Photographing France is a Linkedin group I started two and a half years ago. I did this because one of my own projects, over the last few years, has been photographing in different regions of France, not as a survey, but with a motivation to respond personally to France and its people in the new millennium. As a subtext, there was homage to the incredible tradition of French humanist photography. The group is aimed at those with similar interests and enthusiasms: photographers, curators, festival organisers, arts administrators etc. It is also for those who enjoy looking at photographs. As can be seen from the portfolio accompanying this report, the scope is wide: it can be an interest in France as a whole, or more specific themes. It is open to people from all countries. There is a sharing of information and networking
The membership has recently reached 500+. By Linkedin group standards this is still quite small, but I’m proud of the way it has grown steadily. Members have generated a friendly and positive atmosphere, and perhaps this originates from a slow, organic growth.
At the outset, quite a few members were Americans, photographing varying aspects of France on regular visits. However, in the past year, new members have been almost entirely French, with many earning their living through photography.
In the ‘Discussions’ section there are posts announcing members’ own work, often with links to relevant websites; there are also posts relating to the pantheon of great French photographers, or those from other countries, like Kertész, who also created iconic photographs of France. Michael McCarthy, an American member based in Paris, keeps us regularly informed on important photography exhibitions taking place in the French capital.
While the ‘Discussions’ section is limited to posts on the group’s subject, members can use the ‘Promotions’ section to bring attention to any other creative visual work.
Since the title of this Linkedin group is in English, and the founder/manager of the group is English too, then posts can be in that language. Equally, posts are just as welcome in French: members post in which of the two languages they feel most at ease using.
If you are part of Linkedin, you can join us at the following link:
https://www.linkedin.com/groups?home=&gid=4376371&trk=my_groups-tile-grp
