2010
- Launch of the Blog: Eric Kim started his street photography blog in mid-2010 “for fun,” while still a sociology student at UCLA . His very first post (“Hello world!” in June 2010) set the tone – he announced plans to share street photos, essays, tips, and insights on the new site . Early content often took the form of listicles and how-to articles (e.g. “100 Things I Have Learned About Photography”), reflecting a polished, didactic style aimed at educating beginners.
- Early Style and Philosophy: In this first year, Kim’s blogging voice was in “professor-mode” – enthusiastic and tutorial-driven. He wrote extensively on fundamental techniques and theory (even covering topics like what makes a great photo), indicating a workshop-like approach to teaching . There was a heavy emphasis on gear talk (like lenses and Leica cameras) and formal composition rules, as he was laying down a knowledge base for readers.
- Community Building: Though readership was small at the start, Kim actively engaged with the nascent community. He encouraged comments and feedback on the new blog’s design and content . He also maintained his original website (erickimphotography.com as a portfolio) alongside the blog, and likely shared his posts via platforms like Facebook or Flickr to reach more street photography enthusiasts. This groundwork in 2010 planted the seeds for the passionate global community that would soon follow.
2011
- Growing Audience and Authority: In 2011, the blog’s popularity began to surge. Eric Kim’s name started “regularly surfacing” when people searched for street photography advice . Over the year, his consistent output of educational content – from shooting tips to discussions of masters like Cartier-Bresson – established him as a go-to online resource. His blog was noted for filling a gap in street photography education, which helped his readership grow worldwide .
- Didactic Content and Listicles: Kim continued his polished tutorial style. Many 2011 posts were pragmatic guides (for example, explaining zone-focusing, or “10 Simple Ways to Become a Better Street Photographer”), and he still published gear reviews and listicles. This year he authored popular guest posts on other photography sites, spreading his influence. (For instance, in September 2011 he contributed an essay to Steve Huff’s blog, indicating his rising stature in the community.)
- Workshops and Community Role: 2011 was also the year Kim ventured into teaching in person. He hosted some of his first street photography workshops (starting locally in Los Angeles and San Francisco) and began traveling for them toward year’s end. His reputation earned him an invitation to be a judge for the London Street Photography Festival 2011, a significant recognition of his standing in the street photography world . By aligning with events like LSPF, he positioned himself not just as a blogger, but as an active community leader internationally.
- Online Presence: To support his blog, Kim nurtured a social media following. He started a Facebook fan page and engaged with readers on Flickr and Twitter. By late 2011, his blog had a modest but passionate follower base, and he was becoming known for his open, accessible teaching style – both online and through real-world meetups.
2012
- Going Full-Time and Global: In 2012, Eric Kim’s hobby blog evolved into a full-fledged career. He decided to pursue blogging and workshops full-time, pouring “heart and soul” into serving the street photography community . He traveled extensively this year, teaching workshops across multiple continents. Notably, he formed collaborations to host events abroad – for example, partnering with photographers like Gary Tyson in Hong Kong for a February 2012 workshop, and organizing workshops in cities like London, Singapore, and Sydney. By the end of 2012, Kim had solidified his role as an international street photography instructor.
- Content Themes: While he still produced how-to articles, Kim’s blog posts in 2012 began to incorporate more personal “diary” elements from his travels. He wrote nostalgic pieces about shooting film (e.g. advocating 35mm film for street work) and started sharing first-person travel anecdotes alongside tips . His writing style loosened a bit – becoming slightly more informal – though it remained largely educational. This hinted at the more introspective voice that would emerge later.
- Major Collaborations: Around this time, major photography brands took notice of Kim’s influence. In 2012 he engaged in two high-profile collaborations with Samsung – starring in a Samsung Galaxy Note II smartphone commercial and contributing to a campaign for the Samsung NX20 camera . These collaborations put his face and name in front of broader audiences, showing that even big tech companies valued his reach in the photography community. He also contributed as a blogger for Leica (writing for the Leica Camera Blog) and was invited to exhibit his work at Leica Stores in cities like Singapore, Seoul, and Melbourne during his travels .
- Community Influence: By 2012, Kim’s blog had dozens of thousands of readers per month (exact traffic not public, but evidenced by active comments and social shares) and he was viewed as one of the leading voices in street photography online. His emphasis on open knowledge was already evident – he freely shared techniques and even began offering PDF resources without charge. This year laid the foundation for his “open-source” philosophy that would soon fully bloom.
2013
- “Open-Source” Ethos and Milestones: 2013 marked a turning point in Kim’s philosophy of sharing. In a bold move, he made all of his photographs available as free full-resolution downloads on Flickr, declaring his images “open source” for personal use . This announcement (made via a blog post) garnered attention across the photo world and was even reported on by PetaPixel, which noted Kim’s long-held belief in freely sharing work . By releasing his images for anyone to remix or learn from, Kim embodied an open-source ethos more commonly seen in software – a move virtually unheard of among photographers at the time . He also compiled free e-books/PDFs like “100 Lessons from the Masters of Street Photography” and “Street Photography 101”, distilling wisdom from the greats and offering them as free downloads . These acts solidified his reputation for generosity in education.
