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The United States Library of Congress (LOC) is seeking COVID-19 pandemic-related images from photographers based in the United States, it has announced through the photo-sharing website Flickr. The LOC has teamed with Flickr to launch a new group dedicated to these images; anyone can add their images of pandemic life in the US to this group, which will be evaluated by Library curators. Some images will become part of permanent collections.
The opportunity to submit images is open to all photographers — both pro and amateur — located in the US or its territories, according to Flickr, which is home to the new ‘COVID-19 American Experiences’ group. Flickr users must join this group in order to submit their images for the LOC’s consideration.
Library curators will decide which images get added to the Flickr group photo pool and which go on to become preserved in permanent collections. Photographers seeking this distinction should assign a Creative Commons license to their images that will allow the LOC to display the photos on its website if selected, Flickr notes.
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Participants are allowed to submit up to five ‘graphic artworks’ or photographs for consideration. The curators are looking for content specifically related to the COVID-19 pandemic, with Flickr noting that photographers can submit ‘photos that depict your experiences of the pandemic’ on a variety of topics, including things like street scenes, panic buying, elder care and similar things.
The photos can also depict emotions in relation to the pandemic, such as sorrow, grief or joy. There are a couple of big requirements, however, including that the images must be appropriate for viewers of all ages and that they must meet Flickr’s ‘safe’ guidelines, which means ‘acceptable to a global, public audience.’
The LOC explains that its goal is to expand how much documentation it has on the current pandemic, doing so by tapping the wider public community spanning many more aspects and parts of the US than the photographers and artists already higher for special projects.
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As of September 10, the COVID-19 photo group has around 160 images featuring a variety of subjects, including pandemic-inspired graffiti, images of masks for sale, empty parks and restaurants, protesters, close theaters, people wearing masks, medical workers and more.
The Library of Congress is home to vast photo archives, including a large number of photos showing the last major pandemic to impact the world: the 1918 flu that claimed around 50 million lives. The public can view the Library of Congress photo archives on its digital collections website. The photos are joined by collections ranging from archived websites to old newspapers, audio recordings and maps.
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
DJI urges public to submit comments on proposed FAA rules
Time is running out to weigh in on important polices that will impact the future of drone operations in the U.S. This Monday, April 15th at 11:59 PM, Eastern Standard Time, marks the final deadline for the public to submit comments on two separate Notices of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) issued by the Federal Aviation Administation (FAA).
An NPRM is issued, by law, from one of the government’s independent agencies when they wish to add, remove, or change a rule or regulation. The FAA, in this case, is subsequently required to review every single comment submitted over the 60-day period, respond appropriately to concerns raised, and either make or alter regulations.
To date, the Advanced NPRM for Safe and Secure Operations of Small Unmanned Aircraft, which includes guidelines for implementing payload and flying beyond visual line of sight, has received over 1,400 comments. DJI, a leader in civilian drones and aerial imaging technology, recently released an official statement on the alarming lack of commentary regarding the other NPRM, Operations of Small Aircraft Over People.
At the time the statement was published, less than 100 people weighed in on the latter NPRM. Since then, over 200 comments have been submitted regarding operations at night and over people. Since the FAA takes the public’s input into consideration when making its final decision, it is important to read through the entire regulation and provide thoughtful, fact-based responses to each issue posed.
‘Drone professionals know society has barely tapped the potential of this transformative technology, and we appreciate the FAA’s willingness to listen to the voices of people who use drones every day as they craft these necessary rules,’ said Brendan Schulman, DJI’s Vice President of Policy & Legal Affairs. ‘Given how vital these rules are for every professional drone pilot in America, it is surprising to see how few comments have been received. We strongly encourage professional drone operators and fleet operators to read the FAA’s proposals and submit their perspectives on how to ensure drones can handle expanded responsibilities safely.’
DJI plans to contribute comments to each of these NPRMs. Anyone and everyone can make a difference.
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
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