Last week I wrote about the new photo workshop I am teaching in Cuba in the autumn coming up. As a celebratory, little teaser for the workshop itself I thought I’ll show a handful of pictures from one of my longest running photo projects, which incidentally happens to take place in Cuba.
I travelled to Cuba first time in 1991 – after which I have returned for maybe a month every year over the first ten years or so. After the initial ten years or so I have ventured back to Cuba a little less often, maybe every second or third year. But I still enjoy every time I go to Cuba, it’s simply a marvellous place for a photographer. People are open; they like to play along and are generally very hospital. And then there are the colours of Cuba – vibrant, intense and saturated.
The project, which has been my longest running, is a story about a family of farmers living in the beautiful valley of Viñales. I first met Catarina and Miguel, the lovely old couple who were the heads of the family, in 1996. And since then I have follow the life on the farm – seen new members of the family come into being, and seen them pass away, such as Miguel in 2008. Miguel was very dear to me, always smiling and always welcoming me whenever I visited his farm. You see him in the first picture of this post. Catarina on the other hand is a little shyer, but equally friendly – and makes the best food in the valley. She is still alive, but unfortunately becoming quite feeble. Catarina is seen in the second picture. When I first visited Miguel and Catarina’s farm there was neither electricity nor running water, they were poor, but still happy and always positive. Today it’s their sons who have taken over the little farm. A new generation of farmers is now running the farm, situated beautifully on a brink of a lake overlooking the valley.
I still feel like coming to a second family when I visit them in Viñales – as I wrote in the post My Second Family two years ago. And even though the workshops later this year won’t go to Viñales, I hope to be able to spend some time with the family when I go back. The workshop by the way takes place from October 25th to November 2nd.
In Flow with Otto 
What a special place and people! I can see your connection with them in your photos, especially the first photo of Miguel is breathtaking. Thanks for sharing, greetings, Ron.
And thank you, Ron, for the lovely words.
What amazing shots. That would be a very interesting place to visit.
It is indeed a very interesting place. Thank you, Mary.
This is great!
Thank you.
Your photographs divulge much…especially your humanity and sincere affection for others. R.
Your words make me happy. 🙂
How lovely you got to know this family and photograph them and their lives. I can’t wait until you go to Cuba so I can read all your posts.
You know Cuba, so you know how amazing it is! 🙂
Yes it is! I really want to go back and see more soon. There is so much to see and learn.
I would love to hear more about how you stumbled into the lives of this family in the first place. As a tourist with a camera, what brought you to there farm? How did the relationship evolve? Do you write to them in between visits?
I was not really a tourist, but photographing around in the Valley of Viñales. I visited a lot of farms – just knocking on doors or walking out on the fields to meet people. That’s how I first met Miguel and Catarina. And since then our relationship has developed. Unfortunately there is no way to write to them, but I have a friend living in Havana, who visits them from time to time – and say hello.
Wonderful photographs, Otto. I especially like the photograph next to the river. Miguel’s son? I wish I could attend.
It is indeed one of Miguel and Catarina’s sons, nicknamed El Negro.
your photos are so tender and respectful, capturing the dignity of beautiful people. thank you otto!
I am glad you say that, Colleen, because that is really what I strive for in my photography of people.
Amazing photos! I’m so impressed by the expression and emotion captured in these faces. And it seems you live a wonderful life traveling and giving workshops!
Thank you for the nice words, Laura. Life is quite exciting – at least from time to time. 🙂
You’re welcome and it seems so!
They’re very warm, personal photos of a place I’d love to visit… if only. Thank you for sharing really great pictures.
Thank you for the warm words. Much appreciated.
Your subjects are always unique. Great captures!
Thank you, Bindu.
These photographs show your mastery and how deeply you can connect with people, which I believe is the most important part of picture making process. Pictures of Miguel and his family depicts essence of Cuba. Well done sir, it’s a pleasure to read your blog and follow your work.
Thank you for the very encouraging words, Sudarshan. I much appreciate.
There’s a lot of personality there!
Thank you, Lyle.
My second family when i first moved to this province were farmers on a small farm and I found them resourceful, generous,humble and fun.Your photos display those qualities and give me good memories.
Yes, I would believe it would be same gentle, humble and generous attitude among farmers on small farms all over the world. They have learned to respect Mother Nature and hard work. Thank you, Jane.
An important project, and a great photo essay.
How are you exhibiting the project?
Not doing anything with the pictures yet. Maybe a book – one day…
Exquisite images Otto. They really do reveal your passion for the people, place and your artistry.
You words makes me happy, Elena.
Beautiful photos Otto, they reflect happiness. You’ve got a wonderful second family!
