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Havana

Oct 13 2019

6-Day Street Photography Workshop in Havana, Cuba

6-Day Street Photography Workshop

in Havana, Cuba

  • NOVEMBER 25TH-30TH, 2019 : HAVANA, CUBA
  • INTENSIVE STREET PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP WITH FORREST WALKER

I’m excited to announce a 6-Day workshop I’ll be leading this November 25th-30th in Havana, Cuba. Read on for more details and how to sign up…

This intensive week-long workshop will focus on vision and seeing more. You’ll learn to see more photos when out shooting, how to put together what you see into the photo you want to make, improve your editing process and help find yourself in your photography. We will work together to accomplish these goals through a variety of lessons covering a variety of work, reviews of your own work, editing sessions, activities and plenty of shooting throughout the streets of Havana. Led by international photographer Forrest Walker, this workshop will be an immersive and educational experience.

Full 6-Day Workshop Fee – $1100 $850 US per person (Early Price Discount)

RESERVE SPOT

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

FORREST WALKER

Forrest Walker is an internationally acclaimed photographer from Portland, Oregon, USA. He is also the sole creator of the popular street photography blog, ShooterFiles.com. His work has been published, awarded and exhibited across multiple continents and showcases his interest in capturing the world candidly in vibrant color, along with a passion for exploration. He has been an invited speaker and judge at multiple major international street photography festivals, including the Miami Street Photography Festival, London Street Photography Festival and StreetFoto San Francisco, in addition to be featured and interviewed across media, including the immensely popular ‘The Candid Frame’ podcast.

Currently, Forrest is in the final stages of photographing a five-year project covering over 100 Major Cities across all major regions of the world, where he strives to capture the diversity and connections found in daily life across all regions and cultures. His images distil the layers of life within major cities and reveal the commonalities of human experience. This project is documented on his popular blog ShooterFiles.com, where he provides street photography city guides, tips, photography, stories, local photographer interviews and more.

SEE MORE OF FORREST’S WORK ON INSTAGRAM & HIS WEBSITE

ABOUT THE WORKSHOP

Places are strictly limited, sign up early to avoid disappointment

WHERE: Havana, Cuba

WHEN: November 25-30, 2019 (6 Days)

Daily Schedule (Detailed itinerary will be emailed to participants):

  • Monday November 25th: 9am-6pm
  • Tuesday November 26th: 9am-6pm
  • Wednesday November 27th: 9am-6pm 
  • Thursday November 28th: 9am-6pm 
  • Friday November 29th: 9am-6pm
  • Saturday November 30th: Free shooting day until 5pm-8pm final edit/lesson (followed by celebration)

*We will break for lunch daily and all are invited to dinner/drinks afterwards for more interaction

Workshop Description:

On this week-long workshop, you’ll be able to capture many areas of Havana that others don’t while challenging yourself to improve your street photography in a variety of ways. This will be an intensive and highly involved workshop led by someone who’s photographed over 100 major cities across the world inside and out. Havana still stays at the top of my list for street photography and I’ve spent countless hours exploring its endless streets of interest over the years. With a 5 participant max on the workshop, you’ll be able to get the most out of our time together, all week long in Havana, Cuba.

Havana is no secret destination for photographers, but most don’t see all that it contains. On this workshop, we will include plenty of venturing outside of Havana Vieja too, so you can really capture the variety of what makes Havana so special.

Experiencing and capturing a variety of the city, as we will, is also designed to help maximize your improvement and learning in street photography. You will be challenged, while seeing more and having more opportunities to reach your goals during the workshop.

This will be an intensive, but highly enjoyable workshop experience that includes a mixture of daily photo walks, photo critiques, portfolio reviews, interactive lessons, editing sessions, activities and discussions. There will be a lot of walking and photography, with myself fully involved each step of the way to make sure you get the most out of your week. You will be able to fully immerse yourself into the city through street photography, so you can learn more, photograph more and have a great time experiencing Havana.

What’s Included?:

  • A variety of guided street photography walks giving a wide view of photo opportunities and exploration in Havana.
  • 1-on-1 shooting with your instructor to provide feedback, tips, guidance, and allow you to observe how I work. You will also be allowed to work on your photography without distraction during the walks.
  • Multiple educational and inspirational lessons covering different aspects of street photography.
  • An initial portfolio review followed by daily critiques and a final editing lesson covering your work during the workshop.
  • Constant access to your instructor, including outside of the workshop’s scheduled time. 
  • Activities planned to give time for bonding with other photographers, while having a great time in Havana.
  • A memorable experience not only improving your photography, but also enjoying one of the world’s most interesting cities.

Additional Information:

  • The workshop will be very limited to keep the group small and give plenty of personal attention and quality interaction.
  • The workshop fee covers not only the time during the workshop schedule, but also the time spent on workshop preparation with each individual, and any time needed outside of the daily schedule while in Havana.

WHAT TO BRING:

Good walking shoes, camera(s), lens – between 50mm and 21mm equivalents preferred, sunscreen, water bottle, cool and comfortable clothing, laptop with appropriate processing software installed (Lightroom, Capture One or Photoshop), spare batteries and memory cards, notepad, pen, and mobile/ smart phone.

