I am going back to Puebla on Sunday, February 28th to teach photography at Esperanza Viva through Aver School. This is one of the best adventures I have embarked on as a photographer. It is also a round, whole experience: it allows me to combine photography, teaching children and young adults, and reaching to those who will have a great time learning skills that, hopefully, will be useful in their lives.
The famous Talavera tiles are typical from the Puebla area. Photo by Antonio. México 2009. All rights reserved.
Every single student I had at Aver School touched my heart deeply. They might not know this, but they gave me as much or more to enrich my life. I can’t wait to see them again!
Antonio. Photo by German. México, 2009. All rights reserved.
Again, I will be the Venezuelan chica with “that strange accent” (according to my students) giving them tips and pointers on how to better capture the people and things they love and live with on a daily basis. I am also sure we will be reviewing the much talked about “Mexican-Venezuelan” dictionary!
This time, we will be revisiting the concepts and information we discussed on September 2009, and then, I will be introducing them to more complex elements such as exposure and depth of field. Of course, always making this learning experience a fun one.
Girls at Esperanza Viva. Photo by Leandro. México, 2009. All rights reserved.
For those who don’t know what Aver School is, this wonderful project was founded by my dear friends, Ruth and Stan Hartmann. The main goal of Aver School is simple and beautiful. As they say in their website “Aver School is an organization founded to teach digital video, photo and audio skills to children and youth in orphanages and homeless shelters around the world who would otherwise not have access to such an education.”
Very soon, a calendar with the children’s photos from last September’s photos will be on sale. I will make sure I give an update about this. To see the amazing photos our students took in that opportunity, please visit the School’s Flickr pool.
Also, please let me know if you have a digital camera in good condition that you’d be willing to donate to the School (tax deductible). Ruth is taking $20 donations to buy each one of the children a SF card as well. If you wish to support us in one way or another, please email me at studio at valenvitols dot com or follow us on Twitter and send us a direct message (DM). Our Twitter handles are @valentinavitols, @HartmannRuth and @AverSchool.
You can also donate here: http://averschool.chipin.com/2010-esperanza-workshop
I am very proud and honored to be helping the Hartmanns with Aver School. It has changed my life (and my husband Ryan’s as well) in ways I never imagined. And of course, I am VERY excited to visit one of my dearest countries in the world, Mexico. This is Mexican trip número 8 for me. When I think about Puebla, I am all smiles (scenery, people, FOOD, history, vibe. It has all).
Pastoral México. Photo by Ryan Bello. México, 2009. All rights reserved.
Can’t wait to have Tacos al Pastor. In Puebla. Happiness. Photo by Valentina Vitols. México, 2009. All rights reserved.
¡Para México me voy!
20 Comments
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