My Flickr Project Experience

     When our professor first told us about this project we were going to be doing I did not know what to expect. But as our group got together and discussed our ideas, it all of a sudden clicked for me. My group found out the perfect idea for this project and the ideas began to flow. Our story was about a relationship where the man cheats on his girlfriend and the girl finds out. Therefore for obvious reasons she broke up with him and the man was furious. He could not believe she was breaking up with him right away and this anger fueled him. As the girl started to find a new boyfriend the ex- boyfriend began to follow their every move. Wherever they went the man was spying on them. Eventually, the man bought a weapon and decided to kill his ex- girlfriend and the new boyfriend. The story was of a breakup that got violent.
      This experience in class was one of the most enjoyable projects I have ever done in a school environment. It was awesome that there was no subject we had to do it on. Our professor allowed us to do the project on whatever we wanted. In a way it is a bit odd with all of the ideas we could have done we chose to do two people dieing. (Haha) But the ability for us to express our imaginations and let our ideas flow was an awesome experience. The coolest part about Flickr is that the project is a slideshow of pictures. Obviously, there are comments on every slide, but really the photo tells the entire story. The famous saying is a picture says a 1,000 words and in this project that saying is really true. Flickr was a really neat project and something my friends would consider to do for fun in the future. Even though our class used Flickr as a project for an assignment, many people use this tool as a way to get exposed and become a professional in photography.
     Flickr is a great tool to use when people are with their friends and want to create a story. But now Flickr is more than just a place to create a slideshow with friends. Flickr is now a way for amateurs to become professionals in photography. For example, Daniel Krieger was originally just a kid posting his photos up for fun. But eventually, people started to take notice of his talents, not just peers on Flickr, but professional businesses. Krieger could not believe all of what was happening to him because he posted a few slideshows and he said, "Being able to watch some regular Joe Schmo buy a camera, hop on Flickr, and develop into a talented photographer.. I don't there that has ever been anything like that"(Maderazo). Social networking has come along so far that people can express their work online and get a professional deal. Before individuals would have to come to the companies office and meet in order to display their work. Now if a company sees what they like on the Internet they can contact the individual using one of the networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, or email. Krieger also said, "Flickr community, has helped make him what he is today: a working professional photographer" (Maderazo). Flickr is a phenomenal tool because everybody can use it. It can be a way for kids to have fun, but also can be a way for inspiring photographers to become professionals. Flickr is also free so it is a great way for inspiring photographers to advertise their works for no charge. Flickr is an amazing tool and my group had a blast using it and hopefully other individuals use Flickr to their advantage.

Our Flickr Project: http://www.flickr.com/photos/68302494@N06/sets/72157627757779001/
My Source: http://www.pbs.org/mediashift/2007/08/flickr-changes-lives-launches-photog-careers214.html