Full 6-Day Workshop Fee – $1100 $850 US per person (Early Price Discount)

RESERVE SPOT

Places are strictly limited, sign up early to avoid disappointment

 

Terms and Cancellation Policy:

  •           Workshop fees include tuition ONLY. Participants are responsible for their own equipment costs, food and beverage costs, and travel expenses.
  •          Forrest Walker accepts no liability for any loss or damage of participants’ equipment or liability for injury, illness or misadventure during the course of the workshop. The public liability of the participants is their own responsibility as is conducting themselves safely and according to Cuban Law at all times.
  •           Forrest Walker reserves the right to cancel the workshop at any time, for any reason. In this event, participants will receive a 100% refund on any fees paid.
  •          Forrest Walker is not responsible for reimbursement of travel expenses in the event of a cancellation. We recommend that you buy refundable air tickets and/or travel insurance. Cancellations: More than 21 days before workshop begins, participant will receive a 100% refund. Between 7-21 days before workshop begins, participant will receive a 50% refund. Within 7 days of workshop, participants will receive NO refund.

Written by f.d. walker · Categorized: Cuba, Featured File, Files, Havana, Street Photography, Travel Photography, Workshop

Jan 29 2018

City Street Guides by f.d. walker:
A Street Photography Guide to
Havana, Cuba

*A series of guides on shooting Street Photography in cities around the world. Find the best spots to shoot, things to capture, street walks, street tips, safety concerns, and more for cities around the world. I have personally researched, explored and shot Street Photography in every city that I create a guide for. So you can be ready to capture the streets as soon as you step outside with your camera!

Havana

[Read more…] about City Street Guides by f.d. walker: A Street Photography Guide to Havana, Cuba

Written by f.d. walker · Categorized: City Street Guides, Cuba, Featured File, Files, Guides, Havana, Shooter Files Series, Street Photography, Travel, Travel Photography

Jan 25 2018

My Annually Updated Top 10 Cities for Street Photography (2018)

The number one question I’m asked is “What’s your favorite city for Street Photography?” From friends and family to strangers and emails. The truth is I can’t deal in absolutes or favorites with most anything, especially when it comes to answering that one. There are things I like about most cities that make them memorable in their own way, and there’s too many things dependent for me to pick just one above all for street photography. But I can pick some that personally stand out a little more and tell you why.

So, now that I’m over half way towards my goal of photographing major 100 cities, it’s time for a 2018 installment of my Annually Updated Top 10 Cities for Street Photography. Heading into its 4th year, only cities I’ve photographed so far during my 100 city project are eligible. So, check the list here before you get mad at me for not including cities like NYC or Tokyo yet (They’re coming this year, though).

While last year did bring the most cities covered, and plenty of strong competition, there actually isn’t too many changes to the list this year. A couple of new cities made their way into the Top 10, but the rest proved too solid to get edged out. You can see some of the strongest and most memorable competition from the year here, though. You can also see which cities were edged out from last year’s list here, and we’ll see how much next year’s list changes with even more cities up for inclusion.

My Annually Updated Top 10 Cities for Street Photography

(for 2018)

  1. Istanbul, Turkey
  2. Havana, Cuba
  3. Saint-Petersburg, Russia
  4. London, England
  5. Mumbai vs Kolkata, India
  6. Odessa, Ukraine
  7. Cairo, Egypt
  8. Paris, France
  9. Marrakech, Morocco
  10. Hanoi, Vietnam

1. Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul holds a special place in my heart so I might be a little biased here. It was the first of my 100 major cities project, and the jumping off point for this blog and mix of plans and goals I’d set for myself. I lived here much of 2015, so I got to know it better than most cities too, but personal bias aside, I can’t imagine Istanbul not being towards the top of any street photography city list. Istanbul truly has it all. 

Being the capital of three empires helps cram the city with so much to offer a photographer that other cities can’t compare. Culture, history, religion, politics, people, diversity, character, conflict, architecture, sea, sunlight, color, old world, new world, and the list goes on. It’s many worlds of atmosphere packed into one city. It’s no surprise it needs two continents to contain it.

You could live here for years and only touch the surface. The energy and atmosphere of Istanbul is what I miss the most, though. It feels more alive than other cities, with a raw beauty that I haven’t found anywhere else.

Istanbul, Turkey 2015
Istanbul, Turkey 2015
Istanbul, Turkey 2015

2. Havana, Cuba

If you imagined the perfect city for street photography in your head, Havana might be what you’d picture. It’s extremely walkable, full of character, color and life around every corner, as photo friendly as it gets, almost too easy to shoot in, and all with an atmosphere frozen in time. The opportunities for photography are endless here. You can just walk in any direction and explore away.

Havana is also a city that invites you in with the people like not many, so it’s a complete experience for photography. The amount of times I get invited for a drink or even into someone’s home in Havana is something that you don’t experience elsewhere, especially in a large city.

