Señor Anache, Outskirts of Havana, Cuba, Morning of July 23, 2012

We arrive very early this morning after having missed the opportunity to photograph Señor Anache yesterday. Before the rest of the neighborhood wakes up and the street fills with children, we decide to make his portrait. He sits against a white wall and the sun strikes the building behind me, the reflection of the latter is clearly visible in his eyes.

The entire time he is gracious, as are his neighbors. When we ask for their portraits they give without resistance. My dear good friend Alejandro grew up in this neighborhood and his family lives on this street. Much of our time here is spent in his brother's home, drinking freshly made juice and talking about music.

We make images of Señor Anache with and without his shirt. He speaks of a lifetime devoted to his work and his family, and is as sharp as men half his age. At times he smiles openly, at times he is a little more reserved. Rather than being timid during his session, he glows with a sense of pride for all to see.

After our time with Señor Anache we begin photographing the girls in the neighborhood, giving them a little bit of time to get ready. We photograph three girls with indirect light, and then find some rest in the home of Alejandro's brother. This is a new neighborhood for me, and one to look forward to in the years to come.

For more of my work, please visit the newly designed website below, courtesy of Patrick Luu.

Halim Ina Photography