Peter Turnley with some other famous guy in Cuba.
Photo by Noah Friedman-Rudovsky.
A psychologist friend recently mentioned that a great many people in the indeterminate, vaguely unspecified more-or-less mid-life age-range share a common wish—they wish they could break out of their settled precincts and scheduled routines for once, and go on a bonafide adventure. Even if—perhaps especially if—they lead fulfilling, accomplished, prosperous lives with which they're very satisfied.
If that description applies to you, or appeals to you, I have a modest suggestion.
My great and good friend the inimitable Peter Turnley would like to extend a cordial early invitation to you as a TOP reader to join him for one of his photographers' workshops in Cuba. There are several coming up. These will fill up—they always fill up—but he wanted to give us an early heads-up, knowing that a lot of people here have supported him and his work in the past. Many of you own one of his books or one of his signed original prints.
There are times in the shifting life of the world when windows open, and now is one of those times in Cuba. With international relations relaxing, it's easier and safer than ever to travel there, yet the inexorable changes that will surely overtake Cuba soon have barely begun. It still looks largely as it has since the mid-20th century.
Now is the time to visit. Especially with a camera. And especially in the company of an ideal photographic mentor like Peter. Peter has successfully straddled the worlds of photojournalism and fine art. As a photojournalist, he's been featured with his twin brother David on "60 Minutes," and his long list of credits leads off with more than 40 NEWSWEEK covers. As an artist, he has published many books, and was recently honored with a full career retrospective at Havana's leading art museum. He's a guy of uncommon energy who has enthusiastically engaged with the history and lore of photography since he and his brother worked on their first major project as teenagers. He has met and befriended an endless who's-who of important people in our field. And he's a veteran workshop teacher who has inspired groups all over the world.
And really—seriously, now, and pay attention to what I say, I know what I'm talking about here—the guy has stories. Man.
So if you could use a little adventure in your life, this could be one opportunity. Maybe an opportunity whose time has not only come, but is just right. These windows come and go.
Check it out. And think it over. (As you can probably tell, I am.) Who knows? Could be the time of your life. Go for it! Nothing like an adventure. :-)
Mike
(Back to all the new products in the morning.)
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(To see all the comments, click on the "Comments" link below.)
Featured Comments from:
Jose Antonio Rosas: "I joined Peter's workshop in New York last August, and I am going to Cuba with him next year. His workshops are about much more than improving your photography. They are about establishing stronger connections with people everywhere. Great photographs are the result of that connection."
George Andros: "Agree on all counts. Have the books and prints; taken a workshop and no doubt about it, Peter has stories. Over the last ten years I have taken at least 10 workshops of various sorts and Peter's street photography workshop in Paris was unquestionably the best. A generous and affable spirit to be sure."
jim: "I went last February for ten days. Havana was so full of life and the most enthusiastic people that I never left to see any of the rest of Cuba. I just hope the enthusiasm of the people doesn't change as the presence of more US tourists increases."
Going to Cuba at Christmas. Have been planning this for a while. Maybe see you there? :-)
Posted by: David Boyce | Monday, 19 September 2016 at 11:18 PM
A psychologist friend recently mentioned that a great many people of indeterminate, vaguely unspecified more-or-less mid-life age-range share a common wish—they wish they could break out of their settled precincts and scheduled routines for once, and go on a bonafide adventure. Even if—perhaps especially if—they lead fulfilling, accomplished, prosperous lives they're very satisfied with.
I've been doing that with middle-aged, like-minded, friends for some time now in our land Downunder. And in the last two years have been documenting those adventures, past and present.
Cuba would be interesting, but quite unaffordable.
Posted by: Ray | Tuesday, 20 September 2016 at 02:23 AM
Mike, I can unequically recommend Peter's Cuba workshop. I took it in March shortly before President Obama's visit and it was great! He has posted my testimonial on his web page and it summarizes my opinion of the experience.
It was my second trip to Cuba in about a year. And even in those twelve months, I could see some changes in the country as tourism just started ramping up. Now that regular flights and giant cruise ships are arriving daily, it won't be long until things change drastically in the country. So now is the time to go! Peter's workshop is the perfect vehicle to see the real Cuba while getting some first class photography instruction and advice.
And yes, Peter has some great stories to tell.
Cheers, Dick Nugent
Posted by: Richard Nugent | Tuesday, 20 September 2016 at 09:11 AM
Mike, I wish I could go, and I hope someday I can have an adventure like that. Short of me going I wish you would go. I can't think of anyone better to relay the experience in the written word. Go.
Posted by: Michel | Tuesday, 20 September 2016 at 09:23 AM
You know, when I saw the photo, and saw Peter, my instant thought was "Annie Leibovitz". She's been on my mind lately, which is surely part of it, and the picture was quite small on this little screen, but still.
Posted by: Andrew Molitor | Tuesday, 20 September 2016 at 09:27 AM
There is more to Cuba than Havana and it's peculiar state of suspended decay and 50's cars. They also have very nice, very modern beaches and resorts, so if the non-photographer in you, or in your family, just wants to escape the winter, there are few better options – I've been several times. It's also one of the least expensive places in the Caribbean. Canadians have been going there for decades (and have a major ownership in the resorts), but it is going to change radically and soon. And that is mostly going to be a good thing for Cubans.
I spent a week having an 'adventure' with Peter Turnley at one of his New York workshops. I leaned more in one week than in the previous year. So I highly recommend his Cuba workshops, (even though I haven't been on one so far). Perhaps you should consider a 'Mike and friends of TOP' workshop with Peter in Havana. I'd be VERY tempted.
Posted by: Peter Wright | Tuesday, 20 September 2016 at 09:34 AM
I lived for 20 years in Mexico and also have a Mexican passport making the trip to Havana was logistical routine, The experiences (and Photography) were spectacular. People are very friendly and open. Receptive to candid shots and staged, sometimes for $1 dollar. Speaking Spanish helped, but not necessary. There is no freedom of speech, so conversations about politics can be a little uncomfortable.
Posted by: David Zivic | Tuesday, 20 September 2016 at 10:22 AM
I spent a week wandering around Havana with a
film camera. The only other street photographer I met stayed in one place.
See See Havana
Posted by: Herman | Tuesday, 20 September 2016 at 11:38 AM
Cuba is an amazing place but much of what appeals to us as photographers is in dire need of change as it stems from poverty and dictatorship.
The character and pride of the people in their situation wonderful. I have a bit of Spanish which was a very helpful tool in engaging with some of them, so I'd suggest getting a few conversational phrases under your belt before a visit.
Posted by: Barry Reid | Tuesday, 20 September 2016 at 01:54 PM
My mouse hovered over the Register link for 10 minutes while I considered the pros and cons (mostly pros). Then I realized I should probably discuss it with my wife first. Time to practice my salesmanship.
Posted by: Wes | Tuesday, 20 September 2016 at 03:20 PM
"With international relations relaxing, it's easier and safer than ever to travel there, yet the inexorable changes that will surely overtake Cuba soon have barely begun."
Funny you should say that. My barber has another view. He's been visiting Cuba twice a year for the past ten years. He's now worried that the influx of americans tourist will make it less safe and costlier to visit Cuba.
Posted by: Andre | Tuesday, 20 September 2016 at 04:55 PM
I see a Leica hanging from Peter's neck, but what is that other thang in his hand? I'm cancelling my reservation to the workshop.
Posted by: Earl Dunbar | Tuesday, 20 September 2016 at 07:51 PM