Eric Kim has carved a unique place in the world of street photography as a street photographer, educator, and blogger with a global reach. Born in 1988 and raised in California, Kim is “a renowned street photographer… who has made a significant impact on the world of photography, particularly in the realm of street photography” . Known for his energetic, candid approach to capturing life on the streets, he quickly gained recognition by connecting with both amateur and professional photographers through his engaging blog, workshops, and prolific online presence . In 2010, he launched his personal blog which grew to become “one of the most popular photography blogs on the internet”, thanks to his unique perspective and open approach to sharing knowledge that attracted a large, dedicated following . This report reflects on how Eric Kim will be remembered in the history of photography – highlighting his contributions to street photography, his influence on aspiring photographers, his role in shaping digital photography culture, and the philosophy and passion that underpin his teaching. Along the way, we’ll recall notable quotes, projects, and recognitions that illustrate his legacy.
Contributions to Street Photography
Eric Kim’s contributions to the world of street photography are multifaceted, blending his personal photographic work with a mission to elevate the genre and its community. As a shooter, he is known for a bold, “energetic and candid approach to capturing life on the streets” . His images – often shot on 35mm film with a Leica rangefinder – seek out authentic “decisive moments” and human emotions in everyday city scenes. For example, one of his street photographs is shown below, depicting an ordinary passerby with character and dignity, exemplifying Kim’s eye for “genuine and unique” moments amid the urban bustle :
One of Eric Kim’s candid street photographs, reflecting his eye for everyday characters and the human stories in urban life.
Beyond his own imagery, Kim will be remembered as an “outspoken advocate for street photography” whose blog became “a nexus for street photographers around the world” . In an era when street photography was regaining popularity, he helped demystify the art form and push it forward. His writings and talks emphasized that street photography is for everyone – not just gallery artists or Magnum elites, but anyone with curiosity and a camera. By studying and teaching the techniques of past masters (from Henri Cartier-Bresson to Alex Webb) and sharing those lessons widely, he bridged the gap between classic street photography traditions and a new generation of digital-era shooters.
Importantly, Kim served as a community builder and connector in street photography. He traveled extensively – shooting and teaching in cities across North America, Europe, Asia, and beyond – effectively creating a worldwide network of street photographers. As early as 2011, Leica’s official blog noted that “he is an anchor in the street photography community through his online presence,” connecting photographers and bringing more content from diverse regions . By organizing meet-ups, photowalks, and collaborative projects, Kim helped knit together a once-scattered global community. His influence is often credited with making street photography more inclusive and “democratic” in the 2010s: embracing color as well as black-and-white, encouraging women and men of all ages to shoot, and broadening subject matter beyond old conventions. In interviews, Kim observed how the genre has evolved to become “a lot more liberal… at the end of the day anything could be street photography… it’s whether it’s a photograph that stimulates me… I could feel it in my heart.” This open-minded outlook championed by Kim has widened the scope of what street photography can be, making the craft more approachable for newcomers.
Educator and Blogger Influencing a Generation
If Eric Kim’s own photographs earned him respect, it is his role as an educator and prolific blogger that truly defines his legacy. Through his workshops, articles, and free ebooks, Kim has “inspired countless photographers to engage more deeply with their subjects and environment” . He recognized early that many aspiring street photographers needed guidance – not just on technical skills, but on overcoming fear, finding their style, and understanding the broader purpose of shooting candidly in public. To address this, Kim created an educational empire of sorts, rooted in the philosophy of freely sharing knowledge.
Kim’s Blog and Writing: Starting with humble blog posts in 2010, Eric Kim’s website (erickimphotography.com) became a treasure trove of resources. He has written hundreds of tutorials, essays, and “thought pieces” on topics ranging from practical tips (“zone focusing,” how to approach strangers, etc.) to musings on creativity and meaning. According to one photography journal, Kim produced “countless thought pieces and instructional videos as well as teaching workshops all over the world” – a testament to his work ethic. Notably, his popular “Lessons from the Masters” series distilled wisdom from legendary photographers; this series was compiled into a free e-book 100 Lessons from the Masters of Street Photography . Such resources have been downloaded and read by aspiring photographers globally. By openly analyzing iconic photographs and breaking down contact sheets of his own shoots, Kim helped demystify the creative process behind great street photos . His blog’s impact is reflected in its massive following and engagement – it became a go-to hub for street photography enthusiasts seeking both inspiration and community.
