Explore Your Creative Spirit In Havana and Trinidad
A photographic experience with Richard Martin and Ramses Batista
Dates TBA
"Richard Martin’s intelligent and caring workshop philosophy is based on a great deal of experience, both as participant and instructor. The creativity of his vision, images, and teaching is inspiring."
Freeman Patterson
Photographer
Beyond the Tourist Veil
Exploring the Authentic Side of Cuba
I have experienced numerous changes in Cuba over the past decade and have strived to adapt and structure our itineraries accordingly. In January 2021, we depart from a regular program, and look behind the scenes and beyond the obvious, with a small group of passionate photographers. A few years ago, I had the opportunity to meet Ramses H. Batista, a brilliantly talented Cuban photographer, at a portfolio print review in Havana. I had the opportunity to work for a day with Ramses exploring the more private side of Havana. From that point on I wanted to explore what I consider the “real or authentic side” of Cuba. To search well beyond the tourist veil, and into the nooks and crannies of Havana and Trinidad ordinarily reserved for the citizens themselves.
We invite you to join Ramses and myself this January. This tour offers the photographer a unique opportunity to discover both Havana and one of the island’s crown jewels-the colourful city of Trinidad, with its red- tiled roofs and cobble- stone streets. Havana,
the pulse of Cuba, is an
eclectic mixture of old and new, crumbling and restored. Photograph the hauntingly beautiful 16th and 17th century streets of colonial Havana-its people, architecture, and atmosphere.
Placed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1982, old Havana remains the most authentic colonial city in the Americas. Discover this magical place and experience an island frozen in time.
This is not a structured tour in that every minute of every day is dictated. Each night at dinner there is a short briefing with decisions and suggestions for the following day. This is an itinerary that accommodates to any American citizens who wish to participate. You will legally travel under a General License for aid to the Cuban people. Staying in private homes and eating in private restaurants dictate that all rules are followed. Participants are required to be able to walk on uneven ground and be able to climb stairs. Cuba is not a very friendly vegetarian country, but vegetarians are accommodated. Discuss with Richard as he is vegetarian himself.
Enjoy the hospitality of the Cubans and their families, directly in their homes. Our accommodations will be in private air-conditioned homes, with private bathrooms (no sharing). Immerse yourself in the collective warmth of their embrace, something not seen at the busy hotels.
Each morning Richard and Ramses will accompany you on a pre-breakfast photo shoot. Although there is no strenuous exercise involved in this itinerary, there is lots of walking on uneven cobblestoned streets. To view a sample of Richard’s Cuban images from past tours please click on link http://blur.by/1vGNa9R
Slideshow: http://www.richardmartinphoto.com/workshops-tours/cuba/
What You'll Do
Explore The Authentic Side Of Cuba
I have experienced numerous changes in Cuba over the past decade and have strived to adapt and structure our itineraries accordingly. For a third year, this January we will be departing from the regular program and looking behind the scenes and beyond the obvious, with a small group of passionate photographers. Once again we have the opportunity to work with Ramses H. Batista, a brilliantly talented Cuban photographer, exploring what I consider the “real or authentic side” of Cuba. To search well beyond the tourist veil, and into the nooks and crannies of Havana and Trinidad, ordinarily reserved for the citizens themselves.
We invite you to join Ramses and myself in January 2018. This tour offers the photographer a unique opportunity to discover both Havana and one of the island’s crown jewels-the colourful city of Trinidad, with it’s red-tiled roofs and cobblestone streets.
Explore Cobblestone Streets
This tour offers the photographer a unique opportunity to discover both Havana and one of the island’s crown jewels-the colourful city of Trinidad, with it’s red-tiled roofs and cobblestone streets. Havana, the pulse of Cuba, is an eclectic mixture of old and new, crumbling and restored. Each morning Richard and Ramses will accompany you on a pre-breakfast photo shoot. Although there is no strenuous exercise involved in this itinerary, there is lots of walking on uneven cobblestoned streets.
Go Beyond The Tourist Veil
Havana, the pulse of Cuba, is an eclectic mixture of old and new, crumbling and restored. Photograph the hauntingly beautiful 16th and 17th century streets of colonial Havana-its people, architecture, and atmosphere. Placed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1982, old Havana remains the most authentic colonial city in the Americas. Discover this magical place and experience an island frozen in time.
