Visiting the Poor in Havana, Cuba- portraits and photojournalism using one lens and one camera

Join award winning photographer and photojournalist Jason Lanier as he visits the poorer areas of Havana Cuba for an in depth look at how these awesome people live. PLEASE THUMBS UP, SHARE, LEAVE A COMMENT AND SUBSCRIBE!
This shoot was done using just a single lens and camera body as Jason left all the rest of his gear back at the hotel so he could just carry as little as possible. He did the entire shoot using the Sony A7Rii with the 70-200 f/2.8 G Master lens.
**Links to Gear**
*Sony A7Rii- www.bhphotovid...
*Sony 70-200 f/2.8 G Master lens- www.bhphotovid...
Jason does a narration voice over for the video that helps you to gain some insight as to what he thought of the experience and why he did the things he did.
We thank you in advance for watching and invite you to stick around and watch a few more while you're here.
Thanks!
Jason Lanier Photography

[@jsrking28]

Thank you very much Jason for sharing this. I'm Cuban, it means a lot. Cubans are very good hosts no matter their living conditions. Always smiling and dreaming. I was born a few blocks from there.

[@funlanguages7922]

Jorge Sosa does cuba has many criminals?

[@safikulislam4006]

Are u really Cuban

[@safikulislam4006]

Visit cuba, than told about their poverty

[@GhezzLoc5th]

much respect

[@joysoyo2416]

@@safikulislam4006 yes. He is Cuban. So am I .

[@robertocordero4682]

I don't believe Jason is judging these Cubans and the way they live. They are living in poverty and that's the reality. You have to call it what it is. Actually, I see Jason interacting with the Cubans in this area in a very respectful way. He spoke with them joked with them and took portraits of them. Good job Jason!

[@vincentvega6932]

No doubt. The man was a man and just treated people as people and showed and received respect for it. Great photography as well

[@JasonLanierPhotography]

The Title- For the few folks out there who aren't sure of how I titled this video please keep a few things in mind..... 1. I struggled a bit titling this video as well. 2. These are the poor in Cuba, so it is a fitting title' 3. If I titled this video, "visiting the people of Cuba" I would have people angry at me that I made it seem like these people represented everyone in Cuba. Lastly, it's a title guys and gals....LOOK at how I treat the people in the video...that matters far more than a title. Thanks, Jason

[@jonphoto5078]

Your video shows the world the struggle of ordinary Cubans, most of whom do live in poverty. Thus the title is perfectly appropriate. Moreover, your viewers are overwhelmingly middle class or wealthy by world standards, so the *combination* of the title and the content humanizes these folks tremendously. Thank you! As for the well-meaning folks who don't understand the poor of the Third World and thus took exception to the title . . . Having myself resided for many months in S. America with families of all economic levels (including the poor), I know you know as well as I do that there's a strong preference for candor over First World political correctness in Latin America and the Caribbean. When I visited the home of a poor man in Cuba, it became clear to me that he defined himself not by his relative poverty, but by his struggle -- and he was proud of his effort! So let's not say that calling someone "poor" belittles him. Besides, since such poverty is commonplace in Cuba, there's a common understanding among people like those in your video that despite the squalor and concomitant suffering, poor folks are no less human than anyone else just for acknowledging that they're "poor."

[@kozz1984]

I think your title is spot on and I wouldn't change it because of a few SJW bleeding heart liberal cucks.

[@JasonLanierPhotography]

I totally agree. The vast majority of those who leave negative comments have never stepped too far outside of the middle class or better home....

[@stephenthenachohunter405]

Jason Lanier for a guy who has been to Cuba three times to see the extended family this was well positioned. There are many poor in Cuba and if you'll believe it we have connections in far worse conditions and some living way out in the country in villages of all dirt roads and get clean water trucked in. On the flip side tucked in the same rows of homes you may find a doctor that has many luxuries or the relative of a Miami drug dealer driving a new Kia with 20s and spinners.

[@zgnp6]

Cuba grants the right to access Internet freely?

[@clintandre3545]

I so enjoy how they people there are open up to you, welcoming you to document their lovely hood. Keep up the good works Jason.

[@dingviet4310]

10:09 This guys reaction seriously breaks and warms my heart. It's so great that he gets to be that excited, but it's so sad that there's such a degree of inequality for our species.

[@geocubano]

I showed this video to my Mom , she had a apt in Havana Viejo before leaving in 1959 and she was sad that such a beautiful part of Havana has fallen into such disrepair. I love the look of the streets in Havana! You did an amazing job as usual!

