The one thing I told Julie Ferenzi I wanted her to concentrate on this week is making connections with living, breathing human beings in Plainfield, Illinois. It's about YEO She's going to be venturing out of the house to make contact with local organizations to encourage them to use the Event Form on her Living In Plainfield blog, and she's going to be following up with some people she has already blogged about.
But I also want her to make an attempt to meet new people via the Internet as well and add quality content to her blog at the same time.
The thing is, Julie's blog is local, her goals are local, so I want her to try to connect with people who are local. One of the ideas I'm throwing out for everyone to consider is this: use flickr to find local photographers you can feature and write about. Do it once a week as a set feature of your blog. Over time, it could be something readers would look forward to, like Teresa Boardman's Friday Fun posts.
How would I do that?
Good question. The best way to get this idea across is to pretend, for a moment, that I'm a real estate agent in Santa Clarita, CA. I would be interested in meeting and featuring photographers who photograph Newhall, Saugus, Valencia, Santa Clarita and Castaic. So, The first thing I would do is search on one of those areas using a Santa Clarita California for this example. In this case there are 8 photos to choose from, but I could easily expand my search or choose a landmark, like Towsley Canyon or Six Flags Magic Mountain to get to a photo assortment.
Once I've found a photo I like, and there is one in these 8, I do a bit of research. Who is the photographer? Where was the photo taken? Can I find anything on the Internet about the location? Etc. Then I write my post.
Here's what my post might look like:
Photo Of The Week: Sable Ranch
This weeks featured photo blew me away and allowed me to see a part of Santa Clarita I've never seen before... Sable Ranch.
The Story Behind The photo
This high contrast black and white photo by mewtate makes me want to step back in time and experience what this ranch must have been like when it was originally built in 1920 by Frank Sentous. It's been the scene of numerous TV Shows and movies, including, "Ride 'Em Cowboy" (1940), "Bells of Coronado" (1950), "Diplomatic Immunity" (1991), "A Message from Holly" (1992), "Robin Hood Men in Tights" (1993), and "Deadwood" (1997).
I can almost see Roy Rogers and Dale Evans resting in the shade of the tree, taking a break from their lead rolls in "Bells of Coronado." This looks like a truly magical location. No wonder so many people are attracted to Santa Clarita real estate. Even today, the views of the canyons and mountains are captivating.
How To Find It
From Los Angeles, take the Golden State Freeway (5) north to the Antelope Valley Freeway (14) north. Exit at Sand Canyon and turn right. Go past Placerita Canyon Road. The ranch is on the right.
Santa Clarita (Canyon Country), where Los Angeles County meets the Angeles National Forest, California, USA 91351
When I finished the post, I'd go and comment on the photographer's flickr page and make sure to let them know that I had featured them on my blog. Don't be rude and put a direct link to your blog there. Just say "on my blog, TheSantaClaritaVoice." They'll be able to find it.
The end game is quality content that allows you to engage others in a real way. In this case, the prime target of your engagement is the photographer. You get to applaud the photographer and showcase their work. You get to connect with them and through their work, connect with others. They get their name out. And you get inspiration for posts and beautiful photos to dress up your blog.
I think it's a win for everyone.
You're right. 
;)
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