Havana to Vinales Photographic Adventure
The adventure Video.
We will meet Havana to work the streets. There will be an overnight to Vinales on the western end of the island. The valleys of Vinales hold the greatest tobacco fields in the world, which will be in full bloom. The farmers have opened their farms to us to photograph and learn about the famous Cuban cigar. The sunrises and sunsets will be taken while looking over the farmland. The artists of the area have invited us into their homes to listen to great music and talk art.
The great Cuban city of Havana on the north coast will be where we also create photographs with the boxers, dancers, artist and local Cubans.
This trip is for everyone interested in the experience of Cuba and an interest in taking better photographs. This trip will get you involved with all aspects of Cuban life and culture. The places we will go are off the beaten path at the right time of day.
The lush colors of Cuba will inspire you to create. The friendly locals and rich culture will embrace you with its kindness, music and art. We’ll travel the island from the busy city, to a private farm, all while being transported to the stone streets of the past. Have lunch with a notable Cuban artist in a working studio, stand in one of the most famous boxing gyms in the world, and capture that right hook. Photograph a blaze of colors of Spanish Dancers set against 15th century architecture. These are just a few moments of a trip that will capture your imagination.
Bruce Byers, Professional photographer
Will be with us on the streets, photographing people and the architecture of Cuba. This will be his 20th trip. Bruce makes sure the trips are designed to make sure you’ll never see, or photograph, the world quite the same way again. I’m very excited about our upcoming trips, and I think you will be as well.
Glenn Batkin
Creative Director that will provide expert groundwork for more impactful images.
An award winning creative director in advertising with over 25 years experience, Glenn believes humans are wired for stories. Creative storytelling can evoke emotions and generate strong personal connections to a brand, its objective, and its products. Glenn has created advertising for such brands such as IBM, Gatorade, Unicef, The US Armed Forces and Verizon. He has worked with some of the world’s top commercial photographers to capture striking images for his clients.
Carlos Aguilera, Cuban Artist
Our Cuban Artist will also be with us to introduce us to the world of Cuban artist.
Come and learn how to document the amazing colors and details of Cuba with a professional street and travel photographer, a portrait photographer and social media expert and a creative director. The mix creates hands on help throughout the trip to raise your photography to the next level. The streets will be your classroom, alive with color, music and dance while you photograph under the experienced guidance of professional photographer Bruce Byers. This is a once in a lifetime experience to learn, grow in a unique location that you do not want to miss.
Havana to Vinales Photographic Adventure
February 15th to the 22rd 2020
The adventure Video.
Photographic Adventure starts in Havana, Cuba
Should fly to to Havana early on the 15th
Workshop cost $3799 All inclusive
$350 for single room * call for special deals.
$150 early sign-up discount by Nov 5th 2019
$900 deposit for HAVANA VINALES TRINIDAD PHOTOGRAPHY FEB 18TH-25TH
Day 1: Feb. 15th ( Saturday ) HV
Fly into Havana
Arrival at Havana’s Jose Marti International Airport. Private transfer from the airport for Havana.
Check into local casas
Walk the Malecon for sunset with camera and welcome rum
Welcome dinner in a local café with local music.
Havana has endless surprises around every corner. Bring many cards for your camera.
There are many evening music and club options that you can choose form.
Day 2: Feb. 16th ( Sunday ) HV
Sunrise photo walk before the town wakes up.
Each morning there will be a sunrise photo walk for those who care to join.
8:30 am Breakfast served in Casas
Morning: Walk to the Capitol area of Havana.
This walk will introduce you to the colors of Havana. The city will be alive and the colorful old cars will be running. We will board a double decker bus to get an over all feel for the city and give you a glimpse into the past.
Lunch: The Art Pub
This Café was put together by a Cuban photographer. They serve cold beer and great Cuban sandwiches.
Afternoon Photo Walk into the square of Old Havana
Dinner: will be in a local café with music
Dinner will be group dinners
There are many things that can be arranged for after dinner entertainment with music and dance.
Each night there will be a night time photo walk for those who care to join.
Day 3: Feb. 17th ( Monday ) Vinales
Over night trip to Vinales
Head to Vinales for Tobacco farms and the valleys. 7am bus
We will visit two major tobacco farms and learn the secret behind the great Cuban cigars. The barns will be full of tobacco giving us great backdrops for portraits of the farmers. The valleys will make for great landscapes.
Dinner will be a pig roast with our local tobacco farmer.
With good music and rum too
Day 4: Feb. 18th (Tuesday) Vinales
Sunrise shoot over the valley.
Breakfast: 8:30 at your casa
We will travel south to Pinar de Rio to have
lunch with a local artist on the way back to Havana.
Sunset on the Malecon in Havana
Dinner in local cafe’
Night walk for those interested.
Day 5: Feb. 19th (Wednesday) HV
Lets go Boxing (photographing the boxers)
Sunrise on The Malecon: of Havana always has an interesting turn of events with the fishermen, old ships and great light, if you up for it.
After breakfast and by 10:30 we will arrive at : Gimnasio de Boxeo Trejo, boxing gym. The best of Cuba will show off their skills and create photos with you.
