Eric Kim, Street Photographer - By Rita Kamel in a shutter click

Eric Kim, Street Photographer - By Rita Kamel in a shutter click

Main camera: Canon 5D.
Main lens: Canon 35 mm F/2
Post-processing software: Adobe Photoshop CS5, Silver Efex Pro, Lightroom 3.
Favorite lighting: Golden Hour (before sunset).
Favorite time to make photographs: During my lunch breaks at work.
Favorite season to make photographs: When it is rainy.
Favorite music while making photographs: The sound of cars on the streets.
Your dream equipment: Leica M9 and Leica Summilux 35 mm F/1.4
Favorite photographer: Nils Jorgensen.
Favorite quote related to photography: “If your photos aren’t good enough, you’re not close enough.” – Robert Capa

Eric Kim, street photographer

Why photography? What do you hope to achieve?
I love photography because it gives me an opportunity to slow down in my everyday life and appreciate the places and people around me. I want to show people the beauty of ordinary people and things.
Which photograph do you consider is an example of surreal photography? In what sense?

UFO

I consider my photograph: “UFO”, a quite surreal image. I find it surreal because the structure above the man in the bike looks out-of-this world, very similar to an UFO. When I saw this scene unfolding before my eyes, I imagined the “UFO” about to pick up the man on the bike and take him to another galaxy.
Which photograph made you fear for your equipment? What is the story behind it?

Together in the rain

I shot this photo in Seoul, Korea during the summer when there would be irregular but strong rains. I was inside a bar, and suddenly it started pouring outside. I then saw these two ladies about to walk into the bar, and I jumped outside (nearly getting soaking wet) to capture this shot. My camera was a bit wet, but overall okay.
What style attracts you most? Why?
There is no comparison, I love street photography. I feel that through this style, I am able to capture the rawness of life. Street photography is spontaneous and I have no idea what is going to happen next. Not only that, but the thrill of getting a once-in-a-lifetime shot is unexplicable.
How far do you go with post-processing?
When processing my images in black and white, I use the Photoshop plugin called “Silver Efex Pro.” By far it is the best black and white conversion software out there, as it allows me more control of my conversions. Not only that, but I can add grain to my images (which I love to do).
What motivates you to grab the camera and go make a photograph?
I love to make photographs in the street because it gives me a sense of calm and peace. Not only that, but I love the feeling of waking up every morning knowing that there is something new to make a photograph of.
Tell us about a weird thing you do or a weird habit you have before a photoshoot:
I clean the front element of my lens using my breath and t-shirt.

Describe your feelings during a photoshoot: 
When I am shooting on the streets, I feel connected to the people around me. I am able to see a deeper insight into their lives through the images I capture. At the end of the day, I feel that I share the same experiences as them in living everyday life.
Ethically, what are your limits in photography?I try not to take photos of homeless people. In most cases I think it is just getting an “easy shot” which uses the misery of others as a crutch. I think that taking these types of photos are not only overplayed but tactless as well. There are cases when people can take tasteful photos of homeless people, but it is something I try to avoid.
3 tips / advice to other photographers:

1. Always carry your camera with you everywhere you go – everywhere.
2. Only show your best work.
3. Shoot everyday.

How to stay updated with your work?
Website: http://erickimphotography.com
Blog: http://erickimphotography.com/blog
Twitter: http://twitter.com/erickimphoto
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ekizz
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/erickimphotography

Article Republished for LPMAG.me





Editor Rita Kamel
Blog: Ritakml.info
Twitter: http://twitter.com/ritakml
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ritakml/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ritakml

ModelMayham.com (MM) Beirut?

