“Even within the repetition and familiarity of daily life, I find endless inspiration in viewing things from a fresh perspective.”
A Photographer’s Journey Through the City’s Hidden Layers
Yongsoo Kim, a fine art photographer based in South Korea, transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary through his lens. His work, rooted in the dynamic energy of urban spaces, uncovers the overlooked beauty within familiar cityscapes. Rather than merely documenting streets, he seeks out surreal moments hidden in plain sight—reflections on wet pavement, a solitary figure lost in thought amid a bustling crowd, or the intricate dance of light and shadow across architectural forms. His photography challenges viewers to reconsider their surroundings, revealing a world that is both intimate and unfamiliar.
Growing up in an urban environment profoundly shaped Kim’s artistic approach. The ever-changing tempo of city life—its movement, sounds, and fleeting interactions—became a wellspring of inspiration. His keen observational skills allow him to isolate elements that others might miss, reframing them with fresh perspectives. This constant interplay between chaos and harmony fuels his artistic vision, pushing him to seek meaning in the ephemeral moments that define urban existence.
More than a visual record, Kim’s work is a dialogue between the city and its inhabitants. He believes that by reinterpreting the everyday, one can uncover new layers of significance and emotional resonance. His photographs serve as an invitation to pause and engage with the unnoticed details of daily life, offering a meditative space where the familiar becomes mysterious and evocative. Through his images, he hopes to inspire a deeper appreciation for the subtle, often surreal beauty woven into the fabric of the modern metropolis.
Yongsoo Kim: From Sketching to Capturing Moments
Kim’s artistic journey began not with a camera, but with a pencil. As a child, he found joy in drawing, using lines and colors to express his imagination. However, despite his deep passion, he felt that his skills in illustration did not meet his own expectations. This realization led him to explore other creative outlets, searching for a medium that would allow him to visually convey his ideas with greater impact.
At the age of 17, an unexpected encounter with photography changed everything. A friend casually handed him a camera, suggesting that he try taking photos. What began as a simple experiment quickly turned into a revelation. Looking through the lens, he discovered a new way of seeing—one that allowed him to isolate and capture fleeting moments that might otherwise go unnoticed. The camera became an extension of his vision, enabling him to frame reality in a way that transformed the mundane into something poetic and profound.
Encouragement from those around him propelled him further into the world of photography. His early street images, filled with quiet yet powerful narratives, resonated with viewers, leading him to participate in his first group exhibition. Seeing strangers engage with his work was a turning point—he realized that photography was not just a personal pursuit but a means of communication. From that moment on, his passion evolved into a lifelong commitment, driven by the desire to share his unique perspective with a broader audience.
The Art of Black and White: A Study in Contrast and Emotion
Kim’s artistic style is defined by his deliberate use of black-and-white photography. While he occasionally works with color, his preference for monochrome stems from its ability to strip away distractions and direct focus toward composition, form, and emotion. By removing the element of color, he creates images that emphasize contrast and texture, drawing viewers into the depth of each scene. This approach allows him to craft striking visual narratives that evoke a sense of timelessness and introspection.
The urban landscape serves as both subject and stage in his work. Streets, alleys, and public spaces become canvases where spontaneous moments unfold. Rather than merely documenting city life, Kim seeks out surreal and dreamlike elements hidden within its routines. His images often feature solitary figures, stark silhouettes, or unusual juxtapositions that challenge conventional perceptions of reality. These compositions blur the line between documentary and conceptual photography, revealing an artistic sensibility that transcends traditional street photography.
Influenced by American photographer Ralph Gibson, Kim’s work embraces the interplay between reality and abstraction. Gibson’s ability to infuse everyday scenes with a surreal quality profoundly shaped Kim’s artistic philosophy. The Black Trilogy—Gibson’s seminal collection—left a lasting impression on him, reinforcing his belief that photography is more than just capturing moments; it is a tool for exploring deeper narratives and emotions. Like Gibson, Kim uses photography not just as a means of representation but as a form of visual storytelling, constructing layered images that invite multiple interpretations.
Yongsoo Kim: The Patience Behind the Perfect Shot
Capturing the perfect photograph is not a matter of chance but of patience and intuition. Kim’s process involves long hours of walking through the city, observing his surroundings, and waiting for the right moment to unfold. Sometimes, he stands in the same spot for hours, anticipating the precise alignment of elements that will bring his envisioned composition to life. The unpredictability of the environment—changing light, shifting shadows, and unexpected movements—adds an element of challenge, making each successful shot a hard-earned triumph.
One of his most significant works, A Bright Future, exemplifies this dedication. On the day he captured the image, he waited in place for two hours, meticulously studying the changing light and the movement of people until the perfect moment arrived. The result was a photograph that encapsulates his artistic philosophy—finding the extraordinary within the ordinary. The image went on to receive widespread recognition, featured in Leica’s prestigious LFI magazine and showcased in multiple exhibitions, solidifying its place as a defining piece in his portfolio.
For Kim, photography is as much about perseverance as it is about creativity. The moments he captures are not merely visual records but reflections of time, patience, and an unwavering commitment to his craft. Whether waiting for the right conditions or revisiting a location multiple times, he embraces the challenges inherent in street photography. Each photograph is a testament to his belief that extraordinary beauty exists everywhere—one simply needs the patience to see it.
