I am slowly making my way through the images from this past December trip to Cuba which I lead with Nevada Wier. I started posting a few of my favorite images several days ago [see link] and below you will see a few more . 

I am looking forward to returning to Eastern Cuba in April 2015. If you are interested in being included on the "interested list" please send me an email. 

As you may know, I was in Cuba during an historic time and I want to share the following extract from the President's recent statement on Cuba Policy Changes:

Enjoy the images and have a Happy New Year and safe travels wherever you  go!

I was photographing this graffiti and thought it looked a little lonely. When this obliging chap came along I asked him if he would hop up the steps and adopt a suitable pose which he kindly did. The only problem is that he is slightly out of focus as I had focussed on the graffiti. What do you think? Is this acceptable?

As Cuba moves forward in a time of a rekindling of relationships with the United States, this image of Camila mirrors the joy that many Cubans felt in the aftermath of Pesident Raúl Castro's and President Obama's speeches

In a world where an estimated 200,000 photographs are uploaded to the internet every minute, how do you make yours stand out from the crowd? Well, if you possess great marketing skills you may be able to sell even the most mediocre imagery to anyone – and boy, do we see a lot of that out there! If you are just a person with a camera there are a few things that you can do to help take your images to the next level. In others words, before you go posting a lot of poor images to your brand new website or social sharing page, take note of a few of the following words of advice.

 I was once taught that if a photograph contains at least 3 of the following attributes, the chances are that you are on to something. Let's take a look at each of the 5 attributes and discuss them in brief, providing an image for each, which in my opinion, contains at least 3 of the following attributes which I will list for each image.

• Subject 
• Lighting
• Color
• Composition (or pattern)
• Gesture (or action)

Subject

Probably the most important element is having a strong and compelling subject. Without this, it’s harder to identify the story we are trying to tell.

For example, this image was one I had pre-visualized. While paddling among the floating gardens on Dal Lake in Kashmir, I came across this row of trees perfectly reflected in the mirror-calm water. After taking a few images I decided to wait until another shikara came by, and keeping the camera as close as possible to the surface of the water, I was able to create an almost perfect mirror image. The splash of color and the position of the front paddle (the gesture), each add to the image.

THIS IMAGE HAS: SUBJECT, COMPOSITION, COLOR, GESTURE


Lighting

A photograph is two dimensional but with careful use of directional lighting to add modelling or texture to the subject the photo can appear almost three dimensional. Similarly, the time of day is important. High noon will result in harsh, flat light while the lower angle of the sun at the “edge” of the day will result in softer, warmer light.

Late one afternoon while I was walking in the streets of Trinidad, Cuba, I noticed the amazing sunset light shining in on this bakery. The shadows cast by the baker and the old-school fan in the wall were perfect. It is light like this that can turn an ordinary photo into an extraordinary one.

THIS IMAGE HAS: SUBJECT, LIGHTING, COMPOSITION, COLOR, GESTURE

Color

When I saw this woman in Jodhpur, India carefully walking down the steps from her home, I nearly gave myself a hernia getting into position to capture the moment. Definitely my favorite attribute in this photograph is its great complementing colors – red and blue. This photo has a great subject, the light is soft, composition is strong, and the gesture of her pointed foot in the yellow and green flip flop all add to the beauty.

THIS IMAGE HAS: SUBJECT, LIGHTING, COMPOSITION, COLOR, GESTURE

Composition

Very simply put, composition in a photograph is the placement or arrangement of visual elements, as distinct from the subject of a photograph.

This image contains several very strong compositional elements which make it work, most important of which are the radiating lines of the shadows of the camels' legs, coupled with the line of clouds which draw your eye towards the camels. The dominant camel in the rear appears on the right third of the image, which adds extra strength to the composition. Finally, the leading line produced by the camels' feet also help to draw your eye into the picture.

THIS IMAGE HAS: SUBJECT, LIGHTING, COMPOSITION, COLOR, GESTURE

Gesture

The power of gesture [or action] in a photograph defined as simply as I can is that of implied movement, or an expression which begs the question, “what happened next?” Gesture helps to tell the story.

It is the little things that make this image work. For one, the positioning of the feet of these Buddhist nuns in Rangoon, Burma, and the “implied” movement as they walk down the steps. This, plus the leading lines of the bricks and the neatly ordered sandals, as well as the triangular element formed by the position of the three nuns all add up to a strongly composed photo.

