Cuba Workshop | September 2025
Documentary & Storytelling Workshop
With Laurin Strele & Ethan Swope
👉 Limited to 10 participants
🌍 Concept
A 10-day immersive workshop designed to push you beyond technical skills and into real-world storytelling. You’ll work on editorial-style assignments, daily challenges, and fast-paced creative exercises — just like professional photojournalists do. The goal: to refine your voice and learn to craft powerful, human-centered narratives.
📸 What You’ll Learn
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Street & Documentary Photography – capturing real life in motion
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Visual Storytelling – building narratives with emotional impact
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Cultural Immersion – engaging with locals, artists, farmers & musicians
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Editing & Sequencing – crafting tight, cohesive photo essays
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One-on-One Mentorship – daily guidance and feedback
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Real-World Assignments – tasks simulating editorial conditions
👥 Who It’s For
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Aspiring photojournalists & documentary photographers
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Advanced enthusiasts wanting to elevate storytelling
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Anyone passionate about connecting with people through photography
(Basic camera knowledge expected; all levels welcome)
📅 Tentative Schedule
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Day 1 – Arrival in Havana & Orientation
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Day 2 – Cuba’s History & Visual Approach
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Day 3 – Street Photography & Personal Stories
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Day 4 – Music & Cultural Traditions
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Day 5 – Rural Life in Viñales
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Day 6 – People at Work – Documentary Approach
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Day 7 – Santiago de Cuba: Afro-Cuban Traditions
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Day 8 – Social Documentary: Challenges & Reality
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Day 9 – Portfolio Editing & Sequencing
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Day 10 – Final Review & Departure
💰 Workshop Fee
$3,500 per person
Includes:
✔ Accommodation in guesthouses
✔ All in-country transport
✔ Most meals
✔ Translators & local guides
✔ Entrance fees
✔ Workshop sessions, mentorship & feedback
Not included:
✗ International flights
✗ Travel insurance (mandatory)
✗ Personal expenses
🧳 Practical Info
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Visa: Most travelers need a tourist card (easily arranged via airline/consulate).
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Safety: Cuba is generally safe; common sense applies.
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Arrival: Direct flights to Havana from Miami, Madrid, Cancún, Panama City, etc.
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Language: Spanish not required; translators provided.
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Gear: DSLR/mirrorless with 35mm/50mm lenses recommended, laptop for editing, storage, notebook.
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Clothing: Light, breathable, rain jacket, comfortable shoes, adapter (110/220V), cash (EUR/USD).
📖 Mentors
Laurin Strele – Austrian photojournalist, Leica Ambassador. Has covered Ukraine, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Iraq, India and more, with internationally recognized essays on resilience and humanity.
Ethan Swope – U.S. photojournalist & documentary filmmaker. Covered Ukraine, Mexico, Lebanon, U.S. wildfires, and civil unrest. Work published in NYT, National Geographic, TIME, and more.
✍️ How to Apply
Reserve your spot with a $500 deposit (via bank transfer or PayPal). Balance due by August 5, 2025.
