Nocturne

On August 2, Utata.org is going to publish its latest big project: Utata Nocturnal Photographer.  It's the 2010 revisit of one of Utata's earliest (2006) big projects.   There is a huge difference in levels of participation, and dare I say it, the calibre of work submitted.

Flickr and Utata were much younger in the earliest days of 2006.  It was just 4.5 years ago, but so much has happened so quickly to social sites, photography and photo equipment (especially in features and value).  The Flickr Utata group had fewer than 1K members in winter 2006, and now has close to 19K.   The group pool is now well on it's way (and things are speeding up seemingly exponentially) to a half million submissions.  

Discussions about art, technique, and thousands of other related and unrelated discussions have occurred in the Utata/Flickr Salon, and much learning, growth and creativity has blossomed in that atmosphere.   True, deep, ongoing friendships have arisen, and artistic collaboration and exploration abounds.  Lots of folks in Utata have met in person and have formed long lasting and close bonds.  Many long-timers have witnessed and supported one another through both joyous and challenging life events, and there is comfort in knowing that the social media universe has unique niches in which people's lives are truly enriched.  

I was delighted to participate in both the 2006 and 2010 projects, and I can see a big difference in my approach and skills between the two.  My cameras have changed, and my outlook and technique continue to morph.  I've been a serious and prolific photographer, both professionally and recreationally, since I was 15.  I'm still learning and growing, and that's fantastic!  

My full set of Utata 2010 Nocturnal Photographer images