life,” which compiles his insights and tips in a concise handbook format . This book (a limited run of 1,000 copies) serves as a tangible extension of his teachings, covering topics like overcoming fear, composing memorable images, and developing one’s photographic voice. Fans appreciate the book not only for its content but also as a collectible artifact of Kim’s work. Beyond purely photographic topics, Kim’s blog in recent years has expanded to include his musings on philosophy, creativity, and even technology. He openly discusses the influence of Stoicism on his life, and writes about productivity hacks, fitness (he shares his powerlifting progress as part of a concept he calls “HYPELIFTING”), and personal finance. Notably, Kim became an advocate of Bitcoin and “financial freedom,” tying it into his ethos of personal sovereignty – he even credits a well-timed 2017 Bitcoin investment with giving him more freedom to focus on creative pursuits . While these tangents diversify his content, at their core they circle back to his central message of living life on your own terms – the same philosophy that drove him to hit the streets with a camera.
Despite exploring new interests, street photography education remains Kim’s primary legacy as a writer. Some of his most popular blog essays (often shared widely in the community) include “10 Things Henri Cartier-Bresson Can Teach You About Street Photography,” “How to Shoot Street Photography Like Bruce Gilden,” “The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Street Photography,” and reflective pieces like “Why You Should Pursue Photography (Not Money)”. His writing style is informal, motivational, and often in the second person (addressing “Dear friend,”) – which creates an encouraging tone for readers. This approachable voice, combined with practical advice, has made Eric Kim’s blog a gateway for countless newcomers to enter the world of street photography.
Community Influence and Contributions
Eric Kim’s impact on the street photography community has been profound, especially in democratizing knowledge and fostering a supportive network of enthusiasts. Through his free content and personable teaching style, Kim has lowered the barrier to entry for many aspiring street shooters. Thousands have learned the basics of shooting strangers, zone-focusing, composition, and creative vision from his articles and videos. In the early days of his blog, he cultivated an active readership by responding to comments and hosting meetups – creating a sense of community around “Streettogs” (a nickname he uses for street photography lovers). He also launched initiatives like the Streettogs Academy, an online Facebook group where members could share and critique each other’s photos in a positive environment, further extending his educational mission beyond his own content. As an influential mentor figure, Kim is often credited with popularizing street photography among the newer generation. “He teaches others the beauty of street photography, how to find their own style and overcome their fear” through both his blog and in-person events , effectively acting as an ambassador for the genre. Many emerging photographers who discovered street photography in the 2010s cite Eric Kim’s blog as one of their first learning resources, and his friendly, jargon-free approach helped demystify what can be an intimidating art form.
In recognition of his community contributions, Kim has been invited to speak at numerous photography conferences and photowalks, and has collaborated with collectives like Invisible Photographer Asia to promote street photography in regions beyond the West . His philosophy of openness extends to sharing others’ work as well – his blog frequently featured interviews and guest posts highlighting other street photographers from diverse backgrounds, thereby giving them exposure. Moreover, Kim isn’t afraid to challenge the status quo in the photography world. For example, he made waves by publicly deleting his Instagram account at the height of his popularity, arguing that obsessing over likes and followers was detrimental to creativity . This contrarian move sparked discussions about social media’s influence on photographers’ self-worth. By taking such stands (and blogging about them), Kim has encouraged photographers to focus on personal growth and artistry rather than external validation.
Today, Eric Kim remains a prominent voice in the street photography scene, not only through his teachings and writings but also through the vibrant community of followers he has inspired. Whether through a free e-book download that gives a beginner their first lessons, or an intensive workshop that pushes a seasoned shooter out of their comfort zone, Kim’s contributions continue to ripple through the street photography world. As one observer noted, he has become “a mentor to many” by sharing his insights on finding one’s style, conquering fear, and “shooting with heart” . His blend of practical tips, philosophical depth, and genuine enthusiasm has left an indelible mark, helping to shape street photography into a more inclusive and globally connected community.
Online Presence and Resources
Eric Kim maintains an active online presence where enthusiasts can learn more about his work and teachings. Below are his official channels and resources as of 2025:
- Official Website & Blog: Eric Kim Photography – Kim’s central hub, featuring his blog (with archives of articles, tutorials, and personal essays) and links to his free e-books, workshop info, and online shop. This site is the best starting point to explore his content and philosophy.
- Twitter (X): @erickimphoto – On Twitter (now X), Kim has over 20,000 followers . He uses this platform to share his latest blog posts, quick tips, motivational quotes, and snippets of his daily life. His tweets often echo his themes of courage, creativity, and “stacking sats” (a nod to his Bitcoin interest).
- Facebook: Eric Kim Photography – Kim’s Facebook page, with over 85,000 followers , serves as a community forum and update feed. He posts articles and engages with followers in comments. There is also a related Facebook group (Streettogs Academy) for peer-to-peer interaction among street photographers, founded by Kim to encourage community learning.
- YouTube: Eric Kim – Kim shares video content on YouTube, including behind-the-scenes footage from workshops, POV street shooting videos, and lectures. His channel has been a source of inspiration for many, as he generously demonstrates techniques and discusses his thought process on camera .
- Instagram: Not Active. Notably, Kim chose to delete his Instagram account around 2018, critiquing the platform’s effect on photographers’ creativity . Instead of traditional photo-sharing on Instagram, he directs followers to his blog and email newsletter. This decision aligns with his philosophy of creating for oneself rather than chasing online popularity.
Through these channels, Eric Kim continues to share knowledge and engage with the street photography community. His approachable teaching style and consistent online output have made him one of the most recognizable figures in street photography today. Aspiring photographers can easily find a wealth of free lessons, inspiring discussions, and practical resources via Kim’s online presence – a testament to his belief in empowering others to “never stop learning” and to photograph the world with curiosity and heart.