What to Expect in our Cuba Photo Tours

A Typical Day on Tour

The following itinerary is a sample of what a day might look like. We prioritize flexibility to take advantage of spontaneous photo opportunities as they arise. Our days are structured around the quality of light, which means we often begin very early to capture the exceptional “golden hour” that Cuba offers. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant streets of Havana or the historic charm of Santiago de Cuba, the principles of capturing light remain the same.

Morning: Golden Hour & Street Life

• We start the day early to photograph in the soft, warm morning light that beautifully illuminates the city’s textures and colors.
• Our focus is on authentic street scenes as the city awakens: vendors arranging their stalls, children making their way to school, and the first classic cars of the day rumbling to life.
• The morning session often includes a pause at a local cafe for a taste of authentic, strong Cuban coffee.
• Throughout the walk, your photo leader will offer on-the-spot guidance for composition, exposure, and camera settings to help you capture compelling images.

Mid-day: Portraits, Projects, and Processing

• As the sun becomes high and the light turns harsh, we typically move our activities indoors or into shaded courtyards and porticos.
• This time is perfectly suited for pre-arranged portrait sessions with fascinating local personalities, such as boxers in their gyms, dancers in rehearsal, or artisans in their workshops.
• It also provides an opportunity for you to work on personal photo projects or to practice specific techniques with guidance from your leader.
• On some days, we may use this period for an informal session on photo editing and workflow, or to hold a group image review.

Afternoon & Evening: Blue Hour & Unique Access

• When the light begins to soften again, we head back out for our afternoon photo walks, exploring new neighborhoods and subjects.
• A key objective is capturing the atmospheric “blue hour” as daylight fades and the city’s lights begin to glow, creating a magical ambiance.
• Evening activities are varied and may include exclusive access to rooftops for cityscape photography, a visit to a classic car workshop, or documenting a private music rehearsal.
• Dinner is typically a group affair where we can share experiences from the day. Photography often continues afterward, with opportunities for night scenes or tackling low-light challenges.

Photographic Focus and Opportunities

Street Photography & “The Decisive Moment”

Our tours are heavily centered on the art of candid, unposed street photography. We guide you in developing an eye for anticipating moments before they happen, allowing you to capture the genuine energy and rhythm of daily Cuban life. The emphasis is always on creating images that tell a story and convey a sense of place, whether you are in the bustling streets of Trinidad or the serene landscapes of Viñales.

Environmental Portraiture

We facilitate respectful and meaningful interactions with local people, which are key to creating powerful portraits. You will learn techniques to help your subjects feel at ease, enabling you to capture their personality within their natural environment. This includes both spontaneous encounters on the street and pre-arranged sessions with individuals who have compelling stories to share.

Architecture & Abstract Details

We will focus on capturing the unique character of Cuban architecture, from its faded grandeur and vibrant colors to its intricate details. Your leader will provide guidance on composition for a range of subjects, from sweeping cityscapes to intimate, abstract studies of peeling paint, colonial-era ironwork, and timeworn textures.

Classic American Cars

In Cuba, classic American cars are more than just museum pieces; they are a functioning, integral part of the culture. We move beyond simple snapshots to focus on capturing these vehicles within their environment. You will have opportunities for compelling detail shots, creating motion blurs as they cruise past, and composing environmental photos that place the cars within iconic Cuban settings.

Your Photo Leader’s Role

Your photo leader is a dedicated instructor and facilitator whose primary goal is to help you grow as a photographer. They are there to teach and guide you, not to build their own portfolio. The level of instruction is tailored to the group, ranging from fundamental concepts to advanced creative techniques.

On-the-Ground Guidance

• Provides real-time, practical advice on composition, exposure, depth of field, and lens choice for the scene in front of you.
• Helps you to “see” and interpret a scene, pointing out potential photo opportunities you might otherwise overlook.
• Offers assistance with technical camera settings and helps you troubleshoot any challenges you may encounter.

Constructive Feedback & Image Reviews

• Informal image reviews are held periodically throughout the trip, often during evenings or mid-day breaks.
• These sessions provide a safe, supportive, and collaborative environment for you to share your work and receive constructive critiques from your leader and peers.
• The goal of these reviews is to help you identify your photographic strengths and find clear, actionable areas for improvement.

Facilitating Cultural Connections

• Your photo leader acts as a cultural bridge, assisting with basic communication, helping you navigate social etiquette, and ensuring interactions are respectful.
• They work in close partnership with our mandatory local Cuban guide to provide you with unique access, deeper context, and a richer understanding of the culture.

The Pace and Physical Demands

Walking and Exploration

• Please be prepared for a significant amount of walking. Our daily explorations are on foot and can last for several hours at a time.
• We believe that walking is the best way to immerse ourselves in the culture and discover the authentic, off-the-beaten-path locations that make for the best photographs.
• Comfortable, well-broken-in walking shoes are not just recommended; they are essential for your enjoyment of the tour.
• The terrain can be varied and challenging, often including cobblestone streets, uneven pavement, and climbing multiple flights of stairs to access viewpoints.

Flexibility and “Cuban Time”

• The tour itinerary should be viewed as a guide, not a rigid, unchangeable schedule. We will frequently adapt our plans to take advantage of unexpected photographic opportunities.
• Patience is a vital attribute for any traveler in Cuba. Things often run on what is affectionately known as “Cuban time,” and delays or sudden changes are a normal part of the experience. We embrace this as part of the adventure and another chance to observe and photograph daily life.

Interacting with the Cuban People

Our Approach to Ethical Photography

We are committed to a “people-first” approach to travel photography. The dignity, privacy, and respect of the Cuban people are our highest priorities. We do not engage in or support any form of tourism that treats people as exhibits.

• We will provide you with clear guidance on how to ask for permission, both verbally and non-verbally, before taking close-up portraits.
• We encourage you to engage in interactions that go beyond the camera, such as purchasing a small item from a vendor you photograph or simply sharing a smile and a brief conversation.
• For any pre-arranged, formal portrait sessions with local performers, artisans, or other personalities, we ensure they are compensated fairly for their time and collaboration. This is a professional exchange, not a transaction for a candid photo on the street.

The Role of Our Local Cuban Guide

• As required by Cuban law, a professional, government-licensed local guide will accompany our group at all times.
• This guide is an invaluable member of our team, providing essential cultural context, historical information, and professional translation services that enrich your experience.
• Their local knowledge and connections are instrumental in helping us navigate daily logistics smoothly and in gaining deeper, more authentic access to the communities we visit, whether that’s the vibrant streets of Havana or the historic charm of Santiago de Cuba.