If you ask me where my heart soars, where the textures and colors make me feel most alive, it would be here. In Cuba. Hanging out with the beautiful Cuban people and where the vibrancy of life in Cuba begs you to pick up the camera and explore. This island is where my family comes from and the magic it holds makes all my photography dreams come true.
Picture of Cuba Today
It’s easy to understand why photographers flock here, though. You don’t have to be from the island to fall in love with (or at least be intrigued by) the Cuba pictures you see on Instagram and elsewhere. Havana images showcase brightly colored walls juxtaposed with crumbling buildings; beautifully restored, Old Havana photos romance the European colonization era; the old cars in Cuba pictures turn us all into vintage-obsessed gearheads… Basically, beautiful pictures of Cuba appeals to most of us who love photography. The country is a magnificent canvas for art lovers.
My Cuba images are a bit different though – or at least my intention was not centered on capturing the perfect Old Havana pictures with classic cars parked in front of manicured buildings. The real Havana is nothing like that. I wanted to shoot photos of Cuba today as it stands – dilapidated and mesmerizing, bright and drab under the weight of mounds of trash, but mostly I wanted to connect with the most thrilling part of Cuba: its people.
The Beauty of Cuban People
What Do Cuban People Look Like? All of Us!
People have always thought I was everything but Cuban, so to get here and blend in was quite the experience. There are black Cuban people who look just like my husband too. Cubans claimed him right away, asking him questions in Spanish, and the realization that the black experience extends far beyond the American story opened his heart in a new way. The best place to soak up Afro-Cuban culture is in Callejon de Hamel, which is in the center of the city and the area where many of these Havana photos were taken.
These pictures of Cuban people make me super proud. Many know of a failed government and infrastructure in disrepair and, while I see all that too, I see so much love and power and focus. Cuban people have ingenuity and passion. They work, and hard, despite what the popular rhetoric wants you to believe.
These Cuban people pictures have never been published on my blog because, honestly, I was selfish and wanted to keep them to by myself. They’re my babies, born through our shared legacy, each stunning glimpses into the complicated life in Cuba… and I’m finally ready to share this piece of my heart with you.
Cuban Kids Living Their Best Lives
Tips for Taking Pictures of Cuban Culture
Whether you’re taking Havana pictures that portray the complex realities of life, amazing pictures of Cuban food or Varadero pictures of crystal blue beaches, one thing you should aim to include is context: a portrayal of Cuban culture.
I guess that’s the biggest thing that bugs me in many of the popular Havana images I see on the internet – the absence of relevancy. Without culture, it just doesn’t connect. Without an understanding of the country’s history, societal makeup and tendencies, you won’t be able to emote more than pretty light flares or intricate architecture.
While seeped with remnants of European influence, push your Cuba photography to reflect the revolutionary manner in which this country was established. Learn about its people. Say more with your photography.
Here are 3 aspects of Cuban culture to think about as you’re taking your photos of Havana, Cuba and especially of Cuban people:
- Cuban food is always relevant. Showcasing how food and meals impact a Cuban family or community will always be relevant to the authentic portrayal of my culture.
- Cuban people are affectionate and hands-on – and that includes Cuban men! Cuban children with arms thrown around each other; Cuban men in an embrace with one another; even I was shocked by the outward, public (and nearly constant) display of affection. This affection is essential to the warm and inviting culture that so many foreigners describe. Document those moments and you won’t be disappointed.
- Cuban architecture and classic cars aren’t the only demonstrations of the bubble Cuban exist in. Globalization is happening, yet Cuba remains frozen in various time periods and styles – including fashion, music and pop culture! Just looking at these Cuban clothes pictures are telling. Photos of Cubans gathered in parks and internet hot spots is another example. Push your Cuban photography to tell the political and societal stories in more than just classic cars.
Cuban Art, Music and Meals
My family was lucky to be invited to the home of an amazing Cuban artist – Michel Mirabel – who’s work has been praised by US presidents and famous pop culture icons alike. We spent the entire day at his home, swimming and socializing, then sat down to eat a feast of lechon (that roasted pig above!) and every Cuban dish you can imagine.
Cuban people are the most gracious people you’ll ever meet, and Michel ranks highest among them all.
Definitely check out his work (he’s famous for his art of the Cuban flag) and follow him on his Studio’s Facebook Page to get an inside view of his new art gallery just outside of Havana, Cuba.
Cuba Itinerary with Kids
Oh friends, hopefully you can tell through these photographs how much I love this island. It’s rugged and messy, abrasive and frustrating, but the beauty of the Cuban people more than makeup for those grievances.
Bring your kids, explore the culture, immerse yourself in the island. And, without a doubt, bring your camera! Please check out the rest of our Cuba itinerary with kids posts below…
