Google+ for Photographers

Google+ for Photographers, Colby Brown, Peachpit Press, March 19, 2012.

Google+ For Photographers

Ever wondered what Google+ actually is? I know I have. Another thing I thought about is how does it differ from Facebook and other social networks? However, that’s probably the problem right there. Social networks are not the same as interest networks. I have heard from plenty of people that they love Google+ because of the specifics that it has to offer. Google+ is a web application strictly for specific interests and a place where you can surround yourself with others who share that same interest. You might be asking yourself, well what about Flickr, why not stick to an actual photo web application that has only to do with photo sharing if you are a photographer? I personally never understood that myself until I read this book. The big drawback is that it only pertains to photographers. What if you live for music or enjoy cooking? Google+ is place for all interests not matter what your interest is. How welcoming is that?

Another photo sharing application that is part of Google is Picasa. However, since Google is now entering with Google+, Picasa is stuck right in the middle. When signing up with Google+, Picasa must be manually uploaded since it is not your default photo sharing application. In other words, it’s a little messy to use and might be confusing for some wanting to go that route. In my opinion, stick to something cleaner and more simple. Google+ has plenty to offer and most importantly, it has flexibility. It lets you personalize as you wish and helps organize your clients, customers, etc. within circles and groups. Since this specifically focuses on photographers, people who are serious about wanting to pursue photography should consider trying and experimenting with Google+.

Within the photography community, this web application lets you interact and engage with others you probably never would have met or known of before. It lets others within that community see what your capabilities are, gain some new knowledge, and possibly get inspired into new ideas. Personally, I wouldn’t call myself a photographer, however, I do photography as a hobby. Singing up with Google+ and browsing through the photo community did give me more insight on how inviting and easy it is, even as someone who just takes photo as a hobby. So whether you are the next Ansel Adams or an amateur behind the lens, everyone and anyone is welcome.

Anyone of you can access this book within the CSN library in the “Safari Tech Books” online. Even though this book’s title states Google+ for photographers, I feel like this book can be just for anyone. Giving this book a read can get anyone prepared for their starting point in their interest of choice. So don’t let the title fool you. Google+ is a web application for anyone who has a passion and wants to dive deeper into pursuing it, who wants to interact/engage with others who share that same passion, and someone wanting to gain more knowledge and inspiration from their peers who respectably love what they do.