Still, while Havana is no secret among photographers, people question me about it as much as any. “It seems too hyped, over photographed, packed with clichés, every photographer’s destination,…” and so on. And while the old car type clichés of Cuba do deserve caution when here photographing, it’s mostly a bunch of nonsense. You won’t find many photographers that have been here that regret it. Most fall in love just like everyone else. And believe it or not, there’s still plenty to photograph here. So my advice is to just ignore the clichés and get over here as soon as you can.

Havana, Cuba 2017
Havana, Cuba 2016
Havana, Cuba 2017
Havana, Cuba 2016

3. Saint-Petersburg, Russia

Saint-Petersburg is probably the least hyped and talked about city on my list, so why is it up at #3? Because people just don’t know how good it is. Now, the time of year does makes a big difference, but if you go in the summer, it doesn’t get much better for street photography. The winter can be beautiful in its own way too, you just won’t have many hours of light.

The summer in Saint-Petersburg might be my favorite place to be for street photography, though. The sunlight is out 20+ hours a day and the beautiful city is full of life just as long. More than that, though, there’s just something magical about the city. The canals, pastel colors, architecture, bridges, islands, hundreds of parks, and more give it this surreal atmosphere that has to be experienced. The life and people are full of character too. Many people go about their life without any care of what others think, so it’s not uncommon to see older women and men sunbathing in their underwear. At the same time, you have many people who care a lot, so you see a variety of fashion and looks. It’s a big, magical city with a mix of so many things.

Saint-Petersburg, Russia 2016
Saint-Petersburg, Russia 2016
Saint-Petersburg, Russia 2016

4. London, England

London is as well-known as any city in the world, and as famous for street photography as it gets, but sometimes cities don’t live up to their fame. London isn’t one of them.

One of my favorite aspects of London are all the different neighborhoods, each with their own character. It’s like different villages grew until they combined into one large city over time. It isn’t like New York or Tokyo, where skyscrapers dominate over you. London doesn’t feel overwhelming for a city its size. You can spend your days exploring parts of London on foot and get completely different atmospheres when it comes to photography. Some areas are chaotic and crazy, while others are quiet and relaxing. There’s something around every crooked, winding street, and you never know what it will be.

The biggest knock on London is the weather, which I can’t say is undeserved, but if you get some sun, the light here is special and it’s really hard to beat this city. It’s as dynamic and fun to shoot in as it is famous.

London, England 2016
London, England 2016
London, England 2016

5. Mumbai, India vs Kolkata, India

Mumbai was here on last year’s list, but I honestly expected Kolkata to knock it off this year’s list. Having already been to both cities in the past, Kolkata had originally left the best memories for street photography. But after returning to Mumbai in 2016 and Kolkata in 2017, while photographing them more in-depth, Mumbai closed the gap in my mind. It’s difficult to choose between them, as they each bring different pluses and appeal. India is so packed with cities for street photography that I’m just going to include both cities under one, while explaining their different appeals.

Mumbai is the financial, commercial and entertainment capital of India. If you go by population, Mumbai is the largest city in the world’s second largest country. If you go by money, it’s the wealthiest city in India, but with some of its most extreme poverty. Mumbai is also India’s most diverse, cosmopolitan and westernised city. Basically, Mumbai is everything and more.

Bazaars and temples, colonial architecture and skyscrapers, bay promenades and fishing villages, Asia’s biggest slums and Bollywood stars’ most expensive homes. Mumbai is filled with a variety of scenery and life that rivals any city in the world. It’s filled with an urban energy that consumes you and endless interest that keeps you wanting more. All of this adds up to one of the top cities in the world for street photography.

Mumbai, India 2016
Mumbai, India 2016
Mumbai, India 2016

While not quite as big as Mumbai, Kolkata is still one of India’s biggest cities. Yet, it has a noticeably different, more easy-going and welcoming atmosphere compared to the others. It’s a city made for walking and street photography. While India’s other large cities are more spread out, Kolkata feels like you can walk everywhere. It has a special, old world feeling mixed into a big, urban city. It feels authentic, filled with culture and a chaotic, yet friendly vibe. The colonial-era architecture contrasting with urban slums, it’s also gained a reputation as the most friendly of India’s metropolises. While it might not be as known with the general traveler, it is known among the photography community. It’s made for bringing your camera and exploring away.

If I really had to choose between the two, I’d say Kolkata is easier and more enjoyable for a shorter visit, while Mumbai provides more variety and interest the more time you have. They’re both as good as gets for street photography, though.

Kolkata, India 2017
Kolkata, India 2017
Kolkata, India 2017

6. Odessa, Ukraine

I have to include a city from Ukraine, one of my favorite countries in the world for street photography. Kiev and Lviv both get high recommendations too, but if I had to choose one, it would be Odessa. I included it in last year’s list, but actually returned again since, which only cemented its place as a personal favorite.

I went to Ukraine for the first time in 2015 and fell in love. So much so that I’ve returned both years since. I like places that feel authentic, are full of character and mood, while being a little rough around the edges. Ukraine is all this more than any place I’ve been. There’s nothing fake about the atmosphere and it doesn’t feel over photographed. It’s more untouched, while still being a large country with plenty going on. And the markets are the best you’ll find anywhere. Odessa’s Privoz Market is no exception.

