Last night, the arts and culture media descended on DUMBO for the press preview and opening night shindig of the 2010 New York Photo Festival. The third annual international fest opened to the public today and runs through May 16th, featuring a jam-packed schedule of programming and lectures, portfolio reviews for aspiring photographers, main exhibits curated by an impressive line-up, and a wide array of interesting satellite shows.

For the Love of Brooklyn blogger Matt Nedbalsky is volunteering all weekend for the event, and reported today that the exhibits are well worth seeing; he even ran into Velvet Underground rocker / NYPH curator Lou Reed last night as the preview festivities came to a close.

For those of you interested in following along in real-time, check out the NYPH Twitter for a detailed account of the upcoming programs and events (hey, look! there’s a cocktail party that starts in an hour!). Their website has all the details if you’re planning a visit…

And if you need even more incentive get on down to DUMBO this weekend, Leica will lend you an M9 for the afternoon if you hand over a credit card and ID!! Seriously. (Drool.) Just bring your own SD card and steel yourself against the gear-envy that will inevitably transpire.

Hope to see you all this weekend!