– IMAGE photo academy with Fulvio Bugani –

The workshop will be in Italian and English.
Contact us at fulviobugani@gmail.com for detailed info about the price

Day 1 – November 28 | Arrival in Havana

Arrival in Havana and welcome of the group. Participants will check in to the charming colonial guesthouses they have selected.

In the afternoon or early evening, we’ll gather for a welcome meeting and introduction with Fulvio Bugani, who will present the goals of the workshop and share insights into the photographic and cultural journey ahead.

We’ll then head out for our first night photo walk in the Vedado district, exploring the city under the warm, cinematic glow of Havana’s evening lights—a perfect setting to begin working with night atmospheres.

 

Day 2 – November 29 | Old Havana & the Malecón

Today we dive into the heart of Habana Vieja, one of the most vibrant and historically rich areas of the capital. We’ll explore its colonial architecture, bustling street life, and elegant Prado promenade.

There will be opportunities for cultural exchange with Cuban photographers, followed by a guided photo session around Parque Central, narrow alleyways, and the legendary Malecón, capturing sunset shots with the ocean as a backdrop.

In the evening, we’ll visit the iconic Fábrica de Arte Cubano, a contemporary art space and cultural hub. With its mix of art galleries, performances, and nightlife, it’s a perfect place to experiment with artificial light and night photography.

 

Day 3 – November 30 | Centro Habana & Environmental Portraits

This day is dedicated to Centro Habana, the most authentic, lively, and raw neighborhood in the city. We will conduct a portrait session with Cuban models, working on environmental portraiture in visually rich and meaningful locations.

In the afternoon, we’ll visit a Cuban boxing school, a deeply symbolic place full of visual emotion and heritage. We’ll end the day with a classic Cuban rooftop aperitif, enjoying panoramic views of Havana at golden hour.

 

Day 4 – December 1 | Afro-Cuban Culture & Contemporary Identity

Morning session focused on the Afro-Cuban cultural scene, starting with a visit to a renowned Afro-Cuban dance school. We will photograph dancers’ movements, expressions, and spiritual energy.

Next, we’ll explore Havana’s Chinatown (Barrio Chino) for a session that blends daily life and unexpected visual surprises.

The day concludes with a refined rum and cigar tasting experience at an official Casa del Habano. This immersive moment will allow us to document one of Cuba’s most iconic rituals—through gestures, expressions, and the atmosphere of this exclusive cultural world.

 

Day 5 – December 2 | Transfer to Trinidad

In the morning, we’ll travel in a private minibus to Trinidad (approx. 6 hours). Upon arrival, we’ll settle into our selected colonial homes. In the late afternoon, we’ll begin our first photowalk through the cobblestone streets of this UNESCO World Heritage city, taking advantage of the warm Caribbean light that bathes the town in gold.

 

Day 6 – December 3 | Daily Life & Santa Barbara Preparations

Morning session documenting everyday life in Trinidad: locals in the streets, vibrant facades, and quiet corners full of character.

Optional morning trip to Playa Ancón, a nearby beach where participants can relax, swim, and (optionally) enjoy a seaside lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll begin documenting the preparations for the Santa Barbara festivities, one of the most heartfelt events in the Santería calendar.  Evening session to start photographing Afro-Cuban religious rituals, including music, dance, and spiritual ceremonies in an intimate and respectful setting.

 

Day 7 – December 4 | Santa Barbara Festival & Santería Celebration

A full day immersed in the celebration of Santa Barbara, a key syncretic figure in the Santería religion, associated with the orisha Changó.

We will photograph processions, offerings, and rituals in the streets and in private homes/temples (casas- templo), capturing unique moments of spiritual expression, devotion, and energy.

In the evening, we’ll enjoy live music and dinner at Trinidad’s famous Staircase of Music—an atmospheric ending to an intense cultural day.

 

Day 8 – December 5 | Last Shoots & Return to Havana

At dawn, we’ll do a final shoot in Trinidad, taking advantage of the beautiful light and quiet streets. After breakfast, we will travel back to Havana. In the afternoon, we’ll hold a final group meeting: review of selected images, group feedback session, and presentation of participation certificates.

 

Day 9 – December 6 | Farewell Shoot & Departure

Our final morning in Cuba begins with a photo session at the legendary Hotel Nacional, a symbol of Havana’s nostalgic grandeur and decadent charm. After a final coffee and goodbye moment, transfer to the airport for international departures – (not included)

The goal is to create a visual narrative through street reportage of two symbolic Cuban cities:

• Havana, the romantically decaying capital full of culture and mystery

• Trinidad, a colonial UNESCO World Heritage site

 

Our focus will be street life, surreal settings, vibrant people, and the vivid light and color of the Caribbean. This workshop will help participants learn how to observe and document the world around them, and develop a strong photographic narrative.

Ultimately, this is not just about improving photographic skills—it’s about experiencing Cuba in an intense, profound, and human way, discovering its timeless charm.

 

Thanks to this approach, our aim is to encourage participants to engage as deeply as possible with the local people, going beneath the surface to discover the true Cuban atmosphere and enjoy its magical and surreal essence.

This experience is not just about the places, but about the people and the stories. Thanks to Fulvio’s extensive local network—including photographers, artists, and Cuban families—we will have rare, genuine access to everyday life on the island. We’ll connect directly with people and explore Cuba’s real narrative.

• Surreal settings, street scenes, daily life, landscapes, and people.
• The importance of colors and lights that characterize Cuba, to truly enter the mysterious Cuban world.
• Developing the ability to observe and capture the surrounding world and create a unique photographic reportage.

The workshop is open to photography students, advanced amateurs, or young professional photographers who wish to enhance their skills in understanding complex street photography situations while managing variables such as light and color.

Fulvio Bugani started working as a photographer in 1995. After a close collaboration with the most important photographic studios in Bologna, he founded his own studio in 1999: Foto Image.

Bugani has been a freelance professional photographer for more than 20 years, working with associations and NGOs.

Among other recognitions, in 2015 he was awarded in the World Press Photo, for his work on Indonesian transgender Muslim. While in 2016 his reportage about Cuba was selected as one of the 12 finalists for the Leica Oskar Barnack Award.

He has been chosen by Leica as its International Leica Ambassador for the launch the Leica M10 and has worked for major international brands and artists like Juventus, Leica Camera, Universal Music, Zucchero Sugar Fornaciari, Lamborghini.