People of Cuba
Part One
Man on the Street in Havana, Cuba
Judy and I traveled to Cuba as part of a photography workshop. An amazing experience! Such a beautiful and colorful island community. So warm and friendly. I am going to focus my attention in this blog on the People of Cuba. That is, photos that include the diverse and interesting people I encountered and, in most cases, met.
Our trip was led by the famous photojournalist, Peter Turnley, who also happens to be a warm and engaging person with an extremely high degree of character. His resume includes over 40 covers on Newsweek and many awards. SO cool to spend so much time photographing and talking with him. His assistant on the trip was Néstor Martí, a Havana native who is also an extremely talented and “known” Cuban photographer…and a new friend! And we also have another friend, Armando Gutierrez from the Jewish community in Havana. And, a highlight of the trip were the other two couples in our group–Adam and Mari (from Seattle) and Geoff and Debs (from Isle of Man). We hope to stay in touch and remain friends with all of these people!
Let’s jump right in because there’s SO much to talk about and see!
The photo above was a scene I saw from quite a distance away. I approached the man slowly and moved clearly in his direction while making eye contact and smiling. Not sure then (or now!) if he understood me, but I picked up my camera a bit, showed it to him, and asked if I could take his photo. He just nodded and didn’t change his expression. I took a few images, watching as the figures on the edge of the frame moved around a bit. I smiled and thanked him.
Skipping Rope in Havana
I don’t recall the exact specifics of this, but I noticed the wall from a distance and saw the girl jumping rope. I signaled to her that I wanted to photograph her and she obviously approved! In fact, as luck would have it, she moved over slightly so that she was by the “white panel” of the wall as she jumped high. I seem to recall going across the street and showing her the image on the back of my camera, as I usually do. (Though I have the preview set up on my camera as black and white.) By the way, I really like the paint and subtle character markings on the wall and street.
Man Relaxing in His Doorway
The people of Cuba seemed to be visible and willing to be photographed. And, they know how to pose! I really got the idea that they are used to being photographed and know that it’s good PR to look good for the tourist’s cameras. I like his relaxed body language and the blues and greens on his building. I also really like the little peak that we get inside the door where we can see his wife, smiling.
Hanging Out in Havana
More people of Cuba, hanging out on the streets of Havana. I saw this group of guys, chatting and laughing…having a good time. So, I got in front of them and asked if I could take their photo and they started mugging and goofing around and I took photos of that, but asked them nicely if they could not goof around so much. This frame is the result…much better than laughing and mugging at the camera, eh? Again, nice color and wall!
Praying at Church
Okay…I admit this takes some degree of guts! haha That is, our group went into the church on a Sunday to watch and observe. I moved to the front of the congregation and sat down right next to this group of women. I was very close and they obviously knew I was there even though I didn’t feel it was appropriate to speak or interrupt them at this moment. But I clicked a few frames to let them get comfortable and feel relaxed about what I was doing. When their hands went up in prayer, I felt I had something and quietly moved away while smiling at them. Sometimes I really, really like a photo…and this is one of them.
Guajiros, Farm Workers, in Viñales
Viñales is two or three hours west of Havana. It’s a bit more agricultural area than we were accustomed to visiting. When we first got there, I couldn’t figure out an “angle” to capture them working. Then, as we were leaving and moving on to another area, I approached the man and asked him if I could photograph him with his hands on his hips, and I signaled/asked the man in back to stand for a moment, too. I then gathered them, showed them the image on the back of the camera, and thanked them. Just the image that I had in my mind. I am very happy it turned out…that doesn’t always happen!!
In the Wings of the Ballet
A real treat and surprise to see more people of Cuba came when we went to visit the dress rehearsal for The Nutcracker. What an experience! Peter suggested we go into the wings, off stage, and photograph the dancers who were there. At first glance, there was very little light, but then I realized it was outstanding, dramatic light! Just enough light from the bright lights across the other side of the stage came through and provided a real opportunity for photos! Once again, all the dancers were agreeable.
