daily upon request
HAVANA PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
MEET - LEARN - EXPLORE
RESERVE YOUR SPOT
WHEN /
daily
upon request
WHERE /
OLD HAVANA,
CUBA
ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
Your instructor will be award winning photographer Tati Biermas – and besides the photography lectures, she will give hands-on instructions and tips on all photography walks. Check out the itinerary here.
Tati Biermas will take you behind the scenes of Cuba’s tourist veil and expose you to the inner city culture that is the real Cuba. By working with locals, she is able to achieve this on an unprecedented level.
In addition, you will become knowledgeable on how to get the most out of your camera,approach your environment, and photograph people in a foreign country. Click here to see more photos taken during the workshop.
Dip into this tropical paradise with a storied past and create memories that last forever.
Photographing the Old Havana (UNESCO World Heritage site) of Cuba offers you a unique view of a world few have been able to see plus the rare opportunity to capture its warm people alongside its authentic beauty and stunning architecture.
Laid back Caribbean Island culture mixed with the big-city life of Havana, where vintage American cars from the 40’s and 50’s roll by you on Havana’s Malecón.
This 4-day HAVANA PHOTO WORKSHOP
teaches travel and urban photography:
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architecture
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street (people and street art)
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sunset
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night photography
The Havana Photography Workshop is a unique mix of basic and advanced photography lectures and implementing your new knowledge on the guided photo walks at the most amazing locations of Old Havana.
Price & Dates
HAVANA 4-DAYS PHOTO WORKSHOP
Tati Biermas | $1999 USD
Date: upon request
Deposit: $1000 USD to reserve your spot.
INCLUDED
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Photography workshop fees
for lectures, photo tips, and hands-on instructions on all photo walks
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Meet with Cuban students, musicians, artists and entrepreneurs / People-to-People activities
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Professional photographer and guide Tati Biermas (English, Spanish and German speaking)
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Small groups only: 6-10 persons may come as guests and leave as friends
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Accommodation - for original and substantial interactions between photo workshop participants and locals we will be staying at a small boutique hotel run by a group of young Cubans
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All rooms have AC, breakfast is included, but there is no elevator!
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Transportation in Cuba - only related to photowalk location Callejon Hamel.
NOT INCLUDED
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International airfare & visa or airline baggage fees
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Meals and beverages – except breakfast at our hotel
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Fees for admissions, excursions, transportation and other events not listed on the itinerary
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Personal expenses such as: tips for guide, room-service, laundry, telephone calls, internet access
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Any travel, travel cancellation, equipment and/or medical care insurance
FAQs
Experience / Difficulty
Beginner, amateur, enthusiast, semi-pro and pro photographers with DSLR´s, mirrorless or compact cameras are welcome.
It’s been said that she really knows how to do Cuba – like her highly recommended Cozumel Photo Tour. Her aim is always to raise your awareness and spark your creativity so that you not only go home with images to be proud of, but use your new found skills to improve and expand your photographic technique in general.
Also, there are only small groups of 6 -10 guests max. And you stay in a new renovated boutique hotel which is safe, small and managed by the proprietor with very personal atmosphere. It is located in the back streets of Old Havana - right in the heart of the “real” Old Havana. All main attractions are in walking distance.
Dinner reservations are made at tested, authentic, delicious and fairly priced restaurants and paladars only.
Highlights / Photo walks / Excursions
We will walk around Old Havana: on the famous Malecon, to Plaza Vieja, visit the Camara Oscura, see lots of Vintage cars, and see the Paseo de Marti, the Capitolo, and an Afro-Cuban neighborhood.
This adventure is designed not only to guide you to the most photogenic locations, but will also help inspire you to create more compelling photographs, regardless of your experience level.
Itinerary
DAY 1 ARRIVAL
You will need to arrive at the hotel in Havana, Cuba latest by 5:00 p.m., because the workshop starts there with a mandatory, introductory meeting.
The group will then get settled at the hotel and leave shortly after to have a nice welcome dinner a chosen restaurant: The paladar Nao.
The next morning starts with a light breakfast at your hotel and is followed by the first photography lesson with main focus on your camera settings, composition elements (also understanding miksang) and basic photo techniques.
