I am back in Cuba for I don’t know which time. It will be great to see how much this contradictory country has changed since I visited Cuba in November last year. I bet it’s significant changes. As I am writing this I have still not left Norway, but I know that internet is not working very well in Cuba—if at all—so I am just being ahead of the reality, which by the time you read this, has attained me. This also means that I will be away from the blog sphere the next week or so. No comments and no response from me in other words. But I’ll soon be back again.
Appropriately enough, only few days before I set of to Cuba one of my Cuban photos were part of the 4th Berlin Foto Biennale opening on October 6th. It’s the photo above that I was invited to join with. Of course, I would have like to be present during the opening, but sometimes you can’t get it all.
I wish you all creative week.
In Flow with Otto 
It’s a great photo. Hope you have a good week Otto.
Thank you, Miriam. I did have a good week (being back again by now).
Wishing you safe and enjoyable travels. Looking forward to some more Cuban images too.
Thank you, Vicki. At least one photo today on my blog. 🙂
I look forward to more of your excellent Cuba photos on your return.
Thank you, Mary. One photo today, but more will come in the future.
A wonderful photograph Otto and a well deserved honour! Happy, safe travels! 🙂
Thank you, Adrian. Much appreciated.
Congratulations to you, Otto. What an honor to have one of your photos selected. Stay safe.
Thank you so much, Lois.
Heck, I’m in Arkansas, and the wifi wouldn’t let me in to my WordPress drafts last night without kicking me off the internet. I’m hoping to find a way to troubleshoot and solve that today. Bon voyage, and happy internet to you!
Thank you, Linda. Internet is not without trouble anywhere, is it. Hope you solved the problem.
A pensive portrait that deserves the recognition, congratulations.
Thank you, Sally.
An excellent entry, congrats. Enjoy Cooba! 💮
Thank you. 🙂
Can’t wait to see Cuba through your discerning and talented eye, Otto!
Thank you for the lovely words, Colleen.
Bon voyage, I am a tad envious!
I can understand that. 🙂 Thank you.
Enjoy your week as well. We look forward to seeing the photos!
Thank you, Dawn.
Oh j’aimerai tant y aller!
Hopefully you will one day. 🙂
Travel safe, and have a wonderful trip, Otto!
Thank you, Lisa. I did have a great week.
I’ve been looking at a lot of photos lately and have framing on my mind. When do you think it is beneficial to cut off a part of the subject? In this photo you cut off the top of the church when if you had wanted to, you could have included it. I understand that it is usually to emphasize something but sometimes I see heads cut off at strange places etc. What is your take on this?
Have a productive and inspirational trip!
It’s a good question you bring to the table, and I don’t have a clear answer. I usually do it very intuitively. In the end I think it comes down to aesthetics or composition. The question is simply; what works visually? And visually it can have many purposes. One is for instance to connect what’s within in the frame to the world outside. One can be to make something less prominent by cutting off a larger part of it. One can be to only give a hint of what’s there. As I wrote there is no one answer to your question. One thing, though, I am quite adamant about. I either cut the object clearly by the frame or I don’t. If an object just touches the edge or is just slightly cut, it looks arbitrary.
Yes, I agree that there is no clear cut explanation or answer but I was hoping that you might have one! Thanks though. Are you consciously doing it?
It’s really a hard question to answer, too, since my whole shooting process is done more unconsciously than not. I believe thinking too much while actually taking a photo disturbs the creative process. But of course on some level it’s still a conscious choice.
excellent shot that tells the story of the changing times for Cuba.very symbolic of the lost hold the church had on the people. Changes ahead, hopefully for the better.
Indeed, hopefully for the better. Thank you, Paula.
Please have a great trip!
Thank you—I did. 🙂
Enjoy!
Thank you, Ann-Christine.
Very expressive portrait, Otto.
Thanks for the feedback, Cornelia.
Congrats on your return to Cuba, good photos come the trips there both from you and your students.
Thank you, Jane.
I wish you all the best. Cuba is my craddle and I hope to go there back soon.
I hope you will make it back to your craddle. 🙂
Have a wonderful time. Can’t wait to see your photos. Cuba is pretty special.
Cuba is indeed very special. Thank you.
Liebe Grüße mal von mir wünsche dir einen schönen Mittwoch lieber Gruß Gislinde
Thank you, Gislinde.
What a gorgeous image, Otto. Safe travels to you and happy photo-hunting! I can’t wait to see Cuba through your eyes.
Thank you, Heather.
I look forward to the photos you’ll share upon your return. You have such close relationships with the Cuban people, Otto, and I really enjoy seeing Cuba through your eyes…and camera! 🙂
I appreciate very much your lovely words. Thank you, Debra.
Have a wonderful time in Cuba, my dream destination. It’s just a matter of $$. I hope the introduction of Americans to Cuba doesn’t ruin the inherent beauty and culture.
Of course the opening for US citizens to visit Cuba, will have an impact, but hopefully it will not be negative. 🙂
Wonderful photo! Safe travels!
Thank you, Noor.
safe happy travels, otto.
Thank you, Ken.
not at all, i should be thanking you, your workshop has really helped me to see better and take better images, just got a few more honorable mentions from IPA2016 :). ken
I am glad to hear that. And, congratulations!
✋
Et flott bilde! Blir spennende å se nye bilder og høre om hvordan du opplever Cuba i dag i forhold til tidligere besøk. God tur!
Takk skal du ha, Inger. Hadde en flott tur. 🙂
Cuba is going to experience a lot of changes. You are there at the right time. Enjoy the trip. We will hold the ‘Net together for you until you get back.
Thank you, Phil. Seems like the ‘net is still there—as soon as I got back again. 🙂
A very powerful photograph.
Thank you. 🙂
I coming out there very soon – I’ll look out for you!
Have fun in Cuba, then! 🙂
Enjoy your travel!
Thank you, Ester. It was a great trip, indeed.
You re welcome