Why Cuba?
by P-o Alfredsson
"People often ask me: Why Cuba? What is so interesting about pictures from Cuba?
I usually say that these photos speak for themselves. Personally, I think that all places and countries are interesting to photograph in.
The reason is that I am above all interested in people and their activities in the streets and cafes, in urban environments, but also in the countryside. Man is most important, to me. The environment is also important but comes second. For me...
Actually, I'm not the right person to talk about what it's like to photograph in Cuba, because I only stayed there for sixteen days, five years ago. But I have many friends who have visited the country many times and for many years. So therefore I dare to generalize: It is easier to street photograph people in Havana and other cities in Cuba than in most other countries.
People on the streets often give a thumbs up when they point the camera at them. Without them demanding anything in return. They know that Cuba cares about foreigners and tourists for the country's economy. Yes, most of them are friendly. This also applies to night walks. But of course, there are often (at least in Havana's picturesque old town) people in the form of tourist traps who want nothing more than to be photographed. Street musicians, women in traditional classical clothes, animal tamers, etc. who want a penny to pose, but I do not count them."
