Today’s the official launch, and the date announcement for Scott Kelby’s 3rd Annual Worldwide Photo Walk™ to celebrate the upcoming release of my “Lightroom 3 Book for Digital Photographers” and my “Photoshop CS5 Book for Digital Photographers” and you’re invited to be a part of this amazing global, social photography event.
Here’s a quick Q&A with all the details.
Q. When is the official Photo Walk™ day?
A. It’s Saturday, July 24th, 2010.
Q. What exactly is a Photo Walk?
A. Watch the short video clip on the home page over at the official Worldwide Photo Walk Website (here’s the link) to get an idea, and see video of an actual photo walk.
Q. Is there a fee to participate this year?
A. Once again it’s free—there is no fee to join this year’s walk—just come and have a ball!
Q. Do you have any cities signed up with Photo Walks yet?
A. We already have hundreds of cities around the world which have scheduled Photo Walks.
Q. How did those cities gets walks already?
A. We always give the previous year’s Photo Walk leaders the first opportunity to lead a walk again this year (after all—they’re seasoned leaders).
Q. How many cities participated last year, and how many photographers did the Photo Walk that day?
A. We had:
- More than 32,000+ photographers around the globe
- We had a total of 917 walks worldwide
- More than 6,400,000 photos were taken on walks during that one day
Q. How can I find out if there’s a walk in my area?
A. Go to the official Worldwide Photo Walk website and click on the “Find Walks” link at the top right (or click the Find a Walk button in the center, under the video—its icon looks like a camera), then type in the city, state, and/or country where you want to walk, and if there are any walks already organized, they’ll be listed on the right side (and you’ll see pins on the map in your area).
Q. How can I lead a Photo Walk?
A. You apply over at the official Worldwide Photo Walk website and click on the “Lead a Walk” button (or just click here). While you’re there, make sure you watch the brief video I made for you to explain what’s entailed in being a Photo Walk Leader.
Q. What does it take to become a Photo Walk Leader?
A. We’re looking for people who have experience leading groups, so if you’re the president of your local camera club, or a college teacher, or photography instructor, or you run a local camera store, or you’ve lead Photo Walks in your area before, etc., you’re likely to get accepted to be a leader. We ask for your qualifications on the leader application, and that’s the type of experience we’re looking for. Last year, we had some people put, “Well, nobody else signed up from our city, so I guess I’ll do it.” That’s doesn’t instill a lot of confidence in you as a leader. So, in short, we carefully read every Leader application and if you convinced us you’d make a good leader (and there are no other walks already planned in your city), then we approve you to lead a walk.
Q. What if my city already has a Photo Walk, but I want to lead a walk, too?
A. Some big cities can accommodate more than one walk, and so as soon as one starts to fill up, we add a 2nd walk if we have a leader apply and even a third or fourth depending on the response and city size. Also, if the walks are held geographically far from each other but technically in the same major city, we usually add those, too. (For example, New York City could have walks in Central Park, SoHo, Chinatown, and Times Square, and probably a half dozen other locations)
Q. What do I get for being a Photo Walk leader?
A. You get one of my brand new books. This year you actually get your choice of either: (a) a free copy of my upcoming book, “The Lightroom Book for Digital Photographers” or (b) my “Photoshop Cs5 Book for Digital Photographers.” Plus, you get to pick the best shot from your local Photo Walk group and award them with a free copy (of their choice) as well. Plus, that person is entered into the grand prize competition for a bunch of insane prizes.
Q. Isn’t it crazy-expensive to print and ship all those books to leaders and winner walkers all around the world?
A. It’s insanely expensive (you have no idea), which is why we couldn’t do this without the help, support, sponsorship, and hard work of my book Publisher, Peachpit Press, and my publisher Nancy Reunzel (and the whole Peachpit team). They are making this all possible, so please show them some big love by checking out their book site, following them on Twitter, and checking out other Peachpit titles (they publish Joe McNally’s books for example, plus all the cool new Photoshop and Lightroom books, and all the best books on everything we care about as photographers). In short; they rock!
Q. Do I have to enter the prize competition?
A. Absolutely not. This is a totally separate part of the experience, and if you don’t want to enter your images, you absolutely don’t have to (it’s just to make the experience more fun). Some people freaked out last year thinking they were required to enter, but just know—you absolutely don’t have to enter your image—you can go and shoot for the day, and never let anyone see your photos. Ever. They can be your private “secret” photos.
Q. Did you get any complaints last year about how the winners were chosen?
A. Absolutely. People get pretty cranked if they think their image deserved to be the winner and wasn’t chosen, but after being one of the Guru Awards judges for 10 years, along with judging other competitions over the years, I’m kind of used to that response. Surprisingly, I didn’t get one single complaint about my picks from any of the winners.
Q. Are you going to have cool t-shirts for walkers and leaders this year?
A. Oh yeah. In fact, this year’s are even cooler. We have very cool t-shirts, and special shirts just for leaders (to help you recognize them in an instant on your walk), and this is being managed by our friend Rob from Towner Jones Photography, who came up with idea last year of selling t-shirts to raise money for (you guessed it), the Springs of Hope Orphanage in Kenya. 100% of the profits from the sale of these t-shirts will go to feeding and care for these great kids. I’m so grateful that Rob wanted to help us again this year. Here’s the link to buy your shirts (Leaders; the link to the leader shirts is on your Leader Dashboard page).
