Man from Camaguey, a photo from Camaguey, East

Photographer's Note

The term Afro-Cuban refers to Cubans who mostly have West African ancestry, and to historical or cultural elements in Cuba thought to emanate from this community. The term can refer to the combining of African and other cultural elements found in Cuban society such as race, religion, music, language, the arts, and class culture. According to a 2002 national census which surveyed 11.2 million Cubans, 1.1 million Cubans described themselves as Black, while 2.8 million considered themselves to be "mulatto" or "mestizo".A study from 2014 estimated the genetic admixture of the population of Cuba to be 72% European, 20% African, and 8% Native American.

Although Afro-Cubans can be found throughout Cuba, Eastern Cuba has a higher concentration of blacks than other parts of the island, and Havana has the largest population of blacks of any city in Cuba. Recently, many African immigrants have been coming to Cuba, especially from Angola. Also, immigrants from Jamaica and Haiti have been settling in Cuba, most of whom settle in the eastern part of the island, due to its proximity to their home countries, further contributing to the already high percentage of blacks on that side of the island.

I found this mixture of races and cultures fascinating. And what a opportunity for street photography! I do not remember if the man was posing for me or just was sitting on the square, as it is the favorite passtime of all Cubans.

snunney, holmertz, jhm, GyurMaster has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

snunney (130965) 2016-04-05 1:45

Hello Malgo,
He looks rather sad and forlorn this Cuban gentleman. Certainly not posing for the camera in my opinion. Excellent street capture with an interesting accompanying note.
In my picture, the door to the temple was on the right as you surmised and you had to take your shoes off there though we didn't go in as I mentioned. In some temples, you also had to take off your socks and yes, it was very hot on the feet.
I enjoyed my escorted tour in Southern India but Pondicherry was the one place I would have liked to have had some extended free time in. We didn't get to see the golden domed building you mentioned in one of your previous critiques.

holmertz (83300) 2016-04-05 3:14

Hello Malgo,
A nice portrait, or whatever this is. At least the elderly gentleman seems to be watching you, even if he was not posing but just sitting there. You captured him with a perfect exposure and very good sharpness. I like the background too, including the light-skinned woman who tells something about the diversity of the Cuban population
Kind regards,
Gert

jhm (191357) 2016-04-05 4:38

Hello Malgo,

Thank you very much for your ask to my health, I can small distance drive with my bike again, but very limited.
Lovely portrait of the man with big feet and big hands.
Nice of colours and excellent presentation.
Very well done, TFS.

Kindest regards,
John.

BennyV (30390) 2016-04-05 5:22

Hello dear Malgo

A great street portrait. I like the man's hands most here...but he's got some really cool shoes too.

The woman in the bg seems positioned on his shoulder, which is a bit quirky, once you notice it.

Great picture!

Benny

Sergiom (115636) 2016-04-05 6:18

Ciao Malgo,

Un magnifique portrait. Tu as su entrer dans la bulle de cet homme au très beau sourire. Beau focus sur ses mains qui ont du vécu. J'aime la propreté de ses chaussures.

Amicalement

Serge

GyurMaster (16638) 2016-04-05 11:18

Dear Malgo,

Excellent portrait, I like his elegant shoes and clothes. I understand with you that Cuba must be an interesting country, I would like to visit it once.

Best Regards,
Gy.

rychem (68021) 2016-04-05 18:49

Rzeczywiscie, trudno by mi bylo przypisać tego dzentelmena do konkretnej narodowosci, choc przewazaja rysy afrykanskie, fajny portret, bardzo wyrazista twarz.
Pozdrawiam Ryszard
PS. Troche sobie ostatnio pochorowalem
R.

abmdsudi (81564) 2016-04-05 22:02

Hi Malgorzata
An exciting street portrait and nice pose for you when the strong focus on his facial expression strengthens the centre of attention. A shot i feel heightened by his body lingo, hint of smile and gaze. The wide angle effect and lens distortion is pretty evidence here, on which I feel lowering your viewpoint to his eye-level at same focal length will produce a much more impact.

The fig in the background on the other hand is not helping but distracting, has somehow taken away concentration from the main interest. Shallower dof will address this issues. Hope my sincere comments is acceptable to you, brave attempt nevertheless. Congrats
Best regards

cristina1 (1155) 2016-04-06 9:48

Ciao Malgo,
bellissimo ritratto di questo signore cubano.
Personaggio molto caratteristico di Cuba dall'espressione molto simpatica. Mi piacciono molto le sue scarpe.
Buona serata
Cri