I certainly do. Thank you, Elina.
Great, humane images Otto….your bond with these people shines out of your images
I am glad to hear that. Thank you, Sue.
I have always loved and admired your people photography all the more since that is not a strength of my own. Your images have a directness and a connection to their subjects that always touch my heart.
I am deeply grateful for your kind words. Thank you.
Impressive portraits and the story behind it.Great post Otto!
Thank you, Indah.
Absolutely stunning photos Otto. Amazing light and beautifully rich colours. The quality of your work and that of Steve McCurry are inseparable.
Thank you, David for those amazing words. I don’t know what to say.
I have to agree with seabluelee that there’s a particular admiration for that ability to get such delightful people shots. Also a quality I lack, but can’t help admiring. I think of it as an ability to connect with folks through the camera. Whenever I’ve tried to photograph people, they end up looking stiff and uncomfortable.
In the end it comes down to practise and patience. And wanting to connect to people. Thank you for the wonderful words, Gunta.
Quanto affetto traspare dalle tue parole caro Otto, è splendido come parli di questa famiglia e di come sei loro affezionato. Le foto poi parlano da sole, sono talmente belle che sembra di vederli mentre si muovono o mentre ti sorridono!!!
Ciao, Patrizia
Grazie ancora, Patrizia, per quelle meravigliose parole. Apprezzo molto.
Beautiful light, comes to my mind, first.
Thank, my friend.
Great shots. All of them, And it’s like a trip back in time.
Thanks! Yes, Cuba is like a time travel.
How wonderful you have managed to forge a friendship and mutual respect for this family of farmers. As a photographer the connection with subjects normally lasts a few minutes, in your case many years. This is so inspiring.. I love the photos as well.
Thank you for sharing them with us all !
Thank you for the lovely words, Lynne.
It is really a special thing when one’s relationship with a country is more than just as a visitor or a photographer. I believe it aids me to have adeeper and richer understanding and connection with peopke and place. Beautiful post Otto thank you Trees
And thank you for the kind words, Trees.
A beautiful post about a very special place, Otto.
Thank you, Lisa.
Love this story. Excellent, Otto! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for the nice feedback, Alessandro.
Otto, I just came across this post and wanted to say, I really like the photos.. They are stunning!!
MS
Thank you Michael. Much appreciate your comment.
Fabulous portraits Otto which really capture the personalities and their way of life. What a fulfilling project too …
Thank you, Noeline.
Omg… Thanks for sharing some part of my heritage which is almost forgotten…
Glad I can refresh memories of your heritage. 🙂
there’s nothing like that late end-of-day light! i loved the images and felt as if i were there.
less is truly more, isn’t it?
The last light of sunshine is always great! Thank you for the nice comment, Lisa.
You’ve captured the spirit and soul of these people.
I am glad to hear that, Sally. Thank you.
I love how you captured the people. They are so lively and they seem like you are there with them.
We do have a good time together when I visit “my” family. Thank you.
I have so admired your pictures of these people in the past Otto. These are superb additions to the project. The people in these pictures are very clearly very comfortable with you and your camera. This can only be achieved over time I’m sure. Your patience is paying huge dividends.
Your words are very kind. Thank you, Adrian.
Impresive pictures!
Thank you.
These photographs are just wonderful.. They most certainly capture the quiet gentleness of your second family. How wonderful that you’ve had them in your life;
I do indeed feel very fortunate to have a second family in Viñales. 🙂
Some of these images almost remind me of Norman Rockwell paintings!
Thank is quite a compliment. Thank you, Elizabeth.
Not only do you capture the people but you capture the landscape/environment as well-at the same time. Inspiring!
Thank you for the lovely words, Nina.
For sure Otto you are very good when you have to connect with people, and you are an excellent photographer. Of course as we see in these photos the two things goes together and it is the key point in obtaining such a good result.
robert
I agree that one good feature to have as a photographer is the ability to connect. As for the other part, a truly appreciate your kind words. Thank you, Robert.
Great shots. Love the wide angle.
Thank you, Jo. I obviously like to photograph with a wide angle…
These are beautiful photos; your respect and affection for the family really shines through.
It makes me happy that you can see that. Thank you, Su.
🙂
Amazing shot
Thank you, Claire.
These photos are wonderful, Otto, I can see that you have made a personal connection with them.
Thank you for the kind words, Robert.
Great series of shots, and I hope you get to visit and shoot Viñales again. Perhaps the best joy a photographer & subject can have is finding (and giving) pieces of their hearts to each other. This clearly is the case here, the first two shots are tremendous and shows the spirit of the friendship and bond you have created. Well done, and I think you will again find peace and happiness on your next visit/workshop in Cuba.
