Day 36 (Thur., Oct. 6)

I have mentioned on a few occasions that a good photograph has good expressions and good "eye" element. As you might remember, from yesterday's Phantom of the Opera photo, there's a cool "eye" photo. Today was kinda cool and I got lucky in getting a cool eye. The kid above looked through a straw in which there was sugar candy that he enjoyed while teachers at a local elementary school engaged in a charity volleyball game. The event was to raise funds for victims of hurricane Katrina.

I have so much respect for school teachers. They are under-paid and under-appreciated. But they have the most fun. A fun teacher is always the teacher you will remember for the rest of your life. But what makes a fun teacher?

Someone who takes the time to listen to your problems? Yes!

Someone who has fun and exciting activities? Yes!

Someone who can teach you about life? Yes!

That's what teachers do, and much more.

I had fun shooting the event even after a rude lady said "it's about time you got here" as I walked into the school's cafeteria. Man was that rude! It rubbed me the wrong way just because she acted as if I HAD to be there. Hmmm, maybe I HAD to be there. But I wasn't there for her, I was there for the sake of the reader and everyone in the community. I guess this lady thought I was her personal photographer for the day. I hope she at least buys the paper tomorrow, so that she can do her part in paying for my services. Haha. Yeah, I know that's a mean statement. But seriously, did she have to say that? That was just rude.

I shot the above photo thinking it would work. But I guess it was a little corny. There's two reasons why I shot this. The main reason because of the letter K that instructed where the kindergarden students would sit and watch the teachers play. I figured to use this as a play on words.

"K is for kill," as in the way you can score a point in volleyball.

or better yet, have it apply to the event:

"K is for Katrina."

My editor didn't think it was clever enough. Oh well, I guess today I was corny.

I finished the day by going to a local park to document the celebration of Fiestas Patronales, a weekend-long celebration for people of Puerto Rico.

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