For photographers, there’s no time to waste to capture the special character of Cuba and its people before things change. Now that Cuba is no longer off-limits to Americans, a steady stream of visitors is coming to this Caribbean island less than an hour’s flight from Miami. Expectations are that the stream will soon be a flood, with the likelihood that this sleeping beauty will awaken and soon be transformed by globalization and the forces of homogeneity.
Having led three photography tours to Cuba in the last year, here are some of my suggestions for serious shutterbugs:
Street scenes:
Walk almost any street in Cuba and you’ll find an eye-popping array of fascinating subjects. Along the Malecon, the sea wall in Havana, you’ll find people fishing at dawn, boys leaping into the Caribbean on a warm day, and young people hanging out in the cool evening air. Across the way from the Malecon and again in the center of town, you’ll find the faded glory of Havana’s grand old buildings, some now being restored. Outside of Havana, you’ll find beautiful examples of colonial architecture in Cienfuegos, brightly painted houses along the streets of Vinales, and some of the best-preserved early architecture along the cobblestoned streets of Trinidad. Also, look for murals and other examples of street art, a Cuban specialty.
To capture these street scenes, work with just one lens, preferably a zoom lens (24mm to 200mm) so you can easily frame a composition. I always advise people to think in terms of an overview or establishing shot that gives a sense of the place, followed by vignettes that hone in on a telling aspect of the scene, and then by details. Since the streets and buildings won’t run away, take the time to evaluate the light you’re working with and avoid high-contrast situations that you can’t correct even in after-capture. Or just opt for the shady side of the street.
People:
Wherever you go, you’ll find a wonderful array of people of all ages. These are often people whose faces have great character so you’ll want to work on your social skills. Generally, people are very approachable and cooperative so don’t be shy about getting close and personal. If you want, you can ask permission or just point to your camera and smile to make sure you have a willing subject. (See the short list of Spanish phrases to help you.)
As you walk along the streets, you’ll find people standing in doorways, sitting on the steps of houses, or performing various tasks. Try for a variety of shots, showing the people in their surroundings and also more close up, even trying for portraits. Be aware of what’s behind your subject so it doesn’t distract from the image you’re after. For example, you may want to blur out a busy scene so the person you’re photographing stands out.
You can shoot candids of people but don’t shy away from posed shots. Sometimes you may want to place your subject a bit to one side or another to get a better background or more evocative light. There’s nothing wrong with taking such steps. Another approach is to find a really effective setting or background and position yourself to capture people as they walk or ride by. You’d be surprised how many interesting subjects will come into view and you’ll be all set for them.
Motion:
Of course, you don’t want to limit yourself to static subjects and there’s plenty of movement to capture in Cuba. Coming back to our Havana street scenes, you’ll undoubtedly see people walking, children playing, bicycle rickshaws and big old cars driving down the street. You’ll find horse-drawn carts dashing down the streets of Vinales and ox-carts or caballeros on horseback in the countryside just beyond the town. There are even bicycles and motorbikes bumping along the cobblestone streets of Trinidad.
Cuba is known for its creative arts and sports. You’ll likely find musicians in street venues and many restaurants, so snap away while you enjoy the rhythms and sounds. There are dance schools where you can capture the lithe movements of ballet or the expressive gyrations of salsa, flamenco or folk dances. Check out a baseball game or visit a boxing gym to channel your inner sports photographer.
To capture these kinds of motion, use a fast shutter speed (at least 1/500th second) if you want to freeze the movement or a slower shutter speed (1/60th second) to either capture a partial blur or pan with your subject’s movement. Experiment with such techniques to see which results you like.
Landscapes:
If you are traveling by car, be sure to visit some of the fabulous World Heritage landscapes around Cuba. There’s a gorgeous valley outside Vinales just by the Los Jazmines resort, which is especially lovely at dawn and sunset, so try being there at both times. If you can get into the valley, you’ll get a closer look at some of the rounded limestone formations that mark the geology of this area. And, of course, stop the car if you see a particularly captivating landscape in beautiful light as you are moving around. Remember that light makes the landscape, so pay attention to how the clouds animate the scene and include them in your composition.
Interiors:
My groups have been able to visit artists in their studios, farmers in their tobacco sheds, and families in some of the old buildings in Havana. These are wonderful opportunities to glimpse a more personal side of life in Cuba and perhaps have some informative conversations (brush up on your Spanish or work with a good guide). Or, if you are staying at a casa particulares (like a bed & breakfast) rather than a hotel, look around for interesting compositions. In these situations, I recommend working with the available light and adjusting your ISO if necessary rather than activate your flash.
Now pack your bags and get ready for an exciting photographic adventure in Cuba!
Spanish Phrases for the Photographer
| Por favor, puedo hacer una foto? | May I take your picture? |
| Por favor, mira al cámera? | Please look directly into the camera. |
| Por favor, no mira al camera. | Please don’t look into the camera. |
| Quiero hacer el foto en la sombra. | I want to take the photo in the shade. |
| Tenga un buen día. | Have a good day. |