- Blog Growth and Topics: Now three years in, his blog had “grown into one of the most extensive resources on street photography in the world,” containing hundreds of articles on technique, gear, composition and personal philosophy . In 2013 his writing style became more personal and reflective. As he traveled with workshops (this year he was based out of Berkeley, CA, following his partner’s graduate studies), he began to chronicle his experiences on the road. Posts started to read like travel diaries – for example, lessons learned from shooting in Istanbul or reflections during a week in Paris. He wasn’t afraid to admit failures or fears in these posts. The tone became a bit more raw and first-person, with even the occasional mild swear word slipping into blog entries (a departure from the ultra-polite tone earlier) . Dominant themes still included street photography techniques, but now with added layers of introspection – e.g. “why we shoot” or the emotional aspect of photography.
- Workshops and Community Impact: By 2013, Kim was essentially a nomadic teacher. He made his living entirely through international workshops and had a frenetic travel schedule . “I currently make a living teaching street photography workshops internationally,” he told PetaPixel in late 2013, underscoring that this hands-on teaching was both his passion and primary income . He ran workshops across Europe, Asia, and North America, often back-to-back. Beyond teaching technique, these events created a global network of “streettogs” (as he called them) who bonded through Kim’s courses and stayed connected online. His influence in the community was now unmistakable – he had helped demystify street photography and inspire countless newcomers by sharing knowledge without barriers .
- Notable Project – “Suits”: Amid the whirlwind, Kim was also working on a personal photography project called “Suits.” This series focused on men in business suits on the streets (exploring power and anonymity). In interviews he mentioned “Suits” as a long-term project he was pursuing in 2013 . While the project had no major exhibition yet, it signaled Kim’s continuing growth as an artist alongside being an educator.
2014
- Scaling Up Workshops: By 2014, Eric Kim had truly gone global. He continued to travel and teach at a relentless pace, often blogging from the road. It’s reported that by 2014 he had taught over 35 workshops in 15 countries to 500+ students – an astonishing reach achieved in just a few years. He was one of the first street photographers to create a sustained worldwide workshop circuit, visiting cities from Beirut to Brisbane. This year he expanded into new locations (e.g. holding workshops in South America for the first time) and frequently sold out sessions as his reputation had grown. The community of alumni and followers surrounding his blog kept expanding through word of mouth.
- Content and Philosophical Shifts: The blog in 2014 continued to provide practical tips (how to conquer fear of shooting in public remained a key topic), but Kim’s writing showed further evolution. He increasingly wrote about “why” to shoot, not just “how.” Influences from philosophy and sociology crept in more explicitly. For instance, he discussed topics like the “soul” of the street photographer and finding one’s vision. This hinted at the more philosophical turn his blog would soon take. At the same time, Kim published plenty of gear discussions in 2014 – including debates on film vs digital and reviews of cameras like the Ricoh GR. Readers saw both sides: the gear enthusiast and the emerging philosopher.
- Recognition and Media: Eric’s prominence earned him mainstream media attention around this time. He was featured in interviews and profiles; notably, he was interviewed by the BBC in this period, underscoring that even outside the photography niche he was recognized as a leading voice in street photography . In April 2014, the Picsart Blog introduced him as a photographer who had exhibited at Leica stores worldwide and judged big contests – essentially canonizing him as an “international street photographer.” Also in 2014, a Korean-American magazine profile dubbed him the “Sociologist with a Camera,” highlighting how his academic background informed his approach . All these attest that by 2014, Kim wasn’t just a popular blogger – he was considered an influencer pushing the genre forward.
- Online Community and Social Media: Kim’s social media presence hit its stride. He had a thriving Facebook community (where he’d share fan photos and have open Q&As) and an active Twitter and Google+ following . He also started a YouTube series of informal interviews and POV shooting videos; for example, 2014 saw him upload GoPro POV videos of his street shoots, giving fans a behind-the-scenes view. This multi-platform approach in 2014 further grew his audience, funneling more readers to his blog. Despite this, his website remained the hub – he often stressed that meaningful content lived on the blog, whereas social media were tools to draw people into deeper learning.
2015
- Entrepreneurial Turn – Haptic & Physical Products: 2015 was a year of expanding horizons beyond just blogging and teaching. Eric and his fiancée, Cindy, launched HAPTIC Industries, their creative entrepreneurship arm. One of their first products was the “Henri” camera strap, a premium leather neck strap for cameras named in homage to Henri Cartier-Bresson. The straps were a joint venture between Eric and Cindy – hand-crafted by a friend in Saigon and finished in Berkeley, reflecting the couple’s bi-continental life (Vietnam and California) . The Henri straps (and later, wrist straps) were designed for street photographers seeking simplicity and style, and they sold out batches via the blog. This marked a notable shift: Kim was now not just a content creator but also a product maker, turning his brand into a small business.