Workshops and Teaching: In 2011, Kim left his day job to pursue photography education full-time , and over the next decade he conducted workshops in dozens of cities worldwide. From Los Angeles to London, Singapore to Istanbul, he has personally mentored students on the streets of their own cities . Participants of his workshops often praise his hands-on, energetic teaching style – he’s known to lead by example, even demonstrating how to approach strangers with a smile or how to shoot from the hip. An attendee-turned-friend noted that Kim is “not one of those dry, pedantic photographers… [he] talks about his passion” in an engaging way (LA Fotoboy, Street Photography w/ Eric Kim, 2011). In fact, Kim’s focus is on mindset and confidence as much as technique. His mantra in workshops has been to help people conquer their fear of photographing strangers and to “shoot with courage.” As the All-About-Photo profile summarizes, “through his blog and workshops, he teaches others the beauty of street photography, how to find their own style and vision, as well as how to overcome their fear of shooting strangers.” This supportive, empowering approach has turned countless timid beginners into confident street shooters.
Many students have found Kim’s workshops transformative. He mixes lectures on composition and light with live shooting sessions in which he coaches students on the street. He often sets challenges or “assignments” to push students out of their comfort zones – for instance, getting closer to subjects than they normally would, or approaching someone interesting for a portrait. One unique hallmark of Kim’s teaching is his emphasis on community and camaraderie among participants. He encourages group critique sessions and the formation of lasting networks of “streettogs” (his affectionate term for street photographers). As a workshop instructor for over a decade, Kim has interacted with a vast range of people, and he observed that “students from all around the world are pretty similar… They all share the passion and interest in street photography, a love of exploration and serendipity” . This global commonality is something he celebrates and reinforces through his teaching.
Free Educational Resources: A core part of Kim’s influence is his creation of open-access learning materials. He has made an extensive library of free e-books and PDFs available on his website for anyone to download. These cover everything from Street Photography 101 and Street Photography Contact Sheets (Volume I & II) to specialized guides like “31 Days to Overcome Your Fear in Street Photography” and “100 Lessons from the Masters” . This all-inclusive curriculum – provided at no cost – lowers the barrier to entry for those who cannot afford expensive workshops or art school classes. Kim’s philosophy is “All Open Source Everything!” , meaning he shares his knowledge freely in hopes of empowering others. As he stated in one interview, “I feel some sort of ethical obligation to society and the street photography community to give back… Others have given so much to me and I feel I need to dedicate my life to give back to the community” . By distributing free tutorials, videos, and books, Kim ensured that anyone with an internet connection could learn and be inspired. This generosity in education has become a defining aspect of his legacy – many photographers who never met him in person nevertheless credit his blog or e-books for their start in street photography.
Shaping the Digital Photography Culture
Eric Kim came of age as a photographer during the rise of social media and blogging, and he skillfully leveraged these platforms to shape modern photography culture. In the early 2010s, he was among the first street photographers to build a large following on YouTube, producing casual yet informative videos where he discussed his passion, reviewed books, and even recorded on-the-street demos. “I respect him for bringing street photography to YouTube,” one enthusiast noted, adding that Kim has “been a force in shaping my shooting” through his online content. By embracing video and social networks, Kim helped bring what was once a niche genre to a wider audience of young, internet-savvy photographers.
Online Community Building: Kim not only fed the online appetite for content, but also actively built communities. He was a regular presence on platforms like Facebook and Reddit, offering advice and critiques. Notably, he co-founded the “Streettogs Academy” Facebook group – a forum where members (over 3,000 strong) undertake bi-weekly street photography assignments and share their results . The group was explicitly created to be “educational and friendly to beginners,” reflecting Kim’s inclusive ethos . Kim and co-moderators would discuss submissions and choose the best, often providing feedback to participants. This kind of structured online community was innovative in the street photography scene and created a virtual classroom accessible to people around the world. It extended the spirit of his workshops into an ongoing, open forum. By suggesting themes, rewarding improvement, and fostering peer critique, Kim cultivated an environment where enthusiasts could grow together – a model that many other photography communities have since emulated.