You will learn about street photography including great tips about architecture, cars, and people photography, an effective camera set up, and story-telling aspects in photography.
Final group dinner will be at the paladar: El Del Frente to mark the end of our workshop.
Accommodation
This is where we plan to stay for our Havana workshops:
Travel information
HOW TO GET THERE
Based upon the feedback of past participants, we now ask that you purchase your own flights to/from Cuba.
Airlines offering direct flights between the U.S. and Cuba are: Alaska, American, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, and United.
VISA
It is your responsibility to get and secure your visa.
International travelers who require a Cuban visa can get their visa through the Cuban Embassy or Consulate in their respective countries. Your air carrier or travel agency will help you with this.
The visa can then be purchased in Cancun at the check-in counter of your airline for approximately $25USD per person.
Cuba has the lowest crime rate in the entire Western Hemisphere. Violent crime is virtually non-existent and the majority of crime is non-confrontational (pick-pockets, scams, and petty theft). Use common sense and keep an eye on your belongings at all times.
October to November
- Temps 85/71 F 29/21 C Approx. Sunrise 7:26 | Sunset 7:04 (19:04)
- Temps 80/63 F 26/17 C Approx. Sunrise 7:10 | Sunset 6:17 (18:17)
- Temps 88/69 F 30/20 C Approx. Sunrise 6:56 | Sunset 8:00 (20:00)
What to expect?
Cuba is not just unique, but one of the most rewarding photographic and cultural experiences you will ever encounter. Because Havana is so different it requires an open-minded and rewarding sense of adventure. As is often said in Cuba, “It’s not what you want, it’s what we have”. Like no internet directly at the hotel.
What to bring?
We require all attending photographers to bring their own cameras (and 1-2 lenses)
plus support gear (3 or more memory cards of 2GB-4GB or larger, extra batteries, charger, card reader, external hard drive for back-up, also consider to bring a second camera body or at least a point-and shoot camera in case your camera body breaks, etc…).
We also encourage you to bring a lightweight tripod for photographing in low light situations.
Terms and Conditions
Reservations and payments:
A deposit or full payment and completed registration form (by mail) will reserve a place for you on a workshop/trip. Trip fees are quoted in US dollars and must be paid in US dollars or Euro only. For workshop/trips outside the USA, full payment is due 60 days prior to departure date. If final payment is not received when due, we reserve the right to treat your reservation as canceled, as if in writing, as per our cancellation and refunds policy, below.
Any non-photographer (spouse, friend or significant other) who wishes to come along is counted as a participant and as such must pay his/her way. However, Tati Biermas offers a 10% trip discount to any non-photographer. Each workshop has its own itinerary, final payment due dates and price structure, detailing what is included and what is not included in the workshop fee. These details are on the individual workshop description page. You agree that you have read and understood these details, along with the general workshop faq.
Cancellation fees are not transferable and no refunds are made for unused or missed portions or services of a workshop/trip for any reason whatsoever. You must notify us in writing of your withdrawal and cancellation. All notifications must be made via email. The date we receive your email notification will be used as the date you gave your notice to cancel, at which time the following fees (plus any transaction fees; credit card company fees, etc.) will apply:
Tati Biermas reserves the right to cancel any trip/workshop, at any time prior to workshop/trip start date, in which case a full refund of all funds will be given. However, she is not responsible for any expenses such as, but not limited to, non-refundable air tickets, hotel deposits, etc.
Because of the fees for trips outside the USA that are paid directly to the travel outfitter (who have very restrictive refund policies), in any unforeseen circumstance beyond our control, such as but not limited to, a medical emergency, Tati Biermas has the right to substitute a trip leader/teacher with someone of equal or similar credentials, at any time prior to the trip departure date. If such a change is necessary, you will be notified immediately. However, such a change will not be deemed sufficient grounds for a refund other than stated in the cancellation policy. Additionally, at his discretion Tati Biermas also has the option to cancel the trip any time prior to the workshop/trip departure date for any reason, such as low enrollment. In case of such a cancellation a full refund of all funds paid will be given. However, Tati Biermas is not responsible for any expenses such as, but not limited to, non-refundable air tickets, hotel deposits, etc.
Maximum participants:
All Tati Biermas´workshops are limited to a small number of participants in order to ensure adequate teaching time in the field. The maximum number of participants are listed under the workshop/trip details section of each individual workshop.
