How I Earn $200,000+ a Year From Photography

[@ainalzone]

I know it's might annoy some people, but i really appreciate your honesty. For anyone dislike him for charging so much for a workshop, get over it. Everyone needs money to feed their family.

[@Tehutli]

Ainal Iqram yeah if the people in his workshops spend + $20k on their gear why would they mind paying that much for a workshop

[@cadmus777]

I'm and amateur only, but have sold plenty of shots and albums over the 10-15 years I have been shooting. The first photo workshop I ever paid to attend, which was on lighting and is still actually the only one, cost me $100, which to me was still significant. I was shocked that there were other attendees shooting with Hasselblads, and plenty of others with gear that cost 5 times what mine did - and I consider my gear still really good! The idea that you could pony up the massive amount (to me!) it costs to buy a Hasselblad but recognise that you don't know how best to use it still baffles me, but many people earn way more than I and know less - in this field. The problem is absolutely mine, not theirs...

[@RohanGillett]

If someone thinks they are getting value for money and are prepared to pay that price for it, then there isn't a problem. Whatever you buy in life, make sure you buy it with your eyes wide open.

[@Leftibfibsfx]

If rich people want to spend 5000 dollars let them I wouldn't feel the least bit bad and just offer a sliding scale for services for people not as well off.

[@the92project]

I recently charged $1000 for 4 corporate headshots, and im not even doing photography full time, I have a corporate full time job. What this guy is saying makes total sense to me.

[@TheF3kids]

The Cantrell Project True. People have issues with him because they don't see value in education. I'm attending a week long seminar for 2k in August.

[@jamaafulani5712]

Then you're dumb

[@lindaj6675]

Actually, my new philosophy is to not talk about, it's to do it. So I'm out there now and doing it.

[@shouldigetit]

Good!

[@spencergatt4898]

No one has the right to be mad at him for charging what he wants. No one is stopping you from going out and doing something for yourself to make a living.

[@quirkypurple]

I'm a little unsure of why the likes/dislikes are so divisive.

[@pennfootball71]

I love how honest you are and direct and logical. It is so easy to watch and learn.

[@cadmus777]

Damn. This is the first video I've seen of yours, and I like your style buddy. No shit, straight talk, and I don't have a hard time believing your spiel at all. Good stuff. I probably can't afford one of your workshops (and to be fair, even if I did I can't see me changing so much that I would pay it!), but I respect what you're charging and your honesty about why. Nice work. Good luck with it all!

[@fellowcitizen]

I can't either, but I remember noticing that he offers scholarships or negotiations or something, so it may be worth offering him barter or just making a request if he comes to your city.

[@VadimElkind1]

Not sure if I completely agree with the whole "either provide content for free or charge a ton of money for your work" strategy. I mean, yes, it makes sense, but I think there's also plenty of middle ground between those two extremes to make a decent living. Overall, though, lots of useful and inspiring info, thanks for sharing! The bit about living below your means, in particular, is spot on.

[@gregmcknight5183]

Honestly not even mad that Eric is now making videos more business/personal vlogging style vs the old style of just artistic inspiration or what have you. Keep up the good work.

[@DANVIIL]

Can't imagine paying $100. for a workshop for this guy with no known photographic accomplishments. No decent portfolio and no known recognition and no stellar customer base of corporate customers, etc. There are a lot of suckers in this world.

[@downtown9508]

Danvil people see his photos on KZbin and other social media. he built a brand for himself and I'm sure amateur photographers must like what he posts that's why he makes money. I think social media bypasses the old norms to the point where it doesn't matter if he's nationally recognized or has a boatload of corporate jobs...

[@DANVIIL]

Have you ever noticed how many goobers out there make money selling "workshops" but don't make a dime selling their photos. This dude is one of a big crowd. Some Sony sucker named Lanier is cut from the same shit cloth. No portfolio, no corporate customers but sells idiots "workshops" to teach what?? How to sell other people how to sell workshops. A sucker is born every minute and you sound like one ripe for the plucking.

[@DANVIIL]

Jim Barcelona don't forget to leave your $2,500.+ behind with Eric.

