These babys will be collector’s items in about five days, so orders your right away.
We’re close to breaking last year’s t-shirt sale figure, and that matters big time because of course 100% of the profits go to feeding and caring for the kids at the Springs of Hope Orphanage in Kenya (the one the readers of this blog helped build from the ground up last year).
Here’s the link to order yours today. The shirts are cool, and helping the kids is even cooler.
Joe McNally’s Work Featured in National Geographic
Joe’s been covering assignments for National Geographic magazine for many years now, and in the July 2010 issue he’s got some amazing photos in their feature story on the 21st Century Electrical Power Grid. There’s a harrowing shot of Joe climbing out onto an electrical tower, from the skid of a helicopter (photo by Drew Gurian), and when you actually see what Joe goes through to “get the shot,” you realize what it takes to be a National Geographic photographer, and Joe has it in spades. You can see some of the images from the spread online, right here. Congrats Joe. Ya done good, kid. 
Tom Bol Baby, Yeah!
Killer Guest Blog yesterday from Tom Bol. One of my readers, Jeremy Proffitt wrote this comment yesterday about Tom’s post. “I think you said it best when you said ”I’ve come to realize non-paying personal projects are equally as important as paying jobs. I need them both to survive and grow as a photographer.” I couldn’t agree more. Just a great job Tom all around. Thanks for sharing your work and wisdom with us all.
There’s a deal goin’ on two of my books over at Borders
Well, it’s not every single Borders store, but “a whole bunch of ‘em.” Borders is running a promo for 30% off a small group of book titles, and two of them are mine: The Digital Photography Book, Volume 3, and Photo Recipes Live. The promo runs now through August 15th, and is available through select locations (here’s a link to the store locations that are doing the promotion). Visit a Borders store near you and check it out (provided of course, there is a Borders store near you).
You, and Rob Jones, raised another $1,200 for the Orphanage
With Towner Jones Photography’s gracious donations included, together we raised about $1200 this weekend on the Photo Walk t-Shirt sales, bringing the total raised so far for the Springs of Hope Orphanage in Kenya to around $3,700 (we’ve already raised more than half of what we did all of last year). If you haven’t ordered your official Photo Walk t-shirt yet, here’s the link. Thanks again Rob for having such a big heart for the kids.
World Wide Photo Walk Update
As I write this, we have 905 Walks around the world, and over 18,000 walkers. You gotta join in! Here’s the link.
Facebook “Like” is here
We’ve added Facebook’s new “Like” button to each of my daily posts, so if you see a post you like, share it with other folks by clicking on the Like button. You’ll like it. I’ll like it. It’s a like-like thing.
Forget the Dave Hill Effect…
…and check out Dave Hill, the photographer. It has been a while since I’ve been by his site, and his work just keeps getting better and better, on both the shooting side, and the post production side, and his concepts and execution are brilliant. So, if you haven’t checked him out since the “Dave Hill Effect” craze was in full swing, it’s time to stop by again and enjoy some really amazing photography. Here’s the link.
That’s it for today folks. See ya tomorrow!
Have a great Thursday, and try to stay cool.
Our buddy Rob Jones (of Towner Jones Photography), has come up with the “Killer Deal” of the year, for anyone participating in the World Wide PhotoWalk (or not).
You guys know we have official Photo Walk t-Shirts (Rob’s idea), and 100% of the profits from the sale of these shirts goes to the Springs of Hope Orphanage in Kenya, but Rob’s deal takes this up a BIG notch.
For this weekend only (through the 27th at midnight EDT), Towner Jones Photography will contribute an additional $10 per item to the Springs of Hope Orphanage.
Whether you’re walking or not, this is a AWESOME way to support the Orphange, and the walk, and you’ll look totally cool in the shirts.
Here’s the link. Order yours right now, while you’re thinking about it. 
My humble thanks to Rob for his incredibly big heart, and all his help in supporting the kids!