[@yicktong1481]

Although I don't enjoy viewing the living conditions all too many Cubans have to endure, you showed much respect to your photo subjects. You showed the side the Cuban government doesn't want the rest of the world to see. From one photographer to another thank you.

[@onenarrowdoor]

No money no honey. And when you get one you end up with even less. Great video.

[@richardparrington8636]

A Courageos and enlightening peice of work well done Jason Lanier

[@antonv.]

You took some good shots there for sure!! Thanks for sharing this video, really nice!!

[@calvinwong365]

its honestly great seeing cuba being explored. When I was in Holiguin, my ex cousins showed me around their more lively towns. They wanted to introduce me to this guy that came from china. Saying his food always smell amazing when he cooks. When I met him he actually spoke cantonese with me, I was surprised and happy at the sametime. When you hear him speak chinese you can hear the spanish accent behind it. Hes so fluent in spanish and watching the way he speak was really interesting. He also married a chinese woman but was born in cuba and doesn't speak any chinese. grand children some percentage of chinese too. Was very interesting to see. Fun times in Holiguin and Cuba.

[@sandradarosaphotography4650]

❤Fantastic job connecting with the locals and amazing images Jason ! When I visited the Dominican Republic, we visited a typical home, a tobacco factory, a sugarcane field and went horseback riding in the mountains of the Dominican. It was so amazing and beautiful! One of my favorite moments was visiting the typical home. As we arrived at the home, we were greeted at the door and brought through the home where we were introduced to members of the family that lived there. Dinner was cooking on the stove and it smelled so delicious! They are very poor in regards to material things but very rich in family! I love that! There are many folks in this world that are privileged, including myself....but this is where it's at for me. These folks are real and family is everything. It was so great to connect with them and see how they live their lives on a daily basis. If only the kids of today could see what hard work really is and appreciate all that they have, as these folk do!! Once again, fantastic job Jason. I felt as if I was there with you! I wish I could've returned with you to Cuba for your up coming workshop :-(

[@Purple_968]

The world needs more beautiful souls like yours ...blessings & always stay humble💜

[@MiladJPanah]

I am to apologize to you Jason, I was judging you too soon just because I didn't liked your style of work but after watching the Inauguration video and this one I just realized how much of a awesome and down't to earth guy you are.

[@GilbertTV]

love it ... real life real people...

[@waltermanson3779]

@JasonLanier You are freaking awesome for doing this, It doesn't matter where you go in the world, rich or poor all you have to do is show love and people will show love back, people want to feel human, appreciated, and know that they matter and your mannerisms expressed exactly that, that commitment of returning is just huge man, I wouldnt be surprised if they find beer and food for you guys when you return. I really respect your caliber of character. Continue the Great work my friend.

[@douglasdrumond]

Great video! I'm from a poor neighborhood in Brazil, I recognized most of that situations. The way you treat those people is how everyone should do to everyone, showing respect. Really nice. Those guys are amazing, looks fun to hang out with. And the photos, oh man, gorgeous!

[@ElvisFerbeyre]

And even in those Cuban slums, the situation is even worse than in Brazil

[@darkraiden7370]

@@ElvisFerbeyre *Brazil is worse*

[@ElvisFerbeyre]

@@darkraiden7370 IMPOSSIBLE, the poverty that you're seeing in this video is from the deep central part of Havana, and is similar or worse than the poor parts of Rio, just imagine the rest of Cuba how poor is, it's even far worse, regardless Brazil has more numbers in poverty, in terms of PERCENTAGE, Cuba is far poorer, and not to mention the communist rule in there. Brazil on the other hand is capitalist and it's the number 1 economy in Latinamerica. Cuba's economy numbers have been even below Haiti.

[@DiegoSartori]

Great video team Lanier :) Important (for me at least) to be reminded that quality of life is much more than what car you have in the garage, the size of the big screen TV and whatever title it says in your business card. Quality of life comes from the people you surround yourself with, what you can do for them and what impact they have on you. Clearly the people in this video dont have much money, and not much in terms of material luxury, still they have a life spirit that far exceeds what you often see from people that are far better of - at times including myself - so never forget to cherish what little (or much) you have, and make sure you surround yourself with people that brings out the best in you. Thank you sharing this video, loved the images and the story it told.

[@84176104]

Amazing creativity and skill. Such a professional with grace.

[@leonche64]

Beautiful work. Mesmerizing from start to finish. Your mini-docs really add another dimension to your photographs. A quick tip, throw the Zeiss 35 f2.8 or FE 28 2.0 in the bag. They are tiny and will help in a pinch such as this.

[@JasonLanierPhotography]

I had a bag back at the hotel full of lenses....:) I'll be returning with them...

