Since the invention of the daguerreotype in the 1830s, photography has been recording the lives and times of people around the world. The camera has brought us pictures of man’s first walk on the moon, the horrors of war, and the triumphs and travails of daily life.
Oddly enough, for most of its history, the camera has been greatly refined, but largely unchanged. Indeed, up until recently, even the technique to take and share photographs went largely unchanged: shoot, click, (pray), develop, and print — perhaps paying for doubles to share little Adam’s first steps with the grandparents back east.
But digital has changed everything. Digital cameras are smaller than traditional film cameras, are easier to use, and provide an instant preview of the final result. (No more praying!) Better yet, pictures are now just like any other computer file: editable and eminently reproducible, portable, and transferable.
Open source software developers — who both set and capitalize on trends — have kept pace with the popularity of digital photography, producing a variety of free and clever tools for professional and enthusiast photographers alike. With a digital camera, a web site, and a handful of free software, cyber cameos are just a click of the shutter and a click of the mouse away.
And nothing can make you and your site look better than this month’s featured Sourceforge project, Gallery. Founded in June 2000, Gallery is an easy-to-use, online photo and movie album. Using its sophisticated user permissions…
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