Hi gang: Here’s a quick update on how we’re doing with the Worldwide Photo Walk:
The Numbers
Wow!!! We’re at nearly 600 walks around the world, and by the time you read this, we’ll have almost 10,000 walkers registered in walks (to put that in perspective, that’s way more than we had for the first walk by a long shot, both in number of walks and walkers!). If you haven’t signed up for a walk, it’s not too late, and if there’s not a walk in your area yet, and you want to lead one, it’s not too late either. Here’s the link to get all the details, or sign up for a walk.
The Shirt
We’ve got some really cool t-shirts for walkers and leaders this year (see above), and once again 100% of the profits go directly to the Springs of Hope Orphanage in Kenya (last year we raised over $7,000 to feed and cloth the children), and this year we’re hoping, with your help, to raise even more. Here’s a link to order yours today (The link for Walk Leaders is on your Leader Dashboard).
The Love
If we didn’t get another city, my Publisher Peachpit Press would still be shipping over 1,200 copies of either my Lightroom 3 book, or my CS5 book, all over the world, and that they would be willing to do this to support the walk, is just amazing (I can’t imagine what that all costs. Well, I can, I just try not to), so do me a favor and check out their site here, or follow them on Twitter, or Facebook. They publish the very best books on Photoshop, Photography, and all the stuff we love, so please join me in giving them some big love, because without them, we couldn’t make all this happen. Thanks Peachpit (Nancy, Scott, Ted, and crew!!!).
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:
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!
Let me get this out of the way right up front. This challenge kicked my butt.
I could give you a half dozen or so excuses why I wasn’t able to get out to shoot some of the people and places I had planned on, and blah, blah, blah….but the fact is, I didn’t, and I wound up having to shoot right around my house, and well…I took 18 shots total—none of them good.
I felt like I should post something, so I’m posting the last shot I took (in desperation mind you), of the inside of a piano (shown above) because I knew as I was taking the other 17 shots that I didn’t have anything. However, even though I didn’t get a decent shot; I still really enjoyed the challenge.
NOTE: Here’s a link to the flickr Group I set up for anyone who participated in the challenge, where you can upload images you took during the weekend (and following the challenge rules). There are already lots of cool images up there from people who clearly did a better job than I.
The “Oh No!” Moment
I hiked over to a large pasture near my house, with these beautiful cypress trees with a perfect glassy mirror-like reflection. I got set-up to shoot (and it didn’t look nearly as good through my viewfinder as it did as I’ve driven by it a hundred times), but I took the first shot, and then immediately looked at the LCD monitor on back of my camera (which of course was turned off), and even though I was all by myself I had to laugh. How I’ve come to rely on that little monitor!
Click: 22¢ Click: 22¢ Click: 22¢
I remember back when I actually did shoot film, and how hesitant I would be to press that shutter button because each time I did I knew it cost me 22¢. I had that same feeling all over again, of making darn sure that before I took the shot, that it was composed properly, that my settings were right, and that I was really holding the camera steady (By the way, none of that helped).
Time won’t let me…..
Of course, it was the wait that got me. If I thought I really had gotten something, it would have killed me, but knowing I had pretty much blown it, it was easier waiting than I thought.
I didn’t get extra credit
Although I did set my ISO before I started (and didn’t change it, though I was highly tempted to on one occasion), I didn’t get extra credit for not post-processing, because I had to tweak the White Balance as I had been shooting outdoors and had pre-set my White Balance to cloudy, and needless to say, the Piano wasn’t outdoors. The fact that I needed to change the White Balance was just another reminder of how much we rely on the ability to change WB on the fly with digital, any time the light changes, without having to pop in a new roll of film. I also added contrast and an edge vignette in post (Oh the shame!). Anyway, I didn’t get extra credit for no post-processing, but do I get any love for hand-holding the shot at 0.6 of a second? No? Didn’t think so.
Of Course the Real Winner From All This Is….
The children of the Springs of Hope Orphanage in Kenya. Just a few hours after I announced the challenge on Friday, I got an email from Molly Bail at the Orphanage, letting me know that she knew something was up, because all of a sudden donations were literally pouring in (she didn’t know we were doing this, so it caught her totally by surprise).
