CUBA PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP

Cuba is a country like no other, a place where time feels suspended and yet change is constantly in motion. In Havana, history lingers in every cobblestone street, every fading pastel wall, and every wrought-iron balcony where life unfolds in full view. Classic 1950s American cars glide past crumbling colonial mansions, their polished chrome reflecting a past that refuses to fade away. On the same streets, murals of the Cuban Revolution tower over bustling corners where music, laughter, and conversation spill into the night.

This is a land of contrasts, where old rhythms meet new realities. Salsa clubs pulse with energy only steps away from silent courtyards, and local families share quiet evening rums while children chase balls through narrow alleys. In the countryside, sugarcane plantations and tobacco fields stretch toward the horizon, punctuated by limestone hills and timeless villages where the pace of life has hardly changed for generations.

For photographers, Cuba is a dream—a living canvas of color, character, and story. From the smoke-filled air of Havana’s boxing gyms and cigar factories, to the golden glow of Trinidad’s colonial squares, to the legendary Malecón where every sunset becomes a stage for human drama, Cuba offers endless opportunities to capture images of extraordinary authenticity. It is a country that invites you not only to look, but to truly see: to observe the resilience, warmth, and creativity of its people, and to translate that spirit into powerful photographs.

    Highlights

    Discover Cuba Through Your Lens

    • On Location:
      Each day in Cuba is a new opportunity to refine your skills behind the camera. You will receive personal instruction and hands-on training in the art of photography, with guidance tailored to your level and interests. We will work with the fundamentals of composition—lines, perspective, balance, and the golden section—while learning how to bring foreground, background, and middle ground together in a single frame.

      Light is at the heart of photography, and we will explore how to master it in all its forms: from the harsh mid-day sun to the gentle glow of dusk, and into the magic of night street photography. Portrait sessions will give you insight into depth of field, composition, and how to find the best possible natural light.

      Through private, one-on-one lessons, you will gain the confidence to approach local people in a natural and respectful way, capturing authentic moments that tell their stories. Along the way, you’ll uncover the secrets that make travel and street photography so compelling.
    • In the Classroom:
      Evenings are dedicated to reflection, discussion, and learning. Together, we review the images taken during the day, offering constructive critique and expert feedback to help you grow as a photographer. Classroom sessions also include lectures and demonstrations, where you’ll learn to transform your images into powerful visual stories.

      For those interested, we offer optional sessions in Lightroom and Photoshop, with practical tips on editing, color management, and black-and-white conversion. Our focus is not only on technique but also on storytelling—learning how to sequence images so they come alive as a narrative.

      Throughout the workshop, a Better Moments Certified Photo Instructor will be at your side, helping with camera settings, composition, and the small but important details that elevate your work. Whether you’re seeking technical improvement or artistic inspiration, this is where your photography will take the next step forward.

Expert Christian Nørgaard

More about Christian Nørgaard

Art and editorial photographer Christian Nørgaard – founder of Better Moments – is among the rare photographers who have ventured into the world’s most remote regions to document landscapes, tribes, traditions, and ways of life on the brink of change. For more than 30 years, he has worked as a professional photographer, creating powerful, human-centered stories for leading international media outlets.

CUBA WORKSHOP

Meet Catarina Kent, Ulla Fluur and Aaron Marko who participated in our Cuba photography workshop with Arne Hodalic.

EXPAND WITH PASSION

On Location


Each day in Cuba is a new opportunity to refine your skills behind the camera. You will receive personal instruction and hands-on training in the art of photography, with guidance tailored to your level and interests. We will work with the fundamentals of composition—lines, perspective, balance, and the golden section—while learning how to bring foreground, background, and middle ground together in a single frame.

Light is at the heart of photography, and we will explore how to master it in all its forms: from the harsh mid-day sun to the gentle glow of dusk, and into the magic of night street photography. Portrait sessions will give you insight into depth of field, composition, and how to find the best possible natural light.

Through private, one-on-one lessons, you will gain the confidence to approach local people in a natural and respectful way, capturing authentic moments that tell their stories. Along the way, you’ll uncover the secrets that make travel and street photography so compelling.

In Classroom


Evenings are dedicated to reflection, discussion, and learning. Together, we review the images taken during the day, offering constructive critique and expert feedback to help you grow as a photographer. Classroom sessions also include lectures and demonstrations, where you’ll learn to transform your images into powerful visual stories.

For those interested, we offer optional sessions in Lightroom and Photoshop, with practical tips on editing, color management, and black-and-white conversion. Our focus is not only on technique but also on storytelling—learning how to sequence images so they come alive as a narrative.

Throughout the workshop, a Better Moments Certified Photo Instructor will be at your side, helping with camera settings, composition, and the small but important details that elevate your work. Whether you’re seeking technical improvement or artistic inspiration, this is where your photography will take the next step forward.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival in Havana & First Impressions
Upon arrival you will be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel. In the late afternoon we take a gentle photo walk through Old.

