diff --git a/example.py b/example.py
index 5efc94c..0ef06d4 100644
--- a/example.py
+++ b/example.py
@@ -118,7 +118,8 @@ def req():
           photo_url = os.path.join(os.environ.get('MICROPUB_MEDIA_URL_PREFIX'), now.strftime("%Y/%m/%d"), str(now_ts) + ".jpg")
 
           # make directory if needed
-          os.makedirs(os.path.dirname(filename))
+          if not os.path.exists(os.path.dirname(filename)):
+            os.makedirs(os.path.dirname(filename))
 
           with open(filename, 'wb') as f:
             f.write(r.content)