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Flickr.com
In 2007 almost 7000 Flickr users from all over the world participated in "24 Hours of Flickr." This year's event happens Aug. 8. |
The "F word" that sets off photographers these days is "Flickr." From commercial photographers, to photojournalists, to professional freelance photographers, mention "
Flickr.com," and expect anything from a sneer to full-blown anger.
The massive proliferation of photos by anyone and everyone online is certainly disrupting commercial photography and photojournalism. However, we live in a visual culture -- and every communication professional should be able to take photos to tell or accompany a story. I model this for my students and I take lots of personal photos because it's fun.
Whether you are a Flickr-phile or Flickr-phobe, get ready for 888 Another 24 Hours of Flickr, an August 8, 2008 online event. The point of this free event is for participants to collectively capture "A Day in the Life" by uploading photos to Flickr and sharing them in a special Flickr group. You can sign up for the 888 group -- but not until August 8.
Flickr, like most online photo hosting services, offers a variety of commercial options for photos, such as backups to CD or DV, puzzles, and T-shirts. For 888, Flickr is working with partner MOO. All of the photos which follow the 888 group rules and are at least 1795 x 1287 pixels will be printed on a set of postcards, available this Fall.
Since Yahoo bought Flickr, Flickr has expanded beyond photos. This year's 888 event will accept photos, screenshots, art or illustration, video, screencasts and animation.
On May 5, 2007, 7000 photographers of all kinds uploaded images as part of "24 Hours of Flickr".
Flickr's built-in licensing feature allows contributors to attach creative commons licenses to their work. These require credit, not remuneration, when a photo is used. This tactic can work for photographers who are just starting out and want to get some photos published.
Oh, and Tommy Rancel of MVN Tampa Bay Rays blog -- thanks for the credit on my John Danks photo. However, next time please contact me to tell me you are going to use it, okay?
