Brand Photos: Behind the Lens of Image Recognition

College Pride Photo Contest Attracts Buddhas & Invisible Meteorologists?

Photo Contest Ideas, Photo Contest Tools, Photo Marketing Widgets, Pongr Contests | April 17, 2013 by Darren

Peaceful State of Mind — Yuko N., of Kamakura, Japan, shares some Lyndon State College pride from her recent travels.

Today is National Green and Gold Day, a celebration of alumni pride at Vermont’s Lyndon State College coinciding with the inauguration of their new president. The LSC Alumni Relations office launched a Green and Gold Photo Contest today to demonstrate the school’s global reach — and the pictures streaming in so far are an amazing testimony.

Alumni, students and faculty are sharing photos of themselves on vacation, doing social service projects, goofing around with the Hornet mascot and just hanging out on campus (We’re talking about you, 4th Floor Vail).

And then of course, there’s the celebration of future LSC students:

When I Grow Up, I Want to Go to Lyndon State College!

For National Green and Gold Day, Lyndon State College is using Pongr’s free Photo Contest management tools, which automatically feed submissions into a streaming gallery where alumni can comment and vote on their favorite pics.

The Hornets have a strong reputation of churning out top meteorologists, and tonight one of them — Reno News-4′s Brandon Wholey (Class of 2008) — will be wearing a green and gold necktie on the air to celebrate his ties to the school.

KRNV-4′s chief meteorologist, Brandon Whoiey, plans to show his Green and Gold pride on the air during a Nevada weathercast.

You can get a sneak preview of his Giorgio Armani tie right now. The lighter colors are a bit more subdued than official Lyndon Green and Gold because Wholey understandably wants to avoid interfering with the green-sensitive chroma key. Too much green clothing and he would become invisible to viewers!

No matter which colors you’re wearing, Pongr’s free Photo Contest tools are perfect for schools, colleges and universities to generate student, parent and alumni pride. (For more information on how LSC launched their contest, click here.)

Photo Finish: The Joy of Sharing “Ugly” Running Pics

Photo Sharing, Social Media | April 15, 2013 by Darren

Pretty in Pink? The camera doesn’t always capture smiles — especially when there are none to capture. (via Seriously Ugly Race Pics)

It’s Boston Marathon day and be prepared for your Facebook and Twitter feeds to be flooded with race pics. Photo sharing from runners is actually a weekly happening, as it seems that every 5K and 10K these days is covered (by mobile photography) like it is the Olympic Games.

We’ve got running on the brain today because the Boston Marathon Finish Line is mere steps away from the Pongr office.

In the spirit of the Marathon, we’d like to give a shout out to Erica and Stacy, two New York running buddies who collect unflattering running photos for their hilarious blog, “Seriously Ugly Race Pics.”

They’re not making fun of people’s looks. Rather, they’re showing a more realistic portrait of their fellow runners in action. Their human peers who are more likely out of breath or grimacing instead of smiling for the photographer. Though they don’t outright say it, the popularity of their blog seems to be a backlash to the “Ridiculously Photogenic Guy” meme that captures New York runner Zeddie Little in a state of bliss.

Not a Hair Out of Place — The “Ridiculously Photogenic Guy” instantly became a meme. C’mon, you can find him! (Double click to enlarge).

“Used For Stock Photo in Picture Frames, No One Replaces It,” one Internet wiseguy wrote, capturing the reality that very few of us look attractive while exercising.

Meanwhile, if you happen to be in Boston today, you might find some runners and spectators a little too eager to be photographed — such as these exhibitionists wearing nothing but giant Solo cups.

Drinking and Running Don’t Mix: Boston Police have issued warnings to local colleges to keep their students in line while cheering on Boston Marathon runners. The world famous race route goes by several campuses. (Source: BostInno.com)

Our friends over at BostInno are reporting that area colleges have been warned by police to keep their students in line while celebrating the Marathon. The race route snakes through the campuses of Boston University, Boston College and Wellesley College, providing the most enthusiastic fans these runners could ever ask for.

BostInno has a creative suggestion for students to channel all that passion.

“The safest bet would be to pull a Wellesley College and kiss along the Boston Marathon route instead of drink.