THIS IMAGE HAS: SUBJECT, COMPOSITION, COLOR, GESTURE

Now that we have had this introduction into what makes a good photograph, let's take a look at a few of the many and various elements of composition that can really make your images stand out from the crowd. Below are several links which you may find useful:
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/columns/jp-composition-intro.shtml
https://nevadawier.wordpress.com/2009/08/24/punctuation/
http://danielstainer.wordpress.com/tag/nevada-wier/
http://thecandidframe.blogspot.com/2012/09/bits-of-wisdom-from-jay-maisel.html

Orientation – horizontal v vertical 
The first and most obvious rule of composition is in choosing a horizontal or vertical image. Horizontal images are perhaps the most common. It is natural to lift up the camera and hold it as it was made to be held. There are photographs that benefit with additional space on either side of the main object – cityscapes, panoramic landscapes, and sporting activities– are three examples. On the other hand, there is also a time when a picture is better taken vertically. The most obvious examples of vertical images are tall, thin objects like trees or buildings or portraits of people.

Patterns
There are patterns all around us if we only learn to see them. Emphasizing and highlighting these patterns can lead to striking shots – as can highlighting when patterns are broken.

Texture
A photograph is two dimensional but with the clever use of ‘texture’ they can come alive and become almost three dimensional. Texture particularly comes into play when light hits objects at varying angles. In the image below left the sun is grazing the dune from the left, revealing the texture in the sand and each of the bushes growing on the dune surface. The image on the right was taken at the same location with flat frontal light. Oh, and by the way the third image is photographed much later with the light coming from the right.

Rule of thirds/golden ratio
In the rule of thirds, photos are divided into exact thirds with two imaginary lines vertically and two lines horizontally making three columns, three rows, and nine sections in the images. Important compositional elements and leading lines are placed on or near the imaginary lines and where the lines intersect (power points). Alternatively, the Golden Ratio (as shown in the image below), also known as the Golden Mean, Phi, or Divine Proportion, was made famous by Leonardo Fibonacci around 1200 AD. He noticed that there was an absolute ratio that appears often throughout nature, a sort of design that is universally efficient in living things and pleasing to the human eye.

It is important to remember that these "rules" are more like guidelines, and the more experienced you become in photography you will find that these "rules" will become second nature. Break the rules when it feels right.

Lean into the frame
When photographing people and animals it is best to have them looking into the frame (again another "rule" – obviously there are exceptions). Sometimes you just have to go with your gut as in the image on the right where the woman is looking out of the frame. If there is movement in your picture, leave more space on the side of the frame to where the movements is heading. It looks more natural that way and lets the viewer have a feel for where the subject is going.

Frames
Framing is the technique of drawing attention to the subject of your image by blocking other parts of the image with something in the scene.

Contrast/light & shade/color
The relationship between light and dark or different colors will add drama to your composition.

Depth of Field/background isolation/choice of lens
The depth of field that you select when taking an image will drastically impact the composition of an image. It can isolate a subject from its background and foreground (when using a shallow depth of field) or it can put the same subject in context by revealing it’s surrounds with a larger depth of field. This often is a consequence of your lens choice. The portrait of the puffin on the left was photographed with a 600mm lens at f4. This gives you a depth of field of a matter of inches whereas the image on the right was photographed at 235mm at f5.6 which gives you much more depth of field.

Perspective
The perspective from which a shot is taken is another element that can have a big impact. Shooting from up high and looking down on a subject or shooting from below looking up on the same subject drastically impacts not only the ‘look’ of the image, emphasizing different points of interest, angles, textures, shapes etc – but it also impacts the ‘story-telling ability’ of an image. Both the images below were shot within minutes of each other.

S-curve
Painters discovered that the inclusion of an s-shaped curve in their composition added a sense of movement to an otherwise static image. The s-shape is aesthetically pleasing and it helps to create a sense of depth in the image.

Triangles
Triangles in Photography can be used to create balance or restore order in an image. Triangles can easily be incorporated by simply following the rule of odds or other composition techniques. Triangles pointing away from the camera bring a sense of peace and isolation whereas a triangle pointing towards the camera makes the image more dynamic and builds tension. Most commonly used triangular shapes in an image are converging (left), implied (right) and actual.

Odd numbers
A little known photographic composition is the “Odd Rule”, so called because it states that an odd number of subjects in a composition (or a single subject surrounded by an even number of supporting subjects) appears more pleasing to the eye than an even number of subjects. Is the image of the ducks is more pleasing than the image of the swans? Perhaps the reason the image of the swans works is because we have a cluster of 3 swans and then the single, larger swan which creates the overall harmony. What do you think?

Negative space
Negative space can bring a sense of balance to your image, it can strengthen composition, it can help draw the eye to the subject and give it more power and it can also add a lot of interest to your shot. 

