I have just returned from teaching a workshop in Cuba. It was some very intense and busy days – but also very satisfying. It’s not only a pleasure to teach and talk about photography, but I learn just as much as I hope the participants do. It’s too early to show any new pictures from this trip Cuba, so instead I have uploaded a couple of older pictures I have taken during previous trips to the Cuba. I hope to be able to post some new pictures from the workshop in a week’s time or so.
During the time in Cuba, I have not had any chance to connect through blogs, Facebook or other social medias. At lot can be said about this Caribbean country but internet is certainly not its strongest feature – to put in diplomatically. For this reason I have not been able to post anything on this blog – or visit any of your latest post. Over the next couple of weeks, though, I will try to catch up.
In Flow with Otto 
Great photos, like the composition and they tell a story. Very intrigued by the fourth one, find myself wondering if this woman’s car is in her living room or is her living room in the garage? Also like the triangle formed by the man in the foreground, the young boy and the man in the shed.
Thank you for the feedback. As for the woman and the car; I would say the living room is in the garage. 🙂
Fantastic photos – I love the old lady with the car in her living room.
Thank you, Suzanne.
I’m looking forward to hearing more about your trip and am enjoying the photos you selected to share today as a preview.
Thank you, I will get back with more about the workshop later on.
Look forward to seeing images from the current trip, but I can assure you the older shots are stunning, especially the 3rd image ‘portrait’. Such a marvellous composition.
Thank you, Vicki. You comment is always much appreciated.
Beautiful portraits; each telling its own story!!!
Thank you for the lovely words, Herman.
tonight i realized that your site had been quiet, so i checked to see if i’d missed some posts… shazam! this one was so fresh that the ink hadn’t dried!
i loved the image of the lady (reina!) on the sofa with the car in the back of the living room.. or was the lady and the sofa in the garage/bodega?!! great photo, and i also loved the floor beneath her feet.
welcome back! z
Thank you, Lisa. That was a very nice way to be welcomed back. I am glad you liked the photos.
Fantastic shots, and a fantastic workshop with great learning and experiences! Highly recommanded and a huge credit to Sven and Otto!
Thank you, Nicolaas. You make me blush…
love your compositions and look forward to seeing more of your time in Cuba, thanks Trees
Thank you, Trees.
Intense, busy…and satisfying ~ that is a brilliant description of your photos as well 🙂 Great perspective on the first shot, but it is the 3rd shot that brings out the personality and satisfying time I think you must have felt there. What a trip it must have been (a dream destination of mine…someday!). Welcome back.
Thank you, Randall. I hope you one day get to experience Cuba – before it’s too late…
It’s not often I experience a twang of envy… But, having a legitimate excuse to keep returning to Cuba… Ah, if only. Well, at least I can enjoy your beautiful photos that recall the wonderful experiences we had when we spent a month there last year. Great compositions. Thank you for sharing.
Cuba is quite something, no? Must have been quite an experience to be able to spend a month in Cuba. Thank you for the feedback.
Fabulous images Otto! Welcome home!
Thank you, Adrian.
Wonderful images, as always. I love the lighting and composition of the lady on the sofa especially… and the gritty, grainy drama of the final shot above. Wonderful stuff – a feast for the eyes and inspiration for those of us hungry for it. 🙂 Great stuff. Mother Hen
Thank you for the lovely words, Mother Hen.
Great pictures that capture the life there. Each one tells different story. I like how you approach the subjects that brings the message out. I love them all and they so matching the title.
I am glad you like the photos. Thank you.
Wonderful photographs, Otto, and they truly are unique to your eye and way of making pictures. I look forward to your recent ones too!
Thank you, Karen.
What an interesting country that must be. I love the old car in the living room. Can’t wait to see what you took in this trip.
Cuba is indeed a very special country – for better and worse. For a photographer it’s paradise. Thank you, Mary.
It is so hard to catch up once you fall behind. I’m struggling with that as well. If you have a secret how to do it let me know.
I love the feel of these photos. Warm, inviting and friendly. They certainly make you want to visit.
I think there is no secret to catching up. One just have to do as good as possible – and feel one cannot really catch up. Thanks for the nice words, Michelle, I am glad you like the photos.
Marvelous depictions of street life. Oh, but that car in the living room with the expression on the women’s face is priceless.
Thank you, Sally. The car in the living room – or the living room in the garage, seems to catch the attention.
I can most definitely relate to having internet difficulties. I, too, am MIA while in India….though it’s probably worse in Cuba. Oddly enough, the like button didn’t come up here…and I searched hard for it India always opens my eyes further and found that I really looked at your photographs and saw more than I usually do…and there is much to take in. Excellent compositions, perspectives and creative use of depth of field-as always. Gracias, Otto.
De nada, Nina. I have been to quite a few place around the world – and Cuba seems to be one of the worst when it comes to internet access. Only dial-up – if it works at all. Thank for the comment.
