A professional/creditable street photographer is someone who has proven themselves over a number of years by contributing paid/unpaid quality work to publications online/offline....not someone who started blogging about a profession he has no experience about. I have nothing against Eric Kim, but I know many people that do, mainly due to the way he is teaching street photography - and he's copying Bruce Gilden's 'approach', and not achieving his 'execution'.
That approach creates a bad rap for street photographers who are very passionate about what they do. Digital photography and social networking has made people very conscious and aware of photos being taken in public, and that kind of direct, confronting approach only places stronger restrictions on photographers.
Another example is what happened in Melbourne, where Eric nearly got arrested. Instead of walking away from a woman unhappy with her picture being taken, he sticks around and awaits police so he can make a video about it. But it was he who instigated the whole thing. He could have just walked away, but it made better entertainment by sticking around. This kind of behavior is not good for street photographers' reputations.
I am only speaking on behalf of some serious street photographers who aren't happy with the way he goes about his business. Personally, I think what he is doing needs to be adjusted but I certainly won't hate on someone just cause they're doing well. I'm sure he's a nice guy with good intentions, but maybe needs to re-look at his approach and effects it's having.
I know that while he is deemed a Leica 'ambassador', Leica are quietly denying it. They obviously want the numbers he draws in through social media, but don't want the negative side of his reputation tarnishing the historial brand associated with mainly Magnum Photographers.....and now, Eric Kim....Sorry Leica, you can't have it both ways.
