Stepping foot in Cuba is like stepping into a vibrant time capsule, where history, culture, and architecture intertwine. In 2017, I embarked on a journey to this captivating island, eager to capture Cuba’s essence and landscapes. In addition, I planned to spend my 40th birthday dancing the rumba along the malecon. Join me as I share my firsthand experience of traveling to Cuba, minus the dancing.
Timeless Architecture and Culture
The moment I set my lens on the streets of Havana, I was amazed by the crumbling colonial architecture. Sure I had heard plenty about the classic American cars that would fill the streets here. However I didn’t know that the streets would also be filled with beautiful pastel-hued buildings and their weathered facades. Every corner is a potential masterpiece, where modern and vintage blend, offering endless opportunities for photography.
Vibrant Colors and Contrasts
Cuba is a photographer’s dream, especially if you like capturing colors and contrasts. I recommend wandering the streets slowly and taking it all in. There’s no shortage of eye-catching scenes. If time allows I suggest taking a bus to Trinidad, Cuba, where colors and contrast abound.
Explore more of Cuba by reading my blog post: Cuba Travel | An Architectural Photographer’s Point-of-View.
Warmth of the Cuban People
No matter where I travel, it’s always the local people that define the trip. The Cuban people have a certain warmth and openness about them. Everywhere I turned, I encountered friendly faces willing to share their stories.
One time I met a group of people in the middle of the night, during a solo night shoot. After some exchanges about the meaning of one of their shirts, it read “Just Do It”, someone shared with me a juice box filled with rum. We then went to their apartment/room in a huge dilapidated old building. Through the night we told stories (with my broken Spanish and their limited English), drank juice box rum and danced to Whitney Houston DVDs! Their hospitality and kindness made a strong impression on me, cementing Cuba as one of my top 3 places I’ve ever visited.
Breathtaking Light
I don’t think I’ve ever experienced light like there is in Cuba. The way the sun hits the buildings and streets seems otherworldly. The sheer diversity of scenes, combined with the warm, soft light, made each photograph an unforgettable memory.
Traveling to Cuba as a photographer was an unforgettable journey that allowed me to experience a rich tapestry of history, culture, and colors. The beauty of its architecture, the warmth of its people, and the untouched landscapes make it a photographer’s paradise.
If you’d like to learn some photography travel tips, go to my article: Travel Tips and Planning.