[@socratesvela8285]

leonche64 I can't believe he did not have that 35, but it happens, since he was presented with an opportunity, an he took it.

[@leonche64]

Yeah, but to be fair, looking at the beginning of the video, he had no plans whatsoever to be shooting indoors. But he still came away with some great shots. Back in the Marines we would say he "Improvised, adapted, and overcame."

[@GerardoRoloff]

great video jason. i wanna thank you for visiting my country and talk and listen to my people. it´s amazing how you understood that, we are proud people (i mean cubans). we like to be heard, and we appreciate when the visitor speaks like an equal. hoping to see more videos from cuba. muchas gracias asere, partiste el bate con este video.

[@Martytw1]

How do you "calculate" how much money you are going to give them ?

[@adeoguntolasolanke-oguntol5108]

The power of language. The true ice breaker

[@herbrockone5068]

I been wanting to go to Cuba for a while as it tends to pop up on my feed quite a bit as this video did. I love the captures. I really enjoyed how you interacted with these people, with respect. love your videos

[@brando3098]

Its a slum ....Trulely a DUMP.

[@jeffjeter8994]

Amazing video Jason and I love the way you connect to people!

[@JasonLanierPhotography]

Thank you brother..:)

[@NA-jx2bf]

Since more and more people are allowed to visit the island now, I've been hearing a lot of things that were not what I knew to be true. As a Cuban, thank you for honestly showing the sad reality of how most Cubans actually live.

[@atishaysingh5114]

Man this video and some of the images moved me... to see you and find you so humble is very moving... I don't know if i am able to convey this bit somehow all of a sudden a shoot like this conveys a lot more real emotions than a regular planned model shoot...

[@sawyerramos3113]

thank u for treating my ppl with respect. means a lot

[@albertorosado29]

really love how genuine you are with these people. really appreciate this side of you when you go shoot in these different countries. like these types of videos a lot more. appreciate the time you put into these videos. thanks Jason and Brenda.

[@zanguiza]

There are people living like that in the US and Europe too! Viva CUBA!

[@mfmarshall4478]

Cuba is beautiful.....I love all the beautiful people and colors of the homes and colors of the clothing hanging. Jason is a awesome photographer.

[@tlsmoke23]

I have a few cuban friends that came over to the us from the Carter days. A ll are telling me to go. Just the other day i pulled up the streets on my phone where his sibling still live and he was just as amazed as the guy in this video. I have to show him this video.

[@gaiagenesis966]

I like the person-to-person approach, it's how I photograph as well. The first b/w portrait of the man was good.

[@reynauldthomas]

hey Jason Lanier you are very HUMBLE man and i like that , may God keep Blessing you .

[@glowood1700]

Thank you for showing this instead of the propaganda the government has set out for most of the tourists. Didn’t the ‘revolution ‘ promise them all to equal? Cubans are wonderful people who try and make the best of life with so little. Can’t even explain unless you see first hand. What’s there to criticize about their living condition. Their jobs don’t provide for anything better. Those who have more is because their families from then US or other countries send them money.

[@hmoobs1]

Much respect to you Mr. Jason Lanier

[@damann955]

He was throwing up the peace ✌🏾 sign when he posed for the picture just like we do in America. Whether we throw it up or down it’s the same thing. The other brother put his fist✊🏾up by his heart. Amazing

[@jennygibbons1258]

It's also a gangster sign ... Things change.

[@damann955]

Jenny Gibbons I tried to make awareness in my post instead of replying to previous comments about gang signs or even the Guy’s comments in the video. So now I’ll just say that you don’t know 💩. Just like y’all assume we’re all thugs I assume you’re all racist 👿s

[@glowood1700]

You are right. Everyone wants to feel you are interested in them as people. And then they feel good about you too.

[@RobertoLopezstudyis]

Great pictures and the people of Havana Cuba.

[@walters597]

Amazing to me to see this , average Cuban people so pleasant and uncorrupted. even some, living in such poverty still amazing and kind in hearts

[@jackdr.8549]

Amazing place and amazing people .....fantastic photos

[@joebananas123]

Really amazing location for a shoot. It would be the perfect spot for some 24mm 1.4 portraits of those gentlemen, imho.

[@JasonLanierPhotography]

Agreed. I'm going back with some different lenses...:)

[@lauralarrett461]

I'm an American and Cubans are very friendly people. I love their music.

[@adrianlewis7977]

Thoroughly enjoyed this video. Really great to see a guy whose made it, not just remember his own humble beginnings but to be able and willing to step into a world so far removed from his own without judging and meet and greet everyone on the same level. I don't say it well but well done that man for showing what we all should be doing!