[@andrewrussell2845]

you are a troll. Obviously.

[@denaeads1369]

Danvil, what I notice is that many workplace respected photo journalists make less than $20,000 annually.

[@paulhanson6008]

Nice video. Although I kind of get why some viewers have taken exception to Eric's comments (for example, how much he charges for workshops), he talks a lot of sense! Ultimately anyone (like Eric) can charge what they want for their services. Either you will get customers at "a price" or you won't, which will then make you review your price point. At the end of the day his advice and inspiration is free. If you don't find it of value, no problem, seek other advice, you haven't lost any money.

[@shouldigetit]

Eric, thank you for taking the time to make this and the tips. I completely agree with you and realized you're way more hood than it appears! Would be awesome to hang out and chat cars someday. My series is "Shooting Cars", tips for automotive photography.

[@davissonnguyen]

The realist. Appreciate the candid talks. :)

[@Wazron2000]

Keep up the great work bruh, keeping it real and I appreciate that about you.

[@Photomeike]

Eric Rossi brought me here!

[@MrPortafans]

i just did that today. i've thinking for the whole week to get the camera on saturday and get out to the streets the entire evening trying to "get in the zone", but i met with a friend 2 hours ago and told him i was planning to do that. and i really felt i shouldn't have told him. let's see what happens on saturday.

[@fellowcitizen]

I think that Assagioli has something about this in 'The Act Of Will' - about how the energy for production is also used for communication, so if the right course is production then don't dilute your efforts with any more communication than necessary.

[@UAVISUALS]

Very inspiring mate, thanks for sharing. We were on the fence in regards to offering drone photography workshops.. but this vid just gave us the motivation to make the leap. All the best

[@ChritsianBucic]

At last but not least I see your video, super cool advices and lesson of life ! Stay as you are ! All the best for your futur !

[@El-Tel63-Terry.]

Watch the early Eric Kim videos they were great, out on the street taking great street shots. God knows what happened to Eric.......

[@danthonythegreat3140]

Money

[@ThickCutOhio]

If he's making this kind of money he should pay Bruce Gilden royalties...

[@brianminkc]

He died in a high speed crash in his make-believe Lambo.

[@carlosparra8976]

Yeah I know, he's dropping truth bombs and saying it like it is. What happened to Eric is that he became more enjoyable to watch. I appreciate this kind of honesty.

[@johnblystone2936]

and intelligent, by the way. For what that's worth, as you so self-effacingly made clear. Just reading a couple of naysayers below, and I think perhaps they didn't bother to watch to the end or maybe didn't listen with an open mind. I appreciated this very much, and not particularly for the dollar amounts, thank you.

[@qpou122]

That is the most down to earth humble rich people talk I have ever heard, my colleagues from Uni are more arrogent

[@johnblystone2936]

what a lovely, honest, frank and inspiring video. Thanks for posting this, it refreshed me.

[@MrModerate_kane]

I like the honesty, screw the people that are jealous, not able to do what you do, or don't have the drive you got. Fun is great, income is great,t having Fun and an income, now thats the way to go. I look at things in the same way, you dont get anywhere by sitting on your ass watching other people doing it, get off your ass and do the things you want to do, how you do it? it's up to you to find out, don't regret thinking, wish i had done that, or i could make money from that. Do it, invest some time in researching it. You learn from failure, you learn from risk and hard work. Sometimes taking a leap of faith and trusting yourself is all thats needed.

[@bryanjohnson9800]

Hi Eric. Thanks so much for your thoughts and advice. One thing, do you agree that it is easier for you, to do what you prescribe, living in the US? You have a huge customer base at your finger tips, living here in the UK, with only one fifth of the 'C.B' available to me that you have, it will take me five times as long to achieve the same thing. Please don't get me wrong, I'm not being negative, I'm just being realistic. Basically I'm thinking of relocating is all.

[@semiclean]

Keep making videos as if they were your last one. They are getting so much better than average, or maybe below average, who knows! Thank you for your advices. Massive thumb up well earned!

