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Welcome To Oz Photographic Workshops

with Vincent Versace View Bio
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Cuba: Seeing the Sounds of Music Hearing the Dance of the Photograph

Workshop Date:
Jan 27 – Feb 3, 2025
Cost $5,499.00 | Limited to 8 Participants

I can look at a fine art photograph and sometimes I can hear music.
— Ansel Adams

the only music in which the same note can be played night after night but differently each time.
 ― Ornette Colman 

Nobody cares if you can’t dance well. Just get up and dance. Great dancers are great because of their passion.
 — Martha Graham

Music and photography are to Cuba like a kiss is to a hug. Each is intertwined with the other. It can be argued, and rightly so, that the origins of Jazz come from a migration of Afro-Cubans in 1886. The tradition of photography in Cuba finds its roots in the way the story of the Cuban revolution was told to the people of Cuba, in photographic images. The echos of those traditions ripple through time to today. This weeklong photographic/music-centric workshop  will coincide with the Music Festival, where the world’s finest musicians come together to share their talents in an extraordinary atmosphere. Cuban music is considered to be one of the richest and most influential regional music in the world. It has shaped jazz, blues and rock and roll. This workshop is designed to be a holistic sensory experience where your camera will be your tool to document the vibrant streets, the people, and the emotions that define Cuba. All the while, you’ll be enveloped in the rhythmic beats and soulful tunes that are an integral part of Cuban culture. As always our approach is to be where the photographs are: at street level, and in this trip, where the music is, ear level. Every choice is to create an experience that allows you to be taken by the photograph and moved by the music. You will not just view the world of Cuba as a passing glance but experience the moment that makes for images that hold the viewer the same way you were held and can hear the whisper of the sound of music. So I invite you to come and experience the genuine magic of this extraordinary country through your camera lens and the melodies of its music. join me for a wholly unique journey of sight and sound.
What is Included:

Compliance with U.S. Treasury Department regulations:

This ensures that the trip is conducted in accordance with the regulations set by the U.S. Treasury Department regarding travel to Cuba.

Full schedule of guided support for the Cuban people activities:

A variety of guided activities and interactions with the local people, fostering cultural exchange and providing opportunities to learn about the Cuban way of life.

Cuba Entry Visa:
This includes the necessary documentation to enter Cuba legally, such as a tourist visa or other required travel permits.

Legal Letter of authorization:
This letter serves as official authorization for your travel to Cuba under the designated category, demonstrating compliance with U.S. regulations.

Pre-trip departure information:
This includes essential details and guidance provided before the trip, such as travel itineraries, packing suggestions, and any other relevant information.

Land transportation and local transfers in Cuba:
This covers transportation services within Cuba, including transfers from airports or other designated meeting points to the accommodation and various destinations throughout the trip. In Havana, transportation is typically provided in beautiful classic cars, adding a unique touch to the experience.

Seven nights in high-end apartments in Centro Havana:
Accommodation arrangements in high-quality apartments or “Paticulars” located in Centro Havana, providing a comfortable and upscale living environment during the trip.

All Meals:
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included in the cost of the trip. Breakfast is served every morning at the Paticular. Lunch and dinner are at “Paladares” (privately-owned restaurants) and unique private dining establishments, allowing you to experience Cuban cuisine and culture.

Comprehensive educational exchange program:
This involves a program of educational activities and cultural exchanges designed to provide insights into the Cuban society, history, and daily life. (The program may include visits to museums, historical sites, art galleries, and other relevant locations.)

Entrance fees to places listed in the itinerary:
The cost of entrance fees or tickets to various attractions, sites, or events specified in the itinerary provided for the trip.

Expert Tour Leader and Expert Local Guide:
In addition to myself, a knowledgeable and experienced local guide or “Fixer” will accompany the group throughout the trip, providing guidance, information, translation and assistance.

Full schedule of guided people-to-people activities:

A variety of guided activities and interactions with the local people, fostering cultural exchange and providing opportunities to learn about the Cuban way of life.

NOTE: Lastly, the most important thing to keep in mind is this; specific inclusions and the order of things and such are subject circumstances on the ground (I.e. weather, changes in event times and the like).

What is Not Included:

Cost of obtaining a passport:
The package does not cover the cost associated with obtaining a passport. Travelers are responsible for acquiring a valid passport on their own.

Travel/cancellation insurance: *
The package does not include travel or cancellation insurance. It is recommended for travelers to arrange their own insurance coverage to protect against unforeseen circumstances.
*NOTE: Should you want it, the service I use to arrange visas offers Travel Guard, as soon as they have their information the forms can be filled out to get a quote. 

Flights to Cuba:
The package does not cover the cost of flights to Cuba. Travelers are responsible for booking their own flights to and from Cuba.

Optional events with admission fees:
Any optional events or activities that require additional admission fees, such as museums, nightclubs, or any other optional activities listed in the itinerary, are not included in the package.

Beverages:
The package does not cover the cost of beverages, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, during meals or other times.

Nighttime performances:
The cost of attending nighttime performances, such as concerts, shows, or other entertainment activities scheduled during the evenings, is not included in the package.

All expenses of a personal nature:
Any expenses of a personal nature, such as personal shopping, laundry, telephone calls, or other personal expenses, are not included in the package.

Airline baggage fees or excess baggage charges:
The package does not cover any fees or charges associated with airline baggage, including excess baggage fees. Travelers are responsible for any additional costs related to their luggage.

Any additional costs not included in the itinerary:
Any additional expenses or activities not specifically mentioned in the itinerary are not included in the package and will be the responsibility of the traveler.

Tips:
Tips for guides, drivers, servers, and chambermaids etc. are not included in the package. It is customary to tip for services provided, and travelers should budget for tipping accordingly.