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CUBA #2
www.revolutionphotography.org
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#Contents Review Of The Year Havana Streets Havana WiFi Music & Dance Clients in Focus Malecon Nights Havana Social Club Football Club Cuba
#Review of the year Where has this year taken you?
In only the last six months National Geographic chose five images shot on Revolution Retreats to feature in their Daily Dozen. This month LensCulture published an editorial series on Cuban street football shot by Andy Scaysbrook and in October we took Choice Magazine’s centre spread. Which just goes to show, when you explore Cuba with us you never know where photography will take you next or where your images will be seen. On New Year’s Eve 2014 Revolution Photography launched f8 magazine. That launch issue was read by over 500 people in just two weeks and is still reaching new readers now. The same audience came back for the following issues - and they brought their friends. Now, we have an international readership running into thousands and it’s not just our work they’re looking at either. Through this magazine we have showcased the talents and achievements of everyone who joined us on our UK workshops and Cuban retreats. We have also featured contributions, portfolios and interviews with professional and aspiring photographers from around the world. In February our new website launched after which we ran two hugely successful Cuban retreats; introducing friends old and new to Havana and Trinidad. Along the way we had some extraordinary adventures, capyured some stunning images and made a great many new friends and connections. A standout moment for us came in March when we were privileged to be invited to sit down for drinks (and a world exclusive interview) with Alex Castro, (Fidel Castro’s son and a world renowned photographer). Listening to Alex answer questions and hearing him wax lyrical about his childhood, love of sports and passion for photography was remarkable ocassion and great insight into a fascinating life. In 2016 we’re running three unique Cuban retreats. You can try your hand at photojournalism on The Gritty One, get into Trinidad’s laid back groove with The Cool One, or lap up some luxury in Havana and Trinidad on The Posh One – whichever you choose, you’ll be travelling with people who really know and love Cuba, who will introduce you to its most famous locations and some true hidden gems known only to those intimately in touch with the country. So, whether you’re an old-hand or just getting your first camera this Christmas, when you travel with Revolution Photography you’ll be sure of getting behind the scenes and capturing images that will astonish. Thank you all of you for joining us at the start of this incredible journey. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year From Andy & Andrew at Revolution Photography
#Havana Streets Havana never disappoints. Her streets are alive with culture, music and magic. We take you on a visual tour of the Grand Old Lady of Cuba and reveal some of the characters and charms of this majestic jewel of a city. Welcome to the streets of Havana.
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#Havana WiFi When we first strolled the streets of Havana four years ago it was impossible to imagine that the citizens of this city would soon be clutching digital devices and connecting to the world outside of Cuba’s shores. How the times have changed. Today, Cubans gather on street corners to log onto WiFi services provided by both private enterprise and the state. You will see groups gathered outside of international hotels and local WiFi hotspots eagerly sharing their news. It is a joy to sit and watch people interact with the outside world and see their faces light up with joy as they exchange pictures and gossip. If you wanted a sure sign that Cuba is changing, this is it.
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#Music & Dance Cuba is world famous for its music, a diverse mixture of Afro - Cuban rythms where Jazz, Salsa and Rhumba entwine with modern dance baest to produce some of the most scintilating and infectous music the world has to oer. Here we showcase some of the hugely talented musicians and dancers who make up the heart and soul of Cuba’s capital city.
#Clients in Focus Here we feature images from two guest’s who joined our recent Revolution retreat in Havana. Justine and Nadiya had two very different visions that they wanted to capture during their time in Cuba. Justine was an “out of the box” beginner having no previous photographic experience and a new camera to master. Nadiya is a keen and creative photographer who wanted to expand her photographic repotoire.
Justine Wyness What were your expectations of Havana and what sort of images did you want to capture? My initial reason for choosing a photography trip was to learn how to use my camera and take some nice holiday photos. I expected lots of old cars and run-down buildings, lots of music and some cool people. I was overwhelmed with how much more Havana gives you. What did you enjoy most about your time with us? Being with Andy, who knows Havana and The Cuban Way so well, we went to & saw places and met & interacted with people I wouldn’t do on my own, even with other people on a first trip there. He opened up a whole other Havana that I wouldn’t have seen as an average tourist. And that allowed me to take pictures I wouldn’t have taken. I stopped wanting to take holidays snaps and started want to take photographs that tell a story. What did you learn from your time with Revolution Photography To approach complete strangers and shoot great portraits. I loved working on the streets learning the many different approaches to urban photography, waiting for a picture is really satisfying. Andy taught me how much better a photo is with people in it, the Cuban people love having their photos taken! Working with the a great tutor really acellerates your progress. Andy has a brilliant knack for getting across ideas and techniques in ways that are easy to understand and apply, even to a complete beginner like me. It wasnt all “techy buttons and dials” I was surprised at how quickly he got me shooting pictures that I honestly never thought possible. I also learned that a revolution started by seventeen men overturned the biggest power in the world. What would you say to people who may be thinking of travelling to Cuba with Rev? Do it! Besides the expert Photography tuition, you’ll see a different side of Cuba than you would travelling with any other tour group or by going on your own. Don’t expect a typical tourist trip or to be ferried around in an air-conditioned coach. This is a real cultural experience and I discovered a slice of Cuban life that was just incredable. Do expect to come back wanting to move to Cuba and learn to play Sax! Sum up Cuba in 3 words? Todo Es Posible!
