Fun times ahead...but remember those less fortunate.

So, the Scott Kelby Worldwide Photowalk is this upcoming weekend.  Just a few weeks ago I had no clue what this was or what was involved.  I received an invite from one of my previous instructors and signed up.  This is a worldwide event where 50 walkers/photographers from each city that is participating all meet up for a photography outing.  There are approximately 1000 cities participating in this worldwide event.  For my local event, it will take place in downtown Mobile, Alabama.  We will meet down at Cooper Riverside Park and all set out for 2 hours of photography fun.  Afterward we have plans for grabbing a bite of lunch and getting to know others in the industry from our town and surrounding areas.  Great opportunity for a meet and greet.

Our setting will be in downtown Mobile... many great photo opportunities will be available to include historic buildings, abandoned buildings, people bustling around town, shopping and just the city itself. I have walked through the downtown area before and grabbed some great photos.  I think my favorite part of walking through downtown Mobile and taking photographs had to be my visit to The Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (http://www.mobilecathedral.org/).  Visiting the cathedral was a real treat.  I was just in awe of the beauty of that building and all that it represents.

Downtown Mobile is so full of culture, history and life.  You can visit every day and always see something different and new.  There are couples strolling the streets, businesses booming with the locals and visitors to our great city, and sights of a city in the process of rebuilding downtown to attract more visitors and to make it more inviting.  Of course, along with this you have the harsh reality that not everyone is fortunate enough to have a home, to be on the streets of downtown Mobile for an afternoon outing or enjoying the day.  Much like many other cities you will find the less fortunate individuals who are forced to live on the streets, struggling from day to day just to get by.  When I'm downtown I try to keep this in perspective and remember that this can happen to anyone.  No one plans on becoming homeless or set out as a life goal to end up living on the streets.  As winter approaches in the next couple of months, let's remember that.  Clothing donations that go directly to the homeless, and not through a resale store, are accepted at First Christian Church, 1419 Government Street, in downtown Mobile, Alabama.  When cleaning out your closets, please consider this.  They accept donations all day on Tuesday and during afternoon hours on Wednesday.

Returning my focus back to the photo walk...there's a new little twist to this whole adventure.  As some of you may know, Bayfest was scheduled for the same weekend.  After 20 years, Bayfest has called it quits, and the streets of Mobile appeared to be quiet and uneventful for the photography event.  Well, not so fast... There is a new festival coming to town to replace Bayfest called the Ten Sixty Five.  Two stages, lots of bands and FREE.  Now, this will present quite a challenge for 50 folks wandering around downtown snapping photos for 2 hours because, ummm, the festival is held in downtown Mobile.  Now, this can be viewed in one of two ways.  This can be looked at as a huge pain in the backside for navigating the streets and getting great photos... OR... this can be looked at as a gift.  Free festival with lots of people, endless opportunities for candid street shots, entertainment shots, people eager to grab their moment in the camera spotlight.  I think I'll go with the second option... I welcome the photo opportunities!