Posting Instructions

Note: You need to be logged in to post. You can login by using the Log In link on the right side of the blog (if it says Log Out, then you’re already good to go).

Please include your name in the title of your post and try to keep your posted photos limited to 500 pixels wide so that they don’t get cut off. For specific instructions on how to create a blog post, read on.

WordPress offers a number of advanced features for creating posts, but creating a simple post of a photo is pretty straightforward. This will walk you through the steps.

First, if you’re using a separate photo service (such as Flickr) go ahead and upload your photo to that service. Once that’s done, you’ll need to get a link (URL) to the photo so that you can include it in your post. Please try to keep the width of the photo limited to 500 pixels, so that it doesn’t get cut off (on Flickr, this means choosing the “medium” size).

Next, login to your WordPress account (if you’re not already) and choose “New Post” from the gray bar running along the top of the page. You’ll eventually be taken into an editor. Just above the editor, to the right, there are two tabs: Visual and HTML. Make sure you’re on the Visual tab.

Now it’s time to write your post. Go ahead and give it a title, which should include your name and the title you’ve given to your photograph. Then, to insert the photo, click the square-like icon that is just above the editor (immediately to the right of “Upload/Insert”). That will bring up a window that will let you add a photo. If you’re storing your photos on this blog (rather than a separate service), click the Select Files button and choose your photo from your computer, and then choose the “Full Size” option (not to be confused with Large Size!) on the far right of the sizes you are presented and click the “Insert into Post” button. If you’re using a separate photo service, then click the “From URL” tab along the top, paste in the URL in the “Image URL” box, fill in the “Image Title box” and “Link Image To” box if appropriate, and then click the “Insert into Post” button.

Your photo should now be in your post. Feel free to add any additional commentary and then, when you’re finished, click the Publish button over to the right.

Additional Notes and Tips

Flickr offers direct integration with WordPress. Just click the “Blog This” button immediately above your photo and you’ll be taken through a quick setup process. When asked for the kind of blog, choose “WordPress” and then when asked for an “endpoint” enter http://dailypicchallenge.wordpress.com/xmlrpc.php and then enter your username and password. From now on, you’ll be able to just click the “Blog This” button above a photo to quickly upload it to this blog. (Note: if you ever need to modify the settings for some reason, just go to Your Account, choose the Extending Flickr tab, and then look under Your Blogs).