005: Havana, Cuba: A Journey in Black and White

Havana, Cuba: A Journey in Black and White
Photographed on: Leica M5, Kodak Tri-X 400, 35mm Film

Stepping into Havana felt like stepping into a beautifully preserved time capsule. In 2023, I had the opportunity to document life in this vibrant city, where every street corner seemed to tell its own story. Armed with my Leica M5 and Kodak Tri-X 400, I set out to capture the soul of Havana in shades of black and white.

From the peeling pastel walls of Old Havana to the vintage cars cruising the Malecón, Havana thrives on contrasts. The textures were what drew me in—cracked pavement, sun-faded facades, and faces marked by the weight of history and resilience. Shooting on Kodak Tri-X 400 was intentional; its grain and depth allowed me to emphasize the timelessness of these scenes without the distractions of color.

Havana’s energy is its people. I spent hours wandering through neighborhoods like Centro Habana and Vedado, stopping to document quiet moments—a man lighting his cigar, children chasing each other barefoot, an elderly woman watching the world go by from her balcony. These moments weren’t staged; they were lived. The Leica M5, with its quiet precision, helped me document without intrusion.

Shooting on film slows you down. In Havana, this pace was a gift. I didn’t just document what I saw; I engaged with it. I took time to frame each image, anticipate movement, and consider light. Kodak Tri-X, with its ability to handle the harsh Cuban sun, gave me the latitude to work intuitively, knowing the results would speak for themselves.

As I developed these rolls back in Atlanta, the images took me right back to the streets of Havana—the warmth of its people, the rhythm of its daily life, and the layers of history embedded in its architecture. Each frame feels like a love letter to the city, a way of saying, “I saw you. I felt you.”

Havana wasn’t just a place I visited—it’s a place that left its mark on me. Through the lens of my Leica and the grain of Kodak Tri-X, I tried to honor that. For me, this trip wasn’t just about making images; it was about connecting with a culture, a history, and a people that will forever inspire me.

Check out the entire gallery HERE.

With Love,

Stan