Claudia + Wind, Santa Maria del Mar, Cuba, Summer of 2013

This was the 370th frame scanned for the upcoming trip to Cuba, out of a little over 1,700. Later this week her scans will be printed, after my work with Anais is finished. These two young girls are peerless, and have their own unique presence in front of the lens. One is a ballerina and photographed from various distances, while the other is a painter and the camera is just unable to pull any further than a meter or so away.

This is her third year with me, well on our path to five years and a book for her 'Quince.' She would rather have such images than the usual pattern. She lives independent of many neighborhood friends, keeps to herself and adores her parents. She is beyond her years yet thrives in the innocence of her youth. She lives in a small house and in a difficult neighborhood, yet carries a smile consistently.

When asked if she'd like to continue working, she finds it difficult to refrain from a smile without equal. She is adored by everyone viewing her images, and the photographer making them.

www.halimina.org

Claudia + Wet Hair, Pan American Stadium, La Habana, Cuba, Summer of 2013

This is the 385th negative scanned from the first three days on the island, and once again it's a face familiar to all of us. In my mind she cannot do wrong. Here she is showing me yet another expression unseen so far in our collaboration. She is only 13 years old yet exhibits a spirit decades older.

We have worked for three years now, and have become friends from strangers years ago. While many make a single image of a child in the street and walk away, the experience of going back to the same person year after year is unlike any other. She has gifted me expressions behind any measurable value.

When we met we were actually looking for her sister, then she walked into the room and changed my world. She seemed so nonchalant in her response, but it was easy to recognize true passion even at 11 years old. She took hold of the lens' attention and never turned back. 

She lives just outside of La Habana in Cuba, and is one important reason for my return year after year. The purpose of my photography lies within her.

www.halimina.org

Claudia + Sunglasses, Pan American Stadium, La Habana, Cuba, July 21, 2013

Without references to publications and rarely seeing anything but government programs on a television, Claudia is still without comparison when she steps in front of the lens. She is all but 13 years old in these images, and wants the world to see her spirit! She lives just outside of La Habana with her sister and parents, and never complains bur rather smiles for what she has in her life.

Only four months stand between now and this summer's visit to Cuba. The process of preparing the pictures for the girls started last night, and with Claudia. This image shows her at thirteen, and this summer we will collaborate for the fourth straight year. The idea is to publish a piece showing the progression through the five years leading to her 'Quinceañera.'

Unlike most around her, she cares little for the glamour of such an event but prefers a more sublime approach to this documentation. She has grow immensely since we first began and I cannot wait to see what she comes up with in July.

www.halimina.org

Note: This image was made in the streets of Havana, with only sunlight as our light source. The camera was a Hasselblad 555 ELD, with the incredible 180mm lens. Everything else is all Claudia!