Every year, the ladies of Wellesley go out to the 13th mile’s “Scream Tunnel” to cheer on the runners with signs that read things like, “Kiss me, I’m unemployed.” Who cares about getting a beer buzz when you could be receiving 50 sweaty smooches from a marathon runner instead?”

Hey, kissing makes for a great photo-op, too!

Dogs in Pantyhose: The Latest Photo Sharing Craze?

Social Media | April 6, 2013 by Darren

HEELS & HOSE — Two dogs rest their feet after a night out on the town. According to Laughing Squid, posing pets in pantyhose is an exploding meme in China. (Pic via Sharp Daily)

Humor blog Laughing Squid reports that posing dogs in pantyhose is a growing craze in China, where “bored” pet owners are sharing their dress-up photos on Weibo, the popular social media site.

At first, this seems like an April Fool’s gag, like Pongr’s announcement the other day about our invention of “Snap and Sniff” technology allowing you to smell photos you share through our iPhone App or Android App.

But is slipping your dog into nylons any crazier than Breading, the practice of framing your cat in whole wheat or rye?

Taking a peek at Sharp Daily, the Hong Kong site that was one of the first to notice these provocatively dressed pooches, maybe this is slightly more bizarre.

NICE LEGS! Hong Kong’s Sharp Daily Website collects their favorite dogs posing in pantyhose. (Double Click to Enlarge Image)

Here’s betting that the next time a Victoria’s Secret or Frederick’s of Hollywood catalog hits your mailbox, your dogs will be running in the opposite direction.

Pantyhose for Pooches: A possible new market for the hosiery industry? (Source: Sharp Daily)

In the name of fashion, something that we at Pongr care deeply about, PLEASE don’t try this at home!

(What’s your favorite picture sharing meme? Drop us a line at darren@pongr.com)

Photo Sharing Confidential: Do You Cuddle With Your Camera Phone in Bed?

Mobile Marketing, Photo Sharing | April 3, 2013 by Darren

Mobile and Me: Our cell phones have become an inseparable part of our daily lives. But you knew that already. (Source: IDC Research Report — Sponsored by Facebook)

I use my iPhone as my only alarm clock — I’m a fan of waking up to the pinball ringtone — and admittedly, I check my email while I’m still belting out my first few yawns.

A new IDC Research Report, “Always Connected: How Smartphones and Social Keep Us Engaged,” reveals some staggering findings about how our mobile phones have virtually become 24/7 extensions of our minds and bodies. The study, commissioned by Facebook, surveyed 7,446 iPhone and Android mobile phone users, ages 18-44, in the United States over the span of one week last month.

Some findings:

* 74 percent of 18-24 year-olds reach for their phones IMMEDIATELY after waking up. That means the mobile phone is beating soap, shampoo, toothpaste and deodorant.

* 84 percent of the average mobile user’s time on the phone is spent texting, emailing, picture sharing and doing social media versus only 16 percent talking. Alexander Graham Bell would be horrified.

* 79 percent of survey respondents keep their mobile phone on them or within reach for all but up to 2 hours of their time awake each day. Presumably that means during your showers, your phone gets some invaluable alone time.

* 46 percent of people use Facebook while they are shopping, while an additional 8 percent are Tweeting while they are in stores. We wonder if those numbers would be reversed if Twitter sponsored this IDC study.

* 25 percent of people say they are ALWAYS in the same room or within immediate reach of their phone.

Photo Boom: Posting and sharing pictures is one of the top mobile phone activities amongst 18-44 year olds regardless of gender. (Source: IDC Research Report Sponsored by Facebook).

So we know that our mobile phones go to bed with us at night and wake up with us each morning. It would be fascinating to see which times of day generate the most photo sharing. Here’s betting that bedhead hair and bags under the eyes push most people’s ideal modeling time to right before lunch!

(Read the full IDC “Always Connected” study here. In the mood for getting your favorite brand’s attention? Check out the new Pongr App for iPhone and Pongr App for Android.)

Gift Card Heaven: New Brand Rewards in the Pongr Store!

Brand Rewards, Pongr Store | March 27, 2013 by Darren

Brand Rewards — Some of the gift cards you can earn in the Pongr Store by snapping and sharing photos of you and your friends at your favorite restaurants and stores.