Havana, exploring San Francisco de Asís, Plaza de Armas, and Plaza Vieja. After dinner, Christian introduces the workshop and presents highlights from his own work in Cuba.
Day 2 – Havana: Streets, People & Icons
The day begins in Old Havana, where we focus on lively markets, staircases,
balconies, and the rhythm of daily life. Later, we visit a historic boxing school and a cigar factory to
capture action, detail, and atmosphere. In the afternoon, we contrast Old Havana with the broad avenues of
modern Vedado. Evening is dedicated to blue-hour photography, followed by our first classroom session for an
in-depth review of the day’s work. We close the day with the vibrant life and energy of El Malecón at
sunset.
Day 3 – Havana in the Blue Light
We set out to explore Havana by private classic American car, photographing both from the backseat and at stops
across the city’s far corners. After a local lunch, we meet the legendary Cuban photographer Roberto Chile—Fidel
Castro’s personal photographer and close friend of Che Guevara—for an exclusive lecture. In the evening,
Christian hosts a lecture and image discussion based on the day’s photography.
Day 4 – Havana to Cienfuegos to Trinidad
We depart Havana and travel south. Along the way, we stop to photograph roadside vendors, classic cars, and
small-town life. In Cienfuegos, we capture the elegance of José Martí Park and the historic Terry Theatre before
continuing to Trinidad, a UNESCO World Heritage site. After dinner, our classroom session focuses on editing
workflow and color management. The day ends with a twilight photo walk through Trinidad’s lamplit alleys.
Day 5 – Colonial Life in Trinidad
We rise early to capture panoramic views from rooftops and bell towers. The morning is dedicated to exploring
Trinidad’s cobbled streets, where grilled windows reveal glimpses into family life. In the afternoon, we turn
our lenses to artisans, street vendors, and horse carts. Evening brings a classroom session on sequencing and
storytelling, followed by golden light and blue-hour photography in the city’s atmospheric plazas.
Day 6 – Sugar Mills Valley
At sunrise, we photograph mist rolling over the sugarcane fields of Valle de los Ingenios. During the day we
explore the ruins of old haciendas and refineries, experimenting with interior light and texture. Returning to
Trinidad in the afternoon, we capture environmental portraits and everyday street life. Our classroom workshop
helps refine the first drafts of participants’ photo essays. Later, we step back into Trinidad’s lively streets
for evening photography.
Day 7 – Journey to Santa Clara
We leave Trinidad and travel toward Santa Clara, stopping to document rural Cuba, including roadside cafés and
tobacco drying sheds. Santa Clara provides a unique view of the Cuban Revolution, with striking monuments and
murals that invite both graphic and contextual compositions. The evening classroom session focuses on advanced
editing decisions and the balance between color and monochrome. Night photography in Santa Clara follows.
Day 8 – Santa Clara to Havana
The morning is spent in Santa Clara’s neighborhoods, photographing bakeries
and morning routines. By midday we return to Havana. The afternoon is reserved for personal assignments,
giving each participant the chance to develop their chosen story. One-to-one portfolio reviews with
Christian sharpen direction and vision. The day closes with another unforgettable sunset shoot at El
Malecón.
Day 9 – Deep Dive into Havana
At dawn we walk along Paseo del Prado, focusing on geometry, rhythm, and
human scale. Participants then have the opportunity to revisit favorite locations or deepen their ongoing
photo essays. In the afternoon, we explore Vedado’s modern neighborhoods before our classroom session on
final sequencing and editing. The day concludes with our last evening session at El Malecón, capturing
Havana’s heartbeat in golden and blue light.
Day 10 – Departure
Transfers to the airport are arranged according to each participant’s
schedule. Those departing later may enjoy one final stroll through Havana, reflecting on the journey and the
body of work they are bringing home.

Get Inspiration

Enjoy Your 38-Page Catalog with stunning photos from Cuba

Including Workshop intinerary, expert interview, quick tips and equipment list

PASSIONATE TESTIMONIAL

“I truly enjoyed this unforgettable experience. The guides were not only very knowledgeable and well-connected, but also incredibly friendly and helpful throughout. The program struck a perfect balance between nature, city life, architecture, people, and scenery, giving us a rich and varied perspective. The group size was just right, creating a personal yet comfortable atmosphere. I would be ready to do it all again anytime!”

Dominique Peninon

TRAVEL FACTS

Thanks for choosing Better Moments for your workshop.

Price

    • € 8,495 in shared double room.
    • € 8,850 in single room.
    • Groups sign-up a group of 4+ participants and receive a group discount.
    • All prices are per person.
    • INVITE A FRIEND
      Got a friend or special someone you’d love to bring?
      With our INVITE A FRIEND-initiative, you’ll be able to bring someone with you to our locations without having to enroll them in our workshops and save up to 25% of the total rate, depending on availability!

 

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Overview

QUICK GUIDE GETTING THERE

GETTING THERE

Havana’s Jose Marti International Airport is the largest and busiest airport in Cuba, handling flights for more than 25 international airlines.

VISA

All visitors are required to have a passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay. All travellers must apply for a visa to Cuba at the nearest consulate of Cuba. It is the responsibility of each traveller to obtain all valid travel documents and visas before arrival at this destination.

WEATHER

This is the dry season and the most popular time to visit Cuba. It rains much less and because of this the temperature and humidity drop make conditions much more comfortable. Average temperature is 23 °C, with a high of 27 °C (day) and a low of 18 °C (night).

CURRENCY

Cuban convertible peso, Cuban peso

LANGUAGE

The official language is Spanish.

HEALTH

Check with your doctor which vaccinations or medications are recommended for this destination. Remember to plan well ahead with vaccinations. Allow up to six weeks to receive the full course, as some vaccinations require more than one dose, and some should not be given together.

QUICK GUIDE

Cuba is a Caribbean island nation under communist rule. From the old cobbled streets of the capital, Havana, where American cars from the 1950s are just one of the attractions, to the sugar cane mills and cigar factories – Cuba is as colourful and rich in contrasts as it gets. Locals do not mind being photographed on the streets, during samba dancing or afternoon siestas. Colonial style old villas stand next to monuments of the Cuban revolution, youngsters are playing alongside the elderly, who enjoy their evening rum. Cuba is a medley of sights and impressions and a paradise for photographers.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
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