October 12,1991
EL UVALDE TIMES
Page 11
Images
By Ricardo
Flores




Photo tip: When trying to please someone other than yourself, don’t take a photo assignment if the time scheduled and the scenic environment are not beneficial to the photograph.
Many photographers have had at least one nightmare sometime during their lifetime. For me it came one day while trying to do a favor. If all began one weekend morning, as I was preparing for my daily schedule of events and was interrupted to do a free-lance assignment. The assignment promised to barely pay for my photo material costs but I didn’t mind taking it out of consideration for an organization that was unprepared in scheduling a photographer and needed one within hours notice.
Right from the start, I should have known that something would go wrong after the initial conversation with a lead person which clearly told me that the surroundings and the hour of the day weren’t ideal for a photograph.
During the conversation, I recommended to the individual that we look for another hour and location but was told that it was impossible to change the time and environment. I tried once again to stress the bad conditions to the individual but my naive desire to assist the group and the desperate plea of them not being able to find someone else blurred my better judgement and I took the assignment.
Upon arriving at the place, I came across what I had anticipated earlier, poor lighting, bad scenic conditions and a huge crowd of eager individuals ready to have a picture taken. I swept the only area feasible for me to take the image of the group and asked the group leader to arrange the people and try to keep them in order. As usual with kids of all ages, it was hard to control the group and get them to all to pay attention. Nonetheless, since I felt committed, I had no choice but to go ahead and take the picture. Once that I took the picture, I felt that I had done the best to my ability under the poor working conditions and most important of all, that I had assisted the group in some form.
The next day, much to my disappointment (but not to any disbelief) after displaying one of the final prints to the person in charge, I was told that the picture was not satisfactory. I was criticized for not getting the best picture possible of the group. When I tried to mention what I had tried to get across earlier about the bad conditions on the day of the shooting, I was told that I should have known better and not wasted the group’s time in taking the picture. They were right, I should have never photographed the group, even as a favor, under those conditions, for that decision had made my photography skills look bad.
In a photographic perspective, this experience has taught me two lessons: don’t take any free-lance assignment when the time and the location is not suitable, and not to let anyone force me to agree to make such a choice.
PHOTOGRAPHY TIP FOR MY READERS:
Listen to what the photographer wants. If he wants a better location or hour to take the picture follow his advice. When there is a group involved try to assist the photographer in getting everyone in an orderly manner and follow his instructions to set up the group.
■
' I
Isaac Hinojosa and Adrian Medina (L-R) appeared before the school board on October 1.
Uvalde 1991-92 Diez y Seis Queen
Rachel Reyes, 16, of 204 E. Leona was announced as the new 1991 Diez y seis de Septiembre Queen at El Jardin de Los Heroes Park. She is the daughter of Rodolfo and Maria Trevino.

-----AND-------
TORTILLA FACTORY
Correction
In our story about Gilbert Ruiz, former Uvaldean who is now the Director of Financial Institutions for the State of Illinois (in our September 14 issue) we left out the name of his older brother, Ascención Ruiz who is a resident of Uvalde. We also erred in the name of his younger brother, Arturo Ruiz who is now a resident of Gurnee, Illinois. We regret the errors since Mr. Ruiz had given the editor very correct and detailed information about his family. Our apologies to Mr. Ruiz and his family. His story, by the way, has brought received many good comments. Uvalde is indeed proud of Mr. Ruiz.
A letter to Adrian
Dear Adrian,
I didn't have the opportunity to talk with you at the school board meeting on October 1, but I sat there admiring your courage as you spoke before the board of trustees and presented your concern for your education and stood for what you believe is your right to your unique hair style. Your friends that came with you were there to support you before the board.
Your concern that by being isolated from the other students you are not recieving an adequate education and may lose credits leads me to admire you more than your concern for individuality. You care about recieving a good education. Many students out there just want an outrageous appearance and don't care to participate in a classroom with the other students, they sit passively and uninterested. They don't do their homework and don't strive to expand their knowledge. Your appearance before the board was an experience in the democratic process, you were an active participant in the government you have studied in class. You became aware of who runs our school system, how taxpayers are heard, how parents can have a voice in how our children are being educated and how our tax money is spent.
You disagree with the limitations the school system has created on hairstyles. I, on the other hand, disagree with how our citizens are treated when they come before the board with a concern, a complaint or request. Unfortunately, we cannot change the established procedures (or individuals' attitudes) by going to one school board meeting and voicing our opinion. For now, you and I and all the other citizens who are dissatified with our school system must work through the established rules, local policies and state and federal laws to bring about change.
Adrian, your education is most important right now. Reach a compromise with your hairstyle. Be unique within the established school dress code. You are an intelligent young man with courage and determination. Use these qualities to create dialogue among your fellow students and work with the student council to bring about changes. Help me show the school administration that our students are capable of conforming to the rules but also participating in bringing about change. Each generation brings to society its own identity, its own contribution—sometimes
Continued on Page 12
“WATCH YOUR TORTILLAS BEING MADE FRESH WHILE YOU WAIT’'
TEX-MEX CUISINE
STEAKS•SEAFOOD SALAD BAR
Across from Uvalde Plaza
2217 E Main
278-4422