This isn’t relevant but something that has been on my mind lately as I wander around rural India. Do you ever pay a local for a photograph? I watched a tourist do exactly that today and I began to question this. The subject was happy to pose and even happier to be paid. And the tourist got a good photograph.What do you think?
I don’t like to pay for a photograph. For me it has to do with mutual respect. When I photograph someone on the street I want it to be something of a mutual sharing. If I start to pay, I become the master and whoever receive the money becomes my minion. At the same time I see arguments for paying when you visit poor countries – since it’s a way to contribute on some level at least. In the end I don’t think there is right and wrong here. Each will have to go with his or her own conscious.
Yeah, I pretty much agree and do not pay for a photograph but understand why and how someone might.
Welcome back! The woman on the sofa with the car behind… what a composition!
These are wonderful Otto. I’m very excited. We just booked a family trip to Cuba over Christmas but I’m hoping to head to Havana for a day of shooting. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
You will have a lovely time. I will get back with some suggestions. 🙂
Foto fantastiche, fortissima quella della signora che ha l’auto dietro al divano!!!
Bentornato, lieta di rileggerti. Un caro saluto, Patrizia
Grazie, Patrizia. E ‘bello essere di nuovo di nuovo. 🙂
Lovely pictures. I love the first one with the reflection in the water.
Thank you for the feedback, Ellen.
Classically Cuban images.
Physicist Michio Kaku has a map of the Earth that shows exactly that the countries that have wealth also have regular and common Internet access. It’s a very interesting look at the world.
My wife and i have thought about visiting Cuba. I’m thinking that If I went, of course I would have to photograph the place up but I would also want to meet and talk to individuals who have relatives abroad that they haven’t seen since they defected decades ago; especially those that went to the US. I’d like to get their story, and document that through photography.
Maybe it’s been done already but I’m not aware of it.
I think you idea for a project is great. It may have been done before, but not the way you will approach. Basically everything has already been done. It’s one’s personal approach that makes the difference. I am sure you will have a great time in Cuba if you go.
lovely colours and lovely slices of life that make me want to visit there…. can i park my car in my living room too? 🙂
Can you? Maybe you may have to take down a wall first… Thanks for the comment, Elaine.
Very fine photos. I love the subject matter and there is much for me to notice in each image.
Thank you, Louis. Good to read that you enjoyed the photos.
I love how you make me feel I am there. I think while other countries have not-so-great internet access, our country has slower internet than some like South Korea. I’ll look forward to more images from this country!
Internet can never be too fast, or? Thank you for the comment, Laura.
Or whoever has the most speed will win. You’re welcome Otto.
I always look forward to your Cuba photos. These are beautiful – I think my favorite is the man with the cigar – his genuine smile is infectious!
He has quite a smile, I agree. Thank you for the encouraging words, Lynda.
I’ve been following the career of Yoani Sanchez since her earliest days, when she disguised herself as a tourist in order to upload her blog to foreign servers from the lobby of a hotel denied to most Cubans.. The intricacies of online life there certainly have been, shall we say, complicated. One of my customers was raised in Havana. His father was killed by Castro immediately following the Bay of Pigs invasion, and all of his holdings appropriated. If you’d like, you could read the story here.
Your images are wonderful. I’m looking forward to seeing more. And yes, it’s so true: teaching is as satisfying for the teacher as for the students.
Thank you for the nice words and comment. And thank you for the link; I will check out the story.
I can only wonder how the car got into that woman’s living room. Wonderful photos and I’m looking forward to hearing more about your trip.
The car got in there through a gate. As simple as that :-). It’s like a garage, except there is a living room there as well. Thanks for the feedback, Linda.
I very much appreciate these pictures and especially the last One. Every person seems to have a handicap but don’t have to hide it!
I think they just behave very naturally. Thank you for the comment, Martina.
Great to hear that the workshop was satisfying, Otto. I really love this series of images for their wonderful content and beautiful presentation.
Thank you for the nice words, Andrew.
I love those environmental portraits, Münchow. They have ‘laid-back’ stamped all over.
I am glad you liked the photos. Thank you,
Great to read your post again Otto. Beautiful photos from the past 🙂 I am looking forward to see the new ones 😉
I remember my trip to Cuba last year, the only suitable internet was – surprisingly – in the middle of mangrove area and ocean called Jardines de la Reina. After leaving the area we were off without internet for weeks. How weird it was but I remember that I enjoyed those days without having internet 🙂
It always feels like freedom when there is no internet. doesn’t it? It forces you to be more present. I hope you enjoyed your trip to Cuba.
I enjoy your different perspective , eye for design and story. Am going to reblog this as all of a sudden am paying homage to those who teach me and help me to see.
I am glad you like the photos, Jane.
Reblogged this on My Heartsong and commented:
Paying homage to another photographer.
On the road again…som vanligt, eller hur!?
