The Trigger Happy SQ

Flickr’s Interestingness still, and will always baffle flickritis around the world when it comes to choosing pictures for Explore.

There are lots of things that make a photo ‘interesting’ (or not) in the Flickr. Where the clickthroughs are coming from; who comments on it and when; who marks it as a favorite; its tags and many more things which are constantly changing. Interestingness changes over time, as more and more fantastic photos and stories are added to Flickr.

A long time in the making, interestingness is a ranking algorithm based on user behavior around the photos taking into account some obvious things like how many users add the photo to their favorites and some subtle things like the relationship between the person who uploaded the photo and the people who are commenting (plus a whole bunch of secret sauce).

Here are some photos of mine from flickr that got ‘explored’:

This picture is my ‘highest’ ranking picture in flickr. It reached #24 last November 9. This was taken in Santiago Cove, Ilocos Sur, Philippines. It is a perfect disc-shaped shore. I first went here when I was still in college.

One of my favorite pictures. This is a couple walking in Burnham Park Lake, Baguio City, Philippines.

The picture below was taken in Mines View Park. Early morning fog is not uncommon here in Baguio City. Mines View Park, as its name suggests, provided a view of the mines, particularly those owned by the Benguet Corp.

Still taken in Mines View Park. This time, a shot of the observation deck.

These pictures were taken at Asin Road, Baguio City, Philippines. People are one of my favorite subjects and I was lucky to take pictures of these enthusiastic kids from an elementary school there.

Birds of Paradise flowers. Taken in Botanical Garden, Baguio City, Philippines.

A flower given to me by my husband…

This was taken with my Nokia N70 Camera Phone…

Underneath a sayote leaf…

A Chinese temple near SLU Hospital…

Fog in Baguio

Web with water droplets…

Macro of flowers. Macro photography is very interesting and I love it. I used a Canon S3is on this one, in Super Macro mode. I love this feature of my S3is and I highly recommend the camera for beginners. Saving up for a Nikkor micro lens… :)

A Victory bus along Marcos Highway.

“A child reminds us that playtime is an essential part of our daily routine.”
– Anonymous

Taken during our last visit to an elementary school in Asin Road, Baguio City. These kids got a little excited when they saw the camera. I was supposed to take a picture of their classrooms but before I can climb up a flight of stairs, they rushed in front of their classroom. So as not to disappoint them, I took a picture of them, still pushing each other… But still happy and excited. Some of the kids were shy at first but I really smile a lot so I think that helps :o)

Manang, alaan da kami man ti pitsur mi!

Translated : Take a picture of us! Manang translated in Tagalog means Ate or older sister. I guess there is no direct translation in English.

There are a number of students in this elementary school and I kind of feel sorry for them because their school is far from the main road. To get to their school, one has to hike quite a bit (with slippery stoned paths). I wonder how they cope especially during rainy days.

But I guess, like any child, that doesn’t dampen their spirits one bit and I admire them for that.

I, of course, showed them their picture in the LCD of my digicam, which got them more excited. I had to smile. Their enthusiasm and laughter are contagious. And because of me taking their pictures (quite a number of times), recess was extended by the teachers hehehe.

Did I mention they spoke perfectly good english? They don’t let the lack of books or school supplies hinder their education. The principal mentioned to me that they were really hard up acquiring books for the students.

I love working with children. During my community duties as a student nurse in Manila, I preferred working with the people of the community, especially the children than an 8-hour hospital duty. There is so much to learn from people and children. I listen to them… Embrace their stories and experiences…

Baguio City is known for its foggy afternoons. When I was still a kid, I remember that we can’t go out of the house without any jacket or sweater. But now, even if you go to town in a sleeveless shirt, you won’t feel cold. It’s a pity really. Gone also are the scent of pine trees in the city.

This picture was taken in Asin Road, Baguio City, during a visit in one of the elementary schools there.