Some ethnographic notes on a Flickr group

Abstract

This paper presents a number of examples from ethnographic fieldwork with a group of amateur photographers in Barcelona. Based on Practice Theory approach, as a theoretical framework, the article stands as an example of the study of photography that moves away from a representational or semiotic approach towards a performative one. The examples described show how different practices enable and enhance mediations that are material, visual and digital at the same time and how these practices are performed by the group while they shape their collective identity.

Notes

1 In Catalan the word “Sortida” means “exit” but it can denote “social gatherings” and is also used in slang to refer to people who are sexually aroused. These multiple meanings of the word already stand for the playful characteristics of the group. Another reference the name makes, according to the founder, is to computational slang through the use of “zZ” at the end of the name.

2 See Edwards and Hart for an introduction to the materiality of photography.

3 The fieldwork is part of an ethnography of digital photography practices conducted by Gómez (De la Cultura) in the period of September 2009–March 2010.

4 Although the number of participants in the group at this time was almost 600, many had signed up only to show their pictures and were not participating actively in the group. What we identify as the “core group” are those participants who actively engaged with other members and therefore form the group, both online and offline.

5 25% of respondents were between 26 and 30 years, 65% men and 21% working on computer and telecommunications-related issues. 90% considered themselves to be an amateur photographer (although 21% had sold photographs).

6 There is an automatic ranking that counts the “favourite” photos of the Group and is shown in the welcome page.