Sharing & Presenting Digital Images
A significant part of the digital photography experience is sharing and utilizing the images captured with a camera. Some methods of sharing were introduced on the Preserving Your Digital Images page and many more will be explored here.
The Basics
The most basic way of sharing your photography is by saving your files to CD-Rs or USB mass storage devices and delivering them to other individuals. However, that is generally time consuming and relatively expensive. Today, the bulk of image sharing occurs online through the use of networking outlets and portals. Also, for the most part, their layouts are designed with all kinds of users in mind, making the process of uploading and sharing images relatively easy for most people.
If you are familiar with computer and Internet basics, you will most likely be able to navigate these sites without much trouble at all. However, if you are a beginner or someone who isn’t as comfortable with computer systems, visit the Additional Information & Guidance page of this website for further tips and information.
A large portion of sharing sites allow you to upload a number of pictures and organize them into some type of personalized filing system. Oftentimes users are allowed to modify the visibility of images and image folders, adjusting who can and cannot view their content. Through these mechanisms, all the image content you upload can be made visible to family, friends, and coworkers that are also registered with that sharing host. Also, it is not uncommon for online editing portals (like Picnik) to give users the opportunity to share their modified images through different external sharing channels like PhotoBucket and Flickr.
Basic Photo Sharing Sites
- Photobucket
- Picasa Web Albums - This photo sharing resource works best if you download the Picasa photo organization and editing program. While both of these are free, the Web Albums feature does require users to create a Google (gmail) account (also free).
- Flickr
- ImageShack
Sites With Photo Sharing & More
The following are sites that are similar to the basic photo sharing sites like PhotoBucket and Flickr, but differ in that they give users the option of creating and purchasing various photo products such as prints, calendars, greeting cards, and other personalized image memorabilia (more examples include: mouse pads, mugs, photo books, T-shirts/apparel, jewelry, tote bags, coasters, and puzzles… although such products are often somewhat expensive, they are unique alternatives for photo sharing).
Networking Sites With Photo Sharing
These sites equip users with a broad range of interactive tools, among these is the ability to upload pictures and share them with fellow users.
- Facebook: Facebook is probably the most comprehensive and safe of these options. Users can create photo albums in which they can insert picture captions and "tag" (label) the names of the individuals who appear in each image.
- MySpace
Be Careful & Use Common Sense
Since a large majority of today’s image sharing is done via the Internet, be conscious of the online outlets you use to post and/or transmit your digital images. Fortunately, many of these outlets are free of charge, requiring only that users create a username by which they and their work can be identified. Basic photo sharing websites rarely ask registrants for more than an up-to-date email address and possibly a birthdate in order to verify age.
Be cautious using sites that require disclosure of sensitive personal information like home address or telephone number; definitely do not provide any credit card information unless you are actually intending to purchase a product or service and are aware of the terms involved. Additionally, be aware that different sites may vary in the level of privacy and protection they offer user content. For instance, images a user uploads and shares may be accessible to all other users or even the general public. In order to ensure your privacy is maintained, use websites that allow you to modify personal account settings. And finally, exercise discretion when uploading photos -- or content of any kind -- to the Internet; if you are ever unsure, err on the side of caution.