Odessa provides this atmosphere that I love, but adds the Black Sea and more. It’s become the country’s top vacation getaway with beaches that fill up during the summer. The city is filled with history and character, while being extremely walkable. You can enjoy the pedestrian streets, old courtyards, parks, and markets in the city, and then take a walk to the beaches to enjoy the very unique character, and characters, that fill it. They aren’t the typical tourist beaches you might be used to, either, which provides even more interest for street photography.

Odessa, Ukraine 2016
Odessa, Ukraine 2016
Odessa, Ukraine 2016

7. Cairo, Egypt

It doesn’t get any bigger or historic on the list than this ancient city turned chaotic metropolis. At 22 million people, this urban sprawl famous for the pyramids is packed with history, crumbling character, chaos, and endless neighborhoods to explore. Cairo has a one of kind atmosphere making it a special place for street photography. Even its signature golden brown hue becomes part of its photogenic charm. 

Cairo might not have a reputation as the cleanest, quietest city, and there are touts and hassle to endure, but it’s more than worth it here. It’s also not as overly tourist crazy as it used to be, making the hassle and distractions a little less, and the authenticity even stronger. With Cairo’s sheer size, buzzing streets, and variety of interest, it provides endless opportunities for exploring without ever losing inspiration. It might be a little more for the adventurous and bold than other cities on the list, but it’s a city I immediately want to return to as soon as I leave. There’s just too much to miss as a photographer.

Cairo, Egypt 2017
Cairo, Egypt 2017
Cairo, Egypt 2017

8. Paris, France

The city credited by many as the birthplace of street photography would be hard to leave off my list. When thinking of the classic black and white street photos from the past, scenes of Paris come to mind first for many. That’s a lot of hype to live up to when times change and the city is photographed as much as Paris, but for me, it still doesn’t disappoint.

There’s a lot more to Paris than the classic romanticized image of the city, though. The center of Paris, especially around streets like Rue de Rivoli, provides plenty of that classic picturesque street photography atmosphere, which is what will attract many photographers. And of course there’s the impressive parks like the Tuileries Garden, the scenic Seine River and all the famous architecture. All of these spots provide the atmosphere that makes Paris one of the most visited cities in the world, and why it’s so photographed, but what puts it on the list for me is how it also provides a much different atmosphere in many places.

Paris isn’t all beauty and romance. It’s also one of the edgier cities in Europe. This edginess in many areas does come with some negatives, but it also brings character, interest, a different atmosphere, and, in my opinion, photo opportunities that are very different from the clichés you might relate to Paris. It’s a city with a lot to offer, on both sides of the spectrum when it comes to your definition of beauty.

Paris, France 2016
Paris, France 2016
Paris, France 2016

9. Marrakech, Morocco

Marrakech is probably the most challenging street photography city on the list, but it more than makes up for it in photo opportunities and atmosphere. It’s one of the more interesting cities for street photography that I’ve been to, not only for the rich variety of life and scenes to capture, but also for this challenge that it brings. While comparatively, not a photography friendly city, it is one of the most photogenic cities you’ll find. Many photographers come here for that reason, but leave frustrated if they’re not prepared for the challenge. You have to be on your game if you want to get close, candid shots.

If you’re ready, though, you’ll be rewarded with all the life, colors, chaos, atmosphere, unique charm, and more that Marrakech has to offer. It’s chaotic, full of touristic hassling and haggling, and comes with some challenge, but as far as non-stop photo opportunities, it ranks as one of the best cities I’ve been too. There’s so much happening everywhere, so many characters and interesting people, so much color and beautiful scenery, and it’s all mixed in with a unique look that is all Marrakech. And that beautiful sun is always above making sure you have no excuse not to go out and capture some that.

Marrakech, Morocco 2016
Marrakech, Morocco 2016
Marrakech, Morocco 2016

10. Hanoi, Vietnam

I’ve been based in Ho Chi Minh City since 2016 and love the city, but when it comes strictly to street photography, I have to be honest, Hanoi is even better. Vietnam’s capital has endless character, charm, plenty of places to shoot, some of the most photography friendly people you’ll meet, and packs this all into a very walk friendly city. Being thousands of years old, you feel the city’s age when exploring the streets. It can feel almost like groups of villages packed into one big city with the authentic, old world atmosphere it exudes.

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)  is a great city which some photographers might prefer, but Hanoi is so much older and filled with even more character. They share many similarities, including the friendliness of the people, but Saigon is a little more polished, urban and spread out, while Hanoi is more walkable and gives a little more of the exotic. If big city skyscrapers and development are your preference, then Saigon might win out, but for me, Hanoi has a very attractive blend of big city and old world. Both cities are highly recommended, though, so visit both and decide for yourself.

Hanoi, Vietnam 2016
Hanoi, Vietnam 2016
Hanoi, Vietnam 2016

 

For 2018, I have plans to photograph around 30 more major cities across 4 continents so we’ll see how this list gets shaken up next year, but with 66 cities down already, every one of these cities comes highly recommended and are sure to provide an amazing experience for street photography, and more. (To see what cities I have tentatively planned for this year, check here.)

