Join us for a captivating 9-day photography adventure in Cuba, where you’ll embark on a creative journey to capture the island’s rich history, vibrant culture, and timeless beauty. Guided by award-winning and internationally renowned photographer Fulvio Bugani, you’ll develop storytelling skills through street photography and portraiture, while immersing yourself in Cuba’s dynamic landscapes and culture.
Day 1: Arrival in Havana
- Welcome to Havana, Cuba's vibrant and charming capital city.
- After the introduction, settle into your accommodation at a traditional Casa B&B.
- Evening orientation with Fulvio Bugani to discuss the tour's photographic focus and objectives, followed by a welcome dinner.
Day 2–4: Exploring Havana's Streets
- Start each day with street photography in the lively streets of Old Havana.
- Learn to observe and capture the city's retro charm, colonial architecture, and dynamic lifestyle.
- Fulvio Bugani will guide participants in creating a visual narrative, exploring the blend of tradition and modernity that makes Havana unique.
- Visit iconic landmarks like Plaza Vieja, El Malecón, and the Vedado district.
- Engage with locals, capturing intimate portraits that reflect Cuba's warmth and resilience.
Day 5: Havana to Trinidad
- Depart Havana for Trinidad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- En route, discover Cuba's rural landscape and capture the essence of life beyond the city.
- Arrive in Trinidad and settle into a cosy Casa B&B.
Day 6–7: The Soul of Trinidad
- Spend two days immersing yourself in the colonial streets of Trinidad, known for its ornate, colourful buildings, cobbled alleys, and relaxed atmosphere.
- Engage with locals and capture the rhythm of life, from street vendors to artisans.
- Fulvio will help you refine your portraiture techniques, drawing inspiration from the town's historical backdrop and its rich textures.
- Optional sunset photo sessions in the nearby Valle de los Ingenios, where you can explore the Cuban countryside.
Day 8: Return to Havana
- Journey back to Havana, with opportunities to shoot along the way.
- Upon arrival, you’ll have a final evening to explore the city's nightlife and practice low-light photography.
Day 9: Farewell Cuba
- Wrap up the tour with a reflection session and portfolio review with Fulvio Bugani.
- Farewell lunch and departure from Havana, taking with you not just photographs, but an enriched perspective of Cuba's beauty and culture
Key Activities:
- Rum and Cigar Tasting Experience: Get an authentic taste of Cuba with a rum and cigar tasting session at an official Habano store. Learn about the deep-rooted tradition of cigar-making while capturing the cultural essence of these iconic Cuban symbols.
- Cuban Photographers Exchange: Engage in a creative exchange with local Cuban photographers. This session will allow participants to share experiences, techniques, and perspectives with professionals deeply embedded in the Cuban photography scene.
- Portrait Session with Cuban Models: Spend a morning shooting portraits with three Cuban models. This session is designed to help you develop your skills in intimate portraiture, focusing on natural light and creating emotional connections with your subjects.
- Ballet School Photo Session: Capture the grace and discipline of Cuban ballet students in their natural environment. This unique opportunity provides a behind-the-scenes look into one of the country's most revered art forms.
Dates:
25th April - 3rd May 2025
What's Included:
- Single room accommodation (5 nights in Havana, 3 nights in Trinidad at Casa B&Bs)
- Modern minibus transportation
- Time with Leica Master Photographer: Fulvio Bugani who will be guiding you throughout the journey.
- Technical Support Crew from Leica Akademie Malaysia who will be offering you personalised assistance.
- Cuban Models Fees
- All organised activities and tours (Rum and cigar tasting, Cuban photographers exchange, ballet session)
Costs Not Included:
- International flights to/from Havana
- Tourist VISA
- Medical insurance (compulsory)
- Meals (lunch and dinner)
- Beverages
- Trip cancellation/interruption insurance
- Extra nights and optional activities
- Tips and gratuities
Things to note:
- We will have a briefing leading up to the tour to answer and confirm any enquiries you have.
- Participants would be required to bring their own cameras—any type is welcomed.
- Wear comfortable clothing and footwear that are suitable for walking.
- Bring notebooks or electronic devices for taking notes.
- We reserve the right to cancel the workshop if the minimum number of participants is not met. Should this occur, full refunds will be provided.
- This experience is in collaboration with our Leica Akademie Malaysia.
Fulvio Bugani, born in Bologna in 1974, is a renowned freelance photographer with over 20 years of professional experience. His journey in photography began in 1995, and by 1999, he had established his own photography studio, Foto Image. Bugani's work is deeply rooted in documentary photography, focusing on critical social issues such as human rights, illegal immigration, and the right to housing. His long-standing collaborations with prominent organisations like Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and Amnesty International highlight his commitment to visual storytelling with a purpose.
Over the years, Bugani’s powerful images have been featured in prestigious publications and platforms such as TIME LightBox, LFI Leica Fotografie International, The Guardian, Marie Claire, Playboy, and Cubadebate. His work has garnered international recognition, notably receiving a prestigious award at the 2015 World Press Photo for his moving documentation of the Indonesian transgender community. In 2016, his reportage on Cuba earned him a spot as a finalist in the Leica Oskar Barnack Award, underscoring his skill in capturing the raw, emotional landscapes of people and places.
As a Leica International Ambassador, Bugani played a pivotal role in the launches of both the Leica M10 in 2017 and the Leica Q2 in 2019. His expertise and passion for photography extend beyond the camera as he shares his knowledge with aspiring photographers around the world. With over 14 years of photographing Cuba, Bugani has developed a unique and intimate connection with the island, which is often reflected in his work. His extensive travels and personal relationships in Cuba make him a leading authority on the island's photographic opportunities.
Fulvio Bugani’s approach to photography is characterised by his ability to capture the unseen beauty and emotion in the everyday lives of people across diverse cultures. His ability to create compelling visual narratives through street photography, portraiture, and reportage has cemented his place as one of the most respected photographers in the field today.
