Over the last few weeks, we continued celebrating a significant milestone – Flickr’s 20th birthday – at the Photoville Festival in New York City! The event was a vibrant testament to the power of photography and community, bringing together photographers from all walks of life. Here’s a look back at the unforgettable moments and highlights of the festivities:

Opening weekend Flickr happy hour: Toasting two decades of community.

The festivities kicked off with a lively happy hour at Brooklyn Bridge Park on June 2nd, hosted by Frederick Van Johnson from This Week In Photo (TWiP). It was an evening filled with laughter, inspiring conversations, and the camaraderie that only a community of photographers can provide.  It was a perfect start to our anniversary celebration, setting the tone for the days ahead.

Photoville Street Interviews 

We had the pleasure of speaking with several notable photographers and industry leaders who shared their unique perspectives and experiences. Check out the full rundown at This Week in Photos street interviews with photographers.  

Frederick spoke with Suchan Vodoor and Sam Barzilay, the founders of Photoville, who shared the inspiring journey of transforming shipping containers into vibrant art exhibits. They discussed the importance of accessible art, community engagement, and their future plans for expanding Photoville’s reach and impact.

photo credit: Smrithi Mohan

Other interviews included an engaging conversation with Jesse Dittmar, a celebrity portrait photographer known for his captivating film photography. Jesse shared his insights on the tactile nature of film, his exploration into color film, and his advice for aspiring photography assistants. His commitment to embracing technology while honoring traditional methods offers a balanced approach to modern photography.

Photowalks across the Brooklyn Bridge: Capturing New York’s beauty.

On June 8th and 9th, we embarked on a photowalk across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. The walk, starting from The Seaport exhibits and ending at Photo Village in Brooklyn Bridge Park, offered breathtaking views and ample opportunities for creative exploration. Pro photographers Emily Teague, Brandi Nicole, and Anya Anti joined the group, sharing tips, tricks, and their unique perspectives on photography. The atmosphere was electric, with participants capturing stunning portraits and the vibrant energy of the city.

We captured the whole experience for you to see – check out the Flickr x Photoville video!

Your Best Shot exhibition: Celebrating Flickr community 

The Your Best Shot exhibition was another highlight of the festival. Showcasing the winners of Flickr’s 2023 contest, the gallery was a display of talent and creativity. It was a proud moment for Flickr to honor the incredible work of our members, whose images continue to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.

Engaging with the community: Prizes and participation.

Even those who couldn’t attend the event in person had a chance to join in the fun. The official Photoville group on Flickr was buzzing with activity, offering exclusive benefits and exciting prizes such as a year subscription to Flickr Pro. The #Photoville2024 tag brought the festival to life online, allowing participants to share their experiences. Check out the Photoville contest winners announcement here!

photo credit: Smrithi Mohan

Looking forward.

As we wrapped up the celebration, it was clear that Flickr’s journey was far from over. We are immensely grateful to everyone who joined us, whether in person or virtually. Your passion and support are what makes Flickr a thriving community.

Thank you for being part of Flickr’s 20-year journey! Let’s continue to inspire, connect, and create together. Stay tuned for more updates and upcoming events. Here’s to the past, present, and future of photography with Flickr!

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