Historic New Castle Maps Available

Be sure to check out the official Map of Historic New Castle. You can download a PDF version, print it out and pack it in your camera bag or vest for Saturday's photo walk.

While you're at it, visit Ye Olde New Castle Crier, the "What's Happening" web site for Historic New Castle visitors - www.NewCastleCrier.com

These links are also always visible over here on the top-right side of the page >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

About the Prizes ...

First of all, this year's Worldwide Photo Walk is breaking all registration records, and so many photo gear manufacturers and other photo-related businesses are seeing this as a good marketing opportunity! Many new major sponsors are coming onboard and advertising on the main site www.WorldWidePhotoWalk.com .. be sure to support the sponsors.

What about the prizes? Well, for our own New Castle Photo Walk, there will be an opportunity for you to compete against your fellow Photo Walkers. There will be a web page available where you can upload your best shot from the Walk. One (possibly more) winner will be chosen from our own Wilmington walk. That local winner will win prize and will then be submitted to the world-wide competition along with all the other local Photo Walk winning entries. The grand prize winner will receive a $1000 gift certificate from Adorama, one of the top photo retailers! Additionally, the winner gets a one-year subscription to Kelby Training Online. I've been using this service for two years, and I can't speak highly enough about it. There are now also a number of Honorable Mention prizes to be given out. For more information, check out the Prizes Page (www.WorldWidePhotoWalk.com/prizes).

An Idea to Stimulate Your Creativity!

As we approach our Photo Walk this Saturday, I thought I would send you some thoughts to help get your creative juices flowing ...

Are you interested in trying something different with your photography? Does your photography need a "shot-in-the-arm" as mine often does these days? Perhaps you are not traveling much - or at all - these days, and you feel "bored" with photographic opportunities in the area? Believe me, it happens to all of us!

Perhaps the Photo Walk is the perfect opportunity to try something different!

For example, you could consider doing only black-and-white photography at our walk? Our winning photographer last year concentrated on Infrared photography, producing spectacular and dramatic images. Want to see the winning image and my critique? You can LINK TO IT HERE.

You know, years and years and years ago (about 10), in the days of "wet" darkroom work, a lot of film photographers (including me) slaved over trays full of smelly chemicals to turn out beautiful black-and- white prints. Today, with the magic of digital photography, we still have a "darkroom" but now it's called the computer! With image editing software - from iPhoto to Photoshop Elements to more sophisticated programs you can create black-and-white masterpieces!

Here's the thing, while many of you have digital cameras that can be set to actually take photos in black-and-white (the camera processes your image as you capture it), you are far better off taking the photo in the normal color mode. You can get much more stunning results by later using the software on your computer to do the black-and-white conversion. This gives you a lot more tonal latitude and flexibility in producing a winning image - and you still get to keep the original color version.

The point is this: Give your creative muscle a work-out! Consider choosing ONE technique or piece of equipment and sticking to just that for the entire shoot. Why not try just black-and-white, or perhaps HDR (High Dynamic Range) photography? How about this for a radical idea: shoot with just your cellphone camera! Some fantastic, award-winning images have been captured with cellphone cameras. After all, it's about the "violinist," not the "violin." With the proper knowledge of classic photographic theory and a sense for composition, you can make any camera work for you.

Another idea: perhaps you recently purchased a super wide-angle lens or a fast 50mm. Force yourself to use that lens - and master it - by ONLY taking that one lens to the shoot. A few years ago, I spent a month in Italy with only a Nikon D70 outfitted with a Lensbaby. (www.Lensbaby.com). It was eye-opening, to say the least. By not having the usual panoply of lenses and other accouterments, my mind wasn't cluttered with choices. My photography was more deliberate and studied.

You know what? For our photo walk Saturday, I think I'm going to do just as I suggest here! I am going to leave my D700 at home and just shoot with my iPhone! I love the built-in camera it has! (see my blog for lots of examples: www.SandroCuccia.com).

Talk to you again soon!

Regards,

Sandro Cuccia

Photo Walk Leader

www.DEphotowalk.com

Please subscribe and listen to my digital photography podcast --- the MyPhotoTech Podcast. Available free via iTunes or www.MyPhotoTech.com

Five Days To Go! Final Details ...

Dear New Castle Photo Walkers!

Only five days remain until our photo walk in Historic New Castle!

As a reminder:

Date: Saturday, July 24, 2010

Starting Time: 9:15 AM (arrive by 9 AM)

Location: On “The Green” at the corner of Delaware and 3rd Streets in the center of Historic New Castle

Ending Time: Approximately 11:30 AM

Chimp-n-Chew Meet-Up: Immediately following - Location of your choice

Due to the restrictions on communicating on a two-way basis with everyone and limited facilities on-site, I was unable to secure a reserved location for all of us as a group. So, any of us who wish to meet over some victuals and libation after the walk - to discuss our morning shoot, compare notes, and just geeking out on photography - we’ll basically be on our own.

I can recommend the following eateries/pubs/coffee shops very close to our 9 AM meeting location:

Jessop's Tavern, 114 Delaware Street, 302-322-6111

The Shoppe of the Three Crowns - (coffee shop attached to Jessop's Tavern), 116 Delaware Street, 302-221-0773

The Prince on Delaware, 124 Delaware Street, 302-326-1130

Jack's Bistro (at the David Finney Inn), 222 Delaware Street, 302-544-5174

Don’t forget to check out www.WorldWidePhotoWalk.com for updates and other useful information regarding the walk. And, check out New Castle’s own web site, www.NewCastleCrier.com for ideas on what to see and shoot in Historic New Castle on Saturday.

