Topic: interview on worldphoto.org

[hookstrapped]

about my Havana pics

http://worldphoto.org/news-and-events/wpo-news/collection-photographer-interview-peter-brian-schafer-1/

[Phil Bebbington]

Congratulations, Peter

and I agree about the stupid embargo 

[hookstrapped]

Thanks!

I can't wait to get back. On one hand, I'm glad I had the chance to experience the strange surreal world that the embargo, in part, created. But I look forward to the end of the embargo. That would be something to document. Big island, big country, lots to see, photograph, and learn.

[Francois]

The embargo has somewhat of an upside for Canada since we don't participate in it.
Most of the appliances in Cuba come from Montreal. I even know a store owner who's a good friend with Fidel Castro's daughter as she's a frequent customer at his store.

We also had a prime minister who was a very good friend of Fidel. He even came to Montreal to assist to the PM's funeral.
It is said that Pierre Elliott-Trudeau became friend with Fidel Castro just to p*** off Jimmy Carter...

[hookstrapped]

The embargo has somewhat of an upside for Canada since we don't participate in it.
Most of the appliances in Cuba come from Montreal. I even know a store owner who's a good friend with Fidel Castro's daughter as she's a frequent customer at his store.

We also had a prime minister who was a very good friend of Fidel. He even came to Montreal to assist to the PM's funeral.
It is said that Pierre Elliott-Trudeau became friend with Fidel Castro just to p*** off Jimmy Carter...

Another interesting possible side effect of the embargo.  When I checked in to my flight from Santo Domingo to Havana, people were checking in things I've never seen checked in for a flight before.  Car exhaust systems and other car parts, motorcycle tires, and other mechanical items I didn't recognize.  So, the DR also benefits, but it appears a rather inefficient way to import goods.  It may provide a partial answer to the question of how the Cubans keep those 60 year old cars running so well.

[limr]

Good stuff, Peter! 

[hookstrapped]

Pro tip: feature a baby in your work

http://www.positive-magazine.com/photography/featured-story/3-days-in-havana/

[Late Developer]

Nice one, Peter. The set is great and you deserve the limelight.

Have you considered entering into Travel Photographer of the Year?

http://www.tpoty.com/

[hookstrapped]

Nice one, Peter. The set is great and you deserve the limelight.

Have you considered entering into Travel Photographer of the Year?

http://www.tpoty.com/

Thanks!  And thanks for the link.  I might do that.  And there's a travel category (plus a panorama category) in the Sony awards -- that worldphoto site is a Sony creation.
http://worldphoto.org/competitions/sony-world-photography-awards-2015-open-competition

[hookstrapped]

auf Deutsch

http://www.i-ref.de

[jojonas~]

nice panoramas! congrats on the interview

[This-is-damion]

Nice series and good work on going to cuba.  I've been a couple of times and Americans are fairly good at ignoring the embargo!   I've sat on the roof of the Parque central in Havana talking to a couple of Americans who went every year for the cigars! 

Last time we were there as well the local market had a lot of American fruit on sale... so it seems that generally the embargo is being broken... and all for the good!

I totally agree that the Cuba we see now is a product of that embargo... Its a country that's fairly well off in terms of natural resources and were Cuba allowed to trade with the world there is every chance it wouldn't have half the poverty or social issues it has now.

Its a fascinating place though, due to the way it has to exist.  Change is inevitable though - just hope it doesn't change too much, too quickly.

[Blaxton]

Great work, Peter.  The way you worked yourself into Cuban life in such a short time is amazing.

I spent a week in Havana last January on a license from the US Bureau of Foreign Assets--the only 'legal' way for a US citizen to travel to Cuba.  It was a nightmare to get the license and we only got it because we were part of a cultural exchange.  Fortunately, the license gave us opportunities to play with Cuban musicians--an inspiring and humbling experience.  I left with many contrasting feelings but I was overwhelmed by the generosity and friendliness of all the people I met.  I expected to find world-class musicians but discovering the high level of performance from rank-and-file musicians working in Havana was an eye-opener.  They have an excellent musician training system in the national conservatories--Cuban music specific--and professional musicians are fully employed.  The result is a music scene that rocks--from internationally known stars to neighborhood cafe musicians.  They can really play.

[hookstrapped]

Great work, Peter.  The way you worked yourself into Cuban life in such a short time is amazing.

I spent a week in Havana last January on a license from the US Bureau of Foreign Assets--the only 'legal' way for a US citizen to travel to Cuba.  It was a nightmare to get the license and we only got it because we were part of a cultural exchange.  Fortunately, the license gave us opportunities to play with Cuban musicians--an inspiring and humbling experience.  I left with many contrasting feelings but I was overwhelmed by the generosity and friendliness of all the people I met.  I expected to find world-class musicians but discovering the high level of performance from rank-and-file musicians working in Havana was an eye-opener.  They have an excellent musician training system in the national conservatories--Cuban music specific--and professional musicians are fully employed.  The result is a music scene that rocks--from internationally known stars to neighborhood cafe musicians.  They can really play.

Thanks.

A few years ago I was the Executive Director of a youth orchestra and we started planning a summer tour of Cuba but our problem wasn't the US government bureaucracy but rather ignorant fearful parents.  That was disappointing.  Indofunk is joining me next time I think and he'll definitely be playing with the musicians there.  I'd like to see and hear that.