[@mikeygoespopp]

I love watching Eric talk about photography and shooting and I used to find his philosophies on materialism/consumerism refreshing, but I notice the subject of money/materialism/consumerism seems to occupy his mind a lot, no matter what light he puts it in, its still seems like a cause of anxiety in his mind. I also find the whole "oh I black out my GR logo" a load of rubbish, if you don't care about brands and what other people think, then just leave it as is, I feel you draw more attention to branding when you go to the trouble of putting a sticker over it. If Eric is a true minimalist that doesn't care about material things then why does he keep coming back to the subject.

[@temporarymomentary]

Problem is : Eric Kim is not that great at photography. He's more like a marketing guy. He's selling dreams.

[@KevinShoesmith]

I have to agree. I've never seen a photo of his that's really had a huge impact on me.

[@dx3200]

Your Ipad has an excellent mic. It pics up the background noise very well making you difficult to hear and understand. If you make 200k, get a half decent camera and mic to make videos.

[@larrysmith6797]

Within the first two minutes of the video, Moron states his wife is responsible for half his income.

[@brentdrafts2290]

You seem to have missed the point.

[@edykim]

Artists monetise themsleves is awesome topic we can discuss as always. Love this video.

[@pg4831]

Very inspirational video. Thank you for the video, Eric

[@ressikanflute]

For years, a local lady had a beach portrait business. Teams would photograph the families and she would hard sell them back at the studio. Her business dried up with the $50/$100 burn photographers. Cheapened it for everyone and now she is in sales for medical equipment. $1M a year in sales to nothing.

[@fellowcitizen]

So many fake comments, and commentators with very defencive, hierarchical mindsets. I wish all of the trolls joy and insight.

[@jeff6660]

My philosophy regarding money is exactly like yours Eric.

[@Nick-ti9rz]

Best personality of any youtuber ive seen your brutal honesty definitely reminds me of myself lol

[@1Mutton1]

Like this video so much. Watching a lot of youtube at this time in my life and mostly I speed it up and skip through to get the info I want as fast as possible. Yours is the first in a while I was inclined to listen through the whole way at 1x speed. An insightful, inspiring and honest view on things. Although its unabashedly clear its purpose (in part) is to help promote your brand and make money, your honesty and passion definitely ring true......and for all those haters, he is completely right, there are literally millions of people that pay way too much for stuff; why not tap into that and do something for yourself? From all I've learnt in life (and Im quite a bit older than him) is exactly the same....people very very often undersell their knowledge and capabilities.

[@Chamyoul]

thanks for the insight, eric hyung.

[@popnocturne7909]

Thank you for the honest advice !

[@lofihifi792]

This should be called “How I earn $200k a year from teaching”

[@fellowcitizen]

I've been wondering about the troll thing, and about the apparent offence of this particular video, and your comment actually made it make significantly more sense; I'd overlooked the detail of the title. You're right, a few trolls seem may be offended that he's making money as an "artist" when perhaps they feel like their own work is more deserving or something. Hence, the focus upon teacher vs photographer in a few comments. I'm not sure if you're a troll, but your remark genuinely allayed some of my confusion; thanks, I wish you well!

[@PeruseStudent]

Everytime you meantion "Cindy" you smile, lol.

[@jebby16]

Do you allow people to video record your workshops?

[@AlGreenLightThroughGlass]

Out there everyday goin' hard - I like that.

[@robertfutrell3973]

Welcome back, Eric! Shout out to, Cindy!

[@MrJimckorn]

Revealing and honest.

[@35mmlove_eric]

Love it, thanks Eric!

[@beautifulmanclub2512]

Why the hell would anyone pay 5k for a workshop with you? Theres a weekend workshop coming up near me put on by Alex and Rebecca Norris Webb for less than $1000.

[@jesuisravi]

your vision of the future is more a product of logic than of an acquaintance with history. What is much more likely to happen than the rich getting richer and the poor settling for subsidized subsistance is some sort of violent overturning of the present order. I would actually rather have the former than the latter, not because I'm rich, but violent overturnings are massively productive of famine, genocide, civil war, widespread destruction of infrastructure of every sort---and in the end, after a few decades or half a century, the same situation as before attains. Human beings, en mass, seem to never learn.

