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CNN Features My Photos and Comments ~ Thank you Flickr!

Last week I received an email from a CNN.com writer. He was doing a feature on Denver's Ski Train. He found several of my photos on Flickr and wanted to know if I would give him permission to use them. Of course I said yes!

For those who enjoy social media and photography, Flickr might be a great way to express yourself. I've been a Pro Member for several years now.

Initially, when Active Rain started, we weren't able to post photos on our blog. We had to post the photos on another host, i.e. Flickr then bring them into our Active Rain blogs with a link. Yes, the old days things were a bit wonky.

Just the same, I learned how to use Flickr thanks to Active Rain and I am still using it today.

The CNN reporter is not the first media person who has contacted me through my photos on Flickr. I've been published in several venues, not that my photos are so good but probably because I don't ask for a fee! (note to self...Think $!)

Flickr is also a great social media platform. I am finding local people who share my same interests. We chat and comment on line and occasionally meet for a PhotoWalk. Discovering new contacts used to take a very long time. Today with the convenience of social media we can plug ourselves into a variety of interests within a short period of time.

Optimize Your Flickr Experience

Upload your photos and give them a title, tags and maybe a brief story
Join groups (preferably local) just like AR there are thousands of photo groups
Cruise around and comment on the photos you like
Make friends by being a friend
Consider joining or leading a photowalk
Socialize, relax and enjoy

The benefits of participating in social media aren't always readily apparent. Sometimes we just have to do things for the shear pleasure of expanding our minds. The rest will follow.

For me the recognition of having my photo chosen was fun, but the biggest reward are the lessons I've learned and the friends I've made.

Give it a try and let me know what you think!

Come follow me on Flickr I'm at http://www.flickr.com/photos/kkraft/

Kristal Kraft Broker Associate The Berkshire Group Realtors 3801 E. Florida Ave. Suite 400 Denver, Colorado, 80210 US	Mobile: 303-589-2022 Fax: 303-953-5362 kristal@tbgdenver.com Denver Real Estate and Relocation
Selling Denver and the 'burbs

Kristal Kraft

Broker Associate, ABR, CIPS, CRS, GRI, ePRO, PMN, PNG
TheBerkshire Group, REALTORS
3801 E. Florida Ave., Suite 400
Denver, Colorado 80210
303-589-2022 ~ direct 303-953-5362 ~ fax

Selling Colorado Since 1984, Serving the Following Areas:

Denver Home Search	Highlands Ranch Home Search	Parker Home Search	Englewood Home Search
Littleton Home Search	Search Denver Foreclosures	Greenwood Village Home Search	Relocation to Metro Denver

Posted by Kristal Kraft ~Denver Real Estate~303-589-2022 on 01/09/2009 07:01 AM

Comments (86)

Flickr in the Sales Strategies / Tactics Channel

flickr

Post is included in group: The Art Of Marketing You
Post is included in group: Photography
Post is included in group: Bright Ideas

86 Comments on CNN Features My Photos and Comments ~ Thank you Flickr!

JAN

Dear Kristal,

Congrats on the use of your photo. It is stunning.

I heard about Flickr on AR. Now you have given me more info!

Thanks,

Barbara

Congrats on the CNN. As a visitor to your city back in September, I have stood where that picture was taken, brought back memories.

Kristal, Congratulations! You take great photos. I still use flickr to post my pictures on activerain. I didn't know I can post photos to my blog any other way. You still need a url for the photo. I recently discovered I have a google profile. It has links to my blogs and social networks and features a slide show from my flickr photos.

ps. I just noticed the little browse/upload photo button. Thanks.

Kristal, wow! Congratulations. I must say that your photos are certainly of high quality and so it's easy to understand that CNN would in fact contact you.

I don't remember having to use Flicker in the beginning. Maybe, they had that up and going by the time I got here in 2006 or I used something else back then.

I haven't used Flicker but it sounds like it might be a good thing to start. Thanks for the push.

Hi Kristal, Happy New Year BTW. This is an excellent post and Congratulations. I was reminding myself just today that need to set up an account and send my photos up there. I have thousands of photos I have taken around San Diego and even back East and some are pretty good and unusual. I am impressed to read that your photos were selected . And the fact that you gave permission without a fee also speaks volumes about all of us as REALTORS giving back. So while you thinking abut the $, the publicity and the interest is worth a lot more than any fee. Besides it is cool to have a fellow REALTOR professional being featured on CNN.

Kristal,

Congrats on CNN using your photos. I haven't gotten around to Fliker and using it like I should be. There are only so many hours in the day.

I just joined a photowalk group on Flickr. Hopefully I'll have a real camera soon so I won't be so embarrassed when I go to my 1st walk. ;)

I joined the professional group over a year ago. I use it all the time but need to be more diligent in tagging photo's of my own. Heck I need to be more faithful taking photos. I tend to be a people person and take photos of them. I enjoy following conventions and events of my friends on Flickr.

Congratulations, Kristal.

Hi Krystal - Congratulations on CNN using your photos. It's always wonderful to get that kind of recognition and exposure!

