Rediscovering Havana, a Journey Back to the heart of Cuba
After a long hiatus of three years, I find myself once again walking the vibrant streets of Havana, camera in hand, making my way to the iconic Malecón.
It is great to be back in Cuba; the familiar sights and sounds of this captivating place surround me, reigniting a deep sense of memories and excitement for the days to come.
Havana, with its timeless charm and spirited ambiance, has always inspired my photography, and returning here feels like a reunion with an old friend. Over the next three days, I aim to capture the essence of this city, reconnect with friends, and rediscover the hidden gems and lively spirit that make Havana truly unique.
I am far from alone. I've just joined a group of enthusiastic photographers who have been touring Cuba for two weeks, guided by my friend and co-leader, Darlene Hildebrand.
This gathering in Havana is an extension of their photographic journey, and together, we are set to delve into the heart of this vibrant city. We will explore the winding streets, the lively plazas, and the hidden corners that define Havana's unique character.
Photographing the Malecon in Havana
As the golden hour approaches, our first destination is the iconic Malecón, Havana's famous seaside esplanade. This bustling promenade, with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the vivid tapestry of Havana's architecture on the other, always delivers excellent photo opportunities.
The setting sun radiates a warm, golden glow over the scene, creating a perfect backdrop for backlit and glowing photos of the action around the Malecon. As they cast their lines into the ocean, the silhouettes of the fishermen against the setting sun are not just mere shapes; they tell stories of patience, tradition, and the daily life of Havana's locals.
Meanwhile, the Malecón comes alive with the rhythmic hum of classic cars, their vibrant colors momentarily catching the sun's rays before fading into the evening shadows.
The classic cars of Havana, moving along the coastal road, add a dynamic energy to the photographs one can make in this city. Certainly, these captures are a photographer's delight that blends the charm of old Havana with the ephemeral beauty of sunset.
Each frame our group is capturing is not just a photograph; it's a piece of Havana's soul, a moment in its ongoing story. These are stories that I had the privilege of witnessing on many trips to Havana and can now share with many others.
Photographing the Street and People of Havana
For the next couple of days, every morning, we venture out to capture some street photography as the city awakens, revealing its day-to-day rhythm and dynamic street scenes.
Havana's rich tapestry of life and culture is an ideal canvas for capturing candid moments. We wander through bustling streets, each turn unveiling a new tableau of urban life. The city's colorful buildings, adorned with a patina of age and history, provide a unique backdrop for our photographs.
Music comes from the homes, filling the air with rhythmic Latin melodies, vendors at their shops, people wandering, and, of course, more classic cars - each encounter is a chance to capture a unique aspect of Havana's soul.
Engaging with the locals becomes an integral part of our photography experience. We find ourselves in animated conversations, learning about their lives and stories, guiding our photographic choices, and weaving narratives of a city rich in character and charm.
Boxing Gym and Ballerinas
As with prior trips, we arrange two sessions to photograph ballerinas and boxers. In Cuba, classical dance and boxing are not just sports or arts; they are integral parts of the national identity, symbolizing the country's cultural richness and resilience.
The National Ballet, a revered institution in Cuba, is known for its exceptional artistry. It has played a significant role in bringing Cuban culture to the global stage.
In the elegant neighborhood of Vedado, we had the privilege of photographing dancers from the prestigious Ballet; this experience took place in a stunningly kept mansion, a relic of Havana's rich architectural heritage, which provided an excellent location for our session. We used this location in the past, and every time we return, I find a new corner and possibility.
As the ballerinas posed for us, their graceful movements contrasted beautifully against the grandeur of the mansion, creating a visual symphony of elegance and history.
For sessions like these, where we have time to work and plan, I introduce artificial light, primarily from strobes with different modifiers, to create drama on the scene or fill the existing light.
Since I was busy primarily ensuring our group walked away with amazing photos, I only had the chance to photograph a little this time. So, in the following gallery, I am also including some pictures from the last trip to Havana produced in the same place but with different dancers of the National Ballet that I still need to share.
Capturing their poise and expression, we were not just photographing dancers; we were capturing a piece of Cuba's cultural soul, a testament to the country's deep-rooted love and respect for the art of dance. That's essential travel photography and what I enjoy doing the most.
Another highlight and fantastic photography opportunity in Havana was documenting a boxer's practice session. Our visit to the Rafael Trejo Boxing Gym presented a starkly different yet equally captivating photographic experience. This legendary gym, nestled in the heart of Havana, is a cradle of Cuban boxing, a sport deeply ingrained in the nation's psyche. Known for producing world-class boxers, the gym's rustic, time-worn appearance sets the right tone for a unique backdrop.
Boxing is more than a sport in Cuba; it symbolizes strength and perseverance. The nation has a storied history in boxing, consistently producing Olympic and world champions.
As we walked in, we got to know the trainer and the boxers, then photographed a portion of their practice session; the intensity and focus were palpable. Before leaving, I asked a couple of the boxers to work one-on-one for portraits; in this case, I also used strobes as the primary light source, and I liked the results a lot.
Each portrait we took encapsulates the spirit of determination and strength that boxing symbolizes in Cuba.
Models at the Park and Beach
For the last set of images, we hired local models and performers and headed to el Bosque de la Havana and then for sunset at the beach.
We hosted different themes, Afro-Cuban religion in the park and a sax player and model at the beach. I also set up strobes in both cases to get a better balanced light.
The Bosque de La Habana, translated as Havana's Forest, provided a mesmerizing setting for our photography session featuring models in traditional Yoruba outfits. The forest is characterized by its dense canopy of tropical trees, winding pathways, and the tranquil flow of the Almendares River, which adds a sense of calm and isolation from the city's hustle and bustle. This location, steeped in natural beauty and serenity, contrasted strikingly with our models' vibrant and colorful traditional Yoruba outfits.
The Yoruba culture, with its rich African heritage, has a profound influence in Cuba, and these traditional outfits symbolize the island's deep-rooted connection to its African ancestry. The garments' intricate patterns and bold colors stood out against the forest's green backdrop, creating a visually stunning scene. Some of the images I captured in this particular session were my favorites from the trip.
In sum, I had a fantastic time reconnecting with people and friends in Havana. As a bonus, I created some photos that I really like that will be part of my portfolio.
Darlene is returning to Cuba in 2025, and we are taking a small group with us. I will join once more for the extension, but we'll be headed to Viñales instead this time, and I can't wait to be back! If you want to join us, please check out the Cuba Photography Tour by clicking here.
That's all for now; as always, feel free to leave me a comment; more coming soon...
