I have been saying for a while now, I think Google+ is the best online community for photographers. This is just another reason why: yesterday a good number of photographers launched 'The Plus One Collection', a crowd sourced charity photography book build on Google+. The projet was covered on NBC News. The books proceeds will go to support the charity Kiva. If you are not familiar with Kiva they are a non-profit with a mission 'to connect people through lending to alleviate poverty' by leveraging a worldwide network of micro-finance institutions. They make loans as little as $25 to allow people safe, affordable access to capital to those in need to help them create better lives for themselves and their families. They had loaned over $280MUSD to almost 700,000 people with a 99% repayment rate. A repayment rate banks would die for.

Over 500 photographers donated their work toward this project. Photographers of all levels are represented from well established professionals, up and coming artists, and amateurs. Photographers contributing to the project are from more than 50 countries. Photographs in the book are just as diverse, representing all styles of today’s photography. The book's editor and project manager is fellow photographer Ivan Makarov. He was able to get more than photographers involved; a designer in English designed the book, a web master in Switzerland the site, and the Mobile App by a man in Germany.

The book is published in three formats;

(1) print edition containing 192 photographs

(2) ebook containing the work of all 520 photographers

(3) iOS mobile app, also containing all photographs in the project

I was honored to have my photograph selected for the print edition by the panel of photographers who made the selection. For a limited time only, Plus One Collection will be available as the Collectors’ Limited Edition. Each book will be printed large (11″ x 13″ landscape), and on premium fine art ProLine paper. Each copy will be numbered and include a certificate of authenticity. In addition, each book will come with a tipped-in print of one of the images in the book (prints are 6″ x 9″ on 8″ x 11.5″ paper). Prints are printed on archival paper to museum standards using UltraChrome K3 inks and will last close to 100 years with proper care. The orders for the Collectors’ Limited Edition will only be taken from February 9 through February 20. No orders for that edition of the book will be taken after that date, and only one run of the Collectors’ Limited Edition will be done.

Besides being a fine art book, each sale of the Collector’s Limited Edition will generate close to $50 for Kiva. I already ordered mine and I hope you consider doing the same. You can buy the book HERE. All of the photographers in the book are listed on the site and their names are linked to their websites and blogs. This is quite possibly the greatest collection of photography blogs.

The standard edition and ebook will be released on February 21st.

The photograph I donated is one of my favorites from last year called 'Reflections of Central Park West' that I took in New York City while attending Jay Maisel's workshop.

As I have mentioned many times, I really enjoy the time I spend on there and the connections I have made. You can find me on Google+ HERE. Thanks for stopping by today...