After over twenty years working in finance I was blessed with having my position eliminated with a full year of severance pay so decided to do what I love…photography and traveling.
After some solo trips within the US I became aware of a photo workshop to Cuba hosted by Hunt’s Photo Education and Your Cuba Travel. I signed up that day.
After a couple days in Havana we drove in a fleet of vintage cars to Trinidad which is by far the most colorful places that I had ever visited. After an amazing night some of us ventured out really early in the morning for some street photography which is far from my comfort zone. As we wandered with our cameras we most definitely piqued the interest of those we passed.
As we approached this one house, an old man sat in his wheel chair in his open doorway. Most front doors in Cuba are wide open as so are their hearts based on my experience. Unfortunately I don’t speak Spanish, which I will rectify, so asked permission for a photo by raising my camera slightly with questioning eyes. Once granted permission with a head nod I snapped three photos and thanked him (in Spanish). This experience was not unique no matter which part of Cuba we were visiting.
Despite their difficult situation the people of Cuba are warm and welcoming. I can’t wait to return and hopefully find some of the people who I photographed so to thank them for their hospitality with a print as these are extremely rare on this beautiful island.
Cuba changed me for the good and I will always be grateful.
What do you think are the TWO most impactful features that make your image a good photograph? Don’t be shy!
It’s hard to take a photo in Cuba that isn’t interesting but I feel this is a strong image based on the subject himself. One look and you can see and feel his hardships but also his heart. The other feature that I feel adds is the fact that he is in his doorway of his home which not only frames him well but also represents how the Cuban people are in general – open and inviting.
If you would be able to make this photo once again, what would be the ONE thing you would like to do better or different?
I would have learned Spanish and taken the time to hear about him and his family.
Laurie France shared her photograph in the FRAMES Facebook Group.
Photographer
Laurie France, South Shore of Massachusetts in the United States
Equipment and Settings
Canon 80D + EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L at 94mm
1/80 sec., f/4, ISO 160
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Mark Benham
July 15, 2020 at 15:46
An interesting image and story Laurie. I know from my own experiences of photographing many people, during many working photo trips, how rewarding it can be to meet such amazing people. To give them a print would be a wonderful thing to do. I once photographed an African man from Ghana, who was working as a labourer on a eucalyptus forest in Portugal, I took his portrait and in the afternoon returned with a print for him, which I’d had done in the nearest town. The look on his face was truly wonderful; sheer joy and total surprise, which gave me more pleasure than taking the photograph itself.
Nigel Walker
July 15, 2020 at 17:18
A great picture and I agree that Cuba is a wonderful place for photography. This man has lived a life by the looks of him and the doorway is totally Cuba and Trinidad. Thanks for sharing the story.
Jim Cook
July 15, 2020 at 17:28
Great portrait of this man!
Lori
July 16, 2020 at 16:08
ITs a wonderful story and portrait.
Colleen Parker
July 19, 2020 at 03:10
A powerful and personal image Laurie! Thank you for sharing your talent and story with us 🙏 !
Ford Roosevelt
August 1, 2020 at 22:07
I agree on all thoughts about Cuba. What a wonderful country and people. I pray for the day the USA will wake up and end the punitive useless embargo. More citizens of the USA should travel to learn about and see Cuba.
Alan Collopy
November 8, 2020 at 00:39
Great photo and story. Cuba must be such a great place to visit, and photographically rich. Alan “Fellow Mass Resident”