I have this whole blog in my head about Cuba, specifically ‘why Cuba?’ I have been asked that a lot, and there are multiple factors, but I sit to write it and I get disturbed, distracted or maybe it is not ready to come out yet. So in the meantime, I have started to unpack the photos. Tonight I share some of the people I encountered. These are only a handful of them. Cuba is people, I posted about this today elsewhere, I have the same feeling I had as I processed the Iceland trip. These are special to me, the journey itself is more important than the photos, yet the photos are precious. There is a distinct difference from the two trips, with Iceland the land was the subject, beauty as far as you could see, a beauty like no other. With Cuba, the people are the subject. It is an island of people, incredible, strong, kind people, and I can see the change in the approach to my photos I took in Cuba as I go through them. The early images I am trying to capture the scenes, the buildings, the cars, then there is a quick evolution, as I discover the people make up the island regardless of the scenes. I still photographed the other stuff, but my portrait lens was on my camera more than off, and I looked forward to strolling around the streets looking for subjects to talk with. We would see people, sitting walking, standing, they tend to notice people with cameras, a quick “Hola”, raise the camera “Foto?” Eight out of ten times you would get a smile or a shy grin and permission, I would take it and then show them. They would light up, “gracias”. Sweet is a word that comes to mind, they have a sweetness that is genuine. At the same time a toughness that shows in their faces. They are the country, no matter the politics, the elements that make the place up, it is the people who give the island a strength. They are so proud to share what they have done to get by. Invites to see where they live, what they make, who they are. I am better for having met them. I learned from them then I had to give. I am grateful to have these ‘fotos’. Tomorrow I will try to share why Cuba, also, I have been asked a few times, will there be a show of these. I am not sure, the Iceland show was a great thing and a huge success, but a lot of work. I would love to hear if there is an interest in a Cuba show, perhaps after the holidays.
tr/trp
Tim, your lens and your eye truly capture the heart and the soul of everything you photograph. When it comes to people that is only magnified. Incredible stories you are telling here with each picture and I look forward to “hearing” the whole tale!
Great to see your images and read what you had to say about Cuba. I loved this trip, yes the people, are awesome. I look forward to seeing more of your images.