Are you the world’s biggest Sephora fan?

Or the most devoted fan of Starbucks, Pret, Dunkin’ Donuts, H & M, J.Crew or Forever 21?

Prove it.

You’ve already been racking up points for snapping and sharing pics of your favorite brands, and you can see where you rank compared to other fans by checking each brand page’s Leader Board.

Now you can turn in some of those well-deserved points for rewards.

Click the links below for the latest brand rewards in the Pongr Store:

* Starbucks
* Pret
* Dunkin’ Donuts
* H & M
* Sephora
* J.Crew
* Forever 21

Scoring points is easy. Here’s the breakdown:

- Taking a Picture of a Brand = 1 Point
– Sharing a Picture on Facebook = 2 Points
– Sharing a Picture on Twitter = 2 Points
– Getting Another Player to “Love” Your Pic = 1 Point*
* Limit of 50 Points Per Day

The Pongr system values and rewards creativity and enthusiasm. If you look like you’re having a fun time in the photo, great moods are contagious and your friends will feel compelled to click the heart next to your pic. If you get creative and show your child or pet having a blast with your favorite brand, it is going to be something people want to share.

Taking pics of stuff on your wishlist is one of the most fun things about dining and shopping. So what are you waiting for?

(We’ll be announcing new additions to the Pongr Store at a later date. Any brands that you’d like to see join our Gift Card Heaven? Drop us a line at info@pongr.com or send us a Tweet @pongr )

The Wait is Over: New Pongr iPhone App is Here!

Pongr Apps | March 25, 2013 by Darren

Pongr’s new iPhone app includes a PongrCam with creative filters and cropping-on-the-fly!

You asked. We delivered.
Now sharing photos celebrating your favorite brands is easier and more convenient than ever!

The Pongr App for the iPhone is now available as a free download in the iTunes Store.

In addition to emailing or texting your photos to Pongr, you can now upload them, customize them and share them with a few taps on your touch screen.

The Pongr iPhone App includes these features:

* A built-in Pongr camera with fun photo filters.
* The Beautify Button that boosts your attractiveness (wink, wink) on demand.
* Customized cropping that lets you reframe your pics as squares, rectangles or panoramic views.
* Easy access to your Pongr profile and points.
* Easy sharing to Facebook and Twitter.

Customize Your Photos (and Nails) — Add cropping or filters with Pongr’s new photo editing tools. Disclaimer: Make sure you let your nails dry before using the App. It cannot remove nail polish from your glass screen.

So let’s say you just had your nails done and you want to let the world know about it. With the Pongr App, you can give your manicure an edgier or brighter presentation based on whatever mood you happen to be in. I guess the woman in the photo above wanted the “See my nails through a telescope” look.

With the Pongr App, you can share only the part of your photo that”s most important to you.

We’re already getting a lot of positive feedback on the cropping function, which lets you control how wide or tall your pics will appear on the Pongr brand fan pages:

Playing With Aspect Ratios — It’s fun to jazz up the layout of your favorite Pongr brand fan page by sending in different shaped crops to the gallery.

If you’re a Pongr shutterbug, you’ll especially love the sharing features. Once you type in a brand once, the App will remember it for the next time. You can post to Facebook and Twitter at the same time, and major brands’ Twitter handles automatically pop up in your Tweet so you can send them a shout-out directly.

In addition, Pongr Photos that you share on Twitter appear as photos — as you intended — and not as links.

As with all forms of Pongr, the Pongr App is the perfect way to reach out to your favorite brands and often hear back from them.

Keep Tabs on Your Pongr Profile — While you’re sharing pics of your fabulous meal, you can get updated stats on your submissions and Pongr points.

Download the Pongr iPhone App here. And stay tuned for the release of the Pongr Android App very soon…

As always, we’d appreciate your feedback on the Pongr App and any suggestions for what features you’d love to see included in future updates. Please drop us a line anytime at info@pongr.com.

Picture Sharing Miracle: Lost Soggy Hawaii Vacation Photos Resurface in Taiwan

Photo Sharing | March 25, 2013 by Darren

Missing Memories: Do YOU know the identity of this scuba diver, who lost her camera five years ago off the coast of Hawaii?

