Fashion

Cuba might well be a socialist country but its fashion is as vibrant as its architecture, as a new generation of creative fashionistas is born. As social media opens up so do the opportunities for self expression. It seems to be a place that everyone wants to be seen, from Rihanna to Beyonce.

Diego and I have an afternoon of street fashion photography with a backdrop that is truly spectacular, Habana Vieja (Old Town). The kit I used for this shoot was a Canon 5D mark IV, Sigma art lens, 35mm 1.4  with a Canon Speed light 600ex-rt, and occasionally my Canon 85mm 1.4 lens. unless stated.  Below are a couple of outtakes that gives you an idea how unstable my good friend Diego is, but then aren’t all creative people? He supplies the models and then I do the rest, when I can get him out of my way.

Time for a break as we stop off at Hotel Florida Calle Obisbo, Beatriz takes an opportunity to get behind the camera. Taken on my iPhone x

My theme for the shoot is about how the new generation are fighting out of the socialist norm, whilst others just go about their daily work; hoping that oppression (if you can call it that) will one day, soon be replaced by opportunity and not austerity.  Capitalism is visibly on the rise and recently I heard the phrase social capitalism; is that its future? Cuba after the Castros

Below a street cleaner is surprised by some unexpected attention.

As well as the people on this photoshoot there was also opportunity to enjoy the unique Cuban architecture, it’s hard not to be drawn in by its grandeur, age and beauty. Not a set of adjectives I would usually put in the same sentence but then Havana is no ordinary city.

The streets are a plenty with willing and interesting characters, not many shied away by the sight of a large lens staring them down, the man in the cap was more than willing to be involved, even before hearing the brief.

In-between sets there was always an opportunity to catch the girls solo. Question here is colour or black and white? Maybe we can leave that one for another day.