 

Written by f.d. walker · Categorized: Asia, Cairo, Cuba, Eastern Europe, Egypt, England, Featured File, Files, France, Hanoi, Havana, Ho Chi Minh City, India, Kolkata, Lists, Marrakech, Morocco, Mumbai, Odessa, Paris, Russia, Shooter Files Series, St. Petersburg, Street Photography, Travel, Travel Photography, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Vietnam

Jan 02 2018

50 Street Photography Photos From 2017

Time for the New Year’s tradition here and share some photos from the old year to bring in the new.

While 2016 had been my busiest year yet on the road working on my 100 cities project, 2017 was even busier. I was on the road non-stop, clocking in at over 5,000 miles walked while covering 33 cities, including 26 major cities for the project. I started in city #41 Quito, Ecuador and finished in #66 Mexico City, Mexico, leaving 34 major cities left to do. I’m attempting to make 2018 even busier so I can get most of it finished before I start working on the book in 2019. 

While focusing on the project, I was still able to make it to a few street photography festivals this year, including the London SP Festival as a judge and the Miami SP Festival as a guest artist speaker, which were great experiences. In addition, I led some successful workshops in London, Budapest and Havana, and plan on doing more in 2018. All in all, it was an extremely busy year with its share of downs and setbacks, but it’s only made me more determined to make this all work. The blog had a busy year growing too, as it’s now ranked #2 in the world in the street photography genre on feedspot. I have more plans for the blog this year, which I’ll share soon, but for now, thank you to everyone that’s been following along!

One thing I did decide this year was not to share all of my favorite photos yet, as I want the future book to be at least a third never seen work. Still, with such a busy year of street photography, walking an average of 15 miles/22km per day year-round, I have more than enough to share now too. So, here’s 50 photos from the year that take you through all 33 cities I photographed in 2017. It’s not a top 50 of my favorites, but some selections to share for now in bringing on 2018. So, I hope you enjoy. 

Happy New Year to all and Cheers to 2018!

– Forrest

50 Street Photography Photos From 2017

(in order of capture date)  [Read more…] about 50 Street Photography Photos From 2017

Written by f.d. walker · Categorized: 33 Street Photos, Addis Ababa, Africa, Almaty, Asia, Bangladesh, Beirut, Bogota, Bucharest, Cairo, Cape Town, Colombia, Croatia, Cuba, Delhi, Dhaka, Dire Dawa, Dominican Republic, Eastern Europe, Ecuador, Egypt, England, Ethiopia, Europe, Featured File, Files, Haiti, Hanoi, Harar, Havana, Ho Chi Minh City, India, Izmir, Johannesburg, Kazakhstan, Kolkata, Korea, Latvia, Lebanon, London, Macedonia, Medellin, Mexico, Mexico City, Odessa, Photo Projects, Photos, Port-au-prince, Puerto Rico, Quito, Riga, Romania, Russia, Saigon, San Juan, Santo Domingo, Seoul, Shooter Files Series, Shot of the Week, Skopje, South Africa, South Korea, Soweto, St. Petersburg, Street Photography, Travel, Travel Photography, Tunis, Tunisia, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Varanasi, Vietnam, Zagreb

Nov 07 2017

33 Street Photography Photos from Two Weeks in Havana, Cuba

As hyped as Havana is for photography, it’s still even better than the hype for me. No matter how much I explore all ends of the city, it never disappoints with interest. It’s as good as it gets, in my opinion, providing an experience like no other city can. So much so that I’m returning again this year to teach a week-long street photography workshop in Havana on Nov. 19th (spots with housing still available!). The photos I’m sharing here, though, are from two weeks in Havana last November during my 100 city project. The light, the colors, the lost-in-time atmosphere, and especially the life all helped make those weeks the most memorable of the year. 

So here’s 33 photos that I was able to capture during my time in Havana…

[Read more…] about 33 Street Photography Photos from Two Weeks in Havana, Cuba

Written by f.d. walker · Categorized: 33 Street Photos, Cuba, Featured File, Files, Havana, Shooter Files Series, Street Photography, Travel Photography

Oct 31 2017

7 First Impressions of Havana, Cuba
(From a Street Photography Perspective)

We’re coming up on another return to Havana, Cuba to teach a 7-day workshop, but last year it was City #43 during my 100 City Project. So, it’s time for my favorite city’s edition of first impressions.

For many photographers, Havana is a dream destination. Not many cities have been photographed like Havana, providing everyone a picture and feeling of the city even if you’ve never been. Havana more than deserves its reputation as one of the best cities around for photography, though. For me, it’s almost like if you created the perfect city for street photography in your mind, it would be Havana. It has it all going for it, but it’s also much more than the cliché you might see in many of the same photos of the city. It’s made for walking everywhere, and I do mean everywhere. So that’s what I did this trip, with just under a month devoted to this city on my last visit.

So here are my first impressions of Havana, from my personal Street Photographer perspective…

[Read more…] about 7 First Impressions of Havana, Cuba (From a Street Photography Perspective)

Written by f.d. walker · Categorized: Cuba, Featured File, Files, First Impressions, Havana, Shooter Files Series, Street Photography, Travel, Travel Photography

Oct 22 2017

Spots Available! Havana Street Photography Workshop (7 Days/Nov 19-25)

We’re a month away from my 7-Day Street photography workshop in Havana, Cuba and I still have spots available so sign-up now to reserve yours. 

