Thursday, June 25, 2009

Granada


Arriving at Granada, we were all so excited to see an upgrade in the hostel living. The air conditioning works great, we get internet, and the rooms are larger. Granada is a smaller city with a good amount of people. It's very well decorated and there are many areas where you can get a good view of the city. So far, we have met with Tino, the National Geographic photographer, and he has given us many lessons, resulting in an increase in our photography knowledge. I would say that his most important advice is to become involved in what you are photographing. He has a great way of explaining things, and the advice he gives is greatly appreciated. After we go out and take photographs, Tino has everyone download their best photos onto a hard drive, and he critiques everyone's work individually. It's such a privilege to be able to hear what he has to say, and whenever he gives me advice, I am sure to take it. He has said that it's very important to have conversation with those who you want to take pictures of instead of just "stealing" photographs. As a result, I've been able to use my spanish and work on my spanish conversational skills. One of my favorite places we have visited in Granada is a big overlook where you can see a beautiful view of Alhambra, the castle city. Not only is the view great, but many people go there to sit on the edge and just all hang out together. It's a fun social setting onlooking one of Granada's main attractions. We have been able to take quality photographs there since we've been twice; once during the day and once during the evening. The sunset is beautiful while at the overlook and it lights up the castle, giving the castle a natural warm color in photographs. Recently, we were able to watch the U.S. verses Spain soccer game which was a great experience considering all the diehard soccer fans in Spain. However, despite Spain's consecutive wins, America came out with the victory, giving us all something to celebrate about. Today we were given an opportunity to watch girls dance the flamenco and take many photos. We went to a flamenco school where young girls take lessons to become professional flamenco dancers. They were all very talented and the dancing was a lot of fun to watch. We were very surprised to find out that a lot of the dancing that they were doing was improv. None of it had been practiced, so the instructor would call out specific moves and they would all be done consistently. Unfortunately, today was also Tino's last day to be with us. However, his advice will stick with me and he has already improved my photography skills with just the five days he was with us. I felt so lucky to be able to work with him! 

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