Eric Kim / Street Photographer - Talk - University of NSW / Sydney (Fri 20 Apr 2012)

Jo and I attended a talk (*) by Eric Kim (*) hosted by the University of NSW Photoclub (*).

Eric is a young (just 24 years old) and enthusiastic street photographer and blogger (been following him for a while now), and a great presenter. The talk was well attended with at least 300-400 people attending and Eric was treated like a Rockstar.

Eric Kim - The Flyer - UNSW (Fri 20 Apr 2012)
The 2 hour presentation was split into two parts with a brief break where Eric was more than happy to photographed with anyone and by anyone who had a camera, and there were a few.

Part of of talk included a slide show of some his Projects with some background to the photos. I hoped he would present the flyer photo and for me it was about the hands.I waited for him to do the obvious with his hands. When the obvious moment came, I pressed my shutter release and I heard a couple of other shutters open and close at the same time.

Eric explained the importance of watching for expressions, gestures and hand movements to create an engaging photo. This is often reinforced to me when I watch a speech or media conference and you will only hear the voice of the presenter, and when a gesture is made, most often with the hands, the voice is often overwhelmed by the sounds of the assembled media pack shutters, and the strobe-like effect of the flashes.

Eric Kim - The Hands - UNSW (Fri 20 Apr 2012)
At the end of the talk, the Camera Club's Committee presented Eric with a copy of the Bruce Davidson (*) book titled Subway (*). I flicked through the book after meeting Eric and I would highly recommend it and it is now on my wish list.

Eric Kim - - UNSW (Fri 20 Apr 2012)
While Jo and I waited to meet with Eric after the talk and book presentation, I grabbed a couple of photos of Eric. The one at end of this post I feel is best as I have captured Eric in a moment where he is not performing for the camera.

In some ways I feel I have captured the part of Eric where he struggles with his new found, and well deserved, celebrity status. As he said in reply to a question towards the end of the talk, he found traveling rewarding and at the same time very challenging, mentioning the impact it had on him physically, mentally and spiritually.

Eric, thanks for the great talk and inspiration you provide to 1000's of people across the world. Your success is well deserved and I wish you all the best as you pursue your dreams.

Geoff, Eric and Jo - Jo shows Eric perfect holdout photo technique with the only holdout photo of the night with Eric - UNSW (Fri 20 Apr 2012)
Eric Kim - Reflection - UNSW (Fri 20 Apr 2012)

On Photography and Life - Eric Kim (Sun 27 Dec 2015)

Eric Kim - UNSW / Kensington (Fri 20 Apr 2012)

Eric Kim on Life:

Never forget where you Came From [..]

And never forget to always love yourself

via Photography is Escapism by Eric Kim.

Had the pleasure of hearing Eric talk back April 2012. Quite the philosopher and I always enjoy reading his posts and many a quote has found its way here, today being another.

What I have found about photography is that is a reflection on and of Life. The beauty of the act of photography and thinking of photography.

On photography as a form of escapism. It is perfect, because sometimes that is what need to get through. And for me, along with the paddling, that is how it has been and will continue to be I suspect And there is nothing the matter with that.

Jo, Eric Kim and Geoff - Jo's holdout - UNSW / Kensington (Fri 20 Apr 2012)

Learning - Eric Kim (Fri 29 Apr 2016)

Wilpena Sunset - Wilpena / Flinders Ranges / South Australia (Tue 12 Apr 2016)

Eric Kim on Learning:

to learn is to be alive. And to be alive is to create

via Never Stop Learning by Eric Kim.

Back two weeks now from a quick one week tour around Adelaide and the surrounding areas. Stunning ancient landscapes and expansive skies wherever you go. Awe inspiring and back here after some wandering. Thanks Eric.

On Listening to the Bass - Eric Kim (Fri 06 Jun 2014)

Solar Groove (*) by John Myung (*) performed by Uwe (*) - YouTube (*) Herford (*) / Germany (Tue 20 Aug 2013)
Eric Kim (*) writes on listening to Music (*):

[..] to get a richer experience listening to music, focus on listening to the bass (not the treble).

via Listening to the Bass in Street Photography (*) by Eric Kim (*).

One of the highlights from last years trip to Europe (*) was meeting up with Uwe (*) again. It was pleasure to watch and hear him play this challenging bass sequence.

I have always heard and felt the bass (*) in music. Maybe I see it in my photography as Eric points out in his post (*)? Also hope to one day learn how to play the bass, but only a 4 string for me. Uwe has already given me a few tips to get started.