Hot Dog!!

My son was nagging me to use Flickr even before he was nagging me to blog. Obviously he was right about both.

Kristal - Congratulations on the us of your photo. Your post is interesting and good information! Thanks.

Excellent article Kristal. Getting serious about Flickr has been something we've needed to do and this blog entry today pushes me to do just that! ;)

Kristal, so that's where CNN gets some of their photos. I hope they at least gave you a byline. Nice photo!

Krystal--I am just getting started using Flikr more as I only signed up to view a relative's photos originally. I added more for my google profile and that was it. Time to check into other uses. Thanks!

I haven't done any on Flicker but I need to. Thanks for reminding me.

Kristal,

What a really great picture...and CONGRATS! I like your work and subscribed to your blog!

Lori Cofer, Beasley Realty

Kristal - Congratulations and as always... Fantastic photos. You've given me just another thing to ad to my To Do list.

Who would have thought that web 2.0 would land you on CNN? Unbelievable. I never thought about the ability to find like-minded people for not only business, but connecting with with someone who has similar interests in real life as well. Very cool.

KK - that is very cool. You are one of my photo idols. I have tons of photos, just don't take the time to upload very many to FLickr (I'm a pro member too). Hmm, guess I need to start taking advantage of the possibilities.

Jeff

Kristal,

That is funny! Since I am from Colorado Springs, I noticed that article on CNN.com and read it. I didn't realize the pics were from you. How cool is that???

Congratulatios...what a great photo. Thank you for the push to use Flickr more. I have that on my 2009 things to do list!

That is a very good photo, Congratulations. I've never used Flickr, but will be looking into it this weekend. Thanks

Kristal, I have so enjoyed my experience with Flickr. When I started on Active Rain, I had absolutely no idea that I'd ever take pictures, learn to edit...or like it. I was so surprised when an international design newsletter editor requested the use of one of my pictures. Amazing...and tons of fun! :) I've always appreciated your pictures. I've learned much from you and Therese B. Best wishes for another great year!

I never thought of Flickr being used as a social network tool. I guess I need to check it out.

KK – That's wonderful. You never know where the bread crumbs dropped will lead.

Nice picture, great to hear,

DId you get credit for the photo? Maybe just a small byline at the bottom: PHOTO COURTESY OF KRISTAL KRAFT?

That's really cool!

Kristal - that is awesome and I am on flickr and just need to be using it more. Sometimes there is so much to day. Congrats on the feature, and congrats for having someone from CNN contact you about using your pictures.

I am so impressed! Congratulations. One of my New Year's goals is to take pictures and learn how to use my own photos on my web site and AR,

Then a few days before Christmas, someone steals my camera. Luckily son gave me a new one, so I will check out flickr at your suggestion.

Hi KK! Congrats! You do awesome work! For a long timeI have watched your work here, your "other" blog and on Flickr... I have learned a lot from friends like you and am glad to follow along...

Happy New Year!

Great story, I've opened an account but honestly can't quite figure out the whole "sharing" thing. Who's using my photos, whose photos I can use. I've seen Flkr photos used in other outside blogs with credit back to the photog, but have never been able to determine who allows this and who doesn't. Guess I need to just read the fine print.

Congrats on the feature of your photos!

Kristal, you do have a way with the camera. No wonder CNN wanted to use your photos.

Kristal - One of my goals for 2009 is to make better use of Flickr and YouTube. Thanks for the terrific tips here!

Kristal - wonderful idea and great blog. Need to become acquainted with Flickr. Thanks!!

Hi Kristal....I'm new to activerain and you are my first blog to post to!! I appreciate you sharing the information about flickr and youtube. I'm going to try to get more active on the social media sites this year. Thanks so much!

Nothing like national news. Great job.

Wow Kristal that's exciting that CNN called about your photos!

By the way I read the article, what a cool way to go skiing without all the drama of driving up to the slopes. Denver is lucky to have it.

Kristal,

I have seen Flickr and viewed others photos through flickr, but only because of your story am I going to flickr right now and getting started. I have always used photobucket... apples to oranges? we'll find out!

Thanks,

Sean

Kristal, that's really amazing. I've heard of people picking up on blogs and AR but not Flickr. Cool!

What an awesome post! That is so cool that your photos are being published! And I think you are right, time to start thinking about a price. I'm not into Flickr but I'm going to check it out. And I feel it's easy to meet contacts when you are doing what you love. There is another site call www.meetup.com that is an awesome way to meet up with people locally and do what you love at the same time.

Kristal .. Great Feature!!!!

What kind of camera do you use? Fabulous photo! pippa

Even though I have read many blogs on AR about Flickr I never knew the use and power of it. Thanks!

Great photos Kristal! Kudos to you for CNN using one of your photos. I am an aspiring photographer, and have uploaded some photos to Flickr but was afraid of people using them without my permission, so I just got my own photo website www.KaynePhotography.com . Thanks for the great post and for sharing! Roberta Kayne, Re/Max Affiliates, Dublin, Ohio.

Kristal, what great photos, you should be getting paid for them! Don't short-change yourself, you are a top photographer!