For you photo geeks out there, note that Peter suggested we use one camera and he recommended sticking with a wide angle lens. That’s not unusual for me, but I kept to that concept 100%. Every one of the photos made by me on this trip were with one camera and a fixed focus 35mm wide-angle lens. I’m also trying to determine what to do with all the images! For now, I am sharing them on Instagram (visit me at sml_photo), Twitter (@stephen_levin) and my personal and photo Facebook pages. I’ll also make at least one more blog post on the same topic. Eventually, I will make a book of the People of Cuba and every image will be black and white. And Judy and I will also make a color photo book about the trip which will include HER fabulous images!! There are SO many photos!
Please join me here and, as usual, leave your comments. I’m always interested to hear your opinions and questions!
Thanks for stopping by!
Stephen M. Levin
www.SML-Photos.com
Facebook – @stephenmlevinphotography
Twitter – @stephen_levin
Instagram – sml_photo
stephen@sml-photos.com
Thanks for sharing. I like the varied “PhotoJournalistic” style to your images. The image “Praying” is very intense and dramatic. Outstanding!
Interesting observation about the style, Stan.
Thanks so much for your comments…and SO glad that you like that photo!
Exciting! I love the blues that you used. Do we have any beach pictures in our future? Did you see some street dancing and/or salsa?
Ha! I didn’t “use” any particular blue…it’s one of the prevalent colors that’s all over Cuba. The building, clothes, cars, etc. Part of the personality.
Lots of music and dancing all day…everywhere!
(Beach photos?? Ya never know!)
Thx, Dave.
Amazing photography, Steve. If there be a competition, entering “In the wings of the Ballet” and the “ladies in prayer” would be blue ribbons. All in all, a fascinating exhibit which gives us a window into a culture.
Thanks much, Alan. Glad you like the photos! And I hope it does serve as a window into their culture. Fascinating and friendly!
Incredible and so unique.
Thanks, Jordan. We think you’d like it there. Culture and character around every turn.
It wasn’t what I had expected. It was a great look in to the life of those living in Cuba. A wonderful perspective.
Thank you.
Thanks!
Such an interesting place to visit…for sure!
I was there with you, making my own memories, but I still love looking at what you caught and how you framed it. I look forward to working on those photo books with you.
SO glad we shared this interesting experience together. Let’s keep ’em coming!
Steve, 1st place for the Girl – in the wings of the ballet!! I adore her – enlarge this & on your wall it goes.
1+st for the Praying Gals in church…Oh My!!
All are wonderful – love the look of the guy with hands on the hips. You & Judy experienced such an amazing adventure & you’ll have it forever, not only on film, but in your heart & mind.
There are SO many more photos from this trip. But, your right–Judy and I also have lots of good memories and images in our minds from this trip.
Glad to hear you like those photos. That makes me very happy, indeed!
Thanks.
Stephen,
In the few that you showed here, I can only imagine the other 3000 outstanding others and those that Judy took. You have a keen sense of capturing people ‘in the raw’ so to speak, making Cuba so real for many who have not been there. ‘Captured’ is the best word to use for how you see art at the moment. The people, the scene and the timing so very important. Looking forward to seeing all the others. So happy you & Judy had this experience.
Not quite 3000..but close! haha
I like that description…trying to make things “real” for the viewer! I do try.
I have so many images to share from this trip…that’s good! There is so much to see there. Might have to return…!?!??
Thanks, Dianne.
Wonderful Stephen! My favorite was the dancer. So happy that you were able to experience Cuba and its warm people. Also glad to see you got out of Havana. Seeing Viñales is a good break from the urban capital.
Thanks for stopping by, Alex! And, thanks for commenting.
We agree that it was nice to see areas outside of Havana. Now we are interested in experiencing some other areas. Gotta go back!
Photos are just beautiful. So enjoyed them all…but, “Hanging in Havana” is my favorite. I love the colors of Cuba.
