Photographers have a new way to show images highlighting UNM at: flickr.unm.edu. Flickr is a popular online social network similar to YouTube, but dedicated to sharing and storing photographs.
The UNM pool was created by Matt Carter, Information Technology Services technical support analyst, John Sumrow, University Communication and Marketing Web designer, and Kevin Wiley, Health Sciences Center Web administrator.
“It’s a creative way of using a pre-existing system,” Sumrow said. “Why reinvent the wheel?”
The pool has already gotten a big response, with photos portraying an eclectic mix of athletics, arts, landscape, architecture and general campus life. “The Web is getting back to its roots, where people share ideas, share everything,” Sumrow said. He added that many photographers welcome the opportunity to “put their own story, their own voice, their own view out there – and hopefully connect.”
Anyone can sign up by creating a flickr account and joining the UNM pool. Photos must be of the UNM campus, UNM events or UNM life.
Sumrow moderates the pool, selecting photos to ensure high quality. “The photo has to have something extra, something that kicks it over the edge from just a snapshot to something unique and special,” he said.
Though not all photos submitted will be included, the pool is open to photographers at all levels. “Everybody has a unique vision,” Sumrow said. “Anyone can make great images. You just have to pursue it and have passion.”
The online group creates opportunities for real life networking. Recently, a group of 26 flickr users from Albuquerque and Santa Fe met to take photos at dusk on the UNM campus – the biggest meet-up the group has had yet.
“Everybody hangs out, talks photography and shares recipes for making images,” Sumrow said.
The flickr community can also help photographers stay on track. “When you haven’t been on for a while the group misses you,” Sumrow said. “You push each other to make more great images.”
Media Contact: Sari Krosinsky, (505) 277-1593; e-mail: michal@unm.edu
Posted by scarr at October 25, 2007 02:03 PM