Watch for a couple more updates and ideas from me this week, and l look forward to meeting everyone on Saturday!

Please email me if you have any questions! (sandro@DEPhotoWalk.com)

Regards,

Sandro V Cuccia

Wilmington Photo Walk Leader

www.DEphotowalk.com

Dear Delaware Photo Walk Participants:

Hello! And, thank you for registering for the July 24th Delaware Photo Walk in Historic New Castle!

Here are some details:

This year's Delaware Photo Walk will take place in Historic New Castle.

STARTING TIME: 9:!5 AM (arrive by 9 AM)
LOCATION: On "The Green" at the corner of Delaware and 3rd Streets. This is in the center of Historic New Castle.
ENDING TIME: Approximately 11:30 AM.

CHIMP-n-CHEW MEET-UP: I am investigating a couple of eateries/pubs ... details to come!

NOTE: If you can not make the Photo Walk, "unregister" yourself using the Scott Kelby Worldwide Photo Walk site so I can free up the slot for others on the waiting list. You must do this yourself; I am not authorized to do so.

Be sure to arrive by 9:00 AM so you can get yourself and your photo gear ready-to-go. We will first meet briefly for some introductions and remarks. Once all the preliminaries are out of the way, by 9:15 we break up into groups and fan out for the actual photo walk. At 11:15 AM the walk culminates at our "Chimp-and-Chew" meet-up location for lunch (your expense) if you wish, where we can discuss our walk, do some chimping and geek out on photography!

I scouted the area with my wife last weekend. There are ample and very interesting photo opportunities in this quaint Colonial setting. For more information on Historic New Castle, visit www.NewCastleCrier.com .

Also, check out the official website for Scott Kelby's Worldwide Photo Walk. You will find more information about this initiative including a video which will introduce you to the concept of the "photo walk." You can also get more information on the sponsors, as well as a photo gallery of a selection of images from the thousands of participants at last year's Worldwide Photo Walk. The site is www.worldwidephotowalk.com . While you're at it, it would benefit you to read the Photo Walk FAQ page at www.worldwidephotowalk.com/faq

Additionally, check out the Official 2010 Photo Walk Apparel at www.cafepress.com/townerjones/ Your purchase of official Photo Walk garb will aid the Springs of Hope Orphanage in Kenya.

Want to know more about the prizes being offered? Check out www.worldwidephotowalk.com/prizes/

And, don't forget our walk-specific web site at www.DEPhotoWalk.com for more information and updates.

I was asked one question about a rain date. There is no rain date! This photo walk is rain-or-shine! Even in the rain, there are terrific photography opportunities no matter where you are. Don't forget that the light is nice and soft on an overcast, dreary day!!

I will be sending you more information and a reminder a couple of weeks prior to the July 24th walk. Meanwhile if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to email me.

Finally, while there are some prizes associated with this event, the REAL purpose of the photowalk is to build and be a part of the international photo community. It’s a chance for photographers of all skill levels to come together and share the experience with others.

See you in Historic New Castle on July 24th!

Regards,

Sandro V Cuccia

www.DEPhotoWalk.com
sandro@DEPhotoWalk.com

DE Photo Walkers: I Need Your Email Address!

The organizers have made my job a bit more difficult. They are not releasing your email addresses to me in the name of privacy.

I like to provide a personalized information service through email and/or the www.DEPhotoWalk.com Web site (this site right here).

If you are interested in receiving email updates from me on the Photo Walk, and tips for the Photo Walk, please send me your email address to sandro@DEPhotoWalk.com

I do not share your address with anyone, and I hide everyone's address when emailing updates.

If you prefer, simply log into this Web site for periodic updates.

Thank you!

Sandro Cuccia

TIME FOR OUR 2010 DELAWARE PHOTO WALK!

We're back! It's time for the Third Annual Scott Kelby Worldwide Photo Walk!!

This summer, our Photo Walk will be held on Saturday, July 24, 2010 .... starting at 9 AM ... and the location will be in Old New Castle. As is customary, post-photo walk chimping and camaraderie .... affectionately known as our "Chimp-and-Chew" will be held at a local eatery right after the Photo Walk - around 11:30 AM.

Details are still being worked out and all participants will be kept informed.

Here are a couple of important websites for you to visit for immediate information and registration:

The Scott Kelby Worldwide Photo Walk Website - www.WorldWidePhotoWalk.com

You will go there to see lots of information about the Photo Walk experience and give you a chance to register for our New Castle photo walk. You will see a search bar there ... just type in New Castle Delaware to get to our sign-up page and, of course, my pretty face. Alternatively, go directly to our New Castle Photo Walk page on Kelby's site.

The Delaware Photo Walk Website - YOU ARE HERE NOW! (www.DEPhotoWalk.com) This site is the one I created for our own photo walk, where I post lots of updates and information about our shoot in New Castle this July. While you are here, you can check the 2009 archives - over there on the top right side - to see photos and other information from last year's shoot at the Wilmington Water Fron.

I will be posting more information soon. Meanwhile, let me know if you have any questions. My email is sandro@dephotowalk.com

Hope to see you for a fun morning of shooting in New Castle on July 24th!

Regards,

Sandro Cuccia