I’ve been shooting weddings for about 12 years now.And as much as I love being part of these often emotional, and beautiful events. I was starting to feel a need to go out and shoot something different. To recharge my creative batteries and prepare for another busy wedding season.
A trip somewhere new was what I had in mind. I’ve always wanted to see Cuba. So I booked a last minute flight to Havana. I did not want to do the typical resort type package. I wanted to experience the real Cuba.
So I stayed at a “Casa Particular” or private home in Central Havana. Upon arrival I was bit nervous, to say the least.
The Casa was in a very poor neighbourhood far from the tourist area, I was actually a bit taken back with the condition of the buildings, stray dogs everywhere, noise and confusion in the streets. But I soon learned that this was the norm in Havana. Everything is old and crumbling, but the streets are full of life.
And that is part of the beauty of Havana.
What I quickly learned, was that not only
were the crumbling facades the old American cars, that made this place so special. It was the people of Havana, their passion and soul! In a world of repression and distrust, it was amazing
to witness such resiliance.
You hear stories about the lifestyle and difficulties they face given the political situation there.
But to truly understand it I needed to see it for myself.
Not speaking Spanish added abit of an obstacle in trying to
communicate with the locals. But I managed.
Wandering through neighborhoods watching children play stickball, people hanging out in doorways, and balconies,
socializing with their neighbors was a refreshing change from our fast passed hectic lives in today’s modern world. Few people there have televisions, I barely heard a cell phone, and Internet is almost non-existent. It was a great lesson learned to see how happy these people seem without all the material trappings we in the western world take for granted.
I was graciously invited into people’s homes and offered homemade sweets, and fresh fruit; this was amazing for me to see considering how expensive things are for them. I had heard that when you go to Cuba bring things for the locals. I packed my suitcase full of toys, Candy,
teeshirts, even everyday toiletries, were very much appriciated. This woman below shown with her daughter told me how expensive it was to have a photos done, and that not many locals had pictures of their families. We exchanged addresses and I promised to send
photos to all the wonderfull families who were so kind to me.
I had gone to Cuba to capture images of life in Havana. What I did not expect was that
This amazing place and its beautiful people would capture my heart.
Thank you Havana!
Viva Cuba!