Solar Groove (*) by John Myung (*)

Empathy - Eric Kim (Sun 26 Mar 2017)

Vic - "10 years since I was last here, but he remembered me" - Downtown Milkbar and Coffee Lounge / Manuka / Canberra (Mon 27 Mar 2017)

Eric Kim on Empathy:

To shoot personal street photography is to only photograph what appeals in your heart. To use your street photography as a tool to empathise with your subject. To show your own soul through the photos you shoot of others.

via How to Shoot Personal Street Photography by Eric Kim.

Keeping in Shape - Eric Kim (Fri 04 Jan 2014)

street portrait - Lisbon (Wed 14 Aug 2013)
Eric Kim (*) writes On Photography (*):

taking photos is like training a muscle. You need to do it consistently to keep it fit and in shape. And even more important is to keep your eyes sharp and ready to look for photographs.

via On Consistency and Street Photography (*) by Eric Kim (*).

On Fame - Eric Kim (Mon 16 Sep 2013)

Untitled - Barcelona (Tue 06 Aug 2013)
Eric Kim (*) writes On Fame (*):

I personally feel that spending one’s life in search of fame and recognition is a waste of time. Rather, I feel the most important thing is to create work that is relevant and meaningful to you. After all, fame (*) and recognition is dependent on the opinion of others – something you can’t control.

via 10 Lessons Andre Kertesz Has Taught Me About Street Photography (*) by Eric Kim (*).

Whenever someone mentions the word Fame (*), I now think of Alanis Morissette and her own experiences (*) with Fame (*):

And what I have come to see is that fame (*) only amplified that which was there already.

So if I was depressed or I if I was insecure or if I was angry or whatever it was it just amplified it.

It made everything bigger and it did not sort of give, give me what it had been sort of purported to be able to give.

And so there was this great disillusionment.

She then discussed her own way forward:

At this point in my life I am clearer that I share music because it is part of my life purpose.

To write it is, the act of writing it is for me and the act of sharing it is so that other people can make it their own - they can derive comfort, inspiration or whatever they want to derive from it.

So it becomes an offering of some kind and because of that I can do it and I can work really hard.

If I were singularly doing it to just be in the public eye for gratuitous reasons, than I would probably last about an hour.

For me, my main aim in life is not to be noticed too much. I am happy to be just engaged with the world (*) and contributing in my own little way, whatever that might be.

Uncertainty - Eric Kim (Wed 18 May 2016)

mural - Chippen Lane / Chippendale (Wed 18 May 2016)

Eric Kim on Uncertainty:

my favorite days are when I have no plan — that I take everything as it comes. Uncertainty, randomness, and chance is also what street photography is all about. Serendipity is about not knowing what is going to happen, or what lies around the corner.

via In Praise of Shadows in Photography by Eric Kim.

Monochrome - Eric Kim (Wed 18 May 2016)

grass tree - Wilpena (Tue 12 Apr 2016)

Eric Kim on Monochrome:

I find myself shooting more black and white recently is because I feel that there is some sort of aesthetic beauty and bliss that comes from the simplicity of a monochromatic image

via In Praise of Shadows in Photography by Eric Kim.

On Photobooks and Inspiration - Eric Kim (Tue 07 Oct 2014)

East London Swimmers (*) / Madeleine Waller (*) - The Photographers Gallery (*) (Sun 13 Sep 2014)
Eric Kim (*) on Photobooks (*) and Inspiration (*):

the purpose of a [photo]book is to educate and inspire you.

via On Opportunity Costs in Street Photography (*) by Eric Kim (*).

A fantastic book which I bought a few weeks before our big trip (*). So simple but so effective. It inspired us to go (*). Found a beautiful wildflower meadow (*) on the way. Surprising where a Photobook will take you, if you let it.

Geoff by Jo - London Fields Lido (*) / Hackney (Sat 12 Sep 2014)

On Dreams and Passion - Eric Kim (Mon 16 Sep 2013)

Joy - Madrid (Fri 09 Aug 2013)
Eric Kim (*) writes on Dreams (*) and Passion (*):

regardless of your position in life, you always have the option of pursuing your dreams (*) and passions (*).

Follow your dreams (*), and they will take you where you want to be.

via 10 Lessons Andre Kertesz Has Taught Me About Street Photography (*) by Eric Kim (*).

Follow Your Curiosity - Eric Kim (Tue 05 Aug 2014)

follow - Madrid (Sun 11 Aug 2013)
Eric Kim writes:

[..] follow your curiosity. Passion and interest cannot be faked. Your subconscious is wiser and smarter than you think. Follow what your subconscious tells you.

via Advice for Young Street Photographers by Eric Kim.

