I’m fairly dedicated to tagging my images on my Flickr.com photostream. I try to be as thorough as possible, mostly so that I can find pics later on for whatever reason. Recently, I found out just how important it could be for some photographers out there.

Earlier this week, the managing editor for Schmap Guides (www.schmap.com) sent me an email telling me that one of my photos is on the “short list” for use in their software. Looking at a photographer’s preview release of Schmap, it appears to be software that combines maps of metropolitan areas with points of interest and photos. (i.e., for the Los Angeles Schmap Guide, click on “attractions”, then “Universal City”, and you will see a description and photo of the attraction in question)

So, I go to their special website in order to authorize them to use it… I’m thinking it’s one of the nice downtown building shots I took on a day trip last October with Mike. WHAT?… before my eyes is this photo… this is the one they want for their interactive map software? If you read the tags on the right, it doesn’t take long to figure out that it’s not only a photo from the inside of the Omni Hotel, but it’s from inside the men’s room. I sent her a reply and told her that I had several others that would be useful if they liked. She said that they’ve already widdled down a short list of photos and they’d keep my other Los Angeles shots in mind for future editions of the LA Schmap Guide. They probably will have a link to the Omni Hotel and it will show that photo. A photo of the lighting on the inside of the men’s room.

I just had to laugh. I took it right after I got done doing my business. I hope it makes it to the final release… she’s gonna let me know. Too funny.

Goes to show… you never know who’s looking at your photos on Flickr.com!