[@lukejanis2016]

Where do find these people to pay 5k for a workshop?

[@SergeyFM_en]

Thank you for this video, it is thought-provoking (didn't expect that looking at klick-bait caption).

[@78diabolus]

Bullshit-Video.... oh man, what happened to eric kim?

[@martinaee]

So... I know it's a philosophy, but are your courses worth FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS for a week? Sounds like you get rich people to sign up, but for 5K they better be freaking masterpiece courses. Congrats on playing the game I guess.

[@martinaee]

Rich people in Hong Kong :)

[@TrangNguyen-cs6wv]

martinaee He said "like", which indicates that it's just an example. His workshops actually cost 2500$ for 1 week in Tokyo, and 1000$ for 2 days in NYC, and 200$ off for early bird. You also have money-back- guarantee.

[@shouldigetit]

That's not bad actually for it being a multi-day course and having a MBG.

[@78285725]

for people who makes 100k a year, this video is a really good one. and please shut up if you are a amateur.

[@shouldigetit]

Yes

[@78285725]

thank you.

[@aaaa9r]

Beautiful talk. Really great information and very interesting point of view

[@0oMindStormso0]

Very informative, my respect.

[@CVCC]

great advise, bust your ass while you're young and have the energy. Keep making way more than you spend. Enjoy the ride

[@WaywardAce]

Cool vid, Eric. It sounds like you're a little inspired by Elliott Hulse as well ..... except you give away more free info.

[@ThickCutOhio]

WaywardAce Elliott Huckster, he sold a lot of people a dream too... but I guess if you're broke in this age of gullible people

[@dhedc]

Helpful video. Thank you. Hope you will get a better microphone. Hard to hear.

[@blackilluzionz]

Is that in yen... lol

[@benking1573]

hey yall, hit me up in my youtube video comments and I can answer your photography related comments :)

[@MyGorillazz]

This is awesome. You're awesome, we appreciate you!

[@BobWilliamsphotographer]

Wow. So much hate on this. Everyone loves photographer until he makes money then it's all hate. At least the jealousy not hidden and in plain sight. Don't think it's worth the money, don't pay for it.

[@jqueryrocks]

If were you and I have basic photography knowledge, I wouldn't shoot video of myself from a deep lower angle, I know that won't be look good.

[@AlexJacksonSmith]

The Lamborghini/Jeans stories remind me of buying a new kitchen with my wife. We said what we wanted and the salesman went through all the items and priced it to 21k and then said we get a discount, that was already calculated in our thinking, and the kitchen cost a little over 14k. The salesman then said "you're getting a 21k kitchen for 14k". I said "No, we're getting a 14k kitchen as that is what we have to pay to get it!" - It is sad that people that are still "manipulated" by such techniques. As for $200+ jeans... this would be a good idea if some 10 year old kids were not being used or poisoned or the workers were paid fairly. Unfortunately this deception is the world today and we are not able to easily find ethics in business, so I guess Eric is saying that we should just give up looking ethics and join in to the anything goes approach to survive! The $4 rule sounds fun.... :) Alex.,

[@emanuelebarbato]

Thank you so much for this video.

[@BritishRacingGreen]

Thanks for the ideas.

[@matylda3820]

haha, you are best! I am gonna buy some of your straps :D

[@YVZSTUDIOS]

So, the comments here are like either "this dude is the best" or "stop it. get some help". I think, this guy has the guts to tell some unattractive thruths and ways to actually make some money. Offensive and useful (advice) at the same time. Some minus points in terms of sympathy, but plus points on empathy. And for those who prefer a more professional produced video (like me): Some people just have other priorities, not the time, not the skills to do so. (He mentioned that when he was talking about editing videos) In a nutshell: I gained some interesting ideas. Realized that my own theories apparently do work, if you choose to go that path. But I don't like his way of presenting it. Simple as that ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@fellowcitizen]

Yeah, I appreciate his "rawness" philosophy, but sometimes wish he'd up his production game a little bit - especially when the audio is drowned out, or the video spins too severely. Btw you're like the second lowest comment - that troll with all the accounts must have downvoted you a few times for some reason; perhaps because you have something meaningful to say :)

[@AndersBjornTH]

Geee... Eric Rossi posted a video on how he makes $200 per year.