So many people really pitched with donations—-it was just amazing. Even people who couldn’t participate still donated, and that really warmed my heart. There were posts from people who went way above and beyond, and literally donated hundreds of dollars (people like my friend and fellow photographer Janine Smith who has an incredibly big heart, and reader Eric Harmon, who couldn’t shoot this weekend, but gave a big donation anyway).
I am so genuinely thankful to everyone who went that one optional step further, donated the cost of a roll of film, and helped move the orphanage closer to self sufficiency. Your compassion never ceases to amaze me. I feel very fortunate to have you guys as my readers.
More Challenges to Come
Although we won’t be helping the Orphanage every time, I’m planning a new challenge each month, and the goal will be for us all to try new things photographically and creatively (including some techniques in Photoshop and/or Lightroom that will be new to a lot of us), and I hope you’ll share some of your ideas with me of things you’d like to see in upcoming challenges.
By the way….
Did I mention I have big news tomorrow?
First, watch the video below which explains the challenge, and the five things you need to do to complete the challenge, which is actually designed to stretch your creativity and give you a greater appreciation of the photographers who came before digital. So, start by watching this short video now:
So, what you’re going to do is shoot with your digital camera like it was a traditional film camera, but just for one day, and for just one “roll of film.” (but I’m not letting you off that easy. Keep reading on page 2:
Here’s a recap of the Old School Photo Challenge rules (to be completed this weekend):
So, here’s the deal… Remember what it was like to shoot film? That’s the idea here.
Go out and take 27 or 36 pictures, but you can see them for 24 hours.
Rather than actually going out and buying film, then paying to have it processed, you can donate that money to Springs of Hope Kenya to help them buy land to grow their own food.
Below are the costs for buying and processing film. To donate to Springs of Hope, head on over to their website.
First of all, thanks to Scott and Brad for giving me this opportunity. It’s always an honor to be a guest blogger here. And last time I blogged here, some amazing things happened. More on that later.
I wanted to chat this time about a growing concern I’ve had lately. I’ve been noticing from a few people that follow my work over the last couple years that seem misunderstood in their perception of who I am as a photographer or more importantly, how hard I’ve worked to succeed in the first place and how hard I’m still working. They seem to think that I’ve arrived at some magical destination in photography land where I just sit back and watch the jobs roll in. But more alarmingly, they seem to think the same thing is going to happen for them too. I see it all the time and it’s frustrating. It’s frustrating because they have the talent but they don’t have the drive or motivation. They seem to think that their amazing talent is going to do all the work for them. And sadly, that’s just not the case. Maybe it used to be that way but it’s not that way anymore.
I recently heard an assistant (24 years old) mocking a 30-something year old wedding photographer. He said, Read the rest of this entry »
Ken Toney, regular commenter here on the blog, won the raffle we did for the “Photoshop Guys Signature Guitar” and he sent me the shot above of the guitar, in its display case, hanging on the wall of his office (which is pretty sweet, by the way). Click on the photo for a larger view.
The raffle raised nearly $2,500 for the Springs of Hope Orphanage, and then we raised another $1,300+ from the off camera flash t-shirts (which are still available, in four stunning styles by the way), right here.
Also, we raised an additional $1,000 through this blog’s affiliate program with Think Tank Photo, (makers of the most awesome camera bags I’ve ever used) so if you’re thinking of buying any Think Tank gear (over $50), use this link and: (1) You’ll get a cool freebie from Think Tank (see below), and (2) 100% of the affiliate fee goes directly to the orphanage.
Here are the free Think Tank Goodies you get to choose from:
Anyway, all totally cool stuff, for a really important cause.
Thanks to Ken for sharing the photo, and thanks to you all for helping to support the great kids from the Spring of Hope Kenya Orphanage.
Scott is the editor-in-chief for Layers Magazine, Photoshop User magazine and the president of NAPP the National Association of Photoshop Professionals.
