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Inveraray photographer shares an image every day for 5,000 days

The 31 October will mark 5,000 days running that photographer Richard Hunt-Smith has shared a photo on Scottish-born site Blipfoto.

By Anna Bryan
Published 12th Oct 2021, 12:13 BST

Blipfoto, which was founded by Edinburgh resident Joe Tree, is a online photo journal which encourages everyone to document their life by sharing one photo each and every day.

Hunt-Smith, who joined Blipfoto in 2008 and is from Inveraray, Argyll, said: “My motivation at the beginning of my journey was to find a place online where I could upload the occasional photograph, receive some constructive feedback and hopefully improve my photography skills. Having been introduced to Blipfoto and its intriguing raison d’être of choosing just one image from my day, I promised myself I would try it for ten days, as this was one of the first blip milestones, but the small number of members back then were so welcoming and supportive that I really couldn’t leave. It turned out to be a community not a website!”

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“Fast forward more than thirteen and a half years and I am still here. Now blipping for me is as natural as brushing my teeth and it’s just part of my day. I don’t always go looking for the photo. Often the photo finds me".

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“I look back on that day’s image and it always brings back a memory. It might be a day out, a holiday or family event or simply something I spotted on the way home from work”.

“I’m unable to add any further explanation, except to say that I cannot imagine my day without creating this unique snapshot.”

Blipfoto was chosen by the British Library as one of the 100 websites deemed to be essential reading for future generations.

Richard Hunt-Smith has posted many photographs to Blipfoto that capture Scotland's beauty.
Richard Hunt-Smith has posted many photographs to Blipfoto that capture Scotland's beauty.
Richard Hunt-Smith has posted many photographs to Blipfoto that capture Scotland's beauty.

A few years ago, the site came under risk of closure, however, its users came together, successfully raising over £100,000 to purchase Blipfoto and take it into community ownership.

Hunt-Smith, who describes himself a ‘blipper’, added: “For me personally, it’s all about the friendships and the community spirit. Although it is an online group, I have met a good number my fellow blippers personally, and consider them to be my friends”.

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Many of Hunt-Smith's photographs tell a dramatic story, like this snap of two overturned lorries.
Many of Hunt-Smith's photographs tell a dramatic story, like this snap of two overturned lorries.
Many of Hunt-Smith's photographs tell a dramatic story, like this snap of two overturned lorries.
EdinburghCoronavirusBritish Library