[@bigbaddms]

Sent chills down my spine! These are getting better and better!

[@dop_vincent]

Beautiful man loved it

[@coolkidssophiasebastian8444]

This was a nice tiny peak of Havana and the beautiful people of Cuba. I went in November, December and January. I’m planning to go again in April. I do mission work and every time I go I am the one blessed with love and a welcoming spirit. My heart is with Cuba and I will continue to visit and help in any way that I can

[@vc6218]

This is EXQUISITE!!!! Thank you so much for this! I want to do photo/video journalism and this is amazing!

[@markhinds.belfast]

Another Awesome Video, Few Up & Down Comments, Brave Enough To Show Us Your Journey Brave Enough To Get Out And Do It, I Also Think Most Towns & Citys Have There Own Run Down Areas Throughout The World That People Close There Eyes To, Good To See People Making Friends, Keep The Videos Comming.

[@alkyfennell]

dude this is freakin awesome man...yes the people were incredible bro

[@michaelfoster4013]

Jason, you're not just an amazing photographer, you're an amazing human being ! Was totally captivated with this video. Looking forward to seeing the results of your return trip ! YOU are the peoples person.....all over the world, no matter where there come from ! Bless you brother !

[@ardiesetropawiro3310]

it is good to see the other part of cuba. tnx Jason

[@lrb05131963]

Very nice documentry

[@acehanson7231]

You're humbleness is a breathe of fresh air

[@black76561]

Got back from Cuba last week and these images take me back to Havana and the back streets behind my hotel. Poverty was real.

[@douglasolsen1208]

Nice work. Wherever one goes around the world, nice and friendly folks can be found.

[@abyg5781]

its a great job,after all,i feel so grateful to these filmmakers, because they did a decent job,showing a noble and wonderful people and city, just like they're.

[@ifnotmewho148]

I appreciate seeing this real Cuba. I understand your sharing your techniques, but the respect demonstrated there should continue through narration in case this gentleman is able to see himself in this some day. BTW it was a sexy leg.

[@nap2bfree]

Yes, Jason, yessss!!!! thank you for taking us where majority of us will never be or see. The out come of some spectacular pictures and video footage. I learn so much just watching your videos.

[@keezer4346]

Not many can be so personable as you Jason. Great video, thank you.

[@mtanu3252]

How interesting. Thank you for sharing with us

[@oc2phish07]

What an amazing little video. I would SO like to visit places like that. How sad though, to see such poverty when you can see how grand the buildings must have been in their heyday. But it was truly humbling to see such stoicism in the people living there. Well done Jason, very impressive stuff.

[@bkallday2998]

Love it so raw and genuine.💪🏼

[@gloriaboadi6017]

Hi Jason, the reason why the guy held out his forearm was because he was cooking and his hands were wet. That's what people do when their hands are other wise occupied. It is done in Africa as well and not anything to do with it being dirty.

[@WeNeedRealMusic2]

@Jason Lanier, wonderful job! Kudos for bringing these characters to the world. This certainly supports a core belief - we all have so much in common. You captured many a powerful moment!

[@VVS-dv6cb]

I loved the commentary. More of it please.

[@ellnegro]

I cant add more thumbs up Jason. your Spanish is pretty good.... awesome video that's street photography at its best

[@michaelchristophergutierre7244]

Great video! As a social worker and social anthropologist this work is very important and beautiful. I love the colors and quality of the shoot.

[@SPDTDL]

I'm lovin' these Cuban videos!

[@JuanPerez-qe3qn]

I remember Havana before the Castro fiasco and it seen destroyed those apartment building where beautiful and well painted. Still they show beautiful architecture and old Spanish charm. Thank you for your intimate videos and photographs

[@abdelbailabaila]

thanks for this amazing video, I'm cuban and I really appreciate this

[@kophotography895]

Jason... this has to be one of your finest documentary videos yet. Thank you for the insite to other people's worlds

[@angiee.8300]

Great video! I appreciate the way you connect with the people and capture their lifestyle.

[@odibaracatibaro1255]

Jason you're great human being thank you for visiting my country

[@talshay12]

Amazing video, your ability to connect with people all over the world is amazing. If you could give us a wide perspective of the environment by shutting photos was great. Thanks again Jason Lanier.

[@growingwjennifern9308]

Thank you so much Jason, my family is cuban and ive been to cuba many times and i appreciated this as a photographer and a cuban- american!

[@mikefyfe2768]

Was there with an educational tour in October,2015, throughly enjoyed it, loved the people. Had my birthday at Plaza Vieja, cerveza and good food.

