Photographers from around the area traveled to Motley July 24, to participate in the “Scott Kelby World Wide Photo Walk.” Pictured above, from left, are (standing) Tonya Erickson, Staples; Barb Becker, St. Cloud; Brenda Pfeffer, Motley; Nan Stilwell, Colorado; Jane Stevens, Merrifield; Mike Morris, Brainerd; Lisa Haste, Motley; Sandra Holm, Merrifield; Peg Serani, Baxter; Deanie Nelson, Brainerd; Dawn Hines, Brainerd; Roy Abbott, Brainerd; Jake Rennaker, Brainerd; Zachary Toms, Brainerd. Kneeling, from left, Jeff Collins, Baxter; Sara Hennen, Pierz. Not pictured are Pat Cronk and Sara Cronk. (Staples World photo by Dawn Timbs) Eighteen photographers from Central Minnesota met in Motley July 24, for the third annual “Scott Kelby World Wide Photo Walk.”

Approximately 900 Photo Walks took place that day in cities all over the globe, with over 30,000 photographers participating. Seven of the walks were held in Minnesota.

Florida-based Kelby, the president of Photoshop, started this event in an effort to encourage photographers to gather socially and to share different photography techniques with one other.

As an incentive, Kelby is offering one grand prize for the best submitted photo; and 10 honorable mentions.

Participants spent the day documenting a variety of events, with hopes of taking an award winning photo.

Lisa Haste, Motley, was

the organizer and team

leader of this area’s event. “We had more walkers, believe

it or not, than cities like Bemidji, St. Cloud, Chanhassen and Rochester,” Haste said.

The photographers gathered at Countryside Restaurant and then disappeared to take photos around town.

“It was a great day to take pictures in Motley because of the Two Rivers Music Fest and the parade. There were so many photo opportunities,” Haste said.

She encouraged her crew to search for stories when looking through the camera lens. “Will that photo tell a story?” Haste asked the group members.

After spending a few hours on their own, the photographers reconvened at the Countryside Restaurant to share their morning’s experiences.

Tonya Erickson from Staples said she concentrated on taking photos of the elderly.

Jake Rennaker, Brainerd, said he found a lot of photo opportunities during the parade. “I loved getting pictures of the clowns,” he added.

Nan Stillwell, Colorado, spent time documenting activity at the flee market in Motley. “I saw the antique sign; and then found an old man nearby and asked if he’d pose for a picture by the sign. I thought that told a neat story,” Stillwell said.

Many of the walkers in Motley are members of the Focal Point Photography Club in Brainerd. Some are graduates of or currently studying photography at Central Lakes College.

“I think it’s important to keep up your passion, to hear ideas from others and to take different photos than you usually do,” said Sara Hennen, a professional photographer from Pierz.

For most of the photographers in Motley, this was

the first time they had participated

in a photo walk. “I’d definitely do it again,”

said Zachary Toms of Brainerd.

Haste said that the high point of the day for her was

sharing stories later with

her fellow photographers. “Many of them witnessed

older generations visiting with their families in a tender way,” she said. “I believe everyone truly enjoyed their experience.”