What To Take ...

As we approach our Photo Walk this Saturday, there are some things to think about in order to prepare:

Some of you more experienced photo trekkers and walkers may already have a plan in mind, but for those of you new to the concept of a Photo Walks, consider making a list of what you need to bring with you.

This walk will not be difficult. Historic New Castle is a fairly compact area, but still with plenty of photo opportunities. No hills, no steps, probably little or no crowds. The only thing that may cause an issue is if it rains. But, this still is a rain-or-shine kind of event.

So, be sure to wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes. As I write this in the wee hours of Wednesday morning, the forecast for Saturday is "Mostly Sunny" with a high of 94 ... sounds pretty warm, so you may need be concerned about the effects of heat and humidity . However, be sure to take the proper precautions against excessive exposure to sun, and bring water.

What about photo gear? This, of course, is a highly personal matter.

Those of you who have experience with photo trips and events know exactly what you need to take. For you who are new to this, let me just give you one piece of advice for now -- don't load yourselves down with photo gear. Keep things simple so you can stay focused (pun intended) on the task at-hand.

I've written about this before to you. In the last few years, I have changed how I approach a new photo trip. I used to carry large bags filled with a wide assortment of cameras, lenses and gadgets. Lately, I've been taking one camera and one or two lenses on trips. This frees me up considerably, and it allows me to focus on that one piece of equipment and squeeze out the best I can with it. It slows me down, makes me think, helps approach my photography more methodically, and makes me exercise my "photographic eye."

Sometimes, I like to just use a special kind of camera for an event. During one recent trip to Europe, I decided to leave my fancy-schmancy gear at home and take an old, simple Leica film camera. That was a lot of fun, and the simplicity just made my photography on that trip so much fun -- and the results were spectacular. Another time, I traveled to Italy with one D-SLR and only one special lens called a"Lensbaby." [see www.lensbaby.com for info on this special gadget].

But, as I have already mentioned, it doesn't have to be just equipment. It could be a particular technique or subject matter that you want to concentrate on. For example, you might want to shoot strictly for black-and-white (even though you will do the conversion on the computer later on). Or you might want to concentrate on people photography, candids, nature, angles, architecture, and so forth. Some folks visiting Historic New Castle like to concentrate on certain details commonly found in colonial towns, such as the ornate door-knockers or window shutters.

Sandro Cuccia

Leader, Historic New Castle Photo Walk

Maximizing Your Photo Walk Experience

As we prepare for our New Castle Photo Walk this Saturday (July 24), think about some ways to get the maximum benefit from this photo shoot.

You may be attending our Photo Walk with family or friends ... or, you might be coming out alone. Perhaps you prefer to work alone. In any case, you have an opportunity to "network" with like-minded photographers. Many of us (including me), tend to stay within our own comfort zone when it comes to approaching others. Try not to limit your interaction to your friends or family members who accompany you - approach and talk to photographers that you don't already know! You might be surprised at some new perspectives, ideas and techniques you can learn from others - and, you can offer the same in return.

On Saturday morning at 9:15 AM, we will formally meet at the northeast corner of Delaware and 3rd Streets in Historic New Castle. You will then be let loose to walk around and photograph the area in and around the Historic New Castle.

To maximize your photography, I suggest you team up with others and into small groups. (Can you imagine 50 of us bunched up and walking around together like a giant amoeba taking pictures?) As you walk about New Castle, ask other photographers what it is they see in a scene they are shooting. Everyone has their own perspective and vision as to how they see the world - you can learn from them, and them from you!

CHIMP AND CHEW

At the end of our Walk - by 11:30 AM - we will meet at various locations for lunch right around where we congregated at the start of the Walk. If you can make it, this will be yet another wonderful opportunity for you to "network" (sorry, about using such a tired expression). While we weren't able to secure one location for everyone - as we did last year at the Wilmington Waterfront - we should still be able to get several groups together at the recommended eateries and pubs. This is a great occasion to engage in a "Chimp and Chew" - a perfect time to talk photography and review each other's photos from the Walk.

[If you don't know what "Chimping" is, ask me at the Photo Walk!]

Sandro Cuccia

Leader, Historic New Castle Photo Walk

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