Can Flickr Make You a Better Photographer
I am addicted to Flickr, but can it be used a learning tool? 
I have been on Flickr for almost a year and can say that my photography improved ten fold as a result. Here are some of the ways I use Flickr.
Examples. Yes, learn by examples is the best way hands down. I have looked at thousands of photos from other photographers and continue to do so on daily basis. I learned about framing, cropping, tones, contrast, subject and composition. Top 5 Flickr users I respect most and follow are:
- isayx3 – Has influenced me the most. Great photographer, designer and nice guy.
- Hazman Zie – great photography skills, images and a great contact.
- Tony_V -Excellent perspective, motion shots and metro.
- Dr. Cullen – Fantastic photo stream, amazing dof and a genuine person
- California CPA – Learned quite a bit form his photos, amazing stream.
- jwlphotography – takes the best portraits of kids. blog
Applications. Flickr has quite a community based development and many applications for everyone. Highly recommend checking the Flickr apps. There are many other application around the that provide tools and a way to access and browse photos from self or other users.
- flickriver - the best way to browse Flickr. Have to try it for yourself.
- bighugelabs - many toys/utilities for photos and a great site. I use it most for view large and on black. Here is an example.
EXIF. Most photographers make the EXIF data available in the photo under properties link. This tells the most technical information about the photograph for example the camera, focal length of the lens, aperture, and shooting modes. This section is the go to section fro understanding “how” the photo was taken. I also use a program called PhotoME for viewing my personal photographs. I have learned a great deal from this section.
Contacts. This is perhaps one of the unique items about Flickr. This allows to befriend another photographer and a great way to tell them you enjoy their work as well as be notified when they post anything new. One can always ask the photographer a question and they will be happy to reply.
Groups. I participate in many groups in which other photographers share a similar interests such as favorite lenses, cameras, areas to shoot etc… All groups have photo pools as well as forums in which questions can be asked or answered. Great way to meet and interact with others. If you cant find a group, start your own!
Comments. This area is offers a way for others to tell what they like in a photo. I know that I am a “comment whore” the more I get the better I feel. Others are the same and its a way to make new friends, ask questions and have others reciprocate. Notes can be also used and placed on photos.
Locations. A new locations for taking photographs can be easily found by searching tags and groups. Simple as that.
There must hundreds of other ways I did not think about.
Good article. Flickr is one of the best places for ideas, locations and subjects, agreed.
Estoy emocionado y abrumado por incluir mi enlace con tan bonitas palabras en el excelente artículo de tu blog junto a esos grandes fotógrafos de flickr. No tengo palabras para agradecerte esta consideración. Pienso que en fotografía no importa la técnica o el equipo lo importante es la actitud del fotógrafo, ahi nacen las buenas fotografías y personas como tu hacen grande la fotografía. Muchas gracias”
Google transator: I’m excited and overwhelmed to include my link with such beautiful words in the excellent article from your blog along with these great photographers of Flickr. I have no words to thank you for this consideration. I think that in photography it does no matter the technique or equipment, the important thing is the attitude of the photographer, there are born great photos and grea people like you make big the photography. Thanks a lot. I’m truly grateful!!”