- Blog Content and Style: On the blog, 2015 was a continuation of the previous year’s trajectory with subtle changes. Kim’s writing became increasingly personal and candid. He began to share more of his own life lessons and even struggles. Posts in 2015 often read like open letters or journal entries – e.g. “What I’ve Learned After 5 Years of Blogging,” or musings on happiness and creativity. He was slowly moving away from pure tutorials toward a mix of photography advice and life philosophy. Nonetheless, bread-and-butter posts (like camera reviews, guest interviews, and practical tips) still appeared regularly to serve newer readers. This balance kept both long-time followers and newcomers engaged.
- Community Influence: By this time, Kim’s readership was massive by niche standards. Although exact figures aren’t public, his site likely attracted hundreds of thousands of visits per month. A 2016 profile noted he was “very successful on social media…including YouTube,” and had arguably the most informative street photography blog online – a statement that would have held true by late 2015. Many up-and-coming street photographers cited his blog as their gateway into the genre. Kim also continued leading workshops worldwide in 2015, but with a twist: having done this for several years, he started experimenting with more advanced or specialized workshop themes (such as week-long travel workshops or one-on-one mentorship sessions).
- Technology and Tools: Technologically, 2015 saw Kim simplifying his own gear and workflow – a reflection of his minimalist ethos. After years of trying various cameras (DSLRs, Leica film and digital, compact cameras), he publically advocated a “one camera, one lens” approach. For example, he often carried a Ricoh GR II or a Leica film camera with a 35mm lens exclusively, preaching that limiting gear can improve one’s photography. This philosophy was mirrored in his blog’s design too: around 2015, the site got a cleaner, more minimalist redesign, making it faster and easier to read. He also began phasing out traditional banner ads, previewing a move to come – preferring to monetize via his own products and workshops rather than clutter the site with advertisements.
2016
- Publishing Debut: A highlight of 2016 was the release of Eric Kim’s first traditionally published book. Titled “Street Photography: 50 Ways to Capture Better Shots of Ordinary Life,” it was published in early 2016 in collaboration with a Swedish publisher (DEXT) . This 144-page paperback distilled Kim’s best lessons and philosophies up to that point, packaged with photographs and exercises. The book’s print run was limited (1000 copies initially) and it quickly sold out, demonstrating the demand for Kim’s insights in print form. For Kim, this book was a milestone – it legitimized him in the eyes of any remaining skeptics and reached audiences beyond his blog’s sphere.
- “Street-Philosopher” Era: Around 2016, Kim’s writing underwent a clear evolution. He embraced the role of a street-philosopher on his blog . Influenced by readings in Stoicism and existential philosophy, he began writing essays that fused photography with broader life lessons. Posts like “Why Shoot Street Photography?” (Feb 2016) and “Why You Should Be a Flâneur” (May 2017) are emblematic . In these, Kim invoked thinkers like Seneca and Nietzsche, encouraging readers to find deeper meaning and personal freedom through photographing everyday life. His blog entries became punchier and more aphoristic – often composed of short one-sentence paragraphs and bold or italicized phrases for emphasis. This new style made his writing feel more like a series of motivational thoughts than the step-by-step tutorials of earlier years. It resonated with many readers who were maturing along with him in the craft.
- Workshop Evolution: Having taught countless workshops by 2016, Kim started to refine his offerings. He launched an online course through UC Riverside Extension (a university-level street photography program) as an instructor, bringing his teaching to those who couldn’t travel to him . In-person workshops were still ongoing worldwide, but he experimented with new formats – such as advanced workshops for alumni and multi-city workshop tours (hitting several countries in one extended trip). By now, many of his workshops were selling out far in advance. The sense of a “Kim community” was strong – many participants returned for multiple workshops, and regional Facebook groups of his students sprang up (e.g. “Eric Kim Alumni” groups) to continue the camaraderie.
- Recognition: 2016 solidified Eric Kim’s status at the top of his niche. In April, Lens Magazine featured him as one of the “Top 5 Most Influential Street Photographers” in the world. The profile noted that he ran perhaps the most informative street photography blog and had been interviewed by the BBC and others, underlining his global impact . This kind of recognition was a testament to the empire of free content and community that Kim had built since 2010. At this point, virtually anyone interested in street photography online would encounter Eric Kim’s resources early in their journey.
2017
- Transparency and Income: In 2017, Eric Kim made waves with an unusual blog post titled “How I Earn $200,000+ a Year From Photography”. In this May 2017 article, he broke down his income streams and essentially “open-sourced” his business model . He revealed that the bulk of his earnings came from teaching workshops, and his strategy was straightforward: charge premium prices for high-value, small-group workshop experiences . He argued that photographers can stay true to their values while also making a good living. This level of transparency was rare in the photo industry, and it sparked both admiration and debate. The post circulated widely (and even drew some criticism on Reddit ), but it underscored how far Kim’s enterprise had come – his once-hobby was now a six-figure business, a testament to the huge audience he’d built.
