Comments on: Ad Men Seek Flickr Photos and Flickr Members

By: Alfred Thornfield

Alfred Thornfield — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 08:30:03 +0000

The difference between professional and amateurs is that an amateur only has to get it right some of the time. A professional has to get it right all of the time. Professionals will again loose out.
As the old saying goes "Flattery will get you everywhere"

Pandering to someones ego isn't a good way to do business.

By: cencurut

cencurut — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 03:42:46 +0000

Yup, based on my personal calculation, Flickr make at least five figures on yearly revenue either comes from direct advertisement or selling photos to big Ad company.

By: Tim Olsen

Tim Olsen — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 02:44:06 +0000

It's all a bunch of crap. I'm cancelling my Flickr account!

By: DeAnna Troupe

DeAnna Troupe — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 16:18:30 +0000

Personally, I think it's appalling that Ford wants free photos for something they're going to make money from. Are they going to give people free cars so they can get exposure for the new car? I doubt it. They expect to get paid for their work, it's no different for a professional photographer.

By: Rich

Rich — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 08:45:28 +0000

There are a number of points that you raise, that I would agree with but some that don’t appear to be entirely objective. The advent of the Internet, social networks and Online sharing sites (like Flickr) have to some extent changed the game, along with low cost digital photography this seems to have re-ignited the medium for a new audience. You can Google images from a wide variety of sources Google don’t pay anyone to display these on their search portal- just about anyone can right click and download these, consumers don’t have to pay.

As an amateur photographer for some 22 years now, I have moved away from the dark room and onto the desktop. And while I have long sought to progress my skills and artistic repertoire, I’ve never been too bothered by the lure of commercial success, sure I’ve entered photographic competitions, more for the competitive experience, than the T-Shirts or baseball caps!

I agree that the world should be fair and greatness should be rewarded, but how does one define the reward; financial, self-satisfaction, fame, career development or even fun. To me ‘This is now’ Flickr group is less about exploitation of the individual but more about an opportunity to share with others sponsored or not. My images were rejected by the way, but I’ll have another go.

By: Aidan

Aidan — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 17:53:59 +0000

I'm impressed with the comments here - seems like people are facing reality squarely, and recognizing that it's never as simple as the article makes it out to be. I work with photographers for a living, as the photo editor for a travel website. If we paid the fees that most photographers want, I'd need a budget well over $3 million a year - not gonna happen. The article makes it out like corporations aren't paying just because they don't have to, and that's plain wrong. Many corporations have budgets just as tight as the average photographer's. lastly, David makes a good point. How much would a photographer pay for national exposure? The people involved in the Ford ad aren't taking advantage - they're swapping goods. Exposure for Credited use. Yes yes, I know, exposure is nebulous and doesn't usually pay. I know this as well as the next guy. But when it IS a valued commodity, well, we should just let it sit there unused? Frankly, I'm tired of seeing these sorts of complaints from photographers. Figure out that what the market will bear is what it will bear, and if you don't like it, get out of photography.

By: Embassy Pro Books

Embassy Pro Books — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 13:30:00 +0000

The internet has changed the playing field for many industries not just photography. Many of business owners have shut the doors to their business because of the web. This is life, you have to find way to tweak and adapt in order to move forward. The internet has allowed people to become business men and women over night who might have not had the opportunity in past years.

By: David

David — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 13:26:46 +0000

I've found Flickr to be very important for advertising myself as a photographer. I may be giving some work away for free but if it causes the phone to ring and bring in business because people like my work that's a good thing. I don't mind some businesses using my images for free as long as I'm given credit. If a company like Nivea doesn't credit the photographer than that is outright stealing. If a credit is given that is marketing. What is the price of having your work and name seen by thousands of people?

By: terily

terily — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 02:23:30 +0000

Aaron, you obviously don't make a living off your work, right? So we should just "adapt" to not being paid? Hmmm what industry are you in? Maybe it would be okay for YOU to not be paid for your work. Hey, maybe we can get bailed out by the government, too?? Cool!

By: Aaron

Aaron — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 18:22:21 +0000

The photo market is changing, and Flickr is a big part of that. Traditional professional photographers will yell and scream about the "amateurs" giving away work for free, but when there is an ample supply of free photos, it will become harder and harder to justify a hefty price for comparable work.

Photographers will either embrace the new reality and adapt their business, or they won't survive.

By: Lew

Lew — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:00:36 +0000

I totally agree with you!!! If flickr members are posting their photos and Flickr is getting paid for some of them, but members are not....not acceptable!! Maybe flickr could morph itself into a "Stock" fullfilling company. without all the rules of a stock agency. we keep posting for fun, companies find what they want and pay for it. Huh?