[Professional Interview] Meet Mundok Kim, Photographer

hello. Spotlight, the world's fastest model casting.

Recently, I've been working on a series of professional interviews with people who are active in photography, beauty, fashion, and other fields. The common thread among the professionals I've met is that they are passionate about their work and have been challenged from the start. And they have their own distinct colors. Once again, we're back with Kim Mundok, one of Korea's most promising photographers. His unique flair and bold use of color, lighting, and technique is evident in a wide range of fashion and product photography. Here's what he has to say about what it's like to be a photographer.

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Interview with Mundok Kim, photographer

You're a design major, so how did you become a professional photographer?

I studied graphic design, and it was while working on poster design that I realized the importance of photography. I bought a DSLR camera and practiced taking pictures of my family and friends, and then I stumbled into the industry through collaborating with models. I expanded into fashion and beauty , and even made album covers for musicians. I'm currently working on fashion and beauty editorials, creating my own unique photography culture.

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Small wins add up when you have multiple opportunities to shoot.
These small wins lead to big opportunities later on. If I work hard enough, at some point the opportunities will keep coming. No matter what you do, hard work and a humble and grateful attitude are the most important things.

 

Your photos are unique, what's your secret?

When I shoot, I look for detail and perfection. Explore and try different things to find different moods. I'm particularly attentive to lighting and detail. I've been able to grow by collaborating with artists from different disciplines, seeking and coordinating input from other professionals, and teamwork is always a great asset. I think the experience of working with a wide range of people has made me who I am today.

 

What's the hardest part about being a writer?

I actually have adult ADHD, and I'm trying to overcome it and get my work done. These days, I'm thinking a lot about my stable future as a commercial writer and my potential and creativity through my personal work. I'm looking for something I can do with my personal work while still being recognized as a commercial writer. I have 13 commercial shoots booked in March alone, and I'm focusing on my magazine work and chasing my dreams.

 

As a photographer, is AI a threat?

Technological advances driven by AI bring the unknowns of the future to photographers. As AI becomes increasingly capable of perfecting images, there is both concern and rethinking. There are a growing number of jobs that can be replaced by AI, so it's understandable to worry about job losses. I too feel the need to adapt and learn about new technologies as the social fabric changes. If AI focuses on automated image production, we, as humans, will value human emotion and creativity more. The focus should be on creating images and emotions that AI can never create.

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Do you have any advice for aspiring or junior photographers?

I've always been one to emphasize the money part, if nothing else. With collaboration, there are many variables and risks, so we strongly recommend fine-tuning before signing. In addition to shooting, photographers need to calculate in advance the time they'll need to work on retouching photos, and any additional requests. The money part is very important. And as a photographer, I want to do a lot of work to improve my skills. It's a combination of seriousness and fun, and requires constant practice. You can't have zero stress at work. Stress management is also very important for photographers.

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Finally, what does being a photographer mean to you?

I see photographers as a service profession, one that can't exist without clients. Thankfully, as a photographer, I've witnessed and experienced moments where people's hearts open up through the camera. We believe that photography can take you out into the world. The more I practiced and worked with my camera, the more I believed that being a photographer was my calling. Photography is my life saver.
 

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Want to cast not only models, but also photographers?!

Whether you're working on a lookbook, commercial, video, or photo shoot, there's a lot of work to be done and a lot of professionals to hire. From finding models that fit your brand and concept, to assembling a crew, to renting locations... there's a lot to do, and wouldn't it be great if someone did it for you! Spotlight can help you cast models, as well as find photographers, hair and makeup artists, stylists, and studios for your shoot. In the Request a model quote step, check the boxes for anything else you need in addition to the model. Your manager will then send you a list of available positions.

Start casting models today, along with any staffing needs you may have, all in one go!

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