Life in Havana, Cuba: A Photographic Essay
March 2016
The most inspiring part of Havana, the soul of Cuba, is its people. These images were selected to illustrate their character and everyday life.
Mornings in Havana are surprisingly quiet. The gentle sunrise casts long shadows on the tattered streets and layers the fronts of crumbling buildings with its supple golden color. The damp morning air is filled with soft rumblings of aging mufflers and the occasional honk of a car horn used well beyond its intended life. As alluring as these scenes are, it’s only a portion of the Havana I came to love.
Most every morning, as I stood on my sixth floor hotel balcony, I heard “Amigo!” from a construction worker calling to me from the building across the street. Once I located him amidst the maze of scaffolding and plastic, we exchanged a friendly wave and morning greetings. This brief exchange was a nice way to start my day, and I found myself looking forward to it.
I found the people of Havana to be warm, friendly, open and willing to have a conversation even with the language barrier. After spending a short time in Havana it became clear how dignified, confident and proud they are.
As a photographer of humanity, I was compelled to capture the essence of the Cuban people. While walking the streets of Havana I let my heart guide my lens to capture their passions, their optimism, and their contagious spirit.
I often think about my early morning construction worker friend. He was a stranger who I never had the pleasure of meeting. He greeted me in the morning for no other reason than to be friendly. Without even meeting him I know how proud he is of his work and his people. I’m also confident he would be as pleased with this collection of heartfelt photographs as I am.
In honor of my unknown construction worker friend and all the fine people of Havana, Cuba, it’s my pleasure to share these images: “Life in Havana, Cuba: A Photographic Essay.”
Photographs and Writing by:
Tim Hammond
La Crosse, Wisconsin
Edited by:
Daniel Johnson
Philadelphia, PA
Mornings in Havana are surprisingly quiet. The gentle sunrise casts long shadows on the tattered streets and layers the fronts of crumbling buildings with its supple golden color. The damp morning air is filled with soft rumblings of aging mufflers and the occasional honk of a car horn used well beyond its intended life. As alluring as these scenes are, it’s only a portion of the Havana I came to love.
Most every morning, as I stood on my sixth floor hotel balcony, I heard “Amigo!” from a construction worker calling to me from the building across the street. Once I located him amidst the maze of scaffolding and plastic, we exchanged a friendly wave and morning greetings. This brief exchange was a nice way to start my day, and I found myself looking forward to it.
I found the people of Havana to be warm, friendly, open and willing to have a conversation even with the language barrier. After spending a short time in Havana it became clear how dignified, confident and proud they are.
As a photographer of humanity, I was compelled to capture the essence of the Cuban people. While walking the streets of Havana I let my heart guide my lens to capture their passions, their optimism, and their contagious spirit.
I often think about my early morning construction worker friend. He was a stranger who I never had the pleasure of meeting. He greeted me in the morning for no other reason than to be friendly. Without even meeting him I know how proud he is of his work and his people. I’m also confident he would be as pleased with this collection of heartfelt photographs as I am.
In honor of my unknown construction worker friend and all the fine people of Havana, Cuba, it’s my pleasure to share these images: “Life in Havana, Cuba: A Photographic Essay.”
Photographs and Writing by:
Tim Hammond
La Crosse, Wisconsin
Edited by:
Daniel Johnson
Philadelphia, PA
Waiting Patiently
The ferry ride to Regla is crowded with people of all ages. One’s senses are filled with the rumbling of an unseen ancient engine, the smell of diesel fuel, and the ever present vibration of an antique steel deck.
Young Student
A student takes a break from her studies at a Havana elementary school.
Dancing in Parque Central
On a warm evening loud music fills the air of Parque Central. As some people relax and look on, others dance to the infectious rhythms of salsa music.
Worship
In a Regla borough, this Santeria devotee chants on the shores of the Havana Port. Along the shoreline the pungent odor of chickens sacrificed the night before lingers in the morning air.
Manmade Shade
In the heat of the afternoon sun, a family enjoys the comfort of manmade shade amidst the sights and sounds of a rodeo at the International Agricultural Fair.
Focused
A dancer holds the first position at Havana’s ProDanza Ballet Academy.
Relaxing
A gentleman sits quietly watching the busy street outside the Mercado Agropercurio Edigo.
Dancing Heart
A woman waits for the music to begin at La Tropical Dance Club.
Boxer
A boxing student prepares for a sparring match after a long training session at the Rafael Tejo Boxing Gym.
Two Hearts
As the large door slowly creaks open and this little fellow steps onto the granite stoop curiously watching the busy street, the voice of an anxious mother echoes from inside.
St. Barbara
While morning light radiates softly on a Regla street and the calm warm air carries a hint of salt from nearby Havana harbor, this aged soul with St. Barbara by her side makes her offering.
Dancers
As the shadows lengthen and the dance floor begins to fill at La Tropical dance club, patrons young and old pair off to practice their dance steps.
Beet Merchant
The vast winding alleys of the Mercado Agropercurio Edigo are filled with the aromatic scents of flowers, fruits, vegetables, and the pungent smells of freshly slaughtered meats.
Red and White Taxi
For many people the day starts and ends with a ride in a vintage taxi.
Produce
Surrounded by plantains and a variety of vegetables at Havana’s Mercado Agropercurio Edigo a young merchant waits.
Gaze Intercepted
Emerging from behind heavy, well-used doors, this woman looks upon the Mercado Agropercrio Edigo. Her day is filled with observing shoppers, listening to the sounds of bartering, and on this day the imperceptible sound of a camera shutter
Intimate Moment
As the afternoon shadows descend on a quiet Havana street a young couple, aware only of each other, share an intimate moment.
Havana Gentleman
Inspired by pride and generosity this gentleman is eager to pose for photos and share his uniquely furnished home.
Iglesia de La Merced
On a quiet Old Havana street one finds the beautiful Iglesia y Convento de la Merced. In the peaceful aura of this holy place worshipers offer blessings to La Virgen Sentara.
Friends
A local resident relaxes with her feline companion on a quiet street in Old Havana.
Mechanical Refrigeration
In a dark corner of a seemingly abandoned building this skilled entrepreneur set up his “air conditioned” one chair barber shop.
Friendly Encounter
Gracing Havana streets are countless people eager to greet a passerby with a generous smile and a friendly ‘Buenos Dias.’
Warm Smile
Sitting quietly in her doorway this woman with a gentle smile is one of many Cuban entrepreneurs who operate small businesses from their homes.
Street Market
Many neighborhood streets are home to farmers’ markets, where residents can purchase a variety of produce and merchandise.
Taxi Stop
As a taxi rumbles to the curb, there is polite competition for a seat.
Waiting
Between lessons at the ProDanza Ballet Academy, the well-used studio is quiet.
Morning Light
As the morning sun rises spilling its golden light over aging rooftops, this gentleman waits on Paseo de Marti for a taxi.
Long Shadow
A car’s long shadow moves silently over rugged pavement followed closely by a symphony of sounds only an antique automobile can create. The groan of the engine, rhythmic puffs of exhaust and squeaks of an ancient suspension echo between the buildings as the street comes to life.
Ear Buds
Old and new technologies encounter one another.
Tender Moment
Waiting for a taxi on Paseo de Marti to start their daily routine, this mother and child are softly embraced by gentle morning light.