[@TrangNguyen-cs6wv]

Andrew Criswell Which is a comedy video :/

[@deepdesire6967]

how on earth do you dare to charge a lot for workshop? when you started street stuff there was not much happening but to day there are many great street photographers in the market who take amazing photos and spend less time in blogging.. stop talking a lot and start making great photos.. how can you teach anything to your students when you cant even post one good photo in months ?? GIMMICKS !!!!

[@joechill1]

Unsubscribe and thumbs down. You have to be nuts to give this guy a dime.

[@aababjadhav1260]

from photografy

[@tuukkaervasti]

Your vision of the "poor" in the future is that they "will get some sort of free money from the government and just stay at home playing video games". I am not sure how you could be more out of touch with what poverty in this world actually is.

[@carlosparra8976]

Is he wrong? Someone that tries to predict the future doesnt want to win an empathy prize. He just tries to predict the future. Dont blame him for a vision that others are creating.

[@tuukkaervasti]

Yes, he is wrong. Poverty in this world is not about being on government subsidized phones and food - it means living in non-liveable conditions, not being able to go to school, getting sick and not being able to treat it and struggling to stay afloat. That's poverty. What mr. Kim is talking about is his own future projected right-wing views of the "lazy working class" of the future. He does that in the same moment he justifies his own 5000 dollar workshop to underline that he, indeed, is not one of the lazy or the poor and for good reasons.

[@carlosparra8976]

He never intended to describe what poor is being like. He is giving a very accurate prediction of the social construct of the future. Otherwise, please direct me to the exact moment where Kim said that "poverty in the world is about being on government subsidized phones and food". Im not rich, but I managed to get out the poor neighborhodd I grew up in. I decided not to have kids until the day I could raise them well and not spend however little I made on dumb flat ass screen tvs or booze. I wanted to create a better future for myself, even if i lived in a rigged system where the rich get richer and the poor, poorer. I would tell you if I did it anyone can do it, but you can't imagine the amount of excuses and justifications I listen from people in my old neighborhood as for why they havent left yet. Again, he wasnt giving a diagnose of what poor is like, because having no money is really hard and I dont know if he has been through that. But sadly, with the advent of AI, robots, a bigger gap between the haves and the have nots and the dissapearance of the middle class, what he says will mostly turn out to be true. The lower classes wont have to join the rat race to subsist anymore, but will be on government assistance through some kind of basic monthly income because their jobs will be performed by machines and robots. (This also means that you'll have free time to pursue your true passions and if you are smart enough, make some money off it). Again, this is not an empathy contest where everyone has to be nice and has to walk through eggshells not to offend you. This is reality. Does it suck? yeah it does. What are you going to do about it? get offended, or get proactive.

[@DiviPhotos]

Great video

[@harrystevens3885]

MUGS MUGS MUGS MUGS MUGS MUGS MUGS......

[@jayellwood]

Whats your end game Eric? Why save so much and never spend it, or give it away? You never know when your times up here.

[@majoraswrath9590]

How do you justify your high prices? I've seen your workshops, theyre not even that great..

[@brentdrafts2290]

I was into Calvin Klien...lol

[@denaeads1369]

××× spends $80,000 on college education. ××× wants workshop from professional for $20. Logic

[@bberns2]

B&H has fabulous workshops from many of the world's greatest. right here on youtube, for free

[@MoiseLevi]

Eric, you know you are on the right path when you have a lot of haters.

[@shouldigetit]

Very much agreed

[@ThickCutOhio]

Moise Levi or you're just not good... one way or the other. Bruce Gilden rip-off

[@andrewrussell2845]

interesting philosophy

[@1noevalley]

I'm sorry, the production values in this video say little about Eric Kim's work..... Firstly, don't make your videos at a fast food restaurant. Please be a little more professional. Pass the ketchup.