Simplicity
Simple ideas are stronger. Expressing them more simply makes them clearer. Simple composition delivers these ideas more strongly.

Symmetry
Symmetry refers to a line that splits an object in half and, if the top and bottom or both sides of the image are a mirror image of each other, then they are said to be symmetrical.  Symmetry is a powerful tool that lets you automatically create harmony and a sense of aesthetically pleasing balance and proportion in a photograph.

Layers/depth
Introducing ‘layers’ into your image will add depth and visual harmony to a two-dimensional image.

Point of view
Point of view in photography simply means the position from which the camera sees the scene. Are you looking down on the subject? Are you looking up at the subject? How close are you to the subject? Is there anything between you and the subject? In this case, by standing on a couple of fruit boxes, I was able to show more of the environment without it conflicting with the flower seller.

WOW factor
Once in a while we all have an opportunity to photograph something that just makes people go WOW!

The following list is a comprehensive inventory of what you might need on our tour. Based on your personal experience and needs, you may decide to bring more or less equipment. You will be able to buy/rent gear in Kathmandu if you would prefer not to lug it all with you.

Sleeping bag
Down-filled bags are the best to bring. Beg, borrow or steal a good one (i.e. 4-5 season) because high altitude nights will be cool, and there is nothing worse than being cold at night. If you have a 3-4 season bag then you can get a fleece sleeping bag liner in Kathmandu, they are cheap and reasonable priced. Quite good sleeping bags are inexpensively available for rent in Kathmandu.

Sleeping bag liner
Cotton, silk or fleece. Saves washing your sleeping bag and adds warmth. Cotton or silk ones can be made in Kathmandu but are more easily bought from home. Fleece ones is readily available in Kathmandu and will cost you next to nothing.

Inflatable sleeping pad
Thermarest or similar. We provide a sponge foam mattress and if necessary, a closed cell pad, but if you have your own Thermarest, bring it.

Daypack
This should be comfortable and have a good waistband that transfers some of the weight to the hips – this is most important. It needs to be big enough to take a jacket, fleece, water, camera and odds and ends. You pack your daypack in the morning and give the rest of your baggage to the porters. You should have everything you need trough the day with you, since it is likely that we don’t see the porters again before we camp for the night.

Boots
For a comfortable trek you need comfortable feet. Good boots should have good ankle support, plenty of toe room for long descents, a stiff sole to lessen twisting torsion, and they should be as light as possible. Look at the inner lining –leather is good and Cambrelle is even better (a material that eats smelly feet bacteria). Good lightweight trekking boots or light all leather boots are perfect. Boots must be lightly worn in before trekking and this should include some steep hills to show up trouble spots. The longer the trek, the better the boots you need.

Socks
In the low country your feet will be warm or even hot while walking so quality cotton mix sports socks are best. Three to four pairs are enough. Thick trekking socks are better for higher up and cool evenings, four pairs. I will suggest wearing two pair of socks, since it is my experience that this is the best way to avoid blisters.

Camp shoes
At the end of the day your feet needs some air, so bring some sandals or running shoes.

Fleece top
Most trekkers consider this essential, but alternatives are a thick thermal top or a light down jacket. In Kathmandu you can get cheap Korean fleeces but they lack that essential style.

Down jacket
This is something you don’t want to miss on those cool evenings. If you don't already have a down jacket they can easily be rented in Kathmandu for around $2-3 a day.

Wind/rain jacket
Waterproof and breathable. Plastic ponchos or non-breathable raincoats are not suitable.

Thermal underwear top and bottom
Good thermals are one of the secrets to cold weather trekking comfort. Expedition-weight thermals are the most versatile and can be worn as your high altitude trekking top.

Fleece/sweat pants
Great for the chilly evenings, thicker is better. Readily available in Kathmandu.

Day wear shirt
T-shirts are popular but a cotton shirt or mixed yarn travel shirt is more useful. The collar protects the back of your neck and the sleeves can be rolled up or down. Take two so you can swap damp for dry.

Trekking pants
You will live in these. Light material, loose and dark-coloured is best. You can survive with only one pair. Cotton cheapies in the local fashion can be bought in Kathmandu.

Wind pants
If your trekking pants are reasonably windproof then special wind pants are not needed. If you do bring a pair, it is not necessary to have gore-tex or similar, non-waterproof is quite OK.

Underwear
This is not something people tend to forget, but I put it here anyway bring 4 to 7 pairs.

Warm hat or balaclava
Nice for those cold mornings and evenings.