New Update!: I’m excited to announce that you will also have the option of sharing accommodation with the rest of the group, including your own private room. We will have a quality, fully equipped (A/C, hot water, kitchen, fridge, multi-room, balcony, etc) Colonial home in Centro Havana, near the water in the heart of the city. Hotels are not cheap so you’ll save money and hassle, while getting even more out your time during the workshop, and enjoying an authentic colonial home in Havana.

To reserve a spot in the Workshop, please submit through the form below (and continue reading for more info on the workshop):

(Direct email: forrest.d.walker@gmail.com)

Week Long Havana Street Photography Workshop

A week long street photography workshop in Havana, Cuba on November 19-25, 2017. The workshop will be led by myself, Forrest Walker (aka f.d. walker).

On this week long workshop, you’ll be able to capture many areas of Havana that others don’t, while challenging yourself to improve your street photography in a variety of ways. This will be an intensive and highly involved workshop led by someone who’s photographed over 60 major cities across the world inside and out. Still, Havana stays at the top of my list for street photography and I’ve spent countless hours exploring its endless streets of interest over the years. With a 4 participant max on the workshop, you’ll be able to get the most out of our time together, all week long in Havana, Cuba.

Forrest Walker is an award-winning photographer who has been exhibited and published around the world. He is also a member of The Street Collective and sole creator of ShooterFiles.com, where he is currently photographing over 100 major cities across all major regions for his website and future book.

Workshop Description:

Havana is no secret destination for photographers, but most don’t see all that it contains. On this workshop, we will include plenty of venturing outside of Havana Vieja too, so you can really capture the variety of what makes Havana so special.

Experiencing and capturing a variety of the city, as we will, is also designed to help maximize your improvement and learning in street photography. You will be challenged, while seeing more and having more opportunities to reach your goals during the workshop.

This will be an intensive, but highly enjoyable workshop experience that includes a mixture of daily photo walks, photo critiques, portfolio reviews, interactive lessons, activities and discussions. There will be a lot of walking and photography, with myself fully involved each step of the way to make sure you get the most out of your week. You will be able to fully immerse yourself into the city through street photography, so you can learn more, photograph more and have a great time experiencing Havana.

More Information:

  • The daily schedule is a minimum, but I will be available at all times during the week. We will have opportunity for more involvement, activities and learning outside of the scheduled time. 
  • There will be extensive photo walks every day after Sunday. During the walks, we will cover a variety of instructions along with a mixture of group, paired and solo walking. You will have a chance to see how I work and learn from myself, while also having plenty of opportunity to shoot on your own. I will take you to many parts of the city to fully experience Havana and provide you more opportunity for unique photos.
  • Mixed in with the daily walks, we will also have time for daily presentations, instructions and photo critiques. Slideshows, group discussions, techniques and continual feedback will also be included.
  • The main focus of the workshop is street photography, with some crossover into documentary and travel. Candid and un-posed is the aesthetic I will be most looking for in course instructions and discussions, while you are free to take posed shots for personal enjoyment.
  • Before the workshop, we will have time to discuss your interests in photography, what you would like to get out of the workshop, along with a portfolio review. I can also help with arrangements on a place to stay, as I’d prefer for us all to stay together so you can get the most out of the workshop and experience (You are welcome to choose your own lodging, though. Preferably, around Centro Havana).
  • Workshop is limited to a small group of 4 to provide individual attention and a better, more valuable experience.

What’s Included?:

  • A variety of planned street photography walks providing a wide view of photo opportunities and exploration in the amazing city of Havana.
  • Opportunities for 1-on-1 shooting with myself to provide you constant feedback, tips, guidance, and allow you to observe how I work. I will also mix up activities and photography assignments to give you a chance to work on your photography without distraction.
  • An instructor that knows Havana and will show you a variety of the city that most visitors don’t see. My experience in photographing over 60 major cities on foot, while going deeper and off the beaten path, will give you an opportunity to get to know the city better and capture more unique shots.
  • Improvement in different techniques, understanding light, learning to see more and being comfortable capturing the shots you want to make. 
  • Multiple educational and inspirational lessons covering different aspects of street photography.
  • An initial portfolio review followed by daily critiques of your photos taken during the workshop. I want you to follow your own interests and vision so I will be working with you to improve towards your personal goals in photography instead of boxing you in.
  • Constant access to myself, including outside of the workshop’s scheduled time.
  • Activities planned to give time for bonding with other photographers. A memorable experience not only improving your street photography, but also enjoying one of the world’s most amazing cities for street photography.
  • The workshop fee covers not only the time during the workshop schedule below, but also the time spent on workshop preparation with each individual, and any time needed outside of the daily schedule while in Havana.

* Not included in the workshop fee, but you will also have the strongly encouraged option of sharing accommodation with the rest of the group. We will have a quality, fully equipped (A/C, hot water, kitchen, fridge, multi-room, etc) colonial home in Centro Havana, near the water right in the heart of it all. Hotels are not cheap so you’ll save money and hassle, while getting even more out your time during the workshop, and enjoying an authentic colonial home in Havana. 