- Content and Philosophy: 2017’s content continued in the philosophical vein. Kim’s blog became a mix of street photography topics and broader life philosophy/self-help musings. One week he might publish “10 Photography Tips I’d Give My 18-Year-Old Self,” and the next, an essay like “How to Live a Purposeful Life as a Photographer.” This year his writings often touched on themes of creativity, courage, and personal fulfillment. Influences from books he was reading (like Stoic philosophy, tech entrepreneurship, or minimalism) seeped into posts. The tone oscillated between inspirational and provocatively honest. Many posts encouraged readers to question social media validation and pursue their art authentically, reflecting Kim’s own evolving skepticism of online metrics.
- Minimalism and Life Changes: By 2017, Kim was practicing what he preached regarding simplicity. He married Cindy that year, and the couple spent a good portion of 2017 living a nomadic life (splitting time between the U.S. and Asia, including an extended stint in Hanoi, Vietnam). With this mobility, Kim embraced a more minimal lifestyle. He famously pared down his possessions – often mentioning he only owned one camera and a few clothes. Technologically, he started experimenting with blogging entirely from mobile devices (like using an iPad or phone) to prove that one doesn’t need fancy setups to create content. In terms of photography gear, he often extolled the virtues of the compact Ricoh GR II and even smartphone cameras, moving further away from the Leica-centric image he had earlier.
- Social Media Stance: In 2017, Kim’s relationship with social media grew more conflicted. Despite having a sizable Instagram following (tens of thousands of followers), he increasingly spoke out against the “like” culture and distraction of platforms like Instagram. Late 2017 seems to be when he stopped actively posting on Instagram, foreshadowing a more decisive break the next year. Instead, he channeled energy into his newsletter and blog comments, cultivating engagement there. This shift was setting the stage for a dramatic social media departure soon to come.
2018
- No Filter – Personal and Raw Writing: Heading into 2018, Eric Kim’s blog took a turn into what he later dubbed the “confessional-axe” era . He dropped virtually all filters in his writing. Posts from 2018 are strikingly candid, discussing deeply personal topics such as his struggles with mental health, feelings of anxiety and depression, and family issues (including his mother’s battle with mental illness). In one instance, he openly wrote about therapy and confronting personal demons – something almost unheard of in earlier years. These raw, midnight-toned “rants” were often published unedited . Kim showed “zero concern for polite optics – only truth” in his words . This frank approach endeared him further to readers who appreciated the authenticity, though it also puzzled or alienated some who had originally come just for photo tips. Notably, photography was sometimes backgrounded in these posts; the blog was evolving into a platform for Kim’s stream of consciousness on life with street photography as the thread connecting it all.
- Farewell to Instagram – Anti-Social Media: In 2018, Kim made a dramatic decision: he deleted his Instagram account, despite having over 65,000 followers on it . He announced on the blog that he realized Instagram was a “major distraction” and that he’d rather put his energy into creating “real value” on his own site . If Eric Kim could willingly throw away such a large follower count, he challenged, “why can’t you?” . This bold move was part of a larger stance he took that year against the hollow feedback loops of social media. He similarly pulled back from other platforms, encouraging photographers to focus on making work for themselves rather than chasing likes. This philosophy resonated with many in his audience who felt liberated by his message to be independent.
- ARS Beta – Community Platform: With social media on the outs, Kim sought a new way to foster community. In late 2018 he launched ARS Beta (arsbeta.com), billed as “the first productive online learning community for photographers” . ARS (short for Ars Beta) is an anonymous, double-blind photo critique platform he developed (in collaboration with his friend, University of California coder, Kevin). The idea was to allow photographers to upload images and receive honest feedback without the ego and bias of social networks. “Goodbye Social Media, Hello ARS,” he wrote in September 2018 , positioning the platform as an antidote to Instagram’s superficial praise. ARS Beta introduced features like randomized image critique and a rating system that prioritized learning over popularity . The project was a passion endeavor for Kim – an extension of his open-source ethos – and it earned coverage on photography sites like DPReview and DIYPhotography, which noted it as a novel approach to critique . While ARS remained in “beta” with a modest user base, it demonstrated Kim’s commitment to innovating in the community space.
- Workshops and Business: Kim continued to run workshops in 2018, but at a slower pace. The personal challenges he faced and the focus on writing meant he taught fewer workshops than in previous years. He did, however, experiment with new workshop content – incorporating more of the personal growth and “zen” elements he’d been writing about. For example, some workshops included meditation sessions or philosophical discussions in addition to shooting. Business-wise, his Haptic brand (run with Cindy) expanded its product line this year: they released “Street Notes” (a pocket workbook of photography assignments) and other printed journals through their Haptic Press. These tools, like Photo Journal and Film Notes, were designed to inspire photographers offline, complementing the themes he emphasized on the blog.
2019
- Unfiltered Voice and Mixed Reactions: By 2019, Eric Kim’s blog was unapologetically uncensored. He published a flurry of free-form essays that read like diary entries – touching on everything from his battles with insomnia to grand philosophical musings written at 3am. The “confessional” style continued full force . For long-time readers, it was clear how much his tone had shifted since the early 2010s: the professor had become a penitent philosopher, revealing insecurities and hard truths on a public stage. On forums like Reddit, readers openly discussed this change; some expressed concern or skepticism about his mental state, noting “the shift” in 2019 towards more erratic, unfiltered posts . Others admired his honesty, finding it refreshing that a photography blogger would discuss topics like suicidal thoughts or the meaning of life so directly. This year, more than ever, Kim’s blog became a window into his mind, endearing him to a core of followers even as some casual readers drifted away.