[@TheEx77]

I feel bad for the people that attend your workshops.

[@villegas24]

Loya L no, it serves them right for spending money on a poser. There are enough alternatives

[@oystein18]

Rich people have money to burn. They earn it back in a day or two.

[@denaeads1369]

loyuco, do you feel bad for people who spend $120,000 for college courses?

[@denaeads1369]

Do you feel bad for people who buy $2,000 Nikons?

[@ismaelcastillo1955]

$200,000+. 😱 Now everything makes sense...

[@arnaud-ricou]

I've always wondered how to make a living with street photography. Who wants it, who needs it, who wants to buy it? I was wondering how you, Mr Kim, can live from your photos. And you answered my question: you don't (or you can't !!!!) I have no problem with this but do not consider yourself a photographer, much less as an artist. Perhaps as a particular teacher (which is very good) or rather a businessman. If it works I'm happy for you.

[@tykimikk8605]

a guy so full of himself blogging :D

[@jameskelly4196]

Dude this is extremely bad personal operational security. In addition to painting a troll target on your back you make yourself and your family at risk to kidnap threat. You live in a third world country and you've put everyone, good and bad, on notice you are sitting on a giant pile of cash. Try to imagine if a bad actor decides to snatch Cindy or your mom. Bye bye cash. I'm not going to comment on your charging $5000 for a workshop. I guess that is between you and your prospective customers.

[@stephenmorgan5414]

I feel sorry for you if you think success is only measured by what you earn and 'Lambo's'. A very sad man, feel sorry for you. The most content people I know do a lot for charity and helping others. What happened to you?

[@quirkypurple]

Stephen Morgan He used lambos as a measure for monetary success. Owning a lambo is actually a very good indicator or someones success. Marketing yourself to those that are successful is probably a good marketing move because they have money to spend. That was his point. He never indicated that owning lambos in the only measure of success. You willfully ignored the context of the point kim was making. And yes, I'm giving you the benefit of doubt that you willfully ignored rather than missed the point because I think you are intelligent enough. Perhaps just not intellectually honest.

[@bedoboy1278]

and you lost me when you said "my economic theory"

[@jebby16]

WTF pays $5000 for a week long workshop? (rich folks, I suppose). In this Internet age, it's redunculous!

[@kanayoAdibe]

he said even now that I'm rich.. haha hate to break it to you bro.. you aren't rich if you only have $150,000k in your account.. especially given how you have to live to have that much.. but Yeah you are well off compared to a lot of people. .but in the grand scheme it isn't rich.

[@lenkiewitcz]

There's a reason your not Subscribed, you think your more than you are, it's not all about money...not hating just saying...

[@fellowcitizen]

I think you've misunderstood his message. If that were his concern he would probably conceal his motives, and represent himself differently. I believe that he is attempting to validate the humanity of viewers; to acknowledge that we are not saints, that we feel desire or despair, and that that's ok. His radical transparency is a way to model himself as flawed out of compassion for you; virtually the opposite of your defencive interpretation. I wish you well.

[@mmenjic]

If you say that money is a tool for you, then after minute you say you don't like to spend the money (you don't like to use a tool) what is the point ??? Imagine the restaurant where you recorded this, if they say to you we are restaurant we have tools to make the coffee and we have lots of them but we don't like to use it so you can not get the coffee. But remember just so you know we can make all the coffee in the world just if we wanted to. I am not hater but it is stupid, sorry.

[@fellowcitizen]

Sometimes the most personally fruitful concepts seem paradoxical

[@billycullen6832]

Delusional, Poor sad guy, Get some therapy with your 200,000 K and resolve your family background issue. Please.

[@MrMfloor]

Well he found a niche and people see his knowledge and are willing to pay him that’s on them. So what if people pay so much for his workshop- quit judging. Why do people pay millions for some painting on a cotton canvas? Why doesn’t anyone say anything when Obama used tax money to pay for all his Hawaii vacations several times a year? Huh