Snapped! Introducing: FotoFocus.

It's recently been brought my my attention (ahem, I'm looking at you, Zach), that I haven't written in a while. Of course, I knew this was true, and have been chastising myself over my lack of web presence these days -- heck, I've hardly even tweeted! The reality is, I've been busy -- really busy. Work is nuts (but going well), and I've been traveling like a crazy person for one wedding after another.

This week, I am home in the Mitten -- and I'm so happy to spend a few brisk fall days in my favorite state. However, there is lots going on in Cincinnati this week that I am bummed to be missing -- especially the start of FotoFocus.

This is the inaugural year for the month-long festival dedicated to the art of photography. The brainchild of Thomas R. Schiff, FotoFocus is bringing the work of more than 500 artists to more than 50 venues in Cincinnati -- from small, intimate galleries, like the Alice F. and Harris K. Weston Gallery, to more unexpected places, like the Holy Cross Church Mount Adams Monastery in Mt. Adams. In addition to the photography, workshops for professional and amateur photographers alike will take place throughout the month -- and, of course, there will some fabulous parties.

Kicking off the social aspect of FotoFocus is SIDESHOW, happening October 5 in the Backstage Theater District Alley. Yes -- an alley, which will be transformed into a vintage/high-tech carnival complete with music, food, booze, entertainment, stunts, daredevils, artist-made games, rides, and even an audio-visual fun house. Tickets are $25 -- unless you purchase a FotoFocus FOCUS, ZOOM or FLASH Passport, then admission to the party is included.

It's fitting that if we start the month with a Sideshow, we should end it with a freakshow -- which is why CARNEVIL is the theme of the FotoFocus wrap party. CARNEVIL -- happening October 27 -- will be the freakiest, creepiest, sexiest Halloween party Cincinnati has ever seen. All the freaks will be out to play at the haunted Thompson House Mansion in Newport, Kentucky. Tickets are $50, unless you purchase a FotoFocus Passport, which not only includes admission, but early entrance and an open bar for the first two hours of the event.

Follow FotoFocus on Facebook or Twitter to stay up-to-date about all the happenings this month, or check out the calendar of events. It's an exciting time to be in Cincinnati -- and hopefully I'll have a little more time to write about my FotoFocus experiences throughout the month.