#Clients in Focus I first met and tutored Nadiya in 2012 on a course in Cuba, so it was great to welcome her back. Like many people, Nadiya’s busy lifestyle doesnt allow time to fully explore her hobby. It was with great relish that she looked forward to getting her teeth into some typical Revolution Photography adventures. Having been wowed by the amazing kaliedescope of colour that Cuba is blessed with, Nadiya wanted to explore the world of working in Black and White and seek out a more editorial style to her photography.
Nadiya Ahmed What were your expectations of Havana and what sort of images did you want to capture?
My expectations for this trip were to find out how much the country had changed. During my previous trip, I focused on the colour and vibrancy of Cuba, this time I wanted to engage more with the people and culture as well as experiencing aspects of day to day Cuban life. Visiting outside of the peak summer season allowed us to take photos in different weather conditions. The rain and ocassional lightning storm added to the atmosphere and also allowed us to utilise different techniques in our photography. What did you enjoy most about your time with us?
I enjoyed staying in a Casa and being able to walk out of the door and straight into a local neighbourhood. It was great to be immersed in the sights and sounds of real Cuban life where the locals are friendly, welcoming and loved the fact that they were being photographed. The Revolution Photography team have excellent local knowledge and contacts, which allowed us to shoot in places such as the local youth football club and dance academy, these were opportunities a standard tourist package wouldn’t be able to offer. What is your favourite image from your trip and why?
“Shadows in the square” - taken from the rooftop of the Camera Obscurer building. The composition and light on the subjects clicked into place. The angle the photo was taken from highlighted the shadows perfectly and the fact that none of the subjects were aware of the camera added to the relaxed and informal feeling of the image.
What did you learn from your time with Revolution Photography?
I appreciated the opportunity to learn from an highly experienced photographer and the quality one-to-one time where he provided constructive feedback that could easily be understood and applied. I saw a great improvement in my work over the course of the Retreat. One stand out moment for me is when Andy told me the only bit of feedback he had to give me on my photos for the day was that “I had nailed it – but should crop less in post production”. Coming from someone who has won international awards for their work, I take this as a major compliment. What would you say to people who may be thinking of travelling to Cuba with Revolution Photography?
In the words of a famous sportswear manufacturer “JUST DO IT!” If you only visit one Island in the Caribbean make it Cuba. You will find lovely people who welcome you into their homes as though you are part of the family. Music, dancing and photo opportunities abound. Travelling with Revolution Photography, you won’t find or miss shopping malls, fast food restaurants or name brand coffee chains, because you’ll be getting the real local experience… With a dash of Havana Club thrown in for good measure!
#Malecon Nights The world famous Malecon is the central point for socialising in Havana. As the waves of the Florida Straights crash against its ancient walls the talk is of music, politics, art and sport. The ever present sounds of rhumba and reggae drift across the heady night air. The aroma of cigars, rum and the clear sea air mix beautifully. The overriding sound is that of laughter and joy.
#Havana Social Club Bueno Vista Social Club are a hosehold name known the world over for their virtuoso muscicanship they are one of Cubas finest musical exports. However, there is another social club, one where many of Havana’s citizens gather to sing, perform and hang out with their loved ones. People get up out of the audience, take the microphone for a few tunes and pass it on. This is nothing new in Cuba, it has been happening for decades. The surprising thing - or not as the case maybe - is that every performance you witness will leave the hairs on the back of your neck standing up. If you ever needed to really understand and connect with the outstanding musical talents of Cuban society this is place to be energised.
#Football Cuba Cuba is famous for it’s sporting excellence although the national game is Baseball, Cuba holds more Olympic medals for boxing than any other nation, 34 in total. The game that you most see being played today is football. We first photographed this community football club on our retreat in March and returned to continue documenting the progress of the club and the remarkable people who run it. The players are desperate for footballs, many of them play in bare feet they have no kits and the goal nets have holes in them. However, the spirit, talent and passion of the players is astonishing. The club serves all age groups and has been set up to give children from one of the most deprived parts of Havana a rare to nuture their talents.
14 - 24th March 2016 Seven days in Havana working as a photo journalist
21 - 31st March 2016 Dive into the heart and soul of Trinidad
24th Oct - 3rd Nov 2016 Ten days of luxury and adventure
Bookings now being taken for 2016 Limited places available BOOK NOW!
www.revolutionphotography.org