NPPA Partners With SocialDocumentary.net
DURHAM, NC (April 1, 2009) – SocialDocumentary.net, a new Web site that uses the power of photography to raise global awareness of critical issues facing the world, has partnered with the National Press Photographers Association to offer NPPA members a 20 percent discount on exhibits created and maintained on SDN for one year.
“Press photographers serve such an essential role in documenting the global human condition. We encourage NPPA members to share some of their experiences while photographing critical issues all over the world with SDN viewers,” said Glenn Ruga, founder of SocialDocumentary.net.
SDN was launched in October 2008 at PDN Photo Expo in New York City and features online documentary photography exhibits created by photographers from around the world — images and words that are devoted entirely to exploring the global human condition through the documentary form.
SocialDocumentary.net, based in Lowell, MA, provides easy-to-use tools for photographers to create quality online exhibits in five simple steps.
Ruga says that SocialDocumentary.net hosts exhibits (minimum of 6 images) for between $1.40 and $2 per image per year. Images are uploaded at a large size that will nearly fill a standard high resolution browser, allowing Web visitors to see more than they normally would on other image sharing sites. Each exhibit has a unique size slider that enables visitors to adjust the size of the image simply by moving the slider. All exhibits have a slide show feature and visitors can determine the duration of each image.
Each exhibit provides statistics on number of visitors and allows for viewer feedback and commentary, and each exhibitor has his/her own home page with a unique URL, a photo and contact information and other biographical data. The Web site limits the ability of Web users to copy images. Exhibits are linked to organizations working on the issues depicted in the photographs, allowing for continued advocacy or action on the issues.
Exhibitors can easily license their work for commercial use via SDN's partner Ozmo.com, and SDN hosts all exhibits for a 90-day free trial.
SocialDocumentary.net currently features more than 130 exhibits on topics such as exploitation of oil in the Niger Delta; spirituality in India and Tibet; refugees in Malta; women in Latin America; gang violence in Baltimore; homelessness in London and Los Angeles; daily life in Cuba, Mexico, Siberia, Namibia, and Vermont; education of girls in Afghanistan; racism in the UK; childbirth; effects of deforestation in Finland; industrial workers in Ohio; and reconciliation in Rwanda, among many other pressing issues of our time.
“SDN is committed to providing a platform for talented photographers the world over to bring us honest, compelling, and sensitive images and help us better understand the texture and landscape of our times,” said Ruga. “Unlike other image sharing sites, such as Flickr or Shutterfly, SDN staff reviews all exhibits and hosts only those with a strong point of view, documentary integrity, and high technical quality."
Founded by Ruga, SND Advisory Committee members include Barbara Ayotte, Lori Grinker, Steve Horn, Ed Kashi, Susan Mazer, John Sevigny, and Frank Ward.
NPPA Marketplace
- Insure Your Equipment
- You go where the action is….so should your insurance! Hays delivers comprehensive insurance for your gear - covering cameras, computers, editing equipment and rental.
- Join the NPPA
- NPPA members receive a wide range of benefits, from educational opportunities to mentoring, exclusive discounts, insurance options, business tips, and much more.