Why Flickr?

[invisible]

So many photographers have their own website but they also have a Flickr site. I know these are ignorant questions, but why would you need both? What does Flickr give you that your website doesn't?

[Fox Paw]

Broader exposure? I don't know.

Chris of Arabia posted a link to Chris Friel's photos recently. Friel has his own site and a Flickr site. The latter seemed to get more attention. I liked his photos, BTW.

[Overread]

Flickr is not just an image hosting website but also a community based one as well. Many of the top metionoed photographers on flickr (And the net in general) will have a good flickr site as well - and be members of many of hte groupd present there (As well as have a very long contact list I suspect).
Simply put its another way of getting your images out there and known about - as well as (for some) tapping into another teaching and learning resource.

[ann]

don't know, i would not use flickr and in fact i wouldn't have a website except the school really thinks it is important

[René]

Broader exposure, I had an advertising company find a shot on my flickr account but not my website. Also, some shots you dont want to post on your site, but might want to put in a forum, so you use flicker as a storage space in that case, or at least i do.....

[Overread]

Rene makes a good point - often we try out new things or approach a new subject/area of photography where our results might not match up with our previous results - and you only want your best on your trading website. Also there is the fact of subject as well - if your working at portrait work your not going to want to show your wildlife shots on your trading portait website. You might make another or just have a general archive of your work on somewhere like flickr.

[Terri]

I've looked at flickr and, although I appreciate why some folks like it (the reasons given here, generally) it's not for me. Seems more like a rah-rah place to post your stuff. I prefer seeing people's personal websites, where more personality can come through. Just my two cents! :D

[Chiller]

I tried flickr for a week, and didnt like it.

[Overread]

I must admit most groups there are just attention grabbers and most hand out "awards" and votes left right and centre. But just like forums, there are good groups on there worth joining.
Also for the interested I also like having a flick through locations - most zoos.wildlife centres and such have groups on there (though most of them are fan started and not affiliated) but its a good way to get the feel of a place through pictures.

[ann]

i have a series of "what not to do" photos i show my beginner class. Take a quess where they came from :)

[invisible]

Thanks everybody. I might give Flickr a whirl and see how it goes. Something tells me that I will abandon it in no time... but you never know...

[invisible]

OK, I've created an account, uploaded a couple photos, and now am in dire need of contacts and pats in the back. I'm here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/invisible-one/.

Also, wasn't there a Photo Beat Flickr group?