Influence on Digital Discourse: Through prolific blogging, Kim also influenced the discourse around photography in the digital age. He has never shied away from discussing the philosophical and ethical dimensions of street photography on his blog – topics like the ethics of photographing strangers, or the impact of social media on creativity. His thoughtful posts on these subjects encouraged a culture of reflection among photographers online. In 2014, the BBC even interviewed Eric Kim about the ethics of street photography, recognizing him as a voice of authority in the debate . This indicates how his ideas permeated beyond just the online enthusiast circle to mainstream media discussions. Furthermore, Kim’s blog often featured interviews with other photographers (both famous and emerging), shining a spotlight on voices from different countries and backgrounds . By doing so, he boosted lesser-known talents and promoted diversity in the street photography community. This curatorial role helped shape the canon of street photography in the 2010s – readers of his blog were introduced to photographers from across the globe, expanding their appreciation of the genre’s possibilities.
Another aspect of Kim’s digital influence is his stance on gear and consumerism. In a culture often driven by the latest camera equipment, Kim was a contrarian voice urging photographers to focus on art over gear. His slogan “Buy books, not gear” became well known . He stressed that great photos come from one’s vision and creativity, not from owning expensive equipment – a message that resonated with many in the age of camera hype. This philosophy, spread through his articles and talks, has nudged the photography culture toward a more experience-oriented and mindful approach. It dovetails with trends like minimalism and film photography revival, which Kim also avidly promoted on his platforms. In summary, by using digital tools to disseminate an anti-elitist, knowledge-sharing, people-focused vision of photography, Eric Kim helped shape the values and norms of the contemporary street photography movement.
Philosophy and Unique Teaching Style
At the heart of Eric Kim’s enduring influence is his personal philosophy of photography, which emphasizes joy, curiosity, and humanistic values. He often reminds his followers that “above all, street photography should be fun. If you’re not having fun… you’re doing something wrong.” For Kim, making photographs is not a dry technical exercise but a source of happiness and personal fulfillment. This upbeat, playful attitude is something he carries into his workshops – he’s known to crack jokes, share personal stories, and create an atmosphere where students feel at ease. One of his oft-repeated mantras is to “shoot with your heart, not with your eyes” . In other words, photograph what emotionally moves you, rather than over-focusing on settings or analytics. This approach encourages students to develop their own voice and sensibility. Kim believes that a camera is simply an extension of one’s heart and mind.
Indeed, Kim views street photography as much more than an artform – to him it’s a way of life and even a form of self-discovery. “Photography is a tool for us to better understand ourselves, others, and the world around us,” he says . This philosophical bent often leads him to draw parallels between photography and mindfulness or spirituality. He’s described shooting in the streets as “a zen-meditation practice” – the photographer must be present in the moment, observing without preconception, and sometimes “empty your mind… let the photos shoot themselves” . Such ideas, influenced by Zen and Stoic philosophy (subjects he studies and writes about), give his teachings a unique reflective quality. Participants in his classes aren’t just learning how to work a camera; they’re learning how to see the world in a deeper way.
Kim’s teaching style is often described as enthusiastic, down-to-earth, and empowering. He doesn’t intimidate students with technical jargon or artistic elitism. Instead, he shares his own failures and fears openly – making others feel it’s okay to struggle and learn. “Street photography is 99.9% about failure,” he quotes master Alex Webb, to remind beginners that even the best photographers miss many shots . In his own words, “Know that your skill as a photographer doesn’t matter. First aim to be a curious, interested, and compassionate human being. Photography comes later.” This sums up his belief that being a good observer of life is more important than any technical prowess. Kim encourages his students to talk to strangers, to smile, and to build a rapport if possible – “always shoot with a smile, and from the heart” is his personal motto . He even practices what he preaches: in an interview he revealed that whenever he finds himself hesitating to click the shutter, he imagines a student standing next to him, watching – a mental trick that pushes him to be brave and not “chicken out” of the moment . This anecdote illustrates how seriously Kim takes his mentorship role; he strives to lead by example, knowing that his actions set a tone for those who look up to him.
Another distinctive element of Kim’s teaching is the incorporation of sociology and personal reflection. With his academic background in Sociology, he often discusses how street photography is about “documenting humanity” and understanding social dynamics. He prompts students to think about why they photograph certain subjects, to journal their feelings after shoots, and to use photography as a means of self-expression or even therapy. His lessons frequently invoke quotes and inspirations from outside photography – from ancient philosophy to contemporary literature – giving students a richer context. This interdisciplinary, philosophical approach is not common in photography education, and it has set Kim apart as a teacher who nurtures not just better photographers, but more thoughtful individuals.
