The range is hot, flickr photo pool project

[grimjaw]

I started a photo pool on the flickr image sharing website. The name of it is "the range is hot". Here's the description:

The purpose of this group is to share images that promote responsible, safe, and FUN activities (especially competitions) involving firearms and shooting (even airguns). Appleseed, IPSC/IDPA, the Olympics, trap shooting, or just informal practice for personal enjoyment/improvement are all good examples. Pictures should depict the activity. This is not an equipment porn group. However, a picture of your rifle next to a target you printed with cloverleaf groups might work. Images should include at least some of the following:

- Safety equipment related to the activity, e.g. hearing/eye protection.
- Demarcated area for the activity. For example, an informal firing range qualifies if it depicts a solid, easily identifiable backstop.
- The competitor/equipment depicted next to results produced. Don't just poke a hole in the bullseye and post it thinking it'll make it into this group. Show it in a diptych depicting the actual shot!

Now the bad stuff.

No portrait-type photos that have nothing to do with actually shooting the firearm at a target.
No girls-with-guns silliness, here.
No reenactment photos unless you're shooting real projectiles at targets (word of caution: shooting actual projectiles at those guys dressed in Yankee uniforms is called "murder," not "reenactment")
No political commentary, either through the photo or in the group discussions. As far as I'm concerned, thousands and thousands of photos depicting safe, responsible, NON-VIOLENT use of firearms by people with smiles on their faces is commentary enough.
No photos that break any basic safety rules:

- "All guns are always loaded".
- ALWAYS keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.
- ALWAYS keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
- Be sure of your target and what's beyond.
- See that the firearm is unloaded. PROVE it safe. (my favorite one from the Canadian ACTS list)

As of this post, there were 243 images on flickr alone that were added and met the criteria. They include shooters and ranges from all over the world. I even invited one guy who posted a picture of Putin shootin' (ahem), but he hasn't accepted the invitation yet. Maybe you'll recognize your range in there.

I'm inviting pictures that are tagged with obvious references (shoot, range, gun, etc) but I'm sure I'm missing some good ones. If you have a flickr account and want to share photos that meet the criteria, you're welcome to add them.

I'm considering trying to start a page of links to similar photos that aren't on flickr but are still publicly available. One of the ideas is to use photographic evidence to dispel the myth that firearms are inherently evil or unsafe to have in a civilized society.

jm

 

[grimjaw]

Now up to almost 500 photos.

jm

 

[Justin]

Very cool. It's kind of odd to be flipping through and find pictures of ranges I've been to.

 

[grimjaw]

Up to 100 members now and almost 1000 pictures of various ranges. Maybe yours is in there somewhere. Heck, maybe you're pictured in there somewhere!

jm

 

[kda]

Very nice. I sent the web page:

http://www.flickr.com/groups/the_range_is_hot/pool/

with directions for them to find and click on "Slide Show". I sent this to everyone I know so they could see the real "Face of American Gun Owners" ... folks learning to look out for and defend themselves and having a lot of fun in the process. Not a "gun nut" in the crowd either. Thanks for taking this effort.

 

[Legionnaire]

Great pool! I'll have to see if I can dig some up to contribute.