Tuesday, May 15, will in all likelihood go down in the history as the “most photographed” day, as millions across the world will photograph their entire day — a reflection of their lives — for 24 hours.
Expressions of Humankind, a non-profit organisation, has launched “A Day in The World”, an initiative that invites photographers to document their experiences. Whether one has a mobile phone camera or a high-end DSLR, everyone has been invited to submit their images to an enormous online picture archive, at www.aday.org [1], that should provide a snapshot of life across the world on a single day. Backed by well known personalities like Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the website is encouraging professional photographers and point-and-shoot hobbyists and amateurs alike.
In its appeal to photographers, the website says, “On this one single day we ask you to pick up your camera and help us photograph daily life. What is close to you? What matters to you? We will connect your images to images from all around the world, creating a unique online experience where photographs will be shared, compared, and explored. Your view on life will be preserved to inspire generations to come. (sic)”
A similar project “A Day in the Life of Sweden” had been attempted in 2003, but the scale and popularity of 2012 initiative is expected to be the biggest and the most expansive.
Virgin Group founder Richard Branson has also lent his name to the project. “This project is about real people taking pictures of real life in real time. Please get your camera and share your life on May 15th,” he said.
All the images accumulated will be displayed online for everyone to explore. Some will be selected for a book, titled “A Day In the World”, to be published in October 2012, others shown in exhibitions, either printed or digital. Every photo will be saved for future research and inspiration.
Links:
[1] http://www.aday.org