Q. So are you leading a PhotoWalk again this year?
A. Absolutely! My walk this year takes place at the Tarpon Springs, Florida Sponge Docks. It’s a great area, with a marina, and lots of character, and man do we have a great restaurant for our ending spot. Hellas Greek Restaurant. It is mega-yummy!
Q. What about Jeff Revell of PhotoWalkPro.com?
A. You know Jeff’s in, and this time he’s leading a walk in Washington’s Georgetown area (I’m totally jealous). Of course, Matt, Dave, and RC will be leading walks too (though Matt is leading his in the San Francisco area this time because he’ll be out there for a seminar).
Q. What happens when a city fills up?
A. It’s full. But this year, we do have waiting lists, so if someone cancels, it automatically adds (and notifies) the next person on the waiting list.
Q. How many is full?
A. Photo Walks are limited to 50 photographers. If that doesn’t sound like a lot, you haven’t seen 50 photographers coming down the sidewalk at the same time, and later all converging at once on a restaurant or pub. It’s more like a scary bike gang (except without the bikes, or gang, or scariness).
Q. I want to know more about this PhotoWalk thing; what’s involved, how do I sign up, and all that stuff. Where do I go?
A. Go watch the video on the Worldwide Photo Walk site. Plus, there’s a detailed FAQ on the Website (here’s the link), and once you’re signed up for a walk, we’ve made it much easier for your Walk Leader to keep you up-to-date with message on your Walk page.
Q. So when can I sign up to be either a walker or a Walk Leader?
A. Right now! Here’s the link, and my invitation to join us as we make worldwide photographic history!
3 years running and knowing about the t-shirts far enough in advance is an added plus! Kudos to Rob for his help – they look pretty darn sharp! :) Very exciting to be participating (again)…
I believe the old town of Spartanburg,SC will be represented!
This year the walk and the san Diego comic con falls on the same day. Talk about photographic opportunity. Happy to be leading a walk that will take a group of photographers into the heart of the San Diego downtown that evening…. You never know who or what you might see.
The photo walk is a lot of fun. Glad it’s back again.
Woo hoo! I’m on my way to sign up. :-)
Hi Scott, Great news! I immediately signed in for Amsterdam. Can’t wait!
Dear Scott
I was a photowalk leader last year. I didn’t apply for photowalk leading this year for the reason below.
Neither I nor the local winner did receive books which we were supposed to get.
I really don’t want to promise people on behalf of you, then they get nothing.
Regards.
Hi Jamal:
If you didn’t receive your books, then something went horribly wrong, because we delivered thousands of books to leaders and local winners last year all around the world.
I’ll have someone contact you right away to get all the specifics (and confirm your shipping address), but I’m so sorry for the trouble, and I promise you we’ll get it fixed right away.
-Scott
Scott, I led my second walk and didn’t receive your book, so notified NAPP, and still no book (nor acknowledgement), so I purchased it. Great job on Volume 3! I hope your team gets its technical difficulties solved soon so I can get my 3rd Annual Photo Walk page up.
Posted a reply yesterday as I also nover received my book last year and got nothing since, still no reply……….
I didn’t either but no big deal! Me and the winner both loved going on the walk and getting something for nothing (the book) would only have been an added bonus.
I’m back on board leading the Ottawa walk – if I get a book that’s great again! But really, the opportunity and experience alone keep me coming back.
I know Brad did get in touch me me recently so who knows, maybe Canada Post decided to read a bit out digital photography in the meantime!
OMG first time we are not booked at the PW-day! so excited, scott I just applied to be a leader here in munich, hope that works out!
greetings from germany
ingoman
Scott… I beg you… don’t let him in! He’s a crazy man! ;)
Hope you’re doing OK Ingo :)
oh I see where this is going :-) you again, matt.
we are doing very well indeed but still have not posted the woman at the beach :-)
cool, I’m in! everybody wants to join us in Munich, come and register on the offical site -> http://worldwidephotowalk.com/walk/munchen-bayern-deutschland/
@matt k. are you coming over as well? :-)
Can’t wait. The Bonn, Germany, walk should be really fun! Got a good route lined up, so anyone in the area, make sure you sign up fast!
T-shirt already ordered – looking good!
Hey Scott,
Thanks for hosting the photowalk again this year. I did the one last year in OKC and it was a blast. I can’t wait.
Mike
Earlier this morning, there were 48 spots left before I signed up for Robert Trawick’s walk in OKC. Only 28 spots left now. Very nice. We are all excited about the 3rd annual walk.
Mike
Mike, I am a leader in Spartanburg (our first ever walk here) and i may need ome advice! I think Charlotte was the closest walk last year.
Scott,
Great news re the 3rd Worldwide Photo Walk.
I’m looking to host a walk again in the UK this year (Windsor & Eton); submitted my reply to Brad’s email last week but haven’t heard back just yet (no doubt due to the massive response).
