Che Guevara, a photo from Cienfuegos, West

Photographer's Note

Everywhere we went in Cuba we saw pictures of Che Guevara like this one in the twon of Cienfuegos. The young Argentine doctor joined the revolutionary forces in the 1950s having met Fidel Castro in Mexico who was in exile from Cuba. Through armed struggle he helped free Cuba from dictatorships in 1959. In the first week of January he entered Havana with Camilo Cienfuegos soon followed by Fidel Castro. Che Guervara was soon key in the very successful campaigns against illiteracy, and agricultutal reform. He was also key in training the military that was instrumental in repelling the 'Bay of Pigs' invasion in 1961. He left Cuba in 1965 to get involved with revolutions in the Congo and Bolivia. Che Guervara was killed in Bolivia in 1967 under orders from the CIA.
An idealist, Che Guervara believed that the Third World could be freed only through armed conflict. He is buried in Cuba and remains an iconic figure to many Cubans.
The photo shows Che looking down on this street and the ubiquitous old 1950s American car caught my attention - a real time warp and a pictorial statement on Cuba's turbulent modern history.

krzychu30, ourania, bayno, bukitgolfb301, macjake, SnapRJW, jester5, Budapestman, tyro, lakshmip1949, bertolucci, Cricri has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

krzychu30 (8873) 2012-03-31 1:44

Hello Ann,
beautiful street scene from Cuba with the historical background good described in your note.The image is excellent composed,has delightful,vivid colors and this beautiful car from the fifties as a crowning achievement of your composition.
Have a nice weekend
Krzysztof

ourania (12367) 2012-03-31 2:08

Hello Ann,
a wonderful daily scene from a cuban street with lovely perspective and depth, beautiful clarity, light and colours. The management of the strong light is great, it highlights the amazing synthesis of colours and effective contrasts. A beautiful and interesting photo, so rich in details. Well done and thank you!
All the best, have a lovely weekend,
Ourania

bayno (16195) 2012-03-31 2:10

Hi Ann,
a classic image of Cuba, this beautiful old car in FG, I also like the motorcycle, also excellent human presence, many details all at the right place and without disorder, perfect framing, of course, the famous commander in BG is a great bonus...have a good WE...
Valter

jemaflor (68913) 2012-03-31 2:35

Hi Ann,
a good comosition fomCuba with two interesting element, the Che and the old and coouful car, well balanced ad taken.

Sergiom (39223) 2012-03-31 5:22

Bonjour Ann,

Très typique de Cuba, la vieille voiture superbement entretenue , les couleurs pastels , la belle lumière et le Che.

Amicalement

Serge

bukitgolfb301 (30065) 2012-03-31 5:28

Hello my dear Ann

Sorry for my usual late reaction, as so busy weekday.
This is another wonderful shot.
Great combination and perfect framework.
Sharp and so fresh clear presentation is marvelous.
Thanks for your sharinig with best shot and have a nice weekend!
Best regrads,

Takero from Tokyo, where "SAKURA" should open flower, but not yet this year.

macjake (39227) 2012-03-31 5:30

Hi Ann
wonderful write up, i really enjoyed reading that note, alot of useful information and it only makes the photo that much better.
I also like the pale blue color of the building, and yes, the car is awesome :)
Cheers
Craig

SnapRJW (18722) 2012-03-31 7:57

Hello Ann - Cuba is one place I would love to see. Aside from the recent political history, I imagine it to be a place of music and colour. Here we see a familiar face and unusually not emblazoned across a T-shirt, Che stuck in a time warp much like the wonderful purple car. Interesting shot which compliments your excellent note. Take care Rosemary

Miguel82 (7790) 2012-03-31 8:16

A superb picture of daily life scene of Cuba
have a nice day
Miguel

lousat (57626) 2012-03-31 8:47

Hi Ann,beautiful shot from Cuba,there is all the juice of this island into your pic whit the old old car and the murales for Che Guevara,great composition rich of details and colors,i like it! Have a nice evening and thanks,Luciano

