From our 2018 Participants:
A unique experience, very special, not to be missed.
Tom Yager, Photo Cuba 2018
A chance for personal and artistic growth. I really enjoyed the workshop. It was very good and exceeded my expectations. Your team is great. Goldie and Gwendal were super additions to you, Scott and Geman. Great team.
Carl Griffin, Photo Cuba 2018
I really want to thank you for an amazing Photo Cuba experience! I know you’ve done this a dozen or more times now, and it shows, you’ve got this thing figured out! The whole experience was very well organized, and well run, you’ve got a great core team, and a great group on the ground in Cuba too. I know you can’t control everything, (like bus schedules), but where you can get things organized, you do. When you run into any bumps, you know who to call, and what to do, so that you’re able to deal with things appropriately, and effectively to keep things flowing. Again, thanks! That was really well done, in a pretty challenging environment
Les Schmidt,Photo Cuba 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed another wonderful photo workshop — with familiar faces from last year and new participants who added their distinctive flavours! Again, I was touched by the generosity of spirit displayed by the local Cubans. Your hard work in creating a safe environment for a cultural exchange resulted in many significant interactions. Thanks so much!
Marieken Molenaar, Photo Cuba 2018 & 2017
Unplug yourself…feel the heart and soul of Santiago!
Judi Willrich, Photo Cuba 2018
Once again I had an enjoyable trip with Photo Cuba. I go with an open mind and just enjoy the people and culture. The people of Chivirico are warm and inviting. Trina is an amazing teacher and I come away a better photographer.
Dianne Greenwood, Photo Cuba 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015
Amazing opportunity. You may become friends with your fellow photographers, the people of Chivirico will become your extended, loving family.
John Greenwood, Photo Cuba 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015
It is a great immersive experience that exposes photographers to a wide range of culture activities.
Scott Barrie, Photo Cuba 2018
Wonderful workshop full of life. Very informative and incredible cultural exchange. So colourful and inspiring!
Jon Rice, Photo Cuba 2018
From our 2017 Participants:
I would highly recommend this workshop to anyone, at any level, and with any type of photographic equipment. I was amazed at the quality of photographs from even the simplest of “point and shoot” cameras. The lectures were clear and focused, and expectations were clearly laid out. The critiques were balanced and appropriate. Trina motivates participants to achieve their personal goals and start thinking like photographers!
Marieken Molenaar, PhotoCuba 2017
Rare opportunity to be immersed in an open-hearted culture.
Val Morse, PhotoCuba 2017
It’s a fantastic multi-faceted experience- mucho fun!
Ned Coates, PhotoCuba 2017
You must take it!
James Gordon, PhotoCuba 2017
Chivirico locals are so inviting and proud of their families. Photo Cuba is an opportunity to be less of a tourist and more of a member of the community.
Ross Pigeau, PhotoCuba 2017
The photo instruction was tailored to my level, succinct and clear. This workshop has a good balance between cultural and photo experiences. Excellent energy!
Carol McCann, PhotoCuba 2017
Even though this was my third trip I came away having learned a lot. There was always something new and different around the corner.
Dianne Greenwood, PhotoCuba 2017, 2016, 2015
Wonderful opportunity to see the real Cuba and inspire your photos at the same time with great tour leaders. Great job again- thank you Trina, Scott and Goldie!
Peter Allen, PhotoCuba 2017, 2016
An absolutely invaluable experience for any level of photographer.
John Greenwood, PhotoCuba 2017,2016,2015
From our 2016 Participants:
Our wonderful Cuban adventure makes me more than smile — it was FABULOUS, you packed in so much, the more I think of it, the more I can’t believe it. WELL DONE, and THANK YOU SO MUCH….for photo help, exploring options, hotel on the hill — and wasn’t that great group of people! Enjoyed spending time with everybody. CUBA. Everything.
Jean Innes, PhotoCuba 2016
This is the way to learn about the “real” Cuba, and to gain a deeper understanding of the meaning of your images.
