Atlanta Celebrates PhotographyEach October, Atlanta is transformed by more than 150 photography-related exhibitions and events hosted by a diverse network of galleries and venues across the city.

The 12th annual month-long festival kicks off Saturday, Oct. 2 with the My Atlanta Exhibition in Piedmont Park. Photographers – from amateurs to professionals – are invited to hang their best photo in the park’s community center between 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The exhibition will be up through the end of month and prizes will be given in several categories.

The Savannah College of Art and Design will host a number of artist lectures, including noted entertainment photographer Art Streiber on Oct. 6, 7 p.m.

The ACP Photography Auction will be held at the King Plow Art Center on Oct. 8 starting at 6:30 p.m. with silent and live auctions of photos by noted artists.

The public can view portfolios of photographers from across America and the world on Oct. 16 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Grady High School during the Portfolio Walk.

Other events include a Photo Book Fair at Piedmont Park on Oct. 23 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; film screenings at Eyedrum on Oct. 26 and 28; and a closing party on Oct. 30 from 6 to 10 p.m. at Atlantic Station.

For a full list of events and to download a full festival guide, visit www.acpinfo.org.

– Collin Kelley

Collin Kelley is the executive editor of Atlanta Intown, Georgia Voice, and the Rough Draft newsletter. He has been a journalist for nearly four decades and is also an award-winning poet and novelist.