Enjoy Cuban Hospitality
Enjoy the hospitality of the Cubans and their families, directly in their homes. Our accommodations will be in private air-conditioned homes, with private bathrooms (no sharing). Immerse yourself in the collective warmth of their embrace, something not seen at the busy hotels. We will have access to Ramses photography studio in the heart of central Havana.
Soak In The Colourful Surroundings
Throughout the week, we will take advantage of the remarkable natural light and colourful surroundings Havana and Trinidad has to offer. Participants will benefit from group discussions, critiques, and one-on-one time with the instructors—all of which will help to take their work in new directions.
What Our Participants Say
“My photography journey has benefitted tremendously from Richard's generosity in sharing his creative vision and skill, which combined with his love of humour and fun makes learning a cinch.”
– Alice Yen Yong
“Richard Martin, along with Freeman Patterson liberated my generation of Canadian photographers from the rule-bound shackles of camera club tradition.”
– Larry Monczka
“The reason I travel with Richard as often as possible is because I know I will be inspired, I know I will be pushed to see differently, I know I will be challenged creatively and I know I will laugh… a lot.”
– Sally Harris
“It was great to have the opportunity to travel with Richard and see his exceptional eye for color, shape and texture in action. He has a wonderful gift.”
– Jim Graham
“[Richard] is truly a born teacher, always available to participants, and I always go home not only having had a good time but feeling that I have grown creatively.”
– Mary Macey Butler
“What impresses me is that how [Richard] "sees." There were times on the trips that he saw pictures in the midst of chaos. He is very approachable, has a great sense of humour and just plain good company both while photographing or socializing. He takes photography and teaching to another level that I have not seen from other professionals.”
– Gene Morita
Meet Your Teachers
Richard Martin
A long-time contributor to Photo Life magazine, Richard pursues photography as a medium of visual expression. He is a deeply committed instructor who guides participants on a voyage of personal rediscovery on his photography tours around the world. His passion and insight help the student in opening up the creative doors and to reflect on the special qualities that dwell within them.
Ramses Batista
Ramses H. Batista founded the AMOS Project in 2011, where he teaches workshops for amateur photographers, adolescents, and people with special educational needs. His passion and commitment to art and teaching have made collectors, gallery owners, and publishers in Cuba, Europe, and the United States recognize his work as an important part of Cuban photography. His work explores the expressive possibilities of artistic nudes, poetic storytelling, contemplation and formal experimentation.
A good instructor should have the ability to move people – connecting them with their emotions. Reinforcing to participants the fact that fine images are made with their hearts and souls not their thousand-dollar lens.
Qualities That Make A Good Instructor
Some of the qualities which contribute to a good instructor include:
- Instructors should be deeply committed to the process of making images, while possessing honesty and integrity in their own work.
- They should encourage individual ways of seeing and expressing, and should NEVER impose their own views on students.
- One who enjoys sharing their knowledge, without ego! – this aspect is very important. One who is always accessible to participants, being available for assistance, and dividing time fairly between students.
- One who can guide participants on a voyage of personal rediscovery, opening up doors and helping students reflect on the special qualities that dwell within them.
What You'll Learn
Itinerary
Dates TBA
The following is our planned itinerary; however, the schedule is flexible to allow for spontaneous photographic opportunities. Dates and times are subject to change due to the rhythms of Cuban life. The small group size will allow us to move freely and naturally through Havana and Trinidad, traveling on foot or by taxi.
Day 1: Havana
Travel day for participants to arrive in Cuba, and depending on the arrival time, you will have a short briefing and lunch. Meet your “family” for the next 4 days.
Note: The following days will include optional early morning outings, each day before breakfast. An opportunity to explore the streets at an easy unhurried pace and make images in the beautiful morning light.
Enrolment for tour is limited to 10 participants.
Our tour itinerary has been designed specifically for serious photographers, to ensure that more concentrated time is spent in the most photogenic areas. In addition to individual attention in the field, time will be spent reviewing participant’s work. Instruction is kept flexible to accommodate a changing itinerary and varying skill levels of the participants.
There will be an opportunity for informal review of work throughout the trip, from a technical, compositional and aesthetic point of view. There will also be free time to allow for personal exploration.
