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| Photography 101 by Eric Kim – Honest Review for Beginners |
Keyword Target: Photography 101, Eric Kim Photography, how to take better photos
📚 Introduction
In a photography world overwhelmed by gear reviews and technical jargon, Photography 101: How to Take Better Photos by Eric Kim stands out as a refreshing, practical, and brutally honest guide. This isn't just another manual filled with specs; it's a personal letter to aspiring photographers, urging them to find joy in simplicity, emotion, and storytelling rather than obsessing over megapixels and bokeh.
🎯 Who Is This Book For?
This book is perfect for:
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📱 Smartphone photographers ready to level up
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📷 Beginners confused about which camera or lens to buy
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🎨 Creatives looking for meaning beyond social media validation
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📥 Anyone suffering from “Gear Acquisition Syndrome” (GAS)
Eric Kim's Photography 101 strips photography down to its essence—seeing the world with fresh eyes and capturing moments that matter.
💡 Key Takeaways from Photography 101
1. 🔧 Gear Doesn’t Make the Photographer
“I regret spending so much time and money chasing the perfect camera.”
Eric shares his early experiences—starting with a Canon point-and-shoot—and warns readers not to fall into the trap of chasing expensive gear. Instead of upgrading to the latest DSLR, he recommends small, reliable cameras like the Ricoh GR II or Olympus OM-D EM10.
🛠 Suggested Gear:
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Ricoh GR II (APS-C sensor, compact, ~$550)
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Olympus OM-D EM10 (Micro 4/3 sensor, interchangeable lenses, ~$495)
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Avoid bulky DSLRs unless you're a wedding photographer!
2. 🤳 Bokeh Is Overrated
While many chase creamy backgrounds and fast f/1.4 lenses, Eric argues that backgrounds can add depth and storytelling to your images. He prefers shooting at f/8 or f/16 to get everything in focus, showing the full context of a scene.
💡 A good photo is more than just a sharp subject and a blurred background.
3. 📏 One Camera, One Lens
Eric's minimalist philosophy shines here. He recommends using a single 35mm full-frame equivalent lens—not just for simplicity, but for consistency and creative growth. He even says, “Don’t buy zoom lenses—they make you lazy.”
🧠 Stick with:
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35mm or 28mm equivalent prime lens
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Avoid telephoto unless you’re doing headshots or wildlife
🔍 Technical Concepts Simplified
✅ Understanding Image Sensors
Eric breaks down sensor types:
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Smartphone: Smallest, limited quality
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Micro 4/3: Fast autofocus, decent quality
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APS-C: Sweet spot for most photographers
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Full-frame: Overkill for most; needed only in professional settings
✅ Exposure Settings Made Simple
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Use P mode (Program Mode) over full manual
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Adjust ISO based on light:
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ISO 400 for daylight
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ISO 1600–3200 for indoor or night shots
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Use exposure compensation (+/-) to control brightness
✅ Composition Tips
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Start with the rule of thirds
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Focus on background and edges
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Add emotion through body language and gestures
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Vary your perspective—shoot from high or low angles
🧠 Mindset Over Mechanics
“First live an interesting life, and happen to take photos along the way.”
Eric Kim emphasizes photographing your own life instead of chasing exotic locations. Document breakfasts, bus rides, and lazy Sundays—because ordinary moments are powerful when seen with curiosity.
🌐 Social Media: A Double-Edged Sword
While Instagram and Flickr are good platforms, Eric warns against the emotional rollercoaster of chasing likes. His advice? Post your work, then walk away.
📌 Focus on connecting with real mentors and friends over faceless followers.
✍️ Author’s Voice: Honest, Raw, and Personal
What makes Photography 101 truly special is Eric’s vulnerability. He shares his struggles with GAS, his addiction to social media validation, and the regrets of buying too much gear.
The tone is casual, warm, and empowering—like getting advice from an older sibling who’s been through it all.
✅ Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 📘 Easy to read and practical | 💬 May feel too casual for tech-focused readers |
| 💡 Prioritizes mindset and story | ❌ Not for those looking for deep technical theory |
| 📷 Real gear and lens recommendations | ⏳ No in-depth exercises or assignments |
| 🧠 Encourages creativity over perfection | 📸 Focuses more on street/life photograph |
📍 Where to Buy or Learn More
You can read more from Eric Kim and access his free eBooks and presets at:
➡️ Eric Kim Photography Blog
➡️ Ricoh GR II Review
➡️ Street Photography Composition Manual
✨ Final Verdict
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
If you're looking for a guide that values creativity, soul, and simplicity over megapixels and noise reduction—Photography 101 by Eric Kim is a must-read. It's not just a photography manual; it's a philosophy for living and seeing more clearly.
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