BJW

I’m leaving to Cuba for a 4 day trip. A private tour for two with a guide. Staying at a top hotel in Havana. I would greatly appreciate any advice on places that are good for street photos, street portraits and any tips on what should not be photographed. Also, any other advice to assure a safe and healthy experience. Thanks, BJW

jotaele

There are so many beautiful places in this world, which I am sure you have not seen yet, and you are going to a country where the government has been oppressing its citizens for more than 60 years? You are only contributing to maintaining the status quo. Let us know how much freedom you saw when you come back.

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

I haven't been to Havana, but from what I've read it is safer than most US cities.

repleo Loc: Boston

If you are a U.S. citizen or Resident, have you checked the visa requirements. " ...A private tour with a guide..staying at a top hotel ..." does not sound like it falls under the the most popular of the 12 Categories of Authorized Travel for U.S. citizens. In fact - quite the opposite. Most of the major hotels and restaurants are owned by various entities controlled by the Cuban military. The 'people to people' category is no longer permitted by the Trump administration so the 'Support of the Cuban People' category is the most used for private travel. This is intended to put U.S. visitor dollars directly into the hands of the Cuban citizens by way of staying in private home based 'Casa Particulares' and eating in Paladares. AirBnB now has loads of listings for Casa Pariculares and private rooms or apartments.

Of course if you are not a US citizen or Resident you are free to do what you want.

I was at a pretty advanced stage of researching a Spring trip to Havana until I decided to postpone when I came across some cheap tickets to Madrid. Some random things of note that I recall from my research:

1.Don't drive a car. If you get in an accident, you will be detained in the country until the court case is heard. You can hire a driver with car for about $40 a day. Or a driver with one of those 50's cars for about $80 for a couple of hours
2. Cuba is one of the safest destinations for tourists. The country relies on tourists for foreign currency and is at great pains to ensure the safety of its visitors. However, as anywhere, be on the look-out for oppertunistic petty thieves or vendors who may short change you.
3. Don't expect to come across many English speakers.
4. Internet and Wi-Fi coverage is pretty sparse.
5. Don't photograph any Military/Government buildings or activites.
6. You will need cash (Cuban CUC's). Credit cards - especially US credit cards are not widely accepted.
7. Cuba has two currencies- The tourist CUC and the local CUP. $1 = 1 CUC = 24 CUP. Check if displayed prices are in CUC or CUP and watch that you get the correct rate of exchange if getting CUP back in your change.
7. Drink only bottled water or bring one of those filtering water bottles.

Good luck and post pics when you get back.

via the lens Loc: Northern California, near Yosemite NP

Hi, I went to Cuba in early December of last year. I have images on my website, the website is posted with my name. I had a great time and absolutely no problem in any way getting or out of Cuba. It was very easy. I flew Delta and I picked up my visa, which I had requested when I booked the flight, in Florida on my layover. I would think your guides would know something about this, too. I stayed at the Parque Central Hotel in Old Havana. The hotel was wonderful with a great buffet breakfast each morning and the best coffee I've ever had. The food was excellent every place we ate.

Sometimes we walked out from the hotel and other times we drove. I would expect your guides to work the sites out for you and that they would have done this ahead of time. Any place is good for street photos, old Havana is all old streets and decaying buildings except for the huge hotels that are going up in some places.

I was a bit hesitant to go out alone but there really was no problem and I did go out alone several times. Mostly we shot in a small group. Three times people invited us into their homes. Most people were wonderful and I was often asked to take their picture. There are a few people who will ask for money, but not many, and I simply walked away when this happened.

AndyH Loc: Massachusetts and New Hampshire

Stunning images, Connie! As usual....

Andy

via the lens Loc: Northern California, near Yosemite NP

Andy, thank you. I'm not really a street photographer, although of course I take whatever presents itself. This time, though, I went on a street photography workshop. I like to learn and try new things. Had a great time.

via the lens Loc: Northern California, near Yosemite NP

I just went using the "people to people" category.

selmslie Loc: Fernandina Beach, FL, USA

Because you will be visiting Havana with a private tour you will see a lot of Havana where about 20% of the population lives. You will see a significant part of Cuba but the island is huge - 780 miles long. You’ll never see it all but Havana is a good place to start.

Don’t be put off by the political situation. You would be passing up a great opportunity.

minniev Loc: MIssissippi

I spent several days in Cuba in November and it is a feast for photographers - architecture, street photos, seascapes, flowers and oMG those cars!! Your guide will know where all the good stuff is. The Cuban people are very friendly and most were happy to have their photos made, except for the flower ladies who will cover their faces with their fans unless you pay. This article is a pretty good bucket list https://bucketlistjourney.net/havana-bucket-list-things-to-do/.

A photo forum friend shot the photos for Luster Books' "500 Hidden Secrets of Havana" and I used that handy little travel book for some of my exploration of Havana. It is available on Amazon.

I was assured by my cousin, who lives in Havana, that the city is quite safe, and I found it to be so in my limited time there. If it works out for you to see some of Cuba outside Havana, take advantage of that, too. The countryside and small villages are fascinating, too.

johneccles Loc: Leyland UK

That's a typical biased US citizens unhelpful comment if you cannot give the OP some useful advice don't bother to make a post. The Canadians and the British love this country so there isn't much wrong with Cuba in their opinion. I have been a few times now and find the people very friendly and the photo opportunities in Havana and many other places are endless

shagbat Loc: London

Very safe BJW, brightly coloured wall murals, American cars, railway 'museums', Hemingway's old haunts, ypou'll wish you had more than 4 days. Enjoy!

mrova Loc: Chesterfield, VA

My son and his g/f went for a week a few months ago. They stayed in local homes and had a wonderful - and safe - time. Never felt in danger, I'm certain that typical travel precautions are in order. Your guide will give you a ton of additional information such as safety as well as sites to visit. Look forward to your photos!

traderjohn Loc: New York City

How did you find the standard of living??

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

"The Canadians and the British love this country so there isn't much wrong with Cuba in their opinion." Really? Do they know Cuba has been a strict communist country for 60 years?

Cuba is pretty safe for the tourists and there is plenty to see and photograph. The advise given by Phil are wise words. Do not eat anything from street vendors or you will get sick. Paladares is your best choice and casas particulares a good place to stay and many of them cheaper than staying at a hotel. Even so, a part of what you will pay will go to the government. Big hotels and tourist places are under the control of the military.

The Cuban peso is not worth a penny anywhere in the world but your money will be less valuable than the Cuban peso which they favor when you exchange your dollars. Do not photograph any military installation if you happen to be in one, always ask permission first.
In general it is perfectly safe to photograph anywhere including the people but avoid photographing at night near places where prostitutes work. I have a friend, an avid street photographer, who spent a night in jail when he was stopped by a policeman. He was accused of using the pictures to discredit the Revolution but he was released when a friend working for the official newspaper clarified matters.

The Cuban people are very nice and friendly as you will see. Russian is understood practically everywhere but English is not. Using a "private" taxi to tour old La Habana is a great idea and you will see more than with an official tour where they will show you only what they want you to see. Many historic places in La Habana of great interest. The countryside is beautiful and many beautiful landscapes all over and Vinales comes to mind in the Pinar del Rio province. The mountains there are similar to what you will see in many Asian countries. Food will be fabulous for tourists not so for the Cuban people that have been in need for 60 years of Revolution.

My wife recently visited her sister in La Habana who she has not seen in more than 40 years. She had no problems and she had a courteous and friendly treatment anywhere she went. La Bodeguita del Medio in old Habana is a great place to have a mojito.
Have a great time and show us your images on your way back.