Cuba 2013!

Cigar Factory at Sunrise, Old Havana
iPhone 4s, resident camera pano feature

In January I traveled to Cuba along with a group of fellow photographers for a fascinating look at Old Havana and Trinidad, Cuba. The trip was arranged by friends John Barclay and Tony Sweet, with help from an experienced travel agency familiar with acquiring the People-to-People licenses necessary for US citizens to travel to Cuba. Our trip lasted 9 days. We spent the first 3 in Old Havana, 4 in Trinidad and then returned to close out the trip with another look at Old Havana.

For this trip, I used my iPhone 4s and my Sony NEX-7. Many of the NEX shots I moved to the iPhone for post processing with iPhone apps. It was a great way to travel light. Aside from my tripod, I was able to contain all my gear in a photo vest and needed no bags for additional gear!

One of our favorite challenges was capturing the wonderful old cars, aka, "Yank Tanks," that are plentiful throughout Cuba. For this shot, I set the NEX to Shutter Priority with about a 1/15th shutter speed. By holding the camera steady, the background is in focus while the moving car blurs through the frame. Trust me, this was addictive!

Sony NEX-7, Processed on iPhone 4s

Here's an alternative method that involves panning with the moving car. The goal is get the car, or a portion of it, in clear focus, while the background blurs. It's a challenge but oh so much fun!

Sony NEX-7, Processed on iPhone 4s

Due to the trade embargo with the United States, the Cuban people are forced to make do or do without many of the basic comforts that we in the US take for granted. It's common to see clothes drying on balconys throughout Old Havana either because no other method of clothes drying is available or to save the expense of an alternative.

Sony NEX-7, Processed on iPhone 4s

The first things that stand out about Trinidad are the extraordinary colors and textures; building exteriors vary widely in both, and the ever-present cobblestone streets add to the charm.

Sony NEX-7, Processed on iPhone4s

Another example of the vivid color and rich textures seen throughout Trinidad.

Sony NEX-7, Processed on iPhone4s

I couldn't resist the lines, colors and textures of these steps in Trinidad.

Sony NEX-7, Processed on iPhone4s

Streets in Trinidad are have very narrow sidewalks where doors and windows of homes open directly to the street. There is no glass, just openings, sometimes with bars on them. Walking down the street provides a very intimate view of people and their homes. This woman greeted passersby from her perch.

Sony NEX-7, Processed on iPhone4s

As we headed back after dinner and a long day in Trinidad, I was treated to this street scene. These kids, probably about ages 10 to 12, were playing baseball in the street by the light of one of the few street lights in Trinidad! The bat is a broken handle of some kind and the "ball," in the girl's hand, is a chunk of wood. On this pitch the batter hit a shot to center field that ended in a contested play at home! It was not unlike a game anywhere in the world, except for the improvised tools.

Sony NEX-7, Processed on iPhone4s

One of my favorite stops of our trip was the small coastal village of Cojimar. The intricate details of the awnings and wrought iron on the buildings were enhanced by the weathering from the sun and sea.

Sony NEX-7, Processed on iPhone4s