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Is there a Photographer in the Audience?

Posted by John on July 3rd, 2008 at 5:16 pm · 11 Comments

I’m a big, big fan of flickr. I’m a real world introvert and a Web 2.0 extrovert. One of the best things about flickr are the various groups. There’s one devoted to sea green, the second best color e-var, at least two for nose picking (one called ‘pickr’–you can search for those yourself), and, of course, octopus on yo head.

My favorite groups, however, are the ones that cost a bit in terms of vulnerability and creative effort, and build community. I made some “flickr friends” during my two month stint on 365 Days, which required members to post one self portrait each day. It also resulted in the crazy photo at the top of this post, and in less creative but insecurity-revealing snapshots into my soul.

Inspired by all of this flickering, I’d like to invite you all to join me. No fancy cameras or fancy skills required. What I’d like to do is to set up a flickr group (inspired partly by Flickr Group Roulette) in which we take turns issuing “challenges” to each other. Maybe one day the challenge will be to take a picture of our the oldest thing you own. Maybe the next day the theme will be “stars.” Or maybe you have to take a picture of yourself right upon waking up. Or you with an old stuffed animal. Or represent an insecurity in photographs.

The point is, I’d like to experiment with online group photography as a medium for building friendship, intimacy and community. Let me know in the comments or in an email if you’re interested. (that’s mindonfire.com, preceded by “john” and “at”.) Our first act of sharing can be brainstorming and ironing out all of the details.

Tags: Photos

11 responses so far ↓

  • 1 xJane // Jul 3, 2008 at 9:17 pm

    heh. I’m very the opposite: extrovert in meatspace, very introvert online. It took me a long time to allow you to post that pic of me on the sidebar…

    Although that said, joining a flickr (which, strangely, is not marked as being misspelled, but “heh” is) group sounds interesting. I’m sure I could get creative with my avoidance of pictures. Or maybe, just maybe, get over it.

  • 2 jana // Jul 3, 2008 at 9:35 pm

    xJane, I love the pic of you in the sidebar (John can vouch for how thrilled I was with it).

    I’m looking forward to the flickr group–I find that the various flickr groups that I already participate in help me to be more creative and push the boundaries of my photo skills. I’m also totally inspired by others’ work!

  • 3 Sean // Jul 3, 2008 at 9:50 pm

    I’d be interested in joining a Flickr group. My Flickr account has been entirely too boring and stagnant lately.

  • 4 wren // Jul 3, 2008 at 10:11 pm

    Oh you know I’m in. I’ve scaled back on the number of groups I’m in significantly but I stick with my friends groups. Plus, if there’s any challenge involving vanity plates, all your base are belong to me. I win. :P

  • 5 xJane // Jul 4, 2008 at 8:52 am

    LOL! My cousin has an awesome one (I don’t think she flicks) that says “FISHIZL”.

  • 6 Perpetually Amazed // Jul 4, 2008 at 9:57 am

    I’m totally game, John! Count me in!

  • 7 G // Jul 4, 2008 at 3:12 pm

    yes yes yes yes, count me in!
    (I was just thinking yesterday that I need to search out some new flickr groups to get my juices flowing again)
    thanks.

  • 8 Elise // Jul 6, 2008 at 8:05 pm

    Ooohhhh, that sounds very fun….unfortunately I find myself to be very flakey with things like this. I’d probably do it a couple times a week….is this a daily thing?

  • 9 John // Jul 6, 2008 at 10:05 pm

    Thanks, everyone! (including those who emailed). I will email you all in the next couple of days with more information.

    Elise, I am thinking that we will all gather at your place and administer harsh punishment for each day you miss submitting a picture. :P

    Just kidding. I’d actually like this to be low pressure, for each person to contribute as they’re able. I have some ideas a-brewin’. It will be wonderful to have you aboard!

  • 10 Eric // Jul 9, 2008 at 4:28 pm

    I know I’m late to the comments, but I would love to participate. My Flickr account (or its owner) needs a serious kick in the pants. Count me in!

  • 11 New Flickr Group: A Certain Slant of Light | Mind on Fire // Jul 9, 2008 at 5:46 pm

    [...] Is there a Photographer in the Audience? [...]

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