This spirited scuba diver never got to share her coral reef adventures off the coast of Hawaii because her waterproof Canon camera got lost in the ocean.

Happens all the time, right? Which is why many of the camera companies sell those bright orange floating wrist straps.

What doesn’t happen all the time is having the camera get found six years later — and 6,200 miles away in Taiwan!

According to Hawaii News Now, an employee of China Airlines found the barnicle-encrusted Canon on a beach and discovered that the memory card was still intact.

Bruce Chen, General Manager of China Airlines‘ Honolulu office, says the pics are from an August 2007 vacation in Kaanapali Beach on Maui. China Airlines is hoping that sharing the vacation photos through social media will identify the divers and reunite them with their memories.

“I don’t know how this camera goes to Taiwan, but I believe it’s God’s arrangement,” Chen told the Hawaiian media outlet. He said that China Airlines will fly the camera’s owner to Taiwan for free if he or she is identified.

It’s a visual twist on the classic Message in a Bottle story.

And it’s also confirmation that whether you snap pics on a $5 plastic disposable camera, your high-end smartphone or a pricey SLR, those cameras can always be replaced. It’s the memories inside that matter most!

Lost Vacation Photos: This mystery family lost their camera but could possibly be reunited with their memories. If you know who they are, China Airlines wants to surprise them.

If you know who these vacationers are, make their day by sharing their names with Hawaii News Now or China Airlines. We love happy endings.

(As the only mobile direct response Photo Marketing platform especially built for shopper marketing, CPGs and brands, Pongr looks forward to one day launching its first underwater photo contest. Learn more about how we can help you.)

The Evolving Mobile Revolution and the Rebirth of Public Pay Phones?

Advertising, Mobile Marketing | March 18, 2013 by Darren

The Future of Pay Phones — New York City’s daring dive into public mobile phones began with its Reinvent Payphones Design Challenge.

As Wired Magazine puts it, giant public iPhones are about to invade the streets of Manhattan.

Public access to social media and the digital highway was on the forefront of New York City’s agenda when its Department of Information Technology & Telecommunications launched its Reinvent Payphones Design Challenge last December. The contracts for the city’s 11,000-plus pay phone expires in 2014, leaving a wide-open opportunity for an enterprising company looking to breathe life into a dying medium.

According to Wired, there are less than 500,000 pay phones left in the USA — and my personal experience says half of them are broken or coated in grime — compared to 327 million-plus active mobile phones in this country.

The contest winner, “NYFi” (pictured above) was picked this month out of 125 submissions. Proposed by Sage and Coombe Architects, the Pay Phone of the Future combines a phone with a subway and bus fare kiosk to reduce street clutter. On its huge TV-like touch-screen, there are apps that would let you call a cab or find a restaurant. Expect a few photo sharing apps to be sure.

New York City is not committed to adopting the design. Officials said they were trying to spark a conversation about what communication tools should be made available in a public fashion.

Humorist Art Buchwald as Superman, who famously changed his civilian journalist clothes in the semi-privacy of a glass phone booth.

If you are younger than 30, odds are high that you’ve never used a pay phone, let alone an old-fashioned phone booth, which seems as dated as the record player. The death of the phone booth might not have affected our day to day lives, but the impact on pop culture has been brutal. Superman, of course, used them to seamlessly change himself from and back to mild-mannered journalist Clark Kent.

In the movies, journalists got all their anonymous tips at pay phones. And master criminals would taunt the police from them. Let’s not forget all those dramatic rainy scenes in John Cusack movies in which his character is heartbroken trying to win back the girl who left him. Sorry, boombox. The pay phone is the secret behind Cusack’s romantic appeal.

The creepy ghosts of yesterday’s ubiquitous pay phones are a reminder that technology stops for no one.

What’s a Dial Phone? Despite the popularity of the Fisher Price retro pull-toy phone with nostalgic hipster parents, this version of the telephone seems as distant as Alexander Graham Bell.

As Pongr continues to develop the computer vision and artificial intelligence behind the advertising world’s best photo-sharing platform for brands, it’s a lesson we keep reminding ourselves.

(What would YOU like to see in a public smartphone kiosk? Drop us a line on the Pongr Facebook page!)

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