Peter Allen, PhotoCuba 2016
I just wanted to say what a fantastic time both Ryan and I had on this trip. We were so impressed with how well you organized everything – the meetings before the trip, the information handouts, the travel arrangements and all the amazing activities (e.g. the dance at the art gallery, the time with the guides, the trip to Santiago and the Castle and the final dinner)! You kept us informed and organized at all times and I REALLY appreciated that. We were also extremely impressed with how well you rolled with all the unexpected issues that arose (e.g. the bus being cancelled on Saturday) – your positive attitude and quick rearrangements made it so that these issues has really no overall effect on the trip.
Scott, Goldie and German were all so helpful and knowledgeable and really fun to be around as well. While I loved the photography portion of the trip, the great people involved definitely made it a vacation to remember.
Theresa Brimner, PhotoCuba 2016
I really appreciated the great balance of really valuable photography feedback and the immersive cultural exchange while still having some downtime to relax. This workshop is a fantastic way to visit Cuba and get great exposure to the people and culture. Can’t wait to come back and do it again.
Ryan Geil, PhotoCuba 2016
It’s an amazing experience. Do it!
Nina Buis, PhotoCuba 2016, 2012
Take this workshop if you want to take your photography to a higher level, challenge yourself and feel that you are being well cared for by Trina, Scott and Goldie.
Carolyn Farmer, PhotoCuba 2016
Grow your vision, explore, have fun… Experience an amazing culture!
Ann Nickerson, PhotoCuba 2016
I enjoyed the translator/guides from Chivirico, they knew their village and were able to explain village life well.
Dianne Greenwood, PhotoCuba 2016, 2015
Fantastic. Bucket list item!
John Greenwood, PhotoCuba 2016, 2015
Excellent Pace. Excellent location both the hotel and the village.
Chris Button, PhotoCuba 2016
Thank you for the amazing experience. It was a great way to learn about Cuban culture.
Sara Ahari, PhotoCuba 2016
Yes, yes, yes!
Taymaz Valley, PhotoCuba 2016
Thanks to you Scott and Goldie for a really awesome week. The trip exceeded our expectations and really felt like an adventure.
Ashley Honsberger and Nathan Klages, PhotoCuba 2016
The new local guides; Norvis, Manita and Zulema were excellent!
Jan Craig, PhotoCuba 2016, 2013, 2012
Really well organized. I value our contributing to Chivirico in useful ways. Vacations often are about “getting”, this is more about “sharing”. So much laughter, smiles, effort, appreciating, learning, enjoying what we were doing and who we are.
Tom Buis, PhotoCuba 2016, 2012, 2006
Muchas Gracious!!! for such a wonderful week!! Such wonderful memories were made – thanks for all your hard work!
Keith and Lynda Austin, PhotoCuba 2016
From our 2015 Participants:
It was an opportunity to see the real Cuba blended with learning about the culture & developing an artist’s eye for photography.
Pat Smith, PhotoCuba 2015
Do it. Now. No matter what your level it will make you a better photographer on so many levels. You will be challenged!
John Greenwood, PhotoCuba 2015 and returning in 2016!
Go! Truly an enjoyable experience you will see a side of Cuba you won’t see from a resort.”
Dianne Greenwood, PhotoCuba 2015 and returning in 2016!
“Incredible experience to capture and learn about a culture on “film”. Rare opportunity to really meet the people of Cuba. The right mix of work and play! Great opportunity to learn from Trina Koster, who is so generous with her knowledge and her time.”
Arlene Robertson, PhotoCuba 2015
“Be prepared to fall in love with the people and the culture! Photographically, you will learn to push yourself out of your comfort zone to create beautiful art. You’ll leave exhausted, but with a full heart and thought of your next trip to Cuba!”
Michelle Fox, PhotoCuba 2014 & 2015
“It was a fantastic trip. Trina is awesome! Well organized, we never felt uncomfortable.”
Wayne Herd, PhotoCuba 2015
“Knowledgeable instructors, great setting, warm-hearted people and great music