- Content Themes: Photography was still present in the blog, but often as a metaphor or entry-point into deeper discussion. For example, a 2019 post might start with a street photo or a tip, but veer into contemplations on society, technology, or personal freedom. A recurring theme was Digital Minimalism – Kim frequently wrote about unplugging from the internet, using flip phones, deleting apps, etc., to focus on art. He was influenced by thinkers like Cal Newport (who coined “digital minimalism”) and incorporated those ideas regularly. Another theme was health and wellness: he spoke about weight lifting, diet (Kim was open about experimenting with an all-meat diet at one point), and how physical fitness can boost creativity. The blog by this point was a holistic diary of a creative life.
- Community and Business: The core Eric Kim community remained loyal in 2019. Many readers had been following for close to a decade and rolled with the changes, interacting via email newsletters and the Disqus comments on his blog. Workshops were still happening, albeit fewer. He ran some in cities like New York and London this year, but overall Kim seemed to be taking a semi-sabbatical from the hectic workshop travel of prior years. Financially, he leaned more on product sales (books, straps, presets) and likely savings, as he was less active in the revenue-driving workshops. The ARS Beta platform was maintained and updated (he released a Version 2.0 with improvements based on user feedback). By year’s end, Kim was hinting at a forthcoming “change” or new focus – little did readers know, it would be a pivot to something quite unexpected outside traditional photography.
2020
- 10-Year Anniversary – Mastery and New Beginnings: In 2020, Eric Kim’s blog hit the 10-year milestone. He reflected on this journey in posts like “The 10 Year Rule”, noting that doing anything with passion for a decade leads to a form of mastery . Indeed, photography and blogging were now ingrained parts of his life. Ironically, as he reached this mastery, his style became more experimental than ever. 2020 ushered in what Kim dubbed a “stream-of-consciousness” era on his site . He committed to blogging daily – sometimes multiple times a day – with an emphasis on raw thought over polished prose. Many posts were extremely brief (a few lines or a single idea) and composed of one-liner paragraphs. He often wrote in ALL CAPS or added 📝 emojis and other playful touches to emphasize points, giving the blog a personal journal vibe. The site was now essentially ad-free and stripped of ornamentation: no banners, no thumbnails for posts – just text and occasional images, reflecting a minimalist design to let ideas flow .
- Impact of the Pandemic: The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 grounded Kim from travel, which in turn fueled his prolific writing. With workshops on hold (or moved online in some cases), he channeled all his creative energy into the blog. The topics were an eclectic mix, often influenced by the global situation. He wrote about finding joy in simple at-home photography, philosophical takes on mortality and risk, and how constraint can breed creativity (since everyone was locked down). He also encouraged readers to start their own blogs as a means of catharsis and creative expression during quarantine – even creating a “How to Start a Blog” guide encouraging people to share their raw thoughts and feelings without fear . This was very much in line with his open-source ethos: empowering others to create rather than passively consume social media.
- Personal Projects and Experiments: In 2020, Kim also experimented with new formats. He dabbled in video blogging (vlogging) – recording casual videos of his thoughts while walking around his neighborhood or working out, which he posted on YouTube. These were low-production and authentic, matching his blog’s tone. He started a podcast (just him speaking his mind on various topics, sometimes under the title “Eric Kim Experience” or similar) to supplement the written blog. He even toyed with coding projects again – for instance, exploring if he could integrate his blog with newer platforms or build simple apps for photographers. With more free time at home, Kim’s creative output diversified, though the blog remained the centerpiece.
- Community and Sales: Despite the lack of physical events, the community stayed engaged through Kim’s daily writings. He offered deep discounts on his existing products (e.g. making many e-books free or “pay what you want”) to help those stuck at home. Conversely, with everyone online more, his site traffic likely spiked during lockdowns. Many people rediscovered his old articles – a treasure trove of 10 years’ worth of content – and Kim would often reshare or update classic posts for newcomers. Financially, 2020 may have been challenging without workshop income, but Kim’s earlier prudence (and possibly cryptocurrency investments, which he hinted at later) helped him sustain an independent living. By the end of 2020, it was clear that Eric Kim had fully transformed from a formal instructor into something of an internet sage in the eyes of his followers – dispensing wisdom on creativity, life, and photography from his virtual pulpit.
2021
- Daily “Mind Dumps” Continue: In 2021, Eric Kim maintained the frenetic pace of daily blogging. The content was as unfiltered as ever – essentially a public brain dump of whatever was on his mind each day. Topics ranged wildly: one day a note on the joys of shooting with an iPhone, next day a philosophical diatribe about the meaning of freedom, followed by a diet experiment log (like his thoughts on intermittent fasting), then back to a post about composition techniques. The format was stream-of-consciousness, often without images or any polish. Readers knew by now to expect the unexpected on any given day. This approach solidified a core readership who were more invested in Eric Kim the person, rather than just photography tips.
