Videos captured in a raid, confirm that Ingrid Betancourt, former presidential candidate of Colombia, was recently still alive. Captured in 2002 by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, The New York Times story gives hope to relatives and friends that she may be returned to safety.

Ingrid Betancourt is the guest of a television show in Cartagena, Colombia.
Cartagena, February 20, 2002.
© Alain Keler/drr.net

Paris based Digital Railroad member Alain Keler captured many images of Betancourt during campaign and of her supporters in France, who galvanized by her capture, held demonstrations demanding her release (Betancourt holds dual citizenship in both France and Colombia)

Because Digital Railroad enjoys a mix of commercial, editorial and archival imagery, the Marketplace is uniquely equipped to illustrate various generational groups connecting to the world through media. Editorial imagery provides an authentic glimpse of individuals consuming media in their everyday lives, while commercial imagery frequently depicts consumers enjoying the ideal life – in the case of the communication arena older and younger generations are shown bonding over cell phones and computers. Essentially, these images suggest that the latest communication devices are a magic way to forge or strengthen generational bonds.

Our three-part series explores how citizens of these various generational groups are depicted by photojournalists and commercial photographers alike. The first three installments capture distinct generational groups in action: (1) Mature, (2) Baby Boomer (3) GenXers/ Millennials and beyond depicts intergenerational groups where media plays a central role in the image.

Part I: Matures (1909-1945) Nostalgic for Radio/ Exploring the Internet

© DaZo Photos LLC/drr.net

© Ryan Pyle/drr.net

Matures comprise the current retired generation and tend to be more responsive to direct mail and printed materials and have a nostalgic view of radio as a medium. However, this group's use of the internet is growing rapidly. DaZo Photos of 1940's couple with newspapers reads as a nostalgic image, while Ryan Pyle's image of a senior in modern China using the internet provides a visual contrast illustrating how a single generation has adopted to the seismic shifts in communication experienced during their lifetime.

The TV Generation Nears Retirement: Baby Boomers (1946- 1964).

© Eva Luoma/Mira.com/drr.net

© Image Source Ltd / drr.net
This group is currently entering retirement. Significantly, it is also the first generation to grow up with television as a new medium. Eva Luoma’s image of a 1950’s family watching television is nostalgic. The feeling, but not the historical period is echoed in the 50-something woman with laptop and clearly places her among "the hip" in this demographic.

More images of Boomers in Marketplace.

The younger they are, the more focused these generations are on the internet as a communication tool and news source. The younger generations, some of whom still use pacifiers while connected to a computer—are regarded as multi-taskers, socially conscious and averse to marketing. The age of YouTube, Facebook, and MySpace is upon us enthralling this demographic-- and beyond.

© Image Source Ltd/drr.net

© Christophe Morin/Ip3press.com/drr.net

More images of the continually connected generation are found in Marketplace

Digitalrailroad members are uploading fresh new images every day. Here are a just a small sample of new images we've seen this month. Enjoy and license some today!

© Image Source Ltd/drr.net

© J. Alex Cooney/drr.net

© Andrew Ross/drr.net

© George Ward/drr.net

On December 5th, Digital Railroad sponsored the Dallas Society of Visual Communications annual holiday party. Matthew Hands, Marketplace Key Account Sales Manager based in Dallas, along with his army of elves flown in from the North Pole, invited art directors, designers and illustrators to share a little holiday cheer and have a portrait taken with Kris Kringle. To see more members of DSVC chillin' with ol' St Nick, click here.

Laura and Robin with Fossil spread some good cheer! / © drr.net

Casey McGarr of Inky Lips Press and Ignition's Brian Delaney with Mr. Claus / © drr.net

Janet Frazier from Methodist Health System shares a nibble and a smile

© drr.net

Since launching in April, Digital Railroad photographers have added over 2MM images to our Marketplace. We thought we'd take this time to share the events and milestones that our members have captured in 2007. From Ford's funeral to Roger's Wimbledon to floods in England to flames in California, DRR members have been there to capture it all and more.

The Year In Pictures are all available for licensing from Marketplace.