To enjoy the workshop/trip as intended, a minimum level of fitness is required. The workshop activities are within the capabilities of people in good health. But prepare yourself to walk lots (bring comfortable shoes). By registering for this workshop/trip you certify that you do not have any physical limitation or other condition that would create a risk for yourself or other participants. Tati Biermas reserves the right to decline to accept anyone that he considers unsuitable due to fitness level. She also reserves the right to remove from the trip, at the participant's own expense, anyone whose condition is such that it could create a hazard to them-self or others, or otherwise impact the enjoyment of other participants on the trip. If you have concerns about your own capabilities and/or fitness as it relates to a trip, please contact Tati Biermas before reserving a space.
You will be responsible for studying all pre-trip information; for bringing all photographic equipment, personal items and appropriate clothing; for acting in a manner considerate of fellow participants, environments, and locations. Smoking is not permitted at any time during the workshop/trip in or near the vehicles, other participants, dining areas or shooting locations. Any participation in an illegal event and/or activity during the workshop gives just cause to immediately terminate your participation in the workshop with no refund. We reserve the right at our discretion to accept, decline to accept, or remove any participant on a workshop/trip.
Tati Biermas reserves the right to take photographs/video of workshop participants during the workshop/trip and to use them in connection with the advertising and promotion of future workshops.
Your registration serves as a release of liability of Tati Biermas and/or any cooperating agents/partners and a complete assumption of all risks. Tati Biermas will assume no liability for losses or additional expenses due to any act, error, omission, injury, illness, loss, delay, mishap, or damage to persons or property arising from any cause or expenses thereof associated with workshop/trip participation or in transit thereto or therefrom. The participant needs to sign a waiver of liability and hold harmless agreement on arrival at the mandatory introduction meeting to waive any claim against Tati Biermas and/or any cooperating agents/partners for any such loss, damage, injury, or death. You further agree that if you are injured or become ill, Tati Biermas, may, at your cost, arrange or supply medical treatment, evacuation or any other emergency services on your behalf as Tati Biermas deems necessary or appropriate for your safety and wellbeing.
Arrangements:
Any vaccinations, airline reservations, insurance, visa requirements (not included in the trip), and all other travel or medically related arrangements, etc., are the final responsibility of the participant. The supplier/outfitter and/or hotel(s) of all trips is subject to change without notice or compensation at Tati Biermas' discretion.
If for any reason you are late arriving to a workshop, it will be your responsibility to meet up with the group. You will be expected to arrange and pay for your own way until you catch up with the group.
Accommodations:
Single accommodations are available for a supplemental cost; please see individual workshop/trip page for details. Should you wish to share a room and we cannot find someone on the trip for you to share a room with, you will be required to pay the single room supplement.
Travel documents:
You are responsible for ensuring that you have the proper travel documents including visa medical insurance). International travelers and US citizens traveling outside their country of origin are required to carry a passport, valid for six months beyond your departure date and should also have sufficient blank pages for visa and immigration stamps.
Insurance:
Visitors to Cuba now must have proof of valid medical insurance. Tati Biermas recommends you also buy refundable air ticket or travel insurance. A camera equipment insurance can be useful, too. Insurance is not included in the workshop/trip cost.
Special requests:
Specific requests such as adjacent or connecting rooms, roommate gender or special dietary needs should be advised at time of registration. Every effort will be made to secure your special requests. However we cannot guarantee that all requirements will be met and have no liability to you if they are not met.
Baggage:
Please check with your international carrier or travel agency for luggage details as weight restrictions on some routes on air flights may apply also ask about baggage restrictions applicable to your international flights.
You agree that no oral representations, statements or other inducements apart from the foregoing written above have been made. This Agreement sets forth our entire understanding and may not be modified except in writing. By registering for a workshop/trip, you agree that you are 18 years or age or older, and that you have carefully read, fully understand and agree to all the contents of the Terms and Conditions listed above. All Terms and Conditions are subject to change without notice.
Restaurants
Lunch and dinner reservations are made at tested, authentic, delicious and fairly priced restaurants and paladars: Nao Paladar, VanVan & Callejon Hamel (social proyect)
