BazanPhotos | Student Photography Galleries | 2004

Photography by Ernesto Bazan

Group Stray Dog

Stray Dog group as the stray dog that suddenly dashed across the street and forced my car into an accident while on our way to see my friend Fidel. That very day we counted over 20 along the street. From the very beginning of my career, I’ve loved photographing stray dogs, I’ve a penchant for them, and I see myself in their constant wondering. Along with the class we decided that they deserved that privilege although I had to pay the dear consequences of a major frontal accident with another vehicle.

An interesting mix of talented students from different countries eager to learn and share.

We walked, photographed a lot including on the streets the mythical Havana and the magic Cuban countryside. We also trekked and went horse back riding in Viñales, smoked hand rolled cigars, drunk rum and tasted the famous suckling pig prepared by Fidel.

Good photographs and fond memories, another chapter of my Cuban life shared with each one of them. Once again has been a great privilege.

EB

© Kim Durack

I set out for Cuba to take portraits, and I returned with many still lives. How did this happen? Only in reviewing my body of work from Ernesto’s workshop did I come to understand the kind of pictures I had been taking. I now see the most successful images as a rather intimate view into the simplicity and elegance of Cuban society. While inside peoples’ homes, I found myself drawn to the daily objects and quiet moments of their lives. Even if there are not many traditional portraits, the work as a whole seems a portrait of the humanity that pervades Cuban life. I am thankful to Ernesto and to our group for their encouragement. In a way, these images belong to all of us on “Stray Dogs”, not just to me.

Kim Durack

The workshop held in Havana and Viñales has been a great and enriching personal experience. The streets of Cuba are overwhelming in terms of human energy created by a simple life that is constantly renewing itself in the desperate hunt for survival. Walking through Havana is an interior voyage to the essential of life itself and shooting in this inspiring atmosphere can only result in a stimulating process.

The presence of the other participants of the workshop has been greatly appreciated, especially the never ending discussions on some of the pictures taken. However, most of the merit and success of this experience has to be given to Ernesto Bazan for all his efforts to make that possible and for the invaluable comments and suggestions throughout the workshop.

Marco Improta

I can't find the words to express how fantastic and intense this workshop was. I knew that with Ernesto I would certainly improve my skills in street photography, but I couldn't have imagined how extensive this improvement would be. I am unsure as to what level my progress was due to the other students, the magic island of Cuba, or Ernesto's lessons, but I do know that I’ve never taken better photos than during those 2 weeks. Thank you all.

Pierre Marfisi

For years I have wished to visit Cuba avoiding the well trodden paths offered up to most of its tourists. With Ernesto I was exposed and able to capture the soul of the Island.
Some of the aesthetical aspects that permeate throughout Cuba are reflected in the dynamic yet simple and essential disposition of Cuban culture. The "Malecon", rocking chairs, art and architecture, the shape of music. All of these elements make the urban and rural landscape unique and far removed from a world visually saturated by the media & advertising.
The "ecological" vision of life, soon and naturally must catalyze some dreams into reality, carrying within the treasures of a diffused and qualified education as that of a wide and luxuriant culture.

Maria Pennacchio

I couldn’t have imagined the opportunities offered by being confronted by the Cuban people who are warm, open, resourceful, beautiful, energetic and very much at ease with a camera. Despite a fairly limited Spanish vocabulary I came away with many encounters and images that I am extremely grateful for.

The workshop itself was a very rewarding part of my trip and the ability to share ideas and talk frankly about the work within the group with Ernesto and his expertise at the helm has given me new insight and a renewed appreciation for photography and its many facets.

Garry Waller

Please note that the copyright of all the images appearing in the students gallery belongs to each individual photographer. No photograph can be reproduced without the author consent.