Web Page © Expedia.com; Photo Credit (Oahu image): Douglas Peebles/drr.net

Douglas Peebles' image of Oahu is featured on Expedia.com's "Deals & Destinations" page this month promoting travel to Hawaii. Need some relief from the winter blues? Grab a pina colada and see all of Douglas Peebles' swaying palms and tropical sunsets in Marketplace.

Digital Railroad is featured in the December 2007 issue of the British Journal of Photography, quoting archive members Rick Becker-Leckron, CEO of Blend Images and Claudia Hinterseer of Noor, who both share positive reviews about their experience working with Digital Railroad.

Reporter Diane Smyth writes, “The site has proved instrumental in helping new picture agencies to set up shop, with both VII and Noor citing Digital Railroad as a key factor in their success.”

She goes on to say, “Digital Railroad isn’t just used by reportage photographers and agencies, though – far from it – and it’s also proved a way for new, niche picture libraries to get off the ground.”

Digital Railroad chairman Evan Nisselson, President and CEO Charles Mauzy and European sales manager Matt Shonfeld are quoted extensively throughout the three-page article which can be viewed by clicking here.

© Daisy Gilardini / Danita Delimont Agency/drr.net

The Parc de la Villette (official name "Etablissement Public du Parc et de la Grande Halle de la Villette") is a public structure in Paris, France under supervision of the French Ministry of Culture and Communication.

“Scènes d’Hiver” is a music festival occurring on the first Sunday each month during winter (January, February, March). Daisy Gilardini, represented by Digital Railroad member Danita Delimont Agency, created the image that Parc d'Villette selected from Marketplace. The image of Madagascar will be reproduced on commercial posters distributed throughout Paris, as well as on flyers and a website promoting the event.

© Image Source/drr.net

Nothing's too good for our four-legged friends. Leona Hemsley's dog knows all too well the perks of being a pampered pup after receiving his inheritance of $12 million this year. Celebs wear their dogs as fashion accessories with complete head to paw outfits, schlepping them in bags costing more than many peoples cars. As members of the family, dogs now get medical attention including expensive surgeries and spa treatments. You wouldn't leave a child home alone all day, so now we have doggy day care.


© Daniel Milnor/drr.net
Junk food will never do for our little darlings. If we eat healthy and organic so should Max( Dogs have people names now don't ya know?)

Maybe our dogs deserve to be pampered pooches. Studies have proven the emotional and physical benefits of having a furry friend. Pet owners are healthier and live longer. Many hospitals and nursing homes have introduced dog companions to their patients as a comfort. Dogs are being used to help children improve their reading skills by reading to a nonjudgmental and patient listener.

For a bird-dog's eye view of all the cultural touchpoints that define dog life today, see Marketplace.

© James Davies/West Digital/drr.net

According to the Center for Disease Control, "influenza activity in the U.S. has been low so far this season, but it is increasing. Flu activity typically does not reach its peak in the U.S. until January or February, making this a good time to get a flu vaccine."

© Frances Robert/Ambient Images/drr.net

If you're in the picture business, avoid the lines and take some pre-emptive measures. Check out our members' images of flu symptoms, treatment, tests/diagnosis, heath professionals and alternative medicine. Digital Railroad has got the cure for what ails your layout.

Oscar Niemeyer Museum, Curitiba, Brazil
© Ricardo Ribas/drr.net

Oscar Niemeyer is considered one of the most important names in international modern architecture. This month he is celebrating his 100th birthday. In Marketplace you'll find some of his most important works.


Oscar Niemeyer during the presentation of The Ibirapuera Auditorium, May 12, 2002
© Marcos Issa/Argosfoto/drr.net

© NPPA, Photo Credit: Farah Nosh

The December issue of NPPA's "News Photographer Magazine" features the "Best of Photojournalism 2007". Seven Digital Railroad members were recognized for their outstanding work: Andreas Fuhrmann, Bruno Stevens, Chris Maluszynski, Dave Yoder, James Nachtwey/VII Photo Agency, Scott Dalton and Seokyong Lee.

Congratulations to all of the honorees and, especially, our Digital Railroad members!