As I started this blog, I was full of excitement in documenting one of my biggest photography goals: To be chosen for one of the assignments on National Geographic’s YourShot. If you didn’t get a chance to read it, here is my blog post on YourShot: https://shutterbugsflight.com/2019/08/12/what-is-national-geographic-yourshot-and-how-can-it-help-you-with-your-photos/. I was going to finally buckle down and try to get a photo that would be perfect for one of their many assignments.
However, about a week ago I logged on to get this message: “As of October 31, 2019, the current Your Shot platform will be discontinued and all engagement, assignments, and promotion of photos from our community will occur on National Geographic’s Instagram Your Shot feed.”
This was devastating to me. I have been a part of the YourShot community for 6 years now, and have gathered much inspiration looking at all of the photos. There are many talented photographers on the site. Personally, whenever I uploaded a photo, I would wait with anticipation to see if anyone would notice it. I waited for any comments, likes, or awards. I will miss those moments.
There is an Instagram account for YourShot that will continue. I will try to keep up on Instagram. However, I am not very good with that app. Surprising since I love photography, but I only got a smart phone about a year ago so I am behind the times. 🙂
It appears there are other photographers who fill the same way. There are photos being uploaded with titles like “Please don’t end YourShot” and “I <3 YourShot.” There are comments on some of the more popular ones as well saying how everyone is going to miss everyone else. After all this time, you really get to know some of the people on the platform.
It also appears that the assignments and the Daily Dozen selections have come to an end already. This leaves my goal of being submitted forever unobtainable. It is a hard moment for me. However, I don’t want this to curb my enthusiasm or deter my other goals in any way. This may open up other doors that I never knew even existed.
I will see if there is anything that happens in the next 2 months and do updates. In the meantime, if you would like to check the site out, please visit it at yourshot.nationalgeographic.com/photos.
Thank you for letting me get my emotions out! I hope everyone has a great weekend.
-Amanda