Sunglasses
Suitable for snow, it is bright up there, and you don’t want to end up snow-blind. Specialised glacier glasses with side pieces are not needed. Contact lens wearers report very few problems except cleaning them in the conditions. Ski goggles are unnecessary.

Mittens/Gloves
These don't need to be fancy (pockets are the warmest solution to cold hands), so local Kathmandu fleece gloves are fine.

Water bottle
Should be one litre or more in capacity, take boiling water and be leak-proof. You want a total of 2 litres capacity.

Torch
MagLite or Petzl head torch or similar. Head torches are more convenient, and are available in Kathmandu.

Toiletries and odds and ends
Essentials for the month only. There are a surprising number of showers or buckets of hot water available. The smallest tube of toothpaste is perfect for a month. We provide toilet paper. Roll-on deodorant can spare you grief with your tent partner…

Towel
Bring only a small one trekking, or even better a sarong. In Kathmandu and Lhasa hotels supplies towels.

Sun screen and lip care with sun protection
The sun is strong at altitude, especially after snow.

Moisturiser
A small tube for sensitive or well cared for skins. The air is dry and the sun harsh.

First aid kit
We carry one with aspirin, paracetamol, various antibiotics for Nepalese varieties of diarrhoea, antiseptic, antihistamine cream, bandages, and tough blister tape (but not moleskin). You should bring any personal medicines that you need.

Water purification
One bottle of iodine tablets between two. Couglans or Potable Aqua is the best. We tend to use boiled water from the lodges but occasionally take water from the streams. The use of mineral water is discouraged from an environmental point of view.

Novel
One or two with high swap ability. Kathmandu has some great second-hand bookshops. You will also find a very big variety in Himalayan titles in the bookshops here, I recommend Pilgrims bookshop in Thamel. 

Money pouch/belt/inside pocket
Most people find wearing one while trekking a hassle and keep it buried in their kitbag or daypack. The Kathmandu hotel has safety deposit boxes.

Snow gaiters
Not needed but if you have them, bring them.

Snacks and nutrition
You will feel your best with plenty of good food and keeping hydrated. We provide the food and the water. The last two ingredients are wholesome snacks and vitamin tablets. Chocolate and chocolate bars are readily available in Kathmandu. Bring vitamin tablets from home.

What is available in Kathmandu
There are dozens of small gear shops in Kathmandu but they mostly sell locally made fake gear and a strange variety of new gear. Always available are head torches and batteries, fleece gloves and hats, fleece jackets and pants, sunglasses, Swiss army knives and large kit bags.

The items that are better brought from home are: socks, boots, thermal underwear, quality fleece, liner gloves and Gore-tex clothing. 

Renting equipment
Easy to rent items in Kathmandu are down jackets and sleeping bags and day packs. 

Available in Kathmandu
Some of the items available in Kathmandu will be of a different quality.

• Sleeping bag
• Daypack
• Trekking pants
• Fleece top
• Warm hat
• Light gloves
• Toilet paper
• 2 Extra passport photos
• One litre water bottle
• Novel
  
• Lip care
• Torch

Optional

• Gaiters
• Moisturiser

What you should bring from home

• Boots
• Socks
• Camp shoes
• Rain jacket
• Thermal top
• Thermal bottom
• Day wear shirt x2 or 3
• Underwear
• Sun screen 
• Sunglasses
• Toiletries and odds and ends
• Small towel/sarong
• Personal medicines
• Camera
• Money pouch/belt
• 2x Passport photos
• USD30 cash for visa
• Water purification
• Vitamin tablets

It was a momentous occasion on the Dec 17 when it was announced that the US and Cuba were to resume diplomatic relations. I first heard the news at the breakfast table at the O'Farril hotel in Old Havana – the waitress excitedly came to our table and asked if we knew that Raul Castro and President Obama were going to be on TV at midday.

Later that morning, while we were at a shoot at the Rafael Trejo boxing gym, we all crammed into a woman's house across the street to see the address by Raúl Castro (unfortunately she did not have CNN to watch Obama's speech). The mood was cautiously optimistic and emotions were high, especially in our group where one of our participants, whose life partner is Cuban, was celebrating his birthday.

At the end of the day, when I got back to the hotel after an evening shoot along the Malecón, the mood amongst the hotel staff was jubilant and they were all smoking cigars in celebration. I bought everyone a beer and we spent the next 30 minutes learning how to Salsa – and it is true, this white man can't dance.

This was my 7th trip to the island I still can't get enough of it. With any luck the travel restrictions will be eased in the coming months  and we will finally be able to explore Cuba at our own pace.

Please enjoy some of my favorite images from our 17-day odyssey of eastern Cuba and Havana