Zoner Photo Studio Blog

Over the weekend, I got my invite to test out the new Google’s answer to Facebook: Google +. I was right in the middle of several projects, but I did manage to spend some time setting up my new shop.

In a nutshell, I have to say that I agree with a comment is saw in one of the many sites I visit everyday: Google + is for those who do not like Facebook. Much of the functionality (so far) isn’t very far off from what Facebook already offers. I will say that I am so relieved to see the absence of notices informing me that one of my friends just lost a pig on Farmville, or someone is in need of backup in Mafia Wars. But rest assured, those games generate millions of dollars and I am certain we will be seeing them make the jump to Google + in the near future.

The neat stuff

For the sake of this post, I am going to jump right into my albums and here you will see a current listing of all my albums. The one thing I like about this page is that when you mouse over each album cover, the pictures fan out just enough for you to see just some of the pictures within the album.

I really like how Google Plus lays out our images once you are inside the album. It kinda adds a slight spin to the Facebook album view of albums where each picture is almost an exact square. Secondly, I like how the size these picture in the album get bigger when you mouse over them. I can’t tell you the amount of times I have come across a great picture in Facebook, only to discover the picture is about the size of a postage stamp once I click on it. Hopefully this will not be an issue in Google +.

Clicking on “Photo Details” gives you information about each photo (Camera, Exposure, Aperature, ISO, etc.). This feature looks like they are also trying to go after some of the Flickr audience. Stuff like this is always helpful for any photographer. The one thing I do wonder is if Google + will have an option to block this information. Some photographer don’t like revealing EXIF information and Flickr does provide a way to block this info. Just wondering.

Just like Facebook, you can share your albums with the whole world, certain people, or groups. What makes Google + stand out in this department for me is how those shared albums are displayed on your wall. It shows very well on your wall and invites people to click so that they can see more of your work.

As I get the time, I am going to spend some more time this week poking around (speaking of “Poke”, there are no “Poke” buttons in Google +) Google Plus to see how we has photographers can really maximize this new space for our needs.

If you are one of the lucky ones with a Google + account, connect with me.

Sterling is part-time photographer and a full-time husband and father. As a photographer, he has learned a number of basic tips along the way that he enjoys sharing every chance he gets. His specialty is helping newbies become the best that they can be with what they currently have.  He is not only the main contributor to our blog but part of the Zoner family. He is based in our office in Atlanta, Georgia.  

Related posts:

1. Google Plus: What are photographers around the web saying?
2. Google maps: A photographer’s best friend
3. Uploading Pictures to Picasa Web Albums
4. Share Your Photos on Facebook or Flickr
5. Zoner Photo Studio 12 Video Tutorial: GPS and Google Earth

Tags: Google, photography, social networking