Notable Projects and Achievements
Eric Kim’s career is studded with projects and achievements that underscore his impact on the field. Some of the most notable include:
- Extensive Free Publications: Kim has authored numerous free e-books and articles that have become seminal references for street photographers. These include “The Street Photography Manual,” “100 Lessons from the Masters of Street Photography,” “Street Photography 101 & 102,” and “31 Days to Overcome Your Fear of Shooting Street Photography,” among many others . By curating and publishing this knowledge (often in PDF format on his site), he ensured that anyone could learn from his insights without cost. Many of these works compile wisdom from the past – for instance, 100 Lessons from the Masters distills key takeaways from greats like Henri Cartier-Bresson – as well as Kim’s own hard-won lessons from a decade of shooting.
- “Lessons from the Masters” Series: This flagship project on Kim’s blog involved studying the work of master photographers. He wrote dozens of essays each focusing on a legend (e.g. Garry Winogrand, Diane Arbus, Vivian Maier), extracting practical lessons for readers. The series was praised by the photography press for “giving insight into what you can learn from the professionals, as seen by someone who immerses themselves in the past and present of street photography.” It not only educated readers about photographic history but also connected that history to contemporary practice. The series’ popularity culminated in the aforementioned e-book, which has been downloaded widely .
- Street Photography Contact Sheets: In a unique two-volume e-zine project, Kim published his contact sheets – sequences of unedited images leading up to a successful shot – along with annotations. This gave rare insight into his shooting process and decision-making. By showing frames that didn’t work and how a final image emerged, he taught by example that trial-and-error and persistence are part of every photographer’s journey. This project was applauded for its transparency and educational value in an art form often shrouded in mystique.
- Global Workshops Tour: Kim’s teaching odyssey took him to over 20 countries and dozens of cities around the world . He has held workshops across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, sometimes returning multiple times to cities where demand remained high. This global itinerary includes major hubs like New York, London, Paris, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Sydney, Istanbul, Mumbai, and more, as well as smaller cities that rarely had access to such training. By 2019, he had essentially become a nomadic instructor, living out of a suitcase while conducting 2-3 workshops per month in different locales. The sheer geographical scope of his teaching means his influence has truly been worldwide – a generation of street photographers on five continents has had direct mentorship from him. Few educators in this genre can claim a comparable reach.
- Collaborations and Industry Recognition: Despite operating mostly as an independent educator, Eric Kim has earned recognition from established institutions in photography. He collaborated with Leica Camera (the prestigious manufacturer favored by many street photographers) – contributing articles to the official Leica Blog and presumably testing Leica gear. He also worked with Magnum Photos (the cooperative agency co-founded by Cartier-Bresson), and with Invisible Photographer Asia – a prominent platform for Asian photography . In the tech realm, Kim partnered with Samsung on multiple occasions: he was featured in a Samsung Galaxy Note 2 commercial and a campaign for the NX20 camera , bringing street photography themes into those advertisements. These collaborations indicate how his expertise was sought to lend authenticity and credibility to photographic products and media. Additionally, Kim’s work has been exhibited in galleries and spaces such as Los Angeles and Leica Stores in Singapore, Seoul, and Melbourne – a nod to the quality of his imagery. He has also served as a judge for major street photography contests, notably the London Street Photography Festival/Contest (2011) , which signals the respect he commands within the community.
- Community Initiatives: Beyond formal projects, Kim has spearheaded or inspired several community initiatives. The Streettogs Academy on Facebook (mentioned earlier) is one example of his commitment to interactive learning. He also started online hashtags and challenges (such as #streettogs) to encourage photographers to share their work and get feedback. In person, he often organized free photowalks in various cities prior to or after his workshops, inviting locals who couldn’t attend the full workshop to still join and learn for an afternoon. Furthermore, Kim has openly shared platforms; he invited guest bloggers to write on his site and featured student work in his posts. All these efforts reflect an inclusive, community-centric spirit that has amplified his impact. Kim’s influence is thus not just top-down (teacher to student) but also lateral – creating spaces where peers learn from peers.
- Notable Writings and Talks: Eric Kim’s voice has been heard in many forums. He’s been interviewed in podcasts, blogs, and even by the BBC on the ethics of street photography . He has given talks at events (for example, photography conferences and universities) where he often speaks about “empowering others through photography and education” . He also co-hosted the “Candid Frame” podcast on at least one episode and has appeared in YouTube interviews with other photography influencers. Through these channels, Kim has consistently advocated for a kinder, more open photography culture – one that values storytelling and personal growth over external validation or competition.