Dates and times are subject to change due to the rhythms of Cuban life. The small group size will allow us to move freely and naturally through Havana and Trinidad, traveling on foot or by taxi.
Throughout the week, we will take advantage of the remarkable natural light and colourful surroundings Havana and Trinidad has to offer. Participants will benefit from group discussions, critiques, and one-on-one time with the instructors—all of which will help to take their work in new directions.
Please Note: Extensive walking, sometimes on uneven ground. Participants must be in reasonable physical condition and be able to climb stairs.
Gallery
Want To See More?
Click here to see more photos from Cuba, as well as galleries from past trips.
Cuba Photo Tour Pricing
This year I have made the decision to return to the consistency of hotel accommodations in Havana. Although the private homes were great, with 8-10 homes being used, not all offered the same degree of accommodation and quality. We will stay at the Roc Presidente hotel located in Vedado, a block from the famous Malecon of Havana. This hotel offers a salt water pool amongst its amenities, and with all the walking we do, this may be to everyone's liking. Our accommodations in Trinidad will be in private air-conditioned homes, with private bathrooms (no sharing). We will have access to Ramses photography studio in the heart of central Havana. Each morning Richard and Ramses will accompany you on a pre-breakfast photo shoot. Although there is no strenuous exercise involved in this itinerary, there is lots of walking on uneven cobblestoned streets. To view a sample of Richard’s Cuban images from past tours click here.
Our tour itinerary has been designed specifically for serious photographers; to ensure that more concentrated time is spent in the most photogenic areas. Instruction is kept flexible to accommodate a changing itinerary and varying skill levels of the participants.
The following is our planned itinerary; however, the schedule is flexible to allow for spontaneous photographic opportunities. dates and times are subject to change due to the rhythms of Cuban life. The small group size will allow us to move freely and naturally through Havana and Trinidad, traveling on foot or by taxi.
Single and Double Occupancy
- Personal Meet and Greet at the airport with transfers to your house.
- Receive 87 CUC upon arrival to eliminate the need to get currency exchange at the airport
- All lodging in private homes with all breakfasts included
- Transportation within the city and to Trinidad and areas.
- The expertise and guidance of both Richard Martin and Ramses Batista.
- 3 Lunches and 3 dinners.
- Moderate tips for drivers, guides and the included meals.
- Any airfare, departure & airport taxes and fees, passport and visa services & fees.
- Baggage, equipment, medical and cancellation insurance.
- Tips for Host Families.
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone, taxi, excess baggage etc.
- Travel insurance and optional tours, etc.
- Cuban Medical Insurance (Compulsory for all unless medical insurance is bought in country of origin).
- Cuba Tourist Card (Included in flights from Canada).
- Cuban Departure tax of $25.
- Any additional gratuities outside of those specified above.
- Personal expenses.
Enrolment will be limited to 10 participants.
Credit cards are accepted, but please add 5% merchant fee.
TERMS & CONDITIONS A NON REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT OF $500.00 PER PERSON REQUIRED AT THE TIME OF BOOKING. Final Payment due 45 days before departure. ONCE FILE IS PAID IN FULL CANCELLATION PENALTIES APPLY. Cancellation 45 DAYS PRIOR TO ARRIVAL DATE - DEPOSIT $500.00. 44 TO 31 DAYS PRIOR TO ARRIVAL DATE - 50% of total cost. 30 DAYS TO ARRIVAL DATE - 100% of total cost.
Ready To Enrich Your Visual Life?
Whether you’re interested in developing your own visual style or expanding your knowledge or craft, attending a workshop or tour may turn out to be one of the best investments you make towards enriching your visual life.
Not Quite Sure Yet?
Why not visit our contact page, we would love to answer any questions you may have!
Registration
Contact
Judy Gallant
Cell: 1.613.539.4045
Email: judy2@pgtravel.ca
Skype: cubajudy
Tathiana Gonzalez
tathiana@pgtravel.ca
P&G Travel
9421 Jane Street-Unit 121
Maple (Vaughan), Ontario L6A 4H8
Toll-Free: 1.877.586.8747
Local: 1.905.303.0200
Fax: 1.905.303.0155
www.pgtravel.ca
