the disposable memory project: 25 cameras and counting

we're leaving disposable cameras around the world, in the hope they'll be
picked up; passed on; and eventually return home full of photographs.

frequently asked questions

got questions? we've tried to answer them here, but if you have anything we haven't thought about, drop us a line

An image of a camera bag

  1. How many cameras are out there?

    We sent out the first five in mid April, we're planning on releasing a few more each week, until there are about 30 in the wild.

  2. Where are the cameras?

    We'll be putting them in a number of locations: businesses, libraries, markets, parks. If the camera is put in a public place, we'll blog and tell you where. If its been put in a private place (with permission), we'll give you an idea of the company type and location. You can always check how many cameras are out there, and where we put them at the tracker page.

    3. Won't they just get thrown away or get stolen?

    Possibly. We're expecting a few will get mislaid, but we trust people, and hope that those who find the cameras like the idea enough to take part and take care of the camera. We also hope they don't get mistaken for 'suspect packages' and cause a tube line to be closed for security reasons.

  3. Why should i pay for the development costs of other people's photos?

    You don't have to. If you finish a camera, get in touch with us, and we'll handle the development costs.

  4. What are you going to do with the images once you've got them?

    We'll develop the camera, scan the pictures, upload them to flickr and let you know where you can see them. They'll also be featured on this site. If you're one of the people featured in the pictures, you'll be able to post comments on the images too!

  5. Who will own the photos?

    No-one and everyone! We're asking you to take your photographs with Creative Commons licenses in mind - we won't use the images for commercial use or make any money from the images. If they're used publicly in promotion of the project, we'll try and let you know. If the site becomes really popular and we make a bestselling coffee table book, we'll donate any royalties to charity.

  6. What's the point?

    We think there is merit doing something for the sake of interesting content. We hope the images will create a rich and varied visual comment on london and its people.

  7. What images should i take?

    Whatever you feel you'd like to share with the world. Bare in mind though, that they will be made public. Please do not take an indecent or illegal images - apart from anything else, Boots might take me to court.

  8. How will i know when my images are online?

    Because there is no way of linking images to people without you volunteering that information, you will just have to keep watching the site. If you signup and register your email address, we'll email you when we receive a new camera.