Havana Great Time Photographing the People of Cuba

I'm lucky to live in a city that loves and appreciates art as much as I love dedicating my career to it. And when I get to hone my craft surrounded by other humans who motivate and inspire me, well, hold my camera, I'm packing my bags.

Because of a grant I received through the Greater Columbus Arts Council, I was able to travel to Cuba for the Mystic Seminars Photography Workshop and learn best-in-class practices from world-class wedding photographers. This is the second workshop I've attended, but the first one (and clutch my pearls if it's my last) spent on the Norwegian Sun Cruise (with a full day in Cuba).

With a lot of sunscreen and only my yellow Hasselblad 501cm film camera in hand, I was dedicated to returning home with renewed inspiration and applicable lessons in hand.

And with the help of my incredible roommate, Erum Rizvi, who is a phenomenal wedding photographer in D.C., (and who also uses my favorite new tagline, "authentic imagery for badass people) I came home with more than I thought. I was challenged, supported, empowered, and enlightened.

For my fellow photo nerds: most of these photos were taken with a little light push from Stella Pro Lights thanks to their rep, Heidi!