Budapestman (82620) 2012-03-31 14:06

Hi Ann,
a splendid street atmosphere with attractive composition and I like the nostalgic details and the warm lights, great shot, Tfs! Have a nice weekend! Kellemes hétvégét kívánok!
György

emka (58140) 2012-03-31 22:28

Hi Ann, Interesting scene from Havana, with the old car and Che image. Very nicely composed picture. Luciano was in Habana lately and I am amazed reading that Cuba changes no quickly now. ha ve you seen The motorcycles diary? He was such a nice noble man..
WArm regrads

Malgo

tyro (13073) 2012-04-01 8:55

Hi Ann,

This is a fabulous street scene from Cuba and your note explains well the portrait of Che Guevara which is well placed in the frame atop a colourful and interesting building. The people walking around add some human interest and the old purple "sedan", all pimped up with its chrome wheels, dominates the foreground very nicely.

Lovely colours, perfect exposure and stunning detail and sharpness.

Fabulous!

Kind Regards,

John.

rbassin (11121) 2012-04-01 11:52

Bonsoir Ann
Voci une belle scène de rue, j'aime bien l'animation avec piétons , voiture, moto et vélos; tout se déroule bien sous le regard du Che.
Bon dimanche
Roland

dkmurphys (36801) 2012-04-02 2:42

Hi Ann,
A classical view from the streets of Havane. Well taken, spectacular colors.
Enjoy a fine week.

Daniel

mesutilgim (67960) 2012-04-02 15:04

Hello Ann,
Nice capture from Cuba.
A scene with typical Cuban elements; political poster, neoclassical architecture and and american oldie.
Nice framing.Interesting notes.

TFS and best regards
MESUT ILGIM

abmdsudi (26233) 2012-04-02 22:14

Hi Ann
A well framed and timely shot to catch that decisive moment. Very good dynamic shot and the colour of the vitage car fits right in and actually adds to the big, colourful and busy city-feel and really adds some flavour. Excellent day to day subject packed with loads of colour and atmosphere in this street corner. It's a great photo journalism..
Best regards

aliabazari (10105) 2012-04-03 9:16

Hello Ann
Beautiful and lovely image of people living with these beautiful classic cars. Well done.
With respect.

karacabeylis (1285) 2012-04-04 7:14

i guess it certainly seduces man to set out for cuba!

lakshmip1949 (19110) 2012-04-04 10:38

Hello Ann,

A bright and beautiful shot . The purple car definitely grabs the attention. Nice background with blue colored buildings and the poster above it. Very cheerful atmosphere with people , trees and benches. A nice day for taking photos.

Lakshmi

bertolucci (13351) 2012-04-04 22:38

Hi Ann,
A very well seen and timed Cuban street scene with lots of meaningful details. Love the filmic frame too. And indeed these early 50s cars offer a fascinating form of cross cultural continuity.
Have a fine easter weekend,
Bert

wolf38 (28180) 2012-04-05 9:30

Hello Ann. Typical Cuba. Houses of the Bacardi-time, old cars, Che Guevara. Title, photo and text fit together perfectly. But the country seems to move, - and reforms only a matter of time. Overall, a successful contribution to TE. Rgds, Wolfgang.

brianmcc (5536) 2012-04-07 1:47

hi ann,
when i think of cuba this is the type of image that comes to mind. classic old cars, che guevara, characteristic buildings, and all under a bright sun. your picture captures it all perfectly.
regards,
brian

Cricri (86431) 2012-04-09 11:25

Hi Ann
Une note intéressante sur le Che tout comme cette image qui lui rend hommage, la composition est très belle avec l'affiche et la voiture qui attire le regard
Magnifique
Belle soirée
cricri

eldancer1 (17036) 2012-04-11 9:36

Very nice capture of this Cuban street. Good documentation of the daily life. This car looks like an old Ford, nice colors and well maintained. Good lighting. Very well done, tfs.

archimatica (19980) 2012-04-13 2:51

Hi, Ann.
A clean and elegant picture, great composition, nice purple of old car.
Well done!
Renzo