From its colourful streets and buildings filled with stunning architecture and classic cars to its magnificent flora and fauna and its UNESCO World Heritage sites that you probably wouldn’t want to lay down your camera even for a second.
Cuban people are known for their hospitality and warmth, making your photoshoots even more enjoyable. If you’re lucky enough to be in Cuba, make sure you bring your best camera with you. Here’s why Cuba is a photographer’s paradise.
Cuban Architecture
After you arrive in Cuba, the first thing you’ll notice is how colourful and beautiful this island is. Its buildings and streets reflect its political and social history from colonial times up to the present day. Havana is the best place to see Cuban architecture.
After the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1492, the Cuban capital of Havana became an important trade point between the New and the Old World. As a result, Havana grew full of colonial houses and military fortifications like the Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabana, which reflects the very best of early Cuban architecture.
Due to its Spanish influence, Cuba also has boasts plenty of neo-classical buildings. The Aldama Palace is the most significant neo-classical property in Cuba. If you’re a fan of neo-classical architecture, you must visit the Vedado district, full of notable buildings.
From the 20th century onwards, art deco, nouveau, and eclectic foreign styles influenced Cuban architecture. The Capitolio and the 1912 Spanish Railway Terminal are must-visit places to snap the very best of Cuban architecture.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Cuba is home to nine UNESCO World Heritage sites. While some of these sites are renowned, some are not well-known but offer plenty of opportunities for avid photographers. We highly recommend paying a visit to as many of them as you can because each has its unique features worth an entire photoshoot.
Old Havana and its Fortification System are one of the oldest historical sites in Cuba and offer an intimate look into the architectural history of the country. Trinidad, the colonial jewel of Cuba, is perfect for street photography of open-air markets as it is world-renowned for handicraft production. Lush landscapes can be found in Valle de Los Ingenios where the sugar mills and plantations dot the vast green valleys.
The Historic Centre of Camagüey and the Urban Historic Centre of Cienfuegos are historic sites filled with museums, universities, architecture, and art dating back to colonial times. When in doubt, you can always go to Havana’s old town and capture the hustle and bustle of contemporary life filling the old streets.
Vintage Cars
The classic vintage cars commonly found on the roads of the Caribbean Island leave a lasting impression on any tourist. In fact, the classic cars are just as popular as Che Guevara or Cuban cigars.
When Fidel Castro banned American car imports in 1959, Cubans had to learn to repair and renovate their cars in creative ways. In the streets of Cuba, and especially in Havana, you’ll see various vintage cars such as Lada taxis and Chevrolets sporting bright colours that would be considered eccentric in other parts of the world.
The cars you will see in Cuba are artefacts of the country’s complex history and politics. As a stunning addition to Cuba’s urban landscape, they offer a distinct look found nowhere else. Make sure to take many snaps of these iconic cars while you are there.
Flora And Fauna
Cuba has all sorts of exotic flora and fauna that grows only here. Almost 80% of its animal species and more than 7000 species of plants are endemic to the island.
The Ciénaga de Zapata reserve hosts an incredibly diverse ecosystem with hundreds of endemic animals. With a little bit of luck, you might be able to snap pictures of the world’s smallest bird, the bee hummingbird, or the Cuban trogon—Cuba’s national bird. Make sure you take pictures of the lush green rainforests at Alejandro de Humboldt National Park, also home to the smallest frog and the second smallest bat in the world.
Tropical landscapes of palm-fringed beaches are quite common in Cuba, thanks to its 100 species of palm trees. The Cuban Royal Palm is the most significant one, growing up to 60 feet tall. Cuba is also home to more than 25000 species of orchids, with the White Mariposa being the Cuban national flower. If you’re interested in botanical photography, you must visit the Orchid Garden of Soroa.
Street Photography
If you find snapping pictures of classic cars and cigars cliché, Cuba has plenty of street photography to offer. Havana Vieja is filled with street performers, bars, restaurants, souvenir shops, colonial squares, churches, and Cubans in guayabera shirts, giving it a distinct local atmosphere perfect for some unique shots.
Just east of Vieja is Centro, with its centuries-old atmosphere. Unlike the other sites mentioned on this list, this one is a favourite of locals, making it ideal for authentic street photography. Barrio Chino (Chinatown) is also an interesting spot. You can take a very short ferry trip from Old Havana to Regla, which is known for its colonial history. With its warehouses and shipyards, Regla has a unique blue-collar feel and, unlike Havana — a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere, thanks to the fewer tourists.
Last but not least are the Cuban people themselves. Cuba is a very photo-friendly country, and if you ask for a picture, most people would be happy to pose.
Conclusion
Cuba is one of the most photogenic locations in the world and offers photographers the golden opportunity to snap pictures of a unique country and culture. For photographers that want to take otherworldly pictures, Cuba is a paradise. With its culture, streets, architecture, flora, and fauna, Cuba offers snap-worthy opportunities at every step. Make sure to have your camera ready if you plan a trip to this wonderful island.