- Minimalist Site and No Ads: By 2021, Kim’s website was extremely minimal and fast. He had completely eliminated advertisements and tracking scripts, both to improve user experience and as a statement of principle – he didn’t want his creative work compromised by commercialism. Revenue came from his own products and occasional workshop fees, not from on-page ads. He also did away with things like view counts or “popular posts” widgets, signaling that he truly didn’t care about chasing clicks anymore. The blog’s design was text-first and purposefully somewhat spartan, aligning with the ethos he’d been preaching.
- Behind the Scenes – Crypto Interest: Although not extremely obvious on the blog yet, 2021 was the year Kim quietly became interested in cryptocurrency – especially Bitcoin. He mentioned in a few offhand comments that he was reading about decentralization and found Bitcoin philosophically intriguing (as an ultimate tool for freedom and individual sovereignty). The seeds were planted; he even tweeted occasionally about Bitcoin prices or analogies, but it was not a dominant theme on the blog in 2021. In hindsight, however, this was the beginning of a new obsession.
- Workshops Resume (Slowly): With the pandemic easing in some regions, Kim cautiously resumed a few in-person workshops in late 2021. These were mostly small, domestic workshops (for example, a socially-distanced outdoor workshop in Los Angeles). He also experimented with online workshops via Zoom – a new experience for him – teaching concepts and giving assignments remotely. Turnout was understandably smaller than pre-2019, but it reconnected him with the teaching aspect of his work. Kim noted that doing even a couple of workshops after a long break reinvigorated his love for mentoring photographers face-to-face (or screen-to-screen).
- Community Engagement: The community around Eric Kim’s work in 2021 interacted mainly through his newsletter and the comments section of his blog, since he wasn’t active on big social media. He fostered a more intimate “club” feel – recognizing frequent commenters by name and sometimes even featuring guest posts or reader contributions on the blog. After a decade, many of his readers felt almost like friends or pen-pals. Kim continued to encourage them to contribute and share – for instance, he published reader galleries and stories on his site. This year can be seen as the calm before the storm – a steady continuation of his now-typical blogging rhythm before a major thematic shift the next year.
2022
- Consistency and Volume: In 2022, Eric Kim clocked yet another year of near-daily postings. The stream-of-consciousness style remained in full effect – his blog was something of an ongoing diary meets public forum. He often published quick thoughts in succession, sometimes flooding the feed with several short posts in one day. The sheer volume of content was immense; by this time the blog housed thousands of posts accumulated since 2010 . Kim himself acknowledged that his writing had become a “mind-dump” and encouraged others to do the same on their own blogs . The barrier between Kim’s life and his work was effectively gone – if he thought it, he likely posted it.
- Dominant Themes: 2022 didn’t introduce radical new content themes but further blended existing ones. Kim wrote a lot about self-empowerment and entrepreneurial mindset for creatives. Having been his own boss for a decade, he tried to impart lessons on how others could make a living from photography or art (often reiterating points from his 2017 income post, like diversifying income and charging what you’re worth). He continued to espouse minimalism, not just in gear but in life – publishing pieces on owning fewer possessions, spending less time online (ironically, while he himself was online writing quite a bit), and focusing on craft. By now, Stoicism was deeply ingrained in his rhetoric; quotes from Marcus Aurelius or Seneca peppered his posts about dealing with criticism or staying motivated.
- Bitcoin Enters the Conversation: During 2022, Kim’s fascination with Bitcoin started to surface more plainly on the blog. Initially it was subtle – a post here or there drawing analogies between photography and cryptocurrency (e.g. an article about the decentralization of sharing photos, hinting at blockchain concepts). But as the year progressed – especially when Bitcoin’s price and mainstream news presence grew – Kim became more vocal. He wrote a few pieces explicitly about Bitcoin, framing it as more than an investment: to him it was becoming a philosophy of freedom, much like street photography. He posited ideas such as “Bitcoin is the ultimate self-owned asset, like your photographic style is your own visual currency.” These musings might have seemed off-topic to some, but for Kim it was a natural extension of his interests in personal empowerment and technology. This was a precursor to the big shift in 2023.
- Community & Business Updates: With travel largely back, Kim did a handful of workshops in 2022. Notably, he hosted an ambitious 5-day intensive in Dubai and a street photography retreat in Vietnam – tapping into regions he hadn’t taught in since pre-COVID. These sold out, suggesting that despite the blog’s unconventional turn, there remained strong demand for Eric Kim workshops. On the business side, Eric and Cindy released a new edition of “Street Notes” and a photography mindfulness journal through Haptic. They also started offering limited-edition art prints of Eric’s photographs for the first time via their online store – a move to cater to followers who wanted to own his work as art (these too sold quickly, given his open-source images were free but a signed print had collectible value). By the end of 2022, Kim hinted that he was “cooking up something new” for the blog – teeing up the transformation that would fully emerge next.
