No, this isn't an Internet gimmick: Now your photos posted on photo-sharing Web site Flickr could be purchased by Getty Images, one of the largest picture distributors, thanks to a deal between Yahoo and Getty.
The result may be recognition for the aspiring pro or talented recreational photographer. Getty will search though Flickr for images and, upon finding interesting shots, will invite that Flickr user to participate in the program, which could pay as much as $240 per photo. This is the same rate received by professional photographers selling images to Getty. Rights to the picture are also negotiated under this program.
Getty is used by newspapers, magazines, and other media services all around the world, so this deal has the potential to land your casual weekend photography on the front page of a major-market newspaper or more.
This sounds good for all, right? Not so much. I'd be very concerned as a professional photographer who has worked with Getty in the past. Now the competition has grown exponentially, as every Flickr user is competing with your images for the money from Getty. It's probably time to sign up for a Flickr account, professional photogs.
The service will be rolled out in the upcoming months, so you should get snapping.
