[Leica] Just back from Cuba

Sat Dec 20 08:09:16 PST 2014

Wonderful advice!!!  Thank you!

I can't wait to see your photos.

Tina

On Sat, Dec 20, 2014 at 11:02 AM, Jim Laurel <jplaurel at gmail.com> wrote:
>
> I just flew in from Havana. Here’s the scoop from the airport on the way
> home...
>
> First of all, people from all over the world have been visiting Cuba for
> some time now. European chains are building high end resorts along the
> coast. We visited under the “People to people cultural exchange” Treasury
> exception, but many Americans choose to visit illegally.
>
> The Cuban people have suffered under both the embargo and the regime. Many
> people expressed elation on Wednesday after the big announcement, as if
> diplomatic relations and trade with the USA and more tourists would
> actually help their plight. Well, it’s a start. Maybe it will lead to
> internal change, but who knows. The Cubans are taking a wait and see
> attitude. They are smart enough to know that the President’s power is
> limited and only Congress can act to end the embargo altogether. The Cubans
> are a warm, beautiful and welcoming people. By and large, they love
> Americans and get visibly excited when you tell them you’re from the USA.
> Many reacted as if we were old friends coming home again. And, that’s
> pretty much the case. For the Americans among you, there is absolutely no
> reason to fear for your security in Cuba.
>
> Cuba must proceed slowly because they simply aren’t ready for the crush of
> visitors that would come if the travel restrictions were dropped
> altogether. The infrastructure is barely adequate as it is in the main
> cities, let alone the smaller towns. There is construction all over Havana.
> Many streets are torn up as they install better sewage, water and
> electrical systems. Many of the old neighborhoods are being gentrified. At
> times, you think you’re somewhere in Spain or Italy. It will take time.
>
> I must disagree with Duane, who said that there isn’t much between Havana
> and Santiago. In fact, most of my favorite places in Cuba are Camaguey,
> Remedios, Holguin, Baracoa, and around Guantanamo province.
>
> The time to visit Cuba is NOW. This thaw between the US and Cuba will
> result in huge changes for Cuba. The time capsule has been cracked for some
> time and now it’s set to break wide open. It won’t be long before the
> iconic Chevys, Plymouths, Fords, Ladas and DeSotos that are so visually
> synonymous with Cuba are replaced with Chinese Geelys and Cherrys.
>
> I had to laugh when I read the Cuba thread with all the talk about how to
> remain unobtrusive, carrying Feds and old Leicas. You’ve got to remember
> that you’re dealing with an urbane and sophisticated people here. The
> general level of education is very high. Don’t be surprised to learn that
> your waiter has an advanced degree. The truth is that, just by walking down
> the street in your latest adventure travel wear, with your pasty white skin
> and your half-forgotten high school Spanish, you’re going to stand out like
> a sore thumb. Throw in a Domke vest and Black Rapid dual harness and the
> picture is complete.
>
> Everybody seems to carry a canvas satchel of some kind, so a simple Domke
> satchel would be good. I used a ThinkTalk Retrospective 7, which was just
> the perfect size for walking around all day. I carried my M240 with one
> lens (usually the 35mm Summilux), and my E-M1 with Oly 12-40 f/2.8, Pana
> 35-100 f/2.8 and PanaLeica 25 f/1.4. To be honest, I would have saved a lot
> of trouble if I had just gone with my pair of EM-1s, which would have saved
> me a lot of lens changing. Just walking around with no bag and the M240
> with a single lens was very nice too. You are limited to 2 camera bodies
> and a total of 10 accessories (the 2 bodies count as part of your allowance
> of 10, along with tripods, lenses, strobes, etc.)
>
> We spent long days walking many of the smaller towns. Light weight is key.
> The weight of the M240 compared to my old M6s is significant. I found that
> I mostly used my E-M1, which proved to be a wonderful companion. Light
> weight, rugged, extremely fast in operation, with the fastest autofocus of
> any camera I’ve used, it is probably my favorite camera ever. When I was
> able to nail it with the Leica, the results were gorgeous, but nailing it
> with consistency was the problem. The E-M1, by contrast was always
> reliable. Pin sharp details and perfect exposure in almost every condition.
> Toward the end, I started getting lazy and began using face detection set
> to focus on the closest eye. Amazing.
>
> Here’s the bottom line for photographing in Cuba.
> - You’re going to be walking ALOT, so keep it light
> - The edge light is beautiful, don’t forget at least one fast prime in
> 35mm or 50mm
> - Carry a small satchel
> - Gather and hoard your small coins. You always need them.
> - Wear regular clothes, not adventure wear
> - Get a tan
> - Learn some Spanish and use it
> - Be open and don’t be afraid to talk to people. Doors will open for you.
> - Bring your smart phone to show people pictures of your family.
> - Don’t be obsessed with maximizing your photo taking time. Relax and sit
> with people, talk to them. Prioritize human contact over photography.
> - Be generous. It’s appreciated and needed.
>
> One more thing. People are freezing cold during winter. Gather up your old
> jackets and long sleeve shirts and take them with you. Especially fleece
> jackets. People need them as it can get pretty cold.
>
> I’ll post some images when I get home.
>
> Merry Christmas to all of you!
>
> —Jim Laurel
>
>
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>

-- 
Tina Manley
www.tinamanley.com
tina-manley.artistwebsites.com
http://www.alamy.com/stock-photography/3B49552F-90A0-4D0A-A11D-2175C937AA91/Tina+Manley.html