Dates:

November 19th-25th, 2017 (Sunday-Saturday/7 days)

Location: 

Havana, Cuba

Workshop Schedule:

Sunday-Saturday

9 AM- 6 PM (Sunday starts at 1pm)

  • Each day will include planned photo walks in many parts of Havana. 
  • Each day will include photo critiques and discussions from the day.
  • Most days will include instruction time, which includes a mixture of lessons, slideshows and activities.
  • Spending time together outside the scheduled time is encouraged, but not mandatory. I will be available throughout the week.

Requirements:  Basic skill in camera technique is required for this workshop. In addition to your camera, please bring a laptop. Extra camera batteries and good shoes/sandals are highly recommended, as well.​

Fee:  €750 EUR per person

*4 participant max

For questions or to reserve a spot in the Workshop, please submit through the form below:

(Direct email: forrest.d.walker@gmail.com)

*€250 deposit is required to register and hold a spot.

**Second payment of €250 is due by October 31st, with the final payment of €250 to be received 7 days prior to the start of the workshop. 

Thanks for checking these details out and I hope some of you can join me this November. I’m really look forward to this workshop, nothing compares to Havana!

 

Some work from Havana:

From my series, Havana Colors…

     

LINKS:

shooterfiles.com and fdwalker.com

More work from outside of Havana:

Saint-Petersburg, Russia
Mumbai, India
Mumbai, India
Tel Aviv, Israel
Istanbul, Turkey
London, UK
Dalat, Vietnam
Moscow, Russia

Written by f.d. walker · Categorized: Cuba, Featured File, Files, Havana, Street Photography, Travel, Travel Photography, Workshop

Sep 13 2017

Announcing: November Workshop in Havana, Cuba (One Full Week)

Week Long Havana Street Photography Workshop

A week long street photography workshop in Havana, Cuba on November 19-25, 2017. The workshop will be led by myself, Forrest Walker (aka f.d. walker).

On this week long workshop, you’ll be able to capture many areas of Havana that others don’t, while challenging yourself to improve your street photography in a variety of ways. This will be an intensive and highly involved workshop led by someone who’s photographed over 60 major cities across the world inside and out. Still, Havana stays at the top of my list for street photography and I’ve spent countless hours exploring its endless streets of interest over the years. With a 4 participant max on the workshop, you’ll be able to get the most out of our time together, all week long in Havana, Cuba.

Forrest Walker is an award-winning photographer who has been exhibited and published around the world. He is also a member of The Street Collective and sole creator of ShooterFiles.com, where he is currently photographing over 100 major cities across all major regions for his website and future book.

Workshop Description:

Havana is no secret destination for photographers, but most don’t see all that it contains. On this workshop, we will include plenty of venturing outside of Havana Vieja too, so you can really capture the variety of what makes Havana so special.

Experiencing and capturing a variety of the city, as we will, is also designed to help maximize your improvement and learning in street photography. You will be challenged, while seeing more and having more opportunities to reach your goals during the workshop.

This will be an intensive, but highly enjoyable workshop experience that includes a mixture of daily photo walks, photo critiques, portfolio reviews, interactive lessons, activities and discussions. There will be a lot of walking and photography, with myself fully involved each step of the way to make sure you get the most out of your week. You will be able to fully immerse yourself into the city through street photography, so you can learn more, photograph more and have a great time experiencing Havana.

More Information:

  • The daily schedule is a minimum, but I will be available at all times during the week. We will have opportunity for more involvement, activities and learning outside of the scheduled time. 
  • There will be extensive photo walks every day after Sunday. During the walks, we will cover a variety of instructions along with a mixture of group, paired and solo walking. You will have a chance to see how I work and learn from myself, while also having plenty of opportunity to shoot on your own. I will take you to many parts of the city to fully experience Havana and provide you more opportunity for unique photos.
  • Mixed in with the daily walks, we will also have time for daily presentations, instructions and photo critiques. Slideshows, group discussions, techniques and continual feedback will also be included.
  • The main focus of the workshop is street photography, with some crossover into documentary and travel. Candid and un-posed is the aesthetic I will be most looking for in course instructions and discussions, while you are free to take posed shots for personal enjoyment.
  • Before the workshop, we will have time to discuss your interests in photography, what you would like to get out of the workshop, along with a portfolio review. I can also help with arrangements on a place to stay, as I’d prefer for us all to stay together so you can get the most out of the workshop and experience (You are welcome to choose your own lodging, though. Preferably, around Centro Havana).
  • Workshop is limited to a small group of 4 to provide individual attention and a better, more valuable experience.