[@Traveljournalist]

Jason is the boss! period

[@luisfornero]

I envy you ! thank you for sharing Jason, very interesting video :)

[@iulixxx]

you are an amazing photographer and awesome guy.

[@Will4fun]

"Tienes muchos novios?" means "Do you have a lot of boyfriends?"

[@funlanguages7922]

Will Mike no se

[@antant06]

In Australia, watching you and your new mates, hope you can relay that info when you next see them :D

[@merafotolay]

Love Your Work - This is GREAT stuff and #REAL. Respect

[@wanderingtravels2488]

It's amazing how some people survive and get by

[@serahnjoroge9507]

Despite their poor living conditions there very cute and healthy God bless them God you're wonderful money can't buy happiness this people are happy people .

[@Logoned]

Great video, great work. I'm Cuban. Thank you Jason, for keeping it real. You're a good man.

[@dmdmorg]

I like the way you handle yourself..So engaging.And no, you can tell it's not all about the money, maybe a little bit...Nice folk:)

[@joyogude]

Jason this video absolutely humbles me. Such colourful personalities and the shots are amazing too. Working my way through your yt channel. So much to learn from your photography. I love how effortless it seems for you.

[@davidradford632]

Ive finally switch to Sony. Thanks to you. I only get one chance to get it right and I do with Sony. Thanks for your awesome content. You are an inspiration to me and many others. Thank you.

[@wanderingtravels2488]

So much difference than the United States. These folks have never ate at McDonald's or KFC. Most likely never seen a shopping mall or maybe a movie. It's a different world. The simply things in life are much appreciated by the Cuban people and they are wonderful people

[@mrs.salgado1811]

I pose this question.... what, exactly, IS poverty? Is poverty a lack of material things? A lack of fancy buildings and opulence? These people may not have access to fast and processed foods, they may not have houses and closets stacked up full of a collection of useless things. But what they DO have, is richness in love, and humility and a value for things we don’t even notice in this materialistic society we live in. My Cuban people are strong and courageous!!! It is sad that most of the world doesn’t recognize the attempts of the revolutionaries who attempted to stand up against imperialism and oligarchy and who were sidelined by the American government because they refused to cater to the American system of things. The crumbling down of Cuba is in the hands of the US Blockade! Yet in spite of it, this is a regime who feeds, houses, educates and provides medical car for ALL of its people. There aren’t indiscriminate police shootings of innocent black people in Cuba. The Cuban government doesn’t seize control of other countries through covert CIA destabilization tactics. In fact, they have helped to free other countries from the chokehold of colonization. This is not poverty. For richness isn’t in what you have, but on who you are!!!!! And Cuban people are the most resilient, loving, humble people on this planet!!!!!! ✊🏼🇨🇺

[@FerCerealz]

The only thing I got from this video: "look at me shake hands with the poor people."

[@KeepBelieving24]

You tottaly get it wrong.Watch again and really listen what man said in this video.He really enjoy talks and work with them.We are all equal.

[@pietropigna6676]

Great video !!! i like so much !!!

[@albertbuksnis5167]

Jason, more than a photographer ! Nice look st real life in Cuba. The real thing in a very sensitive way. Thanks to Brenda also.

[@milsedd]

I visited in March and did see how many Cubans live - an old lady invited me into her dilapidated 3-story mansion in Central Havana - something that would hardly ever happen in America. I really wish they would stop punishing the Cuban people - they are the ones who are suffering - and end the embargo. The people are so friendly, and I explained to them that its only a tiny bitter minority in Florida that wants the status quo. The majority want normal relations with Cuba

[@jasavak]

Papa: You mentioned the Embargo . Please explain . What products are you referring to ?

[@theizza68]

You really needed a wide angle lens there. Great video!

[@Opinionsin3dd]

You should have titled it, "Hidden Cuba". That is what I will title mine.

[@tonywolton]

Great film. You played it just right. I have been to Havana 8 times but have never had the balls to make photos like this, I chicken out, but of the few photos in peoples houses I do have I have always thanked them, talked with them and showed respect. Then comes the tough bit, offering a tip without seeming patronising, argh, but I don't want to walk away without offering something. Another scenario, I have been many Cuban houses and have thought, I must take a photo of this situation, but walk away with just memories.

[@SilatShooter]

The narration to go along with the video is really invaluable and adds a great deal to the value of how to handle such a situation. Thank you!

[@Cucurú-c9v]

Very nicely done video. I can hear mariachi music towards the end. Was kind of hoping for maybe Aragon.😇