Thanks for sharing your your memories.
Thanks much!
I agree…the colors are amazing. The cars, buildings, clothes…everything. But, I’m still gonna make a black and white collection of photos of people! Lotsa character, too!
Glad you stopped by, Jackie.
Thank you for another type of view of the Cubans. Our trip was of a different nature, so these photos bring back another dimension of the people.
Yes. I agree that there are many dimensions of Cuba worth exploring. We’ll just have to go back!!
Glad to see you here, Bobbi!
These are remarkable photos both in color and black and white. People are people no matter where we find them.
I’m guessing you a gazillion photos from your trip and looking for to seeing a lot more of them.
I really appreciate your remarks, Jonathan.
It’s a beautiful place…and the people are the main stars, so to speak! And friendly! So much going on and so much to see.
Yes, I took a lot of photos, but not quite a gazillion! haha I imagine I’ll have more blog coverage with different images. Also, if you like, I have been posting on Instagram as sml_photo as well as a small number on Facebook and Twitter (@stephen_levin).
Steve,
You truly captured Cuba on film. Many of these photos reminded me of what I saw when I was there. Glad you enjoyed your Cuban experience!!
Yes…we enjoyed our experience very much. Glad the photos are able to serve as somewhat of a reminder of your trip, too.
Thanks for visiting the blog and commenting, Rickie!
Steve – Magnificent, as always. Your eye is outstanding. I love the juxtaposition of the older man on the rocker with the younger dude coming up behind him in the first shot. Intentional or not, it’s a great subtext. The prayer women is beautiful, capturing peace, devotion and sincerity. Wonderful work.
Thanks for the kind words about the photos. It’s especially nice when a photo of mine seems to reach someone…that’s the point of all of this!! Appreciated.
SO glad you like those photos…I had to “wait” for the upcoming dude to get in the right spot in the frame! haha And the praying women image was actually a touching experience for me.
Great stuff. As always. And exotic. Hard to believe you can be so far from home yet close. I liked the jumping rope girl not just because she’s stopped in mid-air, but because of the complementary colors–her shorts and shirt almost exactly opposite in color from the two-tone wall backing her up. A subtle yet strong photographic observation. Your photo-journalist guide reminds me of the Nick Nolte character in the old movie “Under Fire.” Worth checking out. See you around.
Thanks, Mike.
Yes…so far, yet so close. Our feelings, too.
Colors everywhere…glad that the little girl conveniently wandered in front of the white panel while she was jumping rope (she started out in front of the dark panel). Sometimes, things fall into place…ya gotta be ready! ha
I don’t believe I’ve seen that movie. Hmmm.
Nice!!! I especially like the one with the girls praying. Sounds like a great trip – don;t you miss the colors on the houses? I love seeing brightly painted store fronts in Chicago. How do you decide what NOT to photograph when you see soo much you want to shoot?
Thanks for stopping by, Berit. Glad you like the photos!
Yes, there was color everywhere. Very tempting to photograph everything in color. But, the form and character was quite appealing, too. Tough decisions! Of course, some are clearly “better” in color than black and white (and vice versa), but most work in both. I’m planning to make a book of black and white…at the moment. Let’s see.
Hmm…how do I know what NOT to photograph? I haven’t been asked that before. Not quite sure. But I am constantly looking and “scanning,” especially on this adventure. And, I suppose that some things attract my attention than others. Plus, there are certain basic elements I’m looking for, such as light and form. Let’s talk about this sometime.
Interesting. Must be exciting to be a place where it is hard to choose… Yes, let’s talk.
Actually, it’s always a tough choice! I take the pictures in RAW format which allows editing in black and white and/or color. I also have my camera set up to display a black and white jpg of the image on the back so I can literally see how the scene can appear in black and white.
My preference is usually monochrome, but I realize that people (viewers) usually prefer color.
I knew you would love Cuba and its warm and engaging people. BRAVO!!
You are absolutely right, John. Thanks much for stopping by!