On Colour Photography - William Eggleston - Eric Kim (Tue 02 Apr 2013)

Early morning light - Erskineville Road / Erskineville (*) (Tue 02 Apr 2013)
William Eggleston (*) talks about Colour (*) in his photography:

I wanted to see a lot of things in color because the world is in color. I was affected by it all the time, particularly certain times of the day when the sun made things really starkly stand out.

via 10 Lessons William Eggleston Has Taught Me About Street Photography (*) by Eric Kim (*).

We have another week of daylight saving and the sun is now rising very late. I noticed this when walking to my local coffee shop on the way to work this morning. The light was so soft and even and I guess it is like this every day, just that I am not up early enough to this golden light. I just took this photo to see how it would turn out - I like it. A few minutes later over a coffee and a muffin I read this quote in Eric's wonderful article.

I am now reminded that I have a draft post on my iPad that links to a William Eggleston YouTube video on the red ceiling room that can be seen in Eric's article. I must finish it and post It here at some stage.

On Street Photography - Haris P / Eric Kim (Sun 23 Feb 2014)

Street Portrait - Oxford Street / London (Sat 17 Aug 2013)
Haris P (*) writes On Street Photography (*):

[..] tips I would give street photographers would be the following:

1. Search for the light (*),


2. Search for the place (*),


3. Search for the character(s) (*),


4. Wait for the moment (*)..

And if you find all these things– don’t be satisfied with mediocrity.

Not-ordinary photos are nice but not enough. Extra-ordinary (*) photos are your target.

via Photographs are Everywhere: The Extra-Ordinary Street Photography of Haris P (Xaris P) (*) by Eric Kim (*).

On Training and Discipline - Siegfried Hansen / Eric Kim Street Photography (Wed 18 Dec 2013)

Untitled - Pitt Street / Sydney (Wed 18 Dec 2013)
Siegfried Hansen (*) writes On Traininng (*) and Discipline (*):

There are many things you learn by training (*) and discipline (*), but overall you should internalize both theory (*) and technique (*) to a point that you can fully concentrate (*) on the moment when taking pictures. I navigate through [..] my hometown, almost blindly (*) on certain routes, focusing on things that are happening around me. It’s all coincidental, nothing is preset.

via Capturing Harmony on the Streets through Graphical Images: Interview with Siegfried Hansen (*) by Eric Kim (*).


Untitled (Detail) - Pitt Street / Sydney (Wed 18 Dec 2013)

On being Touched - Peter Kool - Eric Kim Street Photography (Fri 04 Oct 2013)

Pedestrian Crossing - Osterport / Copenhagen (Fri 23 Aug 2013)
Peter Kool (*) writes On being Touched (*) and Street Photography (*):

a photo has to touch (*) you. It has to evoke some kind of emotion (*); astonishment (*) for different reasons.

via Variety is the Spice of Life: Interview with Peter Kool (*) by Eric Kim (*).

I tried so hard to make a good photo of this intersection. It is one of a kind - the colours of a rainbow.

Blurry Red - The Met / 5th Ave / New York (Mon 15 Aug 2011)

Blurry - The Met / 5th Ave / New York (Mon 15 Aug 2011)
The following quote by Eric Kim (*) made me think of quite a few photos I took while I was away (*). They are all flawed in some way, but they have kept my attention. The above photo - taken just outside The Met (*) is just one example. Here's the quote ..

when it comes to street photograph, image quality isn’t important. If anything, having a raw and grittier image is more favorable. [Eric Kim (*)]

Might put a few more here at some stage.

On The Photographer - Gustavo Minas / Eric Kim (Fri 28 Mar 2014)

The Photographers Shadow - Regent Street / Ultimo (Tue 25 Mar 2014)
Gustavo Minas (*) writes On The Photographer (*):

It’s not about the photographs, but about the photographer.

via Capturing Space, Color, and Light in Sao Paulo: Street Photography by Gustavo Minas (*) by Eric Kim (*).

On Street Photography - Jack Simon / Eric Kim Blog (Wed 23 Oct 2013)

Untitled - George Street / Sydney (Mon 21 Oct 2013)
Jack Simon (*) writes On Street Photography (*):

So when I am shooting spontaneously on the streets, I think it is random events that hit my eye. I might see something interesting and respond to it. Sometimes I know what I got, sometimes I think I got something good, but don’t. Sometimes it is a total surprise. I might take a photo of something very quickly, without being quite sure of everything going on. And in the editing process I can discover interesting things.

via Making a Fiction in the Mind of the Viewer: Interview with Jack Simon (*) by Eric Kim (*).

Untitled - George Street / Sydney (Mon 21 Oct 2013)