What’s Included?:

  • A variety of planned street photography walks providing a wide view of photo opportunities and exploration in the amazing city of Havana.
  • Opportunities for 1-on-1 shooting with myself to provide you constant feedback, tips, guidance, and allow you to observe how I work. I will also mix up activities and photography assignments to give you a chance to work on your photography without distraction.
  • An instructor that knows Havana and will show you a variety of the city that most visitors don’t see. My experience in photographing over 60 major cities on foot, while going deeper and off the beaten path, will give you an opportunity to get to know the city better and capture more unique shots.
  • Improvement in different techniques, understanding light, learning to see more and being comfortable capturing the shots you want to make. 
  • Multiple educational and inspirational lessons covering different aspects of street photography.
  • An initial portfolio review followed by daily critiques of your photos taken during the workshop. I want you to follow your own interests and vision so I will be working with you to improve towards your personal goals in photography instead of boxing you in.
  • Constant access to myself, including outside of the workshop’s scheduled time.
  • Activities planned to give time for bonding with other photographers. A memorable experience not only improving your street photography, but also enjoying one of the world’s most amazing cities for street photography.
  • The workshop fee covers not only the time during the workshop schedule below, but also the time spent on workshop preparation with each individual, and any time needed outside of the daily schedule while in Havana.

* Not included in the workshop fee, but you will also have the strongly encouraged option of sharing accommodation with the rest of the group. We will have a quality, fully equipped (A/C, hot water, kitchen, fridge, multi-room, etc) colonial home in Centro Havana, near the water right in the heart of it all. Hotels are not cheap so you’ll save money and hassle, while getting even more out your time during the workshop, and enjoying an authentic colonial home in Havana. 

Dates:

November 19th-25th, 2017 (Sunday-Saturday/7 days)

Location: 

Havana, Cuba

Workshop Schedule:

Sunday-Saturday

9 AM- 6 PM (Sunday starts at 1pm)

  • Each day will include planned photo walks in many parts of Havana. 
  • Each day will include photo critiques and discussions from the day.
  • Most days will include instruction time, which includes a mixture of lessons, slideshows and activities.
  • Spending time together outside the scheduled time is encouraged, but not mandatory. I will be available throughout the week.

Requirements:  Basic skill in camera technique is required for this workshop. In addition to your camera, please bring a laptop. Extra camera batteries and good shoes/sandals are highly recommended, as well.​

Fee:  €750 EUR per person

*4 participant max

For questions or to reserve a spot in the Workshop, please submit through the form below:

(Direct email: forrest.d.walker@gmail.com)

*€250 deposit is required to register and hold a spot.

**Second payment of €250 is due by October 31st, with the final payment of €250 to be received 7 days prior to the start of the workshop. 

Thanks for checking these details out and I hope some of you can join me this November. I’m really look forward to this workshop, nothing compares to Havana!

 

Some work from Havana:

From my series, Havana Colors…

     

LINKS:

shooterfiles.com and fdwalker.com

More work from outside of Havana:

Saint-Petersburg, Russia
Mumbai, India
Mumbai, India
Tel Aviv, Israel
Istanbul, Turkey
London, UK
Dalat, Vietnam
Moscow, Russia

Written by f.d. walker · Categorized: Cuba, Featured File, Files, Havana, Street Photography, Travel, Travel Photography, Workshop

Sep 06 2017

Havana Colors : A Short Series from Cuba

While working on my 100 City Project in City #43: Havana, Cuba,  I decided to also make a small side series inspired by the variety of colors this city surrounds you with. There’s so much to love about shooting in Havana, and for me, color is definitely one of them. While much of my work focuses more on people and life, while using color to complete it, I wanted this series to put more of the focus on the colors, while using life to complete it. 

So here’s my short series, Havana Colors. Hope you enjoy and stay tuned for more work and posts on Cuba’s capital, a favorite of mine for street photography (Details on an upcoming November Workshop in Havana).

Havana Colors

 

Comments are always appreciated and if Havana is on your list for photography (it should be), I’m excited to announce a week long workshop in Havana this November!

 

Written by f.d. walker · Categorized: Capture Color, Color, Cuba, Featured File, Files, Havana, Photo Projects, Photos, Street Photography, Travel Photography

Nov 18 2016

Update: One Week Blog Break in Cuba

image

With very little to no internet in Cuba, it looks like I’ll be mostly off the grid until the end of the month. After this upcoming week, I should be back to my scheduled posting.

For a quick update, though, through years of travel I’ve yet to have even a cent stolen, but that streak ended here my second day in Havana. I was robbed a good chunk of my cash so since I’m American and can’t use ATM or credit cards here, it looks like I’ll have to forget my planned travel in Cuba and stay right here to make the rest of my money last until my flight out. On the bright side, if I was to choose one city in the world to be “stuck” in with my camera, it would probably be Havana. So here’s a candid photo and a non-candid photo from here, and I’ll see you all once I land in Miami for the Miami Street Photography Festival!

image
Side story for the non-candid photo: I was walking back from confronting the thieves who stole my money when I snapped a candid pic of these two ladies drinking on their doorstep. They laughed and we started a conversation with my very bad Spanish, eventually touching on me being robbed. That prompted them to invite me for a beer and more good, but mostly lost in translation conversation. This is the second, less candid, but more memorable pic of the two of them by their doorstep before I said goodbye.

If I took a drink for every time I’m offered rum or a beer while out shooting in Havana, I’d be drunk all day. And if I said I often turn down a drink, I’d also be a liar ;) Cheers!

image

Written by f.d. walker · Categorized: Announcements, Cuba, Featured File, Files, Havana

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