2009 Oakland Fine Arts Summer School Finally::Time of My Life

As some of you guys were aware I participated again this year in the Oakland Fine Arts Summer School program here in Oakland as the photography instructor for 4th and 5th graders. Words cannot express how blessed I was for the opportunity to work with such wonderful kids doing what I love. Although the program ran for 4 weeks I'd like to share just the last two days of the program, one in which the kids put on a showcase event for their parents. This year there were some wonderful instructors in dance and theater not to mention an incredible set and costume design instructor. Since the death of Michael Jackson took place during the program the dance instructor appropriately put together a performance in his honor and the kids absolutely rocked it.

While documenting the showcase I couldn't help but be overwhelmed with a feeling of "My kids are all grown up!!!" I was so proud of all the kids who spent countless hours rehearsing and practicing. This definitely has to be one of the all time highlights of my life.

Lastly check out this article from the SF Chronicle about the program. Too bad they were just there for the morning program (I taught in the afternoon program).

See for yourself!

This year's theme for the Parks and Rec Department


















Some of the boys doing their version of MJ's "I'll be there"

2009 OFASS:: 19 Days Around the World

I'm so blessed to have this opportunity to do two things I'm passionate about: Teaching and Photography.

As many of you might know I pushed really hard for donations for this year's Oakland Fine Art Summer School program in which I am teaching photography. The first two days has went well, though most of it is going over rules and how to handle the cameras. Yesterday (day 2) I brought in the gear (2 of my own cameras, 2 donated cameras, and 3 in which I purchased out of my own pocket) and had the students play around and get familiar to the equipment.


Last year since the kids were using all my gear I had no chance to document the entire process. This year, I've made sure that I have my camera so that I may show everyone the journey we are taking during these next 4 weeks.

Here are some shots from my camera.

A couple of my students from last year. This girl in particular, Kijika (dreded hair) told me last year at the end of the program that she wants to be a photographer when she grows up. I was very touched by that.








This student isn't in my classes in particular but I liked his hair so I took a photo.


These girls are not in my class as well, but I thought they were adorable w/ their glasses.


That's my D300 w/ my 60mm AF-S lens. Don't worry, I taught them well how to handle the cameras. On top of that this student was from last year so he knows very well how to handle the gear.


I thought the expression on this student's face was priceless.


Thanks everyone. If you or if you know someone who would like to donate printing services please do contact me directly.

OFASS::Sharing the love w/ future photographers

Last July out of sheer luck I had the wonderful opportunity to teach photography to 4th and 5th graders though the City of Oakland's Park and Rec Oakland Fine Arts Summer School (OFASS). It was a short 4 week program where children in Oakland have the opportunity to take all sorts of different art classes, one of them being my photography class.

This year I have the great honor to teach again. Last year I received a few donation of old digital cameras from talented photographers like Erica Berger and Bill Head and I purchased 2 extra digital SLRs and let the kids use my personal dSLRs. We had a ratio of 4 - 5 kids per camera, which was great for the first time. But this year I'd like to ask for everyone's help in getting equipment for the kids to learn on.

If you have an old dSLR that is just collecting dust we'd love to borrow it for the duration of the program. We'll do our best to return it in the same condition as we received it and if by any means it is damaged I will personally repay you out of my pocket. If you do have anything you'd like to donate to help, please email me at rob@nlightenimages.com. The program starts in June 22nd and runs through July 17.

Here are some photos that the kids took last year. Remember, the KIDS TOOK THESE PHOTOS!!!