Marketing Myself - Part One

I've been a Flickr member since 2007. Back then, all I wanted was a place to post my pictures to show my family. Around a year ago, I decided I wanted to drive more traffic to my Flickr site. A few months ago, I set up my blog to serve as a complement to my Flickr page. I wanted to incorporate more of my personality into my work.

It's starting to pay off, but I need to do more. In Flickr, as an example, I've started to see an uptick in the number of hits every day. My blog is also seeing an increase of readership, though more gradually. I've therefore decided to spend the next two days discussing my 2011 goals for each. Today, I'll start with Flickr.

Prior to 2011, I did the following:

1) Embedded my Flickr page link into my personal email signature file

2) Linked Flickr to Facebook, so that my Facebook friends can see my work

3) Joined several photography groups on LinkedIn, and added my Flickr page link to my LinkedIn profile

4) Went beyond tagging and organizing my photos to posting them on various Flickr groups for more exposure. Some of these groups require that contributors comment on others' photos, some don't.

Which one do you think led to the most traffic? Believe it or not, item 4). Connecting with fellow Flickr users and showing them my work was by far the most productive use of my time. Therefore, in 2011, I plan to submit at least three photos to different groups every day. I'll spare you the daily details of this, but today, I did submitted the following:





The first one was submitted to four groups - two for reflections, and two for the metro area (one for DC, one for MD). I thought it was interesting enough, and I wanted to see what others thought.

The second and third ones were submitted to two groups each, too - DC-related sites. Frankly, I'm not sure if these pictures are even "good enough". I have plenty of confidence in my macro photos, but this (DC buildings) may or may not be my genre. I could certainly use some feedback. I'd like to do better.

One note: I make sure to comment on others' photos every time I post something, even if it isn't required. I'd want the same for me, so I make sure to extend that courtesy.

What about my blog? I have plans for it, too. Till tomorrow (when I'll tell you more)!

Day 8 - Winter in the Park

Those of you who know me are aware of two things: 1) I love color and 2) I hate the winter season in its entirety. So, I decided to keep an open mind and take some winter shots. I still prefer my colors, but some of my pictures turned out quite well:







First, I guess it's no surprise that three of these pictures have the sun (or its effects) in them. Let's face it, I love the sun. Therefore, the second picture is my favorite - late afternoon sun, green grass, and colors.

However, I like the first picture's simplicity. As you can see, the tips of the trees are brighter because of the sun. It's a nice touch that takes the generic and makes it look less so (I hope).

The third and fourth pictures look very similar, but I used two different techniques. I focused on reflections with the third picture (which I've made larger so that it's easier to see). You can see the reflection of the trees. It's relatively sharp and distinct.

With the fourth picture, though, I did something completely different. I used a slower shutter speed so that the water would "blur". The reflections are muted as a result. To make sure I didn't have camera shake issues, I set the camera down on a railing. A tripod would obviously work, too - but I didn't take one with me.

Some tips:

1) ISO settings varied wildly. You'll have to experiment to see what works best because of the sun and other effects. In general, though, you shouldn't need to go higher than 400.

2) Play with reflections - you can really capture some nice shapes when you do.

3) Shutter speed with moving water is another good technique to try. Make sure that the camera is stable when you decrease the speed. For the fourth picture, I used 1/13 as my speed. That's not too slow, but slow enough that I had to either keep very still, or set the camera on a flat surface.

4) The more depressing, the better. You may as well go "all out". It is winter, after all!

5) Get low. Very low. Don't be afraid to get dirty. I was on my knees for the second and third pictures.

Till tomorrow!