Lunch at an Artist studio. Working studio with music and great art
Early afternoon:
Ride in the old cars to visit El Cristo de La Habana (The Havana’s statue of Christ) ending up at Moro Castle to photograph it's 15th to 18th century walls and canons.
Great skyline of Havana and the Malecon.
Return to the Malecon for sunset and music.
Dinner: at local cafe'
Night photo walks. (optional)
Day 6: Feb. 20th (Thursday) HV
Time for Dancers
Early Morning 6am
Flamenco Dancers in the Havana Cathedral Square. These great dancers will make it easy for you to create images with them with a once in a life time backdrops of 15th century buildings. This is always a lively shoot.
Breakfast in a local cafe'
We will be joined by one of the teachers from Old Havana Restoration School and Workshop to talk about the restoration of Old Havana and for those that want to can take a tour of the school that is putting Havana back together. We will be allowed to photograph the students and their work.
We will also travel into the old buildings of the past.
Visit Taller experimental de Grafica, a famous printmakers workshop to watch, photograph and talk with the Cuban artist as they create their work.
Lunch at local neighborhood Paladar El Reconejo
The Old Square has one of just 7 commercial Camera Obscura in the world. It is a great way to step inside a camera and see Havana live. After which we will photograph the other great square of old Havana. San Francisco has a great church tower for full city shots.
Other places to visit. We can put short trips together for those that want to go.
Optional Travel to Havana's Fusterlandia
Optional Travel to the Hemingway House
Sunset we will be at the Malecon.
Dinner: Local Cafe
Day 7: Feb. 21st (Friday) HV
Today is for rediscovery.
Revisit those places you didn't get enough of.
We will travel independent or with the group.
Always early sunrise walk on the streets or at the water front.
8:30 Breakfast at your Casa
This is the day to explore and finish up projects that you started the trip with.
Personal walks with Glenn. Travis or Bruce
Dinner: Farewell dinner and music at La Guarida (Lots of fun)
Day 8: Feb. 22nd (Saturday)
Time to head home. or stay longer, just ask Bruce for details….
What's Included:
All meals.
All ground transport in Cuba
Accommodations DOUBLE OCCUPANCY in Casas (bed and breakfast) including breakfast. Singles is a $350 supplement.
Visa to Cuba
Basic Medical insurance in Cuba (This is not travel cancellation insurance)
Entrance fees to attractions listed on itinerary.
What's NOT included:
Flights to Havana, Cuba
Alcoholic beverages
Travel insurance
Internet or communications costs in Cuba
Tips for tour leaders, local guides, wait staff, and chambermaids
Luggage check in costs-please check with your particular airline for allowances
Note: Final schedule may deviate from plan due to conditions on the ground.
Please be flexible.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuba
What do I need to bring with me?
You will need your passport and a visa (Camera Odysseys will take care of this) for entry into Cuba. Once there, shopping for essential items like toiletries is nearly impossible. You must bring anything you will need, including all medications. You will also need enough cash to last throughout your trip, since most American credit and debit cards are not accepted in Cuba, traveler’s checks are not accepted, and ATM cards issued by a U.S. bank cannot be used. I always say " You can always bring the USA cash home, you can't get more once there."
What should I leave at home?
Walkie talkies, satellite phones, and GPS devices are not allowed, and should be left at home. There is no phone service for U.S. cell phones in Cuba. Plan to be without internet for the duration of your trip—it is available in some Cuban hotels for a fee, but it is slow and unreliable. We will have a Cuban phone with us if there is a need to call the USA.
What is Cuban food like?
Cuban cuisine varies widely depending on the season, location, and market prices—and is limited by what’s available to the Cuban people. Thus, it includes staples like rice, beans, chicken, fish, pork, plantains, and root vegetables. As seasonings are hard to come by, we invite you to bring packaged spices, for your own use and to give to locals as gifts.
What can I bring back from Cuba?
U.S. Customs rules surrounding Cuban souvenirs are similar to those for other countries. Since late last year, the limits on the number or value of Cuban cigars and alcohol have been eased, so you can bring back as much as you want. We also recommend Cuban coffee and art as a lasting memory of your adventure.
Is Cuba safe?
Yes, American tourists are safe throughout Cuba, though we always recommend using common sense. Please see your Final Documents for more detailed information.
Quick Facts
PASSPORT VALIDITY:
Must be valid at time of entry. You need 6 months on the passport. USA requirement.
BLANK PASSPORT PAGES:
Two pages are required for entry/exit stamps
TOURIST VISA REQUIRED:
Tourist travel to Cuba remains prohibited. You must obtain a license from the Department of Treasury or your travel must fall into one of 12 categories of authorized travel. See ENTRY, EXIT & VISA REQUIREMENTS below.
Camera Odysseys will take care of this for you.
VACCINATIONS:
None
CURRENCY RESTRICTIONS FOR ENTRY:
U.S. credit and debit cards do not work in Cuba. Bring cash to cover your stay. The Cuban government requires that travelers declare cash amounts over 5,000 USD. Travelers should note that the Government of Cuba charges a 10 percent fee for all U.S. dollar cash conversions; this does not apply to electronic transactions or cash conversions in other currencies.
Camera Odysseys will exchange money for you..