How can our classes be over already?! It feels like we just started this workshop, and our students are just nicely finding their groove. The good news is that Heber will continue to run something of a photo club (without formal classes) for the students interested in continuing. We’re not sure at this point how long it will run, but a number of the kids are very excited about being able to continue their work.

Today’s class covered ‘Perspective’. It was a fantastic class to watch unfold… Heber did a great job teaching, our students were engaged, there were lots of comments and questions, and then a race out the door with their cameras.

Below you’ll see some images from Lupe and Mary. Both girls worked hard through the whole time we had together, trying many different shots, and working through different examples they were given in class. It was wonderful to see them in action!

For our fifth class with our students, we covered ‘macro photography’. In other words, we got up close to our subjects. This class is both a lot of fun, and a bit of a challenge. Because we use donated cameras, and most every camera is different, it takes a while to get each student’s camera set on the ‘macro’ setting, used to handling their camera in a different way, and of course looking at their world in a different way. With some time and patience, the challenging bits got ironed out. We’re really pleased with our students’ work. It never ceases to amaze me that they can find interesting subjects anywhere!

This look at the neighbourhood comes to us from Daniela.  She joined the workshop quite late and has only had a couple classes with us. When this vegetable vendor came down the street this morning, she didn’t hesitate to stop him and ask if she could make a few photos (the photo below is of his colourful wagon). It’s not uncommon to see horse-drawn wagons still make their way through neighbourhoods, selling their wares.

We always look forward to the class on portraits and environmental portraits, and find it’s a great time to send the cameras home with the students for a couple days. It gives us a chance to get to know our students beyond the short time we have together in class, and gives them longer with the cameras and more choice over subjects.

There were many images of moms washing dishes. And moms cooking. And a few more of moms washing dishes. (With Mother’s Day right around the corner, here’s a shout-out to Moms! Thanks for washing up so many dishes!) A few students photographed their rooms and toys. It is these very ordinary slices of life that so often show what is important in our lives.

Have I mentioned lately what a huge honour it is to work with these folks? It is.