Source www.lpmag.me
Model Mayhem  is a Platform and a network for professional & amateur models, photographers, makeup artists and stylists to meet and exchange talents. It is really helpful for those who want to advertise on the site, or those who are new to the industry… You can even be a veteran who has years of experience.
And the best part that it is for free.
Why MM is important?
I recently joined Model Mayhem late last year, and have already generated a lot of business, exposure and contacts from the site, (on top of my regular clients and network.)  After sifting through the creeps and deadbeats, I eventually met and worked with a lot of great models and MUA!
Currently in Lebanon there are only 21 person registered in ModelMayham, and I would like to see this number growing.
Some MM Frequently asked questions:
How long does it take a new profile to be approved?
It could take anywhere from one day to a week. To help expedite the process, it’s in your best interest to upload as many photos as possible and provide a nice substantial bio.
My profile was denied! What gives?
If you were given the option to re-submit your profile into the queue, you simply didn’t meet the requirements for Model Mayhem. Please read over them carefully and try applying again. If you were NOT given the option to re-submit, then that means your profile is not allowed on Model Mayhem.
What is VIP?
VIP is our premium subscription service. By signing up, not only do you instantly become a superstar, but you also get access to:

• Increased number of photos (100 instead of the normal 20)
• Increased number of private messages (100 per 24 hours instead of 15)
• Increased number of announcements (1 every 5 minutes instead of every 30 minutes)
• Ability to opt out of seeing ads on the site
• A cool VIP icon that follows you were ever you go on the site
• And an ever-updating set of new features and functions that we’ll continue to roll out

I’m being told that I am over my photos limit?
This is a result of you once being a VIP, getting access to the 100 photo limit, and then having your VIP membership status be canceled and so now your limit is back to 20 photos.
What does TFP Time or prints mean? TFCD? TF*?
Time for Prints
Time for Print (referred to as TFP) is an agreement between the photographer and the model where neither charges for their time. The photographer compensates the model with a number of printed images that are normally retouched and unframed. This allows the model to gain valuable experience dealing with various photographers, to practice in a working environment and to add photographs to their portfolio. The photographer gains experience has the time to experiment with differing techniques and to also add to their portfolio.
Why the TFP concept is important
There are many new models, parents of models, and individuals who'd like to be models but may not be able to afford the cost of employing a photographer to create professional images for their portfolio. Also, many photographers who wish to build up their own portfolio may not be in a financial position to employ professional models. Time for Prints and Time for CD allows for a fair exchange of time and skills by both parties. This brief guide gives an overview of what to expect.
What is GWC?GWC is an acronym for “Guy with Camera.” It’s a derogatory term for an amateur photographer. And it has taken the intraweb by storm thanks to MM. It usually implies that said guy is only interested in photography in order to get hot ladies to get naked for him.
Model Mayham for networking in couple of steps:
Present yourself well.
The first step to networking on Model Mayhem is to have your profile, portfolio pictures, and stats as appealing, professional, and up-to-date as possible. If you've gained or lost weight, say so! Stretching the truth in your stats is a dishonest move, and one that will not be appreciated if you show up to a scheduled shoot looking different than you portrayed yourself online. Also, make sure that your profile blurb clearly conveys important information that will be of interest to potential collaborators, such as what type of work you do, what type of collaboration you're seeking (TFP/pay/both), and other useful details.
Work the forums.
A great way to meet other Model Mayhem models/photographers/others is on the forums. Including "Newbie Forum", "Model Colloquy", and "Photography Talk", just to name a few, the forums get a lot of action, and therefore are the perfect place to get your name out in front of a lot of people at once. Just be sure to present yourself professionally at all times (forum drama is rampant, and quickly undermines the professionalism of those who engage), and to keep in mind the forum rules as you post.
Get in touch with the Lebanese community.
Third, you can always use the "browse" function to search for Model Mayhem members in your area. View their profiles, leave messages on their "wall", or send a private message. This is an invaluable tool for getting to know others!
Post a casting.
If you're looking for Model Mayhem members for a specific project, or will be traveling out of town and wish to collaborate with others while in another location, try the "Casting/Travel" section. Here, you can post casting calls that will be seen by any photographers/models/makeup artists/etc who search the database.
Make an announcement.
If you are trying to draw attention to your Model Mayhem profile, try the "Model Mayhem Announcements" on the front page. If you scroll to the very bottom of the page, you will see "Make an Announcement". Click on this link, and you will be taken to a screen where you can type a short message to be displayed on the front page. Then, when others view the front page of Model Mayhem, your avatar, name, and message will be displayed, potentially prompting them to visit your profile! Keep in mind that this function is busy and popular, and your message will not be displayed for more than a few seconds. Still, due to the aforementioned traffic, this still affords you the opportunity to get your name and message out there in front of a large number of people.
http://www.modelmayhem.com/