I believe I will. Particular when I go to Viñales will I find peace of mind. And of course the joy of seeing my «family» again. Thank you for the lovely words, Randall.
What a privilege to know these hardworking people of the earth and a wonderful project, thanks for sharing them Otto.
I agree, it is indeed quite a privilege. 🙂
What beautiful, lived-in faces. SD
Thank you, Sandra.
Utrolig flott bildeserie, utmerket etterarbeide!
Takk for hyggelig ord, Hans.
What wonderful pictures. I love how they tell a story of their lives. It is amazing to me how your style can be so different from mine, and yet still so inspiring.
It’s that why we inspire each other? Because we are different? Wouldn’t be fun if we all took the same pictures. 🙂
A beautiful series of images, Otto. I remember that previous post well. I hope you get back see them this time, and that you’ll be bringing us back a new series of photographs from the visit.
I definitely plan to do so, if only to spend a couple of days with the family in addition to the workshop itself. Thank you, Andrew.
I didn’t know you’d been traveling and photographing in Cuba for so many years, Otto. I absolutely love the way you capture the kindness and warmth of these lovely people. I feel honored that you’ve introduced us to Catarina and Miguel. I know your workshop is going to be amazing! I really enjoyed learning more about your relationship to this colorful country. 🙂
I am glad you say so, Debra. I take it as a big complement if I am able to pass on some of the beauty of the Cuban people. Thank you.
You take the most incredible portraits.
Thank you so much, Elen.
I like your straight forward approach Otto. The subjects very well know you are taking their photographs but there is not the slightest hint of discomfort on their faces. They look so relaxed and comfortable in your presence. That is not always easy to achieve. I love the lighting and composition too. Thanks for sharing, Otto.
And thank you, Uday, for the lovely words.
Underbara bilder i det vackraste ljus, färger och kompositioner från vardagen hos dina vänner. Tillit är den känsla som väcks hos mig och som alltid är det du gör genuint och äkta. Hoppas ni kan få mötas när du återvänder i Oktober.
Bästa Hälsningar
Monica
Jeg tror og at det er noe av min styrke – at jeg klarer å skape tillitt. Og det handler om – som du sier – å være genuin og ekte. Takk for flott ord, Monica.
Beautiful photos. I would love to go to Cuba someday. How exciting for you to be able to return.
I hope you get to go to Cuba one. It’s an amazing country.
Fantastiska bilder från vardagslivet i Cuba, de utstrålar värme och äkthet…och så färgerna…och utstrålningen…ja, de är outstanding helt enkelt.
Har aldrig varit där, tyvärr. Var på väg dit i mitten på 80-talet, från Bahamas…men jag kunde inte köpa returbiljett…
Hoppas att dina workshops där i höst blir lika uppskattade som alla andra…ja, det är jag säker på att de blir…men det viktigaste är säkert mötet med “familjen” eller hur!?
Både, ja og nei, jeg gleder meg veldig til å se igjen min “familie”, men det er også med stor gleder at jeg gir meg i kast med en ny workshop. Synd at du ikke fikk besøkt Cuba den gangen på vei fra Bahamas. Det var et helt annet Cuba enn det som du finner i dag. Men jeg håper fremdeles at det åpner seg en mulighet for deg en dag. Cuba tror jeg du ville oppleve som veldig spesielt.
Beautiful, beautiful photos Otto. How wonderful to have a second family like them in your life. You captured them beautifully ! 🙂
Thank you Jocelyne, and, yes, I do feel very fortunate.
It’s wonderful when you catch us up on this family. We have come to know them through your pictures and I find myself wondering about them sometimes. They are very fortunate that you have documented so much of their lives, in the way you have, for future family members never to forget. They are almost as fortunate as you for be able to do it.
I think we both enjoy each other – and have mutual benefits of our relationship. You are quite right about that, Michelle.
Beautiful people! Your images really give me a sense of the warmth and inner beauty of these people. It’s been about 14 years since I’ve been to Cuba, I would love to travel back with camera in hand. At the time, I was not so into photography so sadly I don’t have many great images. Have a great night.
Thank you Mark, may you have a great day yourself! And, yes. what a pity not to have pictures from Cuba 14 years ago. It’s quite different today, but still so interesting for any photographer. I hope you get to go back one day.
Taking a look of many of your beautiful photos I am surprised! Great work, my compliments!
Thank you, Ann, for the compliments.
Love your work 🙂
Thank you, Joshi.
Magnificent photos. A fascinating family.
Thank you, Simon.
Very beautiful!!! Congrats!
Thank you, Nadine.
What soulful photographs! 🙂
Beautiful 🙂
Thanks, on behalf of Anita.