Har varit inne här hos dig några gånger och undrar vart du tagit vägen…bra, nu vet jag:)
Och du, så skönt att få en liten semester från de sociala medierna…på gott eller ont…mest gott, tror jag:)
Ha det gott, vagabond och kreatör som du är…
Takk for vakre ord, Gertie. Jeg setter alltid pris på ditt besøk. Og du har selvsagt helt rett. Det er alltid deilig når en blir tvunget vekk fra sosiale medier. Egentlig skulle en vel klare det til vanlig også, men det er jo alltid noe som en bare må sjekke opp…
That first one is intriguing, Otto! I can’t quite work out how he’s hanging there over the water 🙂 🙂
It’s really just a reflection in a puddle. The low camera angle makes him look like he his hanging there. Thanks, Jo.
Hej Otto, fantastiska bilder och damen på soffan med bilen känner jag lite extra för. Vet att jag under våren läste ett inlägg av dig där du tipsade om att nyttja vidvinkelobjektiv för tx porträtt. Skulle gärna vilja ta del av det igen men hittar det inte. Vet du vilket jag menar kan du väl hänvisa mig dit.
Härligt att du verkar nöjd med e-workshopen och jag är övertygad om att dina studenter också är nöjda. Du är en fantastiskt skicklig fotolärare som jag varmt rekomenderar.
Allt Gott.
Monica
Takk for de flotte ordene, Monica. Damen med bilen er en ganske spesiel situasjon… Ellers finner du mitt innlegg om å bruke vidvinkel til portretter her:
https://munchow.wordpress.com/2014/04/14/wide-angle-for-people/
Tusen tack Otto, vad snabbt du svarade.
M
If you have been in the Caribbean (in my case in Cuba) these fine photos immediately engage you again and brings you to back to the relaxed, friendly and happy atmosphere. Fantastic photos, Otto! The man with the cigar – and the lady on the sofa in front of the car (!) are my favorites!
Caribbean – especially Cuba – is indeed a special for any photographer. Thanks for the lovely comment, Truels.
What fantastic captures, many fascinating stories here!
Thank you, Susan.
Great to see you back Otto! Super shots,as always. I particularly like how you’ve composed the third one 🙂
Thank you, Uday, I always appreciate your feedback.
Velkommen hjem! Forstår du har hatt nok en vellykket workshop i Cuba : ) Håper selv å få til en tur til Cuba i 2015 – kanskje delta på en av dine workshop ; )
Bildene dine er som alltid gode, liker spesiellt det siste bilde i serien – herlig! ; )
Ønsker deg gode dager!
Takk Anite. Vi planlegger sannsynligvis en ny workshop på Cuba i september – men det er ennå veldig uoffisielt. Ellers vil jeg ønske deg en fortsatt god helg!
You have captured such wonderful character in these, Otto!
Thank you, Lisa.
A trip to Cuba is on my bucket list, I would love to take a workshop there. Looking forward to what you have to share with us from your trip. I spent a month in the southwest recently and must say internet was not always available/reliable it was annoying at first once I got used to not checking in all the time it was actually refreshing 🙂
That’s the thing with internet – or when the access is poor, isn’t it! After the initial irritation, it’s actually very nice to be without it. Thanks for your comment.
If you go to Cuba for workshops again perhaps you could provide an info link.
When the details are ready I will of course provide a link with the info. 🙂
Thanks Otto!
Love all of these photos! They really tell the story of a laid back lifestyle.
Thank you for the nice words, Tiny.
These are worthy of at least a National Geographic article, Nice stuff!
Thank you for that lovely complement, Loujen.
I loved Cuba – a place of many contrasts, wonderful colours and lovely people. Your photos took me right back – thank you.
Good to hear. Thank you, Mary.
I love your photos from Cuba, Otto! And as I am traveling to Cuba next month, I was wondering if you can give some advice about taking pictures, especially of people. Is there any specifics in Cuba? Not everywhere people like to be taken in photos.
How lucky you are to get to go to Cuba! What you find is that it’s very easy to photograph most anything in Cuba – particularly people. I don’t really have any specific advice about shooting people, besides being friendly and respectful in your approach. I can hardly think of another country where people are so at ease being photograph. In Havana and in some tourist spots like Trinidad you will find some people asking for money. If they dress up traditionally it’s obvious they are doing it for money and I think it’s fair enough to pay – or not taking photos of them. Whether you want to pay otherwise I think it’s really up to how you see it. Outside of the tourist tracks you will find that people would rather asked to be photographed just for the fun of it. Cubans are very relaxed and have a lot of self-confidence which makes them very easy to photograph. Just keep one thing in mind: People completely dressed in white are generally in a period of religious initiation and are not allowed to be photographed.
Thank you very much, Otto! Your advises are very helpful, especially about the people dressed up in white. In Africa people were also very easy to be photographed but I think in Cuba will be much more fun, as you have said. 🙂