Going by last year, the PhotoWalk will be a HUGE success so really looking forward to this one. Friends made from the first walk have since become some of my dearest and most trusted; a big positive for getting involved for sure :)
Cheers,
Glyn
Scott,
Peachpit is the best for doing this. I got online and pre-ordered your LR3 book. Peachpit ROCKS!
I just found out that MPIX will send out film mailers for processing! I have requested one and once they process it I can order a print directly from them (no chanch of PS-ing them).
Well darn it! I already have something scheduled that day. Oh well, I’ll wait another year I reckon!
Darn it ! Last year I was on vacation when you did it and this year I am shooting my first wedding that day! I was so looking forward to doing it this year! Oh well maybe next year! Thanks for doing it again!
Great news! I didn’t get to participate last year and looking forward to it. On another note, thank you Scott for the great class you gave in ATL last Friday. You delivered highly informative lessons with some very funny moments (ie: NatGeo). The quick tips on the side alone were worth attending. It was also great to meet you in person, though I had to wade to through the throngs of your many devoted groupies/acolytes. Who knew you were such a rock star!
Peace…
Omar
This year I’m looking forward to being a participant instead of a leader. I’ve had a lot of fun, but thought I should let someone else run the local walk. As for me, crossing my fingers somebody opens up a walk in Flastaff, AZ. I think there’s a lot that could be fun to shoot up there!
Glad to see the 3rd annual walk coming together again Scott. It is quite the event!
Now I gotta pre-order the LR3 book. :)
Man, I’m jealous. You must have some very awesome night sky photography up in Flagstaff. Beautiful country out there.
I’m on vacation in North Spain when the walk takes place!
I really hope there will come a photo walk somewhere in the north of Spain!
Scott,
Glad to see another one kicked off – I led the walk in Edmonton last year and it was a lot of fun. This year I am on vacation that weekend – so no leading for me. Instead I am right in the heart of one of our most beautiful national parks. Hopefully there is a photowalk nearby!
So, if you’ve already written the Lightroom 3 book and the Photowalk is in part to mark its publication, should we assume Lightroom 3 will be out by then?
Scott, thanks for all your efforts in bringing this together. I’m looking forward to leading the Brighton UK walk as Ben & I are working on a new route for 2010.
You’re killing me! I have to have my first PhD committee hearing on July 30th, which as anyone who has done a PhD will tell you means that I am going to be half insane from sleep deprivation for the preceding two weeks. There isn;t even a walk in my area; I could lead it if i have to, but I’m not sure I can…
I’ll just have to work it out somehow. I wonder if I should do it with only my 35mm again this year or get an 18-200…
Are the accounts from last year still valid or do we need new ones?
Actually, I can’t find a link to make a new account anywhere. The link in the upper right is only good if you already have an account, there is no way to make a new one. If it is here either you have hidden it well or I have breathed in too many chemicals for one day.
Hi Scott,
This is fantastic news! I have been waiting for that all year!
Thanks!
Marek
Hi Scott
Sounds great, I’m sure it will be a success like the previous ones, for some people at least.
However, I don’t think I’ll participate this year because I have STILL not received my prize for winning the Cuneo, Italy PhotoWalk.
I don’t want to moan but I did try contacting PW directly and the Kelby group to follow up as the walk organiser did nothing and shortly afterwards emigrated to Florida, yet I received nothing at all in reply.
I imagine your response now, if at all, will be too bad mate it’s too late. I live in hope though.
Dave
This is exciting! Looking forward to it.
I led the Richmond, VA walk last year, but didn’t hear from anyone regarding doing it again this year. Are those contacts still being made, or is it open application now?
Hi Scott, I’ll be leading my 3rd walk in Baltimore and I cannot wait. For this one, I’ll be 8 months pregnant – really hoping my old shirt stretches a bit :-)
Stacie, It’s ok, I look like i’m 9 months (too much of my own food). Congrats for the addition! :)
My wife, Rose, gave birth to twins a couple month’s after last year’s walk. So when I set up this year’s Apparel Store, I made sure to include a new item!
http://www.cafepress.com/townerjones.450751694
Hi Scott,
Was there a walk in San Antonio, TX last year and if so has that leader signed up again. I really hope so…I think our city has some amazing sights!
Re: San Antonio Photowalk
I led the last two years in San Antonio, Texas and welcome someone else to lead this year. My schedule may conflict with the date, so I happily pass the baton to the next leader.
Attn Kelby team: Next year make it possible to previous leader to “pass” on leading the upcoming walk (at least in larger cities). I suspect people are waiting for the previous leader to start the sign up process out of courtesy. This will make it known that the city is open for a new leader.
This may speed up the process of a new leader signing up, and allow those who want to participate but not lead to not be forced to wait for the new leader to (hopefully) come forward.
It doesn’t take as long as I’ve imagined. Thanks for approving my Melaka’s photowalk over night. I’ll be doing my best to make Melaka’s 1st photowalk a memorable one.
I’m having trouble signing up for the walk in Pacific Beach.
I need a new name and password. The one from last year doesn’t work.