Ten tips for taking top photos in Cuba? You’re probably going to want to take a LOT of photos in Cuba. Photography in Cuba can be a little different than in other destinations. There are a few things you need to be aware of in order to make you photography go smoothly.
1. Common Courtesy. Please and Thank You
Cuba is a wonderful, exotic destination, but it’s not a zoo. You shouldn’t just run around taking photos of any interesting-looking person you might see. Would you do this in your own town? Or, more importantly, would you like it if visitors to your town did this to you?
Just use a bit of courtesy and ask before you take a photo.
2. Tips For Professional Photographers
You may want to bring a selection of professional equipment with you but exercise caution. If you bring a lot of additional lenses, a tripod or lighting equipment it will attract attention at customs. It’s possible that they will be ask you about this when you arrive. Best limit yourself to 3 key lenses and 1 camera body to be safe. Not to say you can’t bring more gear but it may add unwanted complications.
It’s usually sufficient to explain that you’re just a tourist. But remember that if you’re in Cuba to take professional photos for a corporate purposes, you will generally need a special visa.
3. “Do You Want to Take a Photo?”
If you’re in the street taking photos, you might be approached by someone who will ask to pose for you. These people are generally women who will be wearing traditional, vibrantly colored clothing. These are in fact street performers. They do it for a living so will ask for a small fee to pose usually a dollar or two.
It’s up to you whether or not you want to pay a small fee for a photo. These professional posers in Cuba aren’t trying to scam you, they’re just trying to earn a living.
4. Sometimes You Need to Put the Camera Away. A Good Tip
However interesting they might be, there are some things in Cuba that should not be photographed. Our top tip is DO NOT take photos of any military personnel or buildings as this is strictly forbidden. If you are stopped by military personnel or police you’ll be instructed to delete the photos. We have even heard of cases of people having their cameras confiscated.
This rule extends to photographing police officers too. Some police forces around the world will happily pose for photos. But it’s not the case in Cuba, so don’t even try to take photos of police.
5. Photos Are Sometimes NOT Free
Some major tourist attractions you visit in Cuba have a photo fee. Sometimes this is clearly stated at the entry to the attraction. But at other times you might find a museum guard approaching you asking for payment if they notice you taking a photo. The fees can vary significantly and only pay of they give you an official pass or ticket of permission.
While we don’t encourage you to break the rules, a photo discreetly taken using your smartphone is unlikely to attract as much attention. Whereas using a large 35mm DSLR camera definitely will!
6. Do You Need Storage?
If you plan to take a lot of photos, take an additional storage card for your camera or smartphone. You almost certainly won’t be able to find a compatible card when you’re in Cuba (and if you can, it will be rather expensive).
Cloud storage is not really a thing in Cuba due to the very slow internet connection so best bring an external hard drive with you. Don’t bring more than 2 hard drives as a third one may involve paperwork bureaucracy when you enter Cuba at the airport. This happens because the government wants to make sure you leave with it. That is you are not going to sell it!
7. Safety First, Look After Your Camera
One of the key any yet lesser-known aspects of Cuba is its amazingly low crime rate. Having said that, you still need to do all you can to prevent theft. This is particularly important if you happen to be carrying a large, expensive camera around.
You should keep your camera in your camera bag if not actually using it. A neck strap is another way to ensure that nobody can grab it.
8. Rain and Weather
A weather proof camera bag is important in Cuba. Cuba is prone to brief yet intensive downpours, particularly during the summer months. A waterproof camera bag is a good idea if you can afford it, if not a plastic cover works. Ah the weather in Cuba!
A good, strong plastic bag is OK in a pinch, so at least your camera will not be damaged by the rain.
9. A Word About Social Media Sharing
You are probably used to uploading your photos to social media as soon as you’ve taken them. This is a little difficult at times in Cuba as the internet is of variable quality.
You may have to wait a little longer than you usually do at home but it can be done!
They’re our top 10 tips for taking photos in Cuba! Happy snapping.