Model + Farmer, Guanabacoa, Cuba, 2016

Thanks to Alejandro Godinez we found this incredible space, and so much more in this small village. It so happens to be where his son also lives, and he is somewhat of a star in the area after this summer's worth of models visiting with us!

In this image is the timeless Patricia, someone who has collaborated with us in the past and continues to do so without reservation. She always greets me over the phone with a gentleness and always accepts our invitation to be photographed. We documented her on this day in Yudel's magnificent creations, the supremely gifted clothing designer in the beautiful city of Havana.

While we were making this image a local man was working in the field behind Patricia. As he moved we moved, so as to include him in the images. She happened to notice that and without turning around spoke with him in a sweet way, prompting him to stop and allow us to photograph in this spot for a few more seconds.

She was and is something else, and I for one look forward to documenting more of her next summer!

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Note: This image was made with a Sony RX100III mounted next to and triggered at the same time as a Hasselblad analog system.

Young Migrant + Company Wall, Jaipur Slum, Rajasthan, India

One afternoon this past April we arrived to Jaipur from the Muzaffarnagar region of Uttar Pradesh, and landed in a familiar neighborhood near to our wonderful hostSombeer Singh Summy. We went straight to our favorite family and asked to photograph their daughters with only thirty minutes of sunshine remaining. Without any hesitation whatsoever, the father agreed although he had only met us for a few minutes over three weeks ago.

We walked over to the cement factory's wall and set up our camera. We photographed three of the five daughters before the sun was too soft for my film camera, and then went on to photograph some other children for fun with the digital camera. This portrait is of the most mischievous ones from the bunch, finally put in front of the lens for all to behold without his usual antics to protect him!

He was marvelous, and truly enjoyed his time in the spotlight!

The wall behind him belongs to the concrete factory just across from their homes. The entire neighborhood is basically illegal in its construction, and almost all live a hand to mouth existence. They have across from them a factory that does nothing but produce concrete for the buildings being constructed all around them, while they will never see their interiors.

The dust produced as trucks come and go is almost unbreathable, yet these children play directly in front of this wall. When one truck passed we had to stop our photography because the dust alone prevented any of us from seeing well enough to work. This is their daily existence, just incredible.

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Note: This image was made with a Sony RX100II.

Young Model + Santa Maria del Mar, Cuba, Summer of 2015

These sessions are what make this island so incredible. We could photograph models in the morning on the beach, return to the city for a few hours of urban journalism then head to the countryside to photograph laborers in the fields. Even more incredible is that almost all make the time to learn about our project, and with enthusiasm give time from their days to produce such images. 

Earlier this summer we photographed this young model along with her friend, and were actually pointed her way by her companion. At first we were a little concerned even though her friend advised us of her experience in front of the lens. Our worries were laid to rest once we exposed the first roll of film, as we realized how calm and creative she truly was.

In addition, she had the most wonderful set of clothes picked out and changed between the various pieces with ease. We look forward to her presence once again next year, and will bring these images to her of course.

www.halimina.org

Note: This image was made with a Sony RX100M2.

Boy + Home, Dadhikar, Rajasthan, India, November of 2013

This young boy lives under the shadow of a tourist destination, where people from far away stay in luxurious rooms for well over $140 per night. This in a state where the average daily wage is less than $2 according to The Hindu. While tourists bathe in shiny bathtubs and enjoy their evenings under exquisite lighting, his family has never experienced tap water nor electricity in their humble home.

On this morning my dear friend Gaurab and I walked to the village from Advaita Garden with our cameras. We walked slowly and made our way to this serene courtyard, just past the entrance to the fort. A few children happened to be outside, and thanks to translation by Gaurab, they agreed to be photographed in front of their home. We made environmental portraits and then closer headshots with the sky as the backdrop.

The children were so curious, and kind. They allowed us to photograph them in peace, giving each other the time needed in front of the camera.

To date I have visited this specific area dozens of times, and have never had an inkling to visit the fort. For me this boy's home and his community are the true treasures of this region, for they live their lives without pretense. They have always welcomed me with open arms, never judged me nor my work and have always demonstrated true understanding of my intentions.

I am grateful to Nirvana and Gaurab for giving me the opportunity to have photographed this young boy during my last visit. I look forward even more so to next month's visit, and to yet another set of images from under the shadow of the fort.

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Note: This image was made with a Hasselblad 555 ELD/50 mm FLE combination onto Fuji Neopan Acros 100 ISO film.