I found it difficult to walk the streets of Havana and not have the Buena Vista Social Club playing in my head…on repeat. While the urban planner in me struggled with a lot of the decay, the photographer in me saw the patina and colour. Life is very much lived out on the streets and provides a visual feast. I spent some time with a local photographer and that helped to access Cubans going about their daily lives.
One photo I sold, of a Cuban boxer, back in Sydney ended up inspiring my client to ship 22 new pairs of boxing gloves to the gym I visited in Havana. Given that all their boxing gloves were threadbare, I know how pleased the boxers were when the shipment arrived (less 3 pairs which the Cuban customs officers pinched!). Photography can lead you down many paths.
More details of Laura’s travels in Havana can be found on www.fotofemmeunited.com