More People of Cuba
Part 2
One more blog post with photos of More People of Cuba. Irresistible! Even though we’ve been home for over a month, I still have vivid and strong memories of our visit. And I’m so glad I have a large collection of photos to keep the memories and feelings alive! Hope you enjoy them, too. I’m going to display more photos with less commentary this time and refer you back to the previous blog post for more detailed descriptions and explanations. (Click here to access the previous blog post.)
The man in the photo above is a guajiro–a farm worker. They grow many things, including tobacco for cigars. Here he is rolling a cigar and you can see several other ones wrapped up on the shelf behind him. Note the bottle cap in the foreground which is filled with honey–they dip the unlit end of the cigar into the honey before lighting up.
More guajiros on the same farm. Looks like it’s a scene from a long time ago! And note the real ox carts that we rode in to get there–my fingerprints are still embedded in the rope from holding on!
As long as we’re talking about smoking…this guy has two cigarettes ready as he takes a break next to his typically Cuban colored home. Gotta love all the colors!
And, above is a quintessential cigar smoker in Old Havana.
More people of Cuba. Lots of stuff to see on the streets of Havana. Always something or someone interesting. Notice the guy snacking on a sugar cane. Too young for a cigar?
Outdoor commerce on a street in Havana…a shoe repair service.
Outdoor barber. Matching aprons for the customer and barber.
Lots of produce markets of varying sizes and types along the street and in outdoor marketplaces off the street. This guy seems to have left his delivery at the marketplace and is taking a break with his practically outfitted bicycle.
Not every car is a big, honkin’ mid-50’s Chevy! “Te Amo Mami” along the wall…how sweet!
Music and dancing everywhere…and at all times. This is Habanas Compas contemporary dance with percussion.
What fun! At Cafe Taberna in Havana.
People ask me if I’d go back. In a second! What an experience.
I’ve got a bunch more photos. Please check out my Instagram feed (sml_photos) for some of them. Or, drop by if you’re in the neighborhood! Eventually, I’ll make a book of my photos of the People of Cuba.
Please join me here and, as usual, leave your comments. I’m always interested to hear your opinions and questions!
Wow! One of my favorite sets of images from you. Great work, Stephen!
So glad you like them, Chris! Very appreciated. Thanks much.
Has your perspective changed at all since you’ve been home for a month? Do certain images move you differently?
Hmmm…hadn’t thought of that. But, I don’t think so. Still seems fresh and recent, I’d say. Kinda reliving the moments.
Thx.
Love them all! ???
Aw…so sweet, Merle! That makes me happy.
I agree completely with Chris Smith. Maybe my favorite group of images. You should do contract photojournalist work. These are a beautiful as any Nat’l Geo. photos. Everything about them is magical. Subjects, color and composition. Really love them!
Very nice to hear all that, Nancy! It brings me a special happiness when my photos elicit that type of reaction. That’s a big part of the reason why I try to do all of this!
I appreciate your comments very much. Thank you SO SO much.
When I see these I find myself wishing that I understood color more than I do. Does a bleached-by-the-sun aspect characterize those painted walls? I like how you bring that out. Were you tempted to join the dancers? I love those action shots!
I wish I understood color more, too!! haha
Yes…those bright colors and the bright sun have created a special palette. Color in every direction! I like the black and white potential, too, because of all the character and the local light. It’s a special place, for sure.
Not really tempted to dance with them! But it was fascinating to watch and feel the vibrations. Music everywhere!
Thanks, Dave!
I can understand the memories from your images. It is obvious you had the opportunity to see a cross section of what Cuba is like. Each of your images tell a story however the Havana Street Scene is a very emotional one for me.
Thanks for sharing.
Yes, we did see a cross section. And there is a lot more we didn’t see!
Friendly people, lots of color and character, activity on the streets constantly…all made for a good recipe for photography! I’m glad the Havana Street Scene appealed to you–it’s always nice for me to know which images different people like.
And thank YOU, Stan, for sharing your thoughts!
Great work Stephen, wonderful variety of views and compositions! Terrific, creative photojournalistic approach. Looking forward to see more…
Thanks very much, Marc! As you know, there’s lots to see there! Fun photography experience.
I have so many more photos…I’ve gotta figure out how to share the rest. Probably a book…or by configuring a slide show.
Wonderful collection of images that bring the place into focus.
Regards,
Richard
Thanks, Richard. I certainly appreciate your comment.
So much to see there! And lots going on.
Good job mate. What a great time we had, & such memories. When’s the exhibition? We’ll pop over ……… Hugs n Kisses.
Glad you like it, Geoff.
I couldn’t have phrased your description of our trip better. Judy and I have told many people that one of the main reasons for our enjoyment of our experience was the people in our group. Amazing how well that worked out!
No exhibition planned. haha But, still worth a pop-over. Or us popping over there! Hmmm…
Hugs ‘n Kisses back across the Ocean!
I have an idea for a reunion..details in april xoxMari
Yes, Mari…that would be fantastic!
As usual, great pictures. To me I see from your photographs a country that infrastructure is torn and wearing, yet the people seem to be happy and trim, maybe I shouldn’t have gave up smoking. Could be your keen eye.
