Are you a fan of all things Cuba? Do you have an interest in photography? Then you’ll want to know about one upcoming adventure in particular.
There’s a time and a place for everything, and in this case, the time is next month to explore your budding interest in photography, and the place is, you guessed it– Cuba.
Travel Cuba Through the Lens of a Camera
Altruvistas is teaming up with renowned travel photographer Ron Herman to lead one lucky group of travelers on an exciting adventure through the streets and back roads of Cuba.
Travelers will immerse themselves in Cuban culture, and through activities and events they’ll get up close and personal to all that this country has to offer, snapping photos along the way.
Ron describes, “This island nation, with its Spanish colonial architecture and cobblestone streets filled with classic American cars, appears to have been frozen in time. The relationships I have developed in Cuba over the years will allow you to go beyond the traditional tourist destinations, and into the homes and studios of Cuba’s leading artists.”
Does experiencing Cuba through the eyes of a local as you go on photo walks with Cuban photographers sound like a good time to you? If so, consider joining Ron Herman’s upcoming Cuba Photo Tour happening May 31-June 8, 2015.
There is still time to sign up for this adventure, for you spontaneous, embrace-life-now type of people, though space is limited.
For those interested in finding out more about the trip, visit www.hermanphototours.wordpress.com, and check out these highlights.
Cuba Photo Tour Highlights:
- We will be based in Old Havana where the splendors of the city are right outside your doorstep.
- We will also travel outside of Havana to Pinar del Rio, the western-most province, famous for its rich soil, tobacco production and spectacular scenery of Viñales Valley.
- You will have the unique opportunity to experience the Cuban art scene during the 12th Annual Havana Biennial, considered one of Latin America’s most important art events, where you’ll have full access to the exhibitions, installations and performances happening throughout the city.
Photo Creit: Ron Herman
Get to Know Ron Herman
Ron Herman has been organizing travel tours for photo enthusiasts since 2001. He’s an award winning educator and Professor of Photography at Foothill College.
Ron has photographed for Polo Ralph Lauren and Spiegel, and his work is included in such collections as the Fototeca de Cuba, Kinsey Institute, Snite Museum, and the South Bend Regional Museum of Art. He received his MFA from the University of Notre Dame, and has lectured on his work and digital imaging technologies at Cornell, Stanford, and Yale Universities.
His research on Cuban photographers has taken him to Cuba numerous times. Cultural exchange is very important to his personal travel philosophy. When he is developing a travel tour, he tries to incorporate a variety of activities where both cultures can learn from each other, which in the end, results in a socially responsible and personally rewarding travel experience.
We asked Ron a couple of questions about this upcoming Cuba Photo Tour.
Here’s what Ron had to say:
Question: What do you think participants who go on the upcoming Cuba Photo Tour might be pleasantly surprised about on this trip?
Many people travel to Cuba with preconceived notions about the country and its people as seen through the lens of the country’s troubled political past (or history). I think people are often pleasantly surprised at how warm and hospitable the Cuban people are to American visitors.
My past travelers were engaging in open conversations with locals who welcomed us into their homes. They want to learn about us just as much as we want to learn about them.
Past trip participants have been struck by the passion and resilience of the Cuban people. Despite daunting everyday challenges, Cubans display their huge hearts and upbeat spirit in everything they do.
Question: Given the transformative power of travel, how might participants be transformed by this journey?
The contrast between the timelessness of Cuba with the current context of impending change is quite intriguing. Many participants have returned to Cuba with me multiple times (as many as 5 times!) to witness firsthand the changes that have begun to take shape since their first visit.
The changes are so interesting to monitor on a yearly basis, although the newly introduced free enterprise, entrepreneurship and redevelopment are limited, they are having a big impact on the lives of many Cubans.
For a taste of the flavor Ron Herman brings to photography-themed trips to Cuba, watch this!
(Warning: Do not watch this video unless you enjoy looking at pictures of people smiling:)
Since 2010, Ron has been leading groups of photo enthusiasts to Cuba to engage in activities that bring photographers from both countries together to share ideas and information. Upon their return, participants have mounted joint exhibitions of Cuban and American work.
These exhibitions are just one link in the chain that connects American and Cuban photographers, and Ron hopes to see more creative collaborations in the future.
But don’t take our word for it. Check out this Palo Alto Weekly cover story called “A Changing Cuba: Cuban, Local Photographers Reveal the Heart of the Country,” that featured Ron’s 2012 trip to Cuba and resulting exhibition.
Who knows, maybe your photographs will end up in a similar feature!
Is it time for you to travel to Cuba?
If you’re free May 31-June 8, 2015, consider joining Ron on this exciting Cuba Photo Tour. Step 1: Visit https://hermanphototours.wordpress.com.