Join my NEW group for professionals who work from their home office at http://activerain.com/groups/virtualoffice

Regina P. Brown

I agree about the flickr thing. I do love flickr. I have not had any photos on CNN but have had them on a web site for a local radio show, in a book, on a book cover and on various web sites. They usually find me through flickr. Most people don't take the time to lable photos and geo tag them, and tag them so they can be easily found. Congratulations! Awesome photo or to put it into flickr speak, "nice capture".

Good info.....I love Flickr, and recently found several groups I liked. I see some really good pictures, and some that are good stock photos. But no matter what they are I can get lost on Flickr for hours if I'm not careful. BTW I like your train picture, and Congratulations on getting it published :)

Congratulations, Kristal. I can see why they wanted to use that photo as it's simply incredible.

Kathy

Kristal-still working on flickr and getting my photos tagged and adding more! I love your photo's..and it doesn't surprise me at all! Congrats...and I have to add...a you go girl! :)

That's a great idea--I've never uploaded any photos to Flickr but think I will start. Congratulations on the CNN honor too!

Kristal -

Congratulations...love the photo - are these taken with just a regular Digital camera SLR? Congratulations as well on getting picked up by CNN

Will be following you on Fliker

Congrats on the CNN contact & acknowledgment of your work. I like the horse pic too.

Kristal, That's soo exciting. You are an awesome photographer.. and writer! I love the photo of the woman looking out the train window...What a GREAT SHOT!!!! Congrats to you~

Ginger

Sounds like a great idea. That has happened to me on several occassions. Its odd as 3 people who were writting books have written me with requests for photos to use in their book. I always like ytour photos and know they are not by chance.

Great photo Kristal! Congrats on being recognized.

That's because you are a great photographer and take great photos...heck...you made me look good so that's a miracle all in it's self.

Kristal that is great exposure - Congratulations!

Aloha, Kristal,

You seem to know how to take great pictures (I bet you listings stand out in the crowd) & are on top of the Technology Game. Congratulations and all the best for 2009!

Monique

I always enjoy your photos. Good for you.

Hi Kristal - I keep telling myself I need to get with the program in regards to Flickr, and then more time passes and I still haven't done it. I have so many of my own pictures from all around my area that I know I'd enjoy being part of flickr. I have to be like Nike - 'just do it". ;-)

Ann

Kristal,

That is amazing! Thank you for sharing your story.

Ann Hayden in moonlit Wildwood, Missouri

Kudos to you Kristal. And thanks for explaining flickr i didn't really know what it was.

Kristal, congrats to you! Your hard work paid off and this is GREAT. I usually have my camera with me all the times and am snapping a lot of them whenever I feel creative...I haven't use Flickr yet - great idea to start ....Thanks and Happy New Year - Bo

Hi Kristal- That is great news! You are so good at bringing Denver to life, CNN make a great pick with your photos. THanks for more tips on Flickr..can I lawaus take advice from a pro.

Whoa. One more place to visit, become acquainted with, and enjoy. Great shot! I have been using a point aond shoot camera that does a pretty good job but I miss my SLR. It is film 35mm, so they still make that stuff? JK

KK,

(note to self...Think $!)

Listen to your advice! I congratulate you!!!! How awesome is this? I'm impressed so again... Congrats!

Later in the rain~Deb

Kristal, pretty cool. Congratulations!

Kristal: Congratulations on the CNN feature. This is great.. I will take a closer look at Flicker ..

Thanks,

Kristal - Great photos! I am a HUGE fan of Flickr! Lots of Luck in the New Year!

Diana

Kristal: Maybe you should change professions :: Photos my Kristal! Congrats. I use Flickr and have joined a few groups, but I have not been so active. Maybe I really need to start utilizing Flickr to its full benefits! Any idea where your picture is going to be used?

JAN

Kristal you take some pretty nice photos and major congrats on your media exposure through Flikr. Take care and happy blogging!

Lot's of power in that photo. Looks like you might have been about 3ft off of the ground. Were you using a Tripod?

Wow I will have to check out Flcker and see if I have the same luck on my pictures. I know I do not post that many, but what the heck.

congratulations on your cnn connection. I hope they mentioned you in their writings!

Krystal, Congrats on you celebrity status. The pictures are great and nice of them to give you due credit. I just recently started using Flickr. Continued success to you.

Kristal, congratulations on having your photo used by CNN. Do I sense a sideline career as a photojournalist?

Kristal - And you will be adding this to your website to let people know you are also an established photographer? Just have to ask what kind of camera you use---can't imagine ever taking such a neat photo myself!

Wow what a beautiful photo! I can see why CNN would use them though you always do such beautiful work. Congratulations!:)

Hi KK - Longtime Rainers have known for years that you take great photos. And you're right about the whole process -- it's the people we meet and things we learn along the way that are even more worthwhile than the final images.

Congrats on the CNN contact. Great job.

JAN

Great photo....I have not started using Flickr yet, but I need to - I have a ton of photos that I need to put somewhere and I just bought a great Nikon D80....will look you up!