Cuba: Teaching National Geographic Photo Camp
A week before Fidel Castro died, in November 2016, we led an extraordinary Photo Camp in Havana, Cuba, with a group of Cuban photography students. I gave them an impassioned talk about how they were in a unique position to document changes in their country from an insider’s perspective. A week later, when news came of Castro's death, National Geographic News ran a story using these students' images, and their pictures were circulated around the world. (The pictures on this page are mine, except the team photo.)
I've helped lead Photo Camps in India, Qatar, Costa Rica, Arizona/Mexico border – places I might not have gotten to see otherwise. It's a true cross–cultural exchange, and I love this opportunity to give back. For more about NG Photo Camps, which are funded by National Geographic Society, see link.
Taxi driver and his ride.
Morning light near the Mallecon.
Beautiful old taxis drive along the famous Malecon which runs for 5 miles along Havana’s coast.
On the Callejon de Hamel, an artists’ block filled with murals, sculptures, and galleries, one of our workshop students shows an artist the portraits he just made.
Staff for this camp came from the US and Cuba: leader Kirsten Elstner, NG photojournalist David Guttenfelder, logistical wizard Pilar Rubi, tech wizard Jon Brack, Alex Moen. Not pictured TA's Reinaldo Cid and Margel Sanchez, translator Claudia Correa, and Fototeca rep Nelson Ramirez.
Top Photograph: Morning light washes across Havana’s colorful facades while dozens of classic car taxi drivers hang out in a park socializing and playing music.