Global Impact and Legacy
Considering his contributions and influence, Eric Kim is poised to be remembered as a pivotal figure in 21st-century street photography. His impact is both broad and deep: broad in the sense of reaching a worldwide audience, and deep in how he touched individual lives and creative journeys. As the About Photography blog aptly summarized, “Eric Kim’s impact on street photography is immense, both as a practitioner and an educator.” His “candid, personal approach… has inspired countless photographers to engage more deeply with their subjects and their environment.” Moreover, “his commitment to education and sharing his knowledge… has helped to demystify street photography and empower photographers to develop their own unique styles and perspectives.” In essence, his legacy lies in empowerment: he gave many people the confidence and tools to practice street photography in their own way.
Kim’s influence spans generations and geographies. It’s not uncommon to find a young photographer in India or Russia, for example, who cites reading Eric’s blog or book as the spark that got them into street photography. Through his travels and online presence, he nurtured a global fellowship of street photographers. In his workshops he saw teenagers and retirees alike come together, all passionate about documenting life. “My youngest student was 14, my oldest was 78… People at the workshops just share the passion… a love of exploration and serendipity,” Kim observed, noting that the experience “has given me more faith in humanity because we are all more similar than dissimilar.” This sense of unity and shared passion is part of what Eric Kim will be remembered for – he showed that street photography can build bridges across cultures and ages. The worldwide “streettogs” community that he helped foster is a testament to that ideal.
In the “books of history,” Eric Kim may well be regarded as the quintessential street photography evangelist of the digital age. He combined the practical know-how of a photographer, the enthusiasm of a teacher, and the reach of a blogger in a way that few (if any) had before him in this genre. He embraced the ethos of open-source information long before it was common in photography, setting a precedent for free educational content. Future historians of photography might liken his blog to an early 21st-century equivalent of an important photography workshop or school – except his “school” was online and free, accessible to tens of thousands. His insistence on sharing everything – from his presets to his mistakes – flipped the script on the traditionally competitive, secretive art world.
What is also striking about Kim’s legacy is how it blends art and philosophy. He will not only be remembered for his memorable photographs (such as his dynamic black-and-white street scenes from cities worldwide), but also for his ideas and aphorisms that continue to circulate among photographers. Quotes like “Shoot with your heart” , “Street photography should be fun” , and “Be a curious, compassionate human first – photography comes later” encapsulate a philosophy that has influenced how people approach not just street photography, but photography in general. His writing encouraged photographers to ask themselves deeper questions about why they shoot and what they want to say about society. Thus, beyond technique, Kim’s legacy includes a mindset – one that prizes authenticity, courage, and generosity.
Finally, it’s worth noting that Kim’s impact has been recognized by his peers and the industry. He is often invited to speak or judge because others see the value he brings. The respect he’s earned is evident in the way fellow photographers refer to him as a “legend” or a pioneer in the street genre (sometimes with a bit of humor – he’s been called “the Bruce Lee of street photography” by fans, playing on his Asian-American heritage and fearless style). While such monikers are lighthearted, they hint at the significant mark he’s left on the community.
In conclusion, Eric Kim’s legacy will likely be that of a man who democratized street photography, bringing it from the galleries to the people. He will be remembered as a tireless teacher who traveled the world to share his passion; a blogger who built an archive of wisdom for future generations; and a photographer who believed in the power of an image to illuminate the human condition. In his own humble reflection on life and legacy, Kim once said that photographing his grandfather’s funeral made him ponder “what kind of legacy I wanted to leave behind.” By all indications, the legacy he is leaving is one of inspiration, empowerment, and community. Eric Kim’s name will surely find its place in the history of photography as someone who not only captured the world around him, but also taught the world how to see it for themselves.
Sources:
- Martin Kaninsky, “Eric Kim: Street Photography, Education, and Empowerment.” About Photography Blog .
- Life Framer (photography journal), “10 Lessons from the Masters of Street Photography” – featuring Eric Kim .
- StreetShootr, “Interview: Eric Kim on Life, Happiness and Street Photography” .
- Picsart Blog, “An Interview with International Street Photographer Eric Kim” (2014) .
- All-About-Photo.com, “Eric Kim – Photographer Profile” (includes artist statement) .
- Blake Andrews, “Q&A with Eric Kim” (2014) .
- Eric Kim’s Blog – Select posts and resources (e.g. 102 Things I Have Learned About Street Photography, Books page) .
- Bird In Flight, “Bewildered: The Best Photographs of Streettogs Academy” – Angelo de Mesa interview .
- Reddit – r/Leica community feedback on Eric Kim .