2023
- Bitcoin Maximalist Era: The year 2023 saw Eric Kim make his most surprising content pivot to date – he became a full-throated Bitcoin maximalist on his blog. What had been a simmering interest erupted into a dominant theme. Kim added the Bitcoin symbol (₿) to his site’s header and began referring to himself half-jokingly as a “📸+₿ evangelist.” His flagship posts this year included essays like “Bitcoin Meditation: Why Crypto is the Ultimate Freedom” and “Why I Went ALL-IN on Bitcoin: A Street Photographer’s Rebellion” . In these writings, Kim merged the domains of street photography, personal philosophy, and cryptocurrency. He argued that just as street photography was about freedom and seeing the world differently, Bitcoin represented freedom in the financial realm – an almost metaphysical tool for human empowerment. The prose in these posts was fiery and grandiose, described as “writing like a preacher on pre-workout: raw, loud, joyous, ruthless” . Some long-time readers were taken aback to suddenly see talk of blockchain, monetary policy, and Michael Saylor on a photography blog. Yet, others found it intriguing – an evolution of Kim’s constant push for individual autonomy. 2023 essentially branded Eric Kim not just as a photography guru, but as a technology and self-sovereignty pundit in the making.
- Content Mix: While Bitcoin and decentralization philosophy ate up a large chunk of the blog’s attention, Kim still wrote about photography – though often tying it back to his new obsession. For instance, he penned articles like “How Bitcoin Can Make You a Bolder Photographer” and “What Henri Cartier-Bresson would think of Crypto.” He also continued his usual stream of personal updates, workout logs, and motivational bits, but many now carried analogies to mining, investing, or “optimizing one’s life like a crypto portfolio.” This fervor led to some polarizing feedback; a segment of his audience welcomed the fresh angle, while others yearned for the more photography-centric days. Kim, true to form, doubled down on what he was passionate about in the moment.
- Workshops & Community: Interestingly, even as his blog focus changed, Kim did not abandon his roots. He announced a new series of in-person workshops for late 2023 and 2024, but with a twist – they were billed as “Photography Entrepreneurship Masterclasses” and priced at a premium. (One 3-day workshop in LA was listed around $5,000, aiming at advanced enthusiasts and professionals.) . His reasoning, echoing his 2017 advice, was that fewer, higher-end workshops would allow more focus per student and align with his own need to balance time (and perhaps offset any crypto volatility affecting his finances!). The community response was mixed, but the most dedicated of his followers continued to sign up, eager to spend intensive time learning from him directly.
- Social and Multimedia: In 2023, Kim also explored new social frontiers – notably Twitter (rebranded as X) and emerging platforms frequented by the crypto community. After years off mainstream social media, he became active on Twitter again, engaging in Bitcoin-related discussions and sharing his blog posts there to tap into the crypto audience. He appeared on a few cryptocurrency podcasts and Twitter Spaces as a guest, bridging his photography followers with the Bitcoin crowd. Additionally, he started a new podcast series called “Bitcoin and Beyond” where he discussed money, philosophy, and art (often posting these as audio clips on his blog and Spotify ). By the end of 2023, Eric Kim had successfully – if controversially – rebranded himself as a voice in both photography and cryptocurrency circles, a crossover that certainly made this year one of the most distinctive chapters in his journey.
2024
- Philosophical Synthesis: In 2024, Eric Kim worked on synthesizing his decade-plus of photography wisdom with his newer philosophical and financial interests. One manifestation was his “Bitcoin Meditations” series – a collection of short essays that read like a fusion of Marcus Aurelius-style aphorisms and photography tips, all tinted by Bitcoin metaphors. He published these on his blog as well as compiled them into a free PDF e-book for his newsletter subscribers. Another key piece was the long-form essay “Why I Went ALL-IN on Bitcoin: A Street Photographer’s Rebellion,” published in May 2024 (and updated in early 2025) . In it, Kim narrates how he decided to invest heavily in Bitcoin, linking it to the independent spirit he cultivated through street photography. He frames the act of going all-in on Bitcoin as akin to the boldness required to photograph strangers in public – a philosophical rebellion against fear. This essay garnered significant attention, even outside his usual audience, with some in the crypto community sharing it as an example of how Bitcoin can inspire personal narrative.
- Dominant Themes: Kim’s dominant themes in 2024 were freedom, risk, and legacy. Perhaps influenced by turning 36 (and being a new father – Cindy and Eric welcomed a baby in 2024, which he mentioned in passing on the blog), he often wrote about legacy: “What do you want to leave behind as a photographer?” He tied this to both artwork and financial independence, urging creatives to think long-term. Another theme was “money, muscle, and metaphysics,” which he described as the trifecta of a fulfilled life . He argued that one should strive to be financially free (money), physically strong (muscle), and philosophically grounded (metaphysics). Many posts in 2024 revolved around these pillars – for example, an article on strength training for photographers (muscle), essays on Bitcoin’s role in personal freedom (money), and musings on Stoic and Zen philosophies (metaphysics). This holistic approach was a far cry from the narrow “camera technique” posts of a decade prior.