Yes, Ben. It does appear that way to some degree. For sure, the people are open and friendly…at least, those we encountered. And maybe it is due to the smoking, dancing, rum, etc.!
Thanks for your kind words!
Thanks for the second go-round, Steve….a camera’s always a time machine, freezing bits of time…but these shots do more: they show another era….the look of cowboy days…or at least the middle of the last century…time travel. A thoughtful show as always.
An accurate description, Mike. I like the way it freezes time…but I also think our minds project more than just the single moment represented in a photo, instilling memories and emotions that extend beyond the frame.
Thanks so much…as usual.
Loved this group of photos. How tedious it is to roll cigars, especially if you are working in a factory and have to fill a quota. Did you get to smoke one? We have to have a get together. Thanks for giving us good memories of our trip.
Sure thing! I smoked a cigar at the farm and one in Havana. Quite good, actually, but I’m not gonna start the habit! haha
Glad the photos reminded you of your trip. I know we crossed some paths there…
I’m happy you loved these photos…that makes me happy.
For all it’s challenges, you’ve captured some buoyant pictures of land so close but so far away.
Yes…lots of challenges. But the people we encountered seem strong and resilient. And, for the most part, they deal with things in their own way.
Physically close to us, yet so far away in many other respects.
Thanks.
1. Was that male dancer able to get back to a standing position under his own power? You caught him in a seemingly unstable orientation. He must not be as old as you and I are! 2. The pink on the barbershop Jesus matches the pink on the walls–how did you find that? 3. Judging from your first 3 shots, smoking in Cuba is a very serious pastime. And your photos are smoking’ ! Love them all.
First of all, he got up from that position as if nothing had happened…and kept dancing. Yes…he is much younger than us! haha
Secondly, that Jesus picture was, in my mind, an important part of the composition when I took the photo! I made a specific point of including it in the frame with all the frames I exposed of that scene. To me, sometimes the peripheral components of a scene can make or break it for the overall image. Adds some interest away from the main focus point and compels one to look around the scene.
Thirdly, smoking is much more prevalent than here! Although not everyone was smoking. But it seems much more accepted and tolerated. Tobacco is a literal part of their culture…and economy.
I am so happy you like the photos. Thanks so much!
I love these photos. I really like the shoemaker. You capture the grit and tenacity of this rich culture and it’s beautiful people.
That’s so nice, Gayle. You put a smile on my face.
Rich culture–that’s a good description.
Maybe a trip there for you and Russ one day!?
No limit to my looking at these photos again and again. And although I was there – looking and seeing – you captured such moments that will serve my memory forever. The vibrancy of color and the composition of people and their places, be it their workplace, the street, or their home truly captures the spirit of Havana. Thanks for making this trip a together adventure.
As usual…you phrased it perfectly!
And especially thanks to YOU for making this another “together adventure.”
i really enjoy it when you group your great photos in themes – like the cigars and smoking. And then the wrought iron work. The portraits of the workers in black and white – maybe my favorites. A book would be great! How would you do that?
Yes, themes frequently work…especially for displaying. But, with social media, I also consider chronology, spacing, times, or aspect ratio. Etc. In this case, I agree that the “theme” is appropriate.
The guajiros (farm workers) were fantastic to photograph. I was happy to have the opportunity to photograph them and so glad that you like them, too.
Photo books are easy to make nowadays. I will probably organize a book directly through Lightroom, though there are a ton of other options and techniques.
Thanks!
Just LOVE the Cuba photos! One can really feel their spirit!
There’s definitely plenty of spirit there!!
Thanks so much, Ana Claudia!
I agree with everyone! The photos are stunning and could be in National Geographic!!!!!! Super WOW!!!
Thanks, Carol!
Such a gorgeous place with friendly people! It was a pleasure (and a rewarding challenge) to capture photos there.
I love your blog Stephen. You are quite an accomplished and talented photographer. You and Judy are charming trarvel companions!
I appreciate that, Mari!
And, likewise. When we discuss our trip between ourselves and with others, we always note that we were so fortunate to have such wonderful companions in our group. That added immensely to the overall enjoyment of our trip.
Beautiful work…your ability to capture the people of Cuba is tremendous. I felt as if I was there with you!
Love this collection ?????
I’m so appreciative, Steph. Glad you like the photos.
It would have been fun if you were there with us! I think you and Sandy would enjoy Cuba very much.
Another wonderful set of images. You have a gift for this style of photography. Another BRAVO!!
I appreciate that…especially from a photographer of your caliber. Thanks!
(To see John’s work, go visit his wonderful site with images, workshops, tutorials, and more: https://johnbarclayphotography.com/ HIGHLY recommended.)
Really beautiful collection of portraits Stephen-some of my favorites ever. I can feel the heartbeat!
Thanks much, Carol. Glad you like the photos! It was a wonderful experience in many ways…a joy to photograph!
Your photography is beautiful. I look at your photos and think, I may like to visit Cuba one day.
Oh…DO! I think it’s a fascinating destination. Beautiful scenery, eclectic and friendly people, nice climate, etc. Please let me know if you have any questions!
And I appreciate your comment…makes me happy!