By Lyndsie Kiebert
Reader Staff
Where one person might see a construction worker doing his job in a rainy parking lot, local photographer Rebecca Hagemann sees the reflection of a hard-working man in a puddle, possibly with a black and white filter once she captures the moment in her camera.
Rebecca Hagemann. Photo by Paula Turner.
It’s just one example of Hagemann’s eye for the perfect shot. Now, she’s using her passion and experience to lead a Worldwide Photowalk in Sandpoint on Oct. 6 in Sandpoint, after taking part in a handful of such walks across the country since 2009. Participants register online and then join a walking tour, taking photos along the way. Similar events will happen in thousands of cities across the world at the same time.
Hagemann said she’s excited to see the other participants’ eyes for photography in action.
“When you’re in a group of people, they get stuff and you don’t even see it,” she said.
The event is formally known as the 11th annual Scott Kelby Worldwide Photowalk, named for photographer, author and Adobe Photoshop guru Scott Kelby, who started what is now “the world’s largest global and social photography event.”
The Sandpoint walk will begin at 8:45 a.m. at Evans Brothers Coffee and end around 11 a.m. at MickDuff’s Beer Hall. While Hagemann has a route planned that includes some of her favorite spots to photograph downtown, she said the walk is flexible.
“By all means, feel free to go into your own little zone, just don’t step out into traffic,” she said.
Beyond taking photos, participants will have a chance to share their day’s captures with one another at the end. Photographers send their favorite shot of the day to Hagemann, and then she chooses a winner. Participants have a chance to win prizes like a DSLR, gift cards, apps and camera bags, and Kelby will select a grand prize winner and 10 finalists himself.
The event is free, but pre-registration is required. In lieu of a fee, participants are encouraged to donate to Springs of Hope Orphanage in Kenya.
Hagemann said she’s looking forward to capturing Sandpoint with other like-minded photographers, and hopes people take advantage of the social aspect of the event.
“With photographers, there’s all different kinds of personalities. You’ve got total introverts, and total extroverts,” Hagemann said. “Charge the batteries, have fun. It’s supposed to be about meeting other people.”
Learn more about the planned route and find more details at worldwidephotowalk.com/walk/downtown-sandpoint-idaho.
