Generations

Generations, Trinidad, Cuba

When I was in Cuba recently, I often saw fathers and grandfathers spending time with small children. Whether walking to them to school or sitting with them on the front stoop, the mutual affection was heart warming. I took this shot in Trinidad, Cuba.  A number of guide books recommended taking small items such as pencils or shampoo to handout to Cubans, but that seemed patronizing. Instead, I brought along a Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Instant Film Camera and took instant photos of people that appealed to me—kids and adults. People were always surprised when the photo paper popped out of the top of the instant camera. Kid were especially excited and would crowd around posing for me. Giving someone a photo created a wonderful visual way to communicate. Sometimes, but not always, I then asked if I could take a picture with my DSLR.  I took an instant photo of this gentleman with his small grandson and then another when the older child came to see what was happening. The two still-developing photos are in the grandfather’s hand.  I had 60 sheets of instant film with me and wished that I had taken more. I ended up rationing the film, 10 or so shots per day.

Ailsa’s Travel Theme: Eyes