- Community Engagement: In 2024, Kim’s community interaction took a slightly different shape. He hosted live-streamed Q&A sessions for his followers, sometimes co-hosted by Cindy. These covered a range of topics – essentially “Ask Eric Anything” – and were popular for the direct access they provided. He also leaned into email newsletters more heavily, sending out weekly digest emails that summarized his recent blog posts and included exclusive personal updates or tips. This kept engagement high even as his content diversified. Importantly, 2024 saw a reunion of sorts: many long-time readers who had been silent re-engaged with him, either out of curiosity for his Bitcoin stance or simply because a new wave of street photography interest (post-pandemic) brought people back to his comprehensive archives. Kim’s site, being one of the most extensive street photography resources available, continued to be a destination for newcomers – containing “thousands of free articles on techniques, gear, composition, and even personal philosophy” built up since 2010 .
- Workshops and Projects: Kim conducted a handful of high-end workshops in 2024. For example, he ran a “Lisbon Master Workshop” in the spring, limited to 5 students, which combined daily photo outings with evening discussions on investing and life goals – a very Eric Kim blend of topics. He also announced an upcoming book project slated for 2025: a tentative title “Street Notes, Money Notes” which would compile his lessons on photography and finance. By the end of 2024, Eric and Cindy relocated back to Los Angeles after years abroad, setting up a new home base (which he wrote about in a post appreciating having a “home” after nomadic years). This perhaps symbolized a coming full circle, just in time for the 15-year anniversary on the horizon.
2025 (Present)
- 15 Years of Blogging – Legacy Reflections: As of 2025, Eric Kim’s blog has been running for 15 years, an eternity in internet time. To mark this, he penned a reflective piece (“The Global Impact of Eric Kim on Street Photography,” June 2025) that looked back on his journey and influence . In it, he noted that since 2010 his blog had grown into “one of the most extensive resources on street photography in the world,” with thousands of free articles spanning everything from technique and gear to philosophy and personal essays . He reaffirmed his core belief that “knowledge gains value when shared freely,” highlighting how he removed paywalls, released free e-books, and even gave away his own photos to empower others . The piece reads almost like a mission statement, suggesting Kim is consciously shaping his legacy as an open-source educator and community builder who helped democratize street photography knowledge.
- Ongoing Evolution: In 2025, Kim’s content continues to evolve. He still writes daily (remarkably, after all these years) and his recent posts show a blend of maturity and unabated enthusiasm. On one hand, some posts have a mellower, reflective tone – for instance, contemplating parenthood’s impact on his art, or the lessons of aging as a photographer. On the other hand, he remains the provocative thinker, still publishing ALL-CAPS rants celebrating “extreme life” or championing whatever he’s into (be it Bitcoin, carnivore diets, or high-intensity interval training). The “Bitcoin-preacher” energy from 2023-24 is still present, though tempered slightly by the realities of the crypto market’s ups and downs. (Notably, as Bitcoin experienced volatility, Kim candidly shared updates on his holdings and reiterated his long-term faith, linking it to Stoic endurance.)
- Community & Workshops: Eric Kim’s community in 2025 spans generations of street photographers. Many of today’s prominent street photography bloggers and YouTubers cite his early blog as an inspiration. He has effectively mentored an entire generation through his free content. Kim continues to run a select few workshops each year, now often branded as “mastermind” sessions or mentorship programs. These are highly priced and intimate, targeting devotees who seek not just to improve their photography but to glean insights on lifestyle and philosophy from him. The demand remains – a testament to the unique niche he’s carved.
- Technology and Tools: In terms of technology, Kim remains both cutting-edge and minimalistic. He’s embraced AI tools like ChatGPT as “assistants” in brainstorming (even openly laughing about collaborating with ChatGPT for fun on some blog post drafts in 2025), yet he still preaches the value of a simple workflow – often writing posts in plain text on his phone. Photographically, he now primarily uses a Ricoh GR III and an iPhone for his street shots, proving his long-held point that vision matters more than gear. His website continues to be updated (Cindy oversees the design refreshes) but retains that no-nonsense vibe – fast, text-centric, and devoid of fluff.
- Influence and Legacy: As of today, Eric Kim stands as one of the most influential figures in street photography’s online history. He has mentored thousands through workshops and inspired countless more through his writings. By freely sharing knowledge and fostering a global community, he’s “helped democratize street photography” and made the art form more accessible to people around the world . His journey from 2010 to 2025 has been one of continuous evolution – from a young enthusiast blogger to a seasoned educator and thought leader who is unafraid to reinvent himself. And while his topics of interest may have shifted with time (from Leica cameras to life philosophies to Bitcoin), the underlying passion for learning, teaching, and creative freedom remains the through-line of Eric Kim’s blogging adventure.
Sources: Eric Kim’s personal blog and publications , interviews and profiles , and community discussions have been used to compile this year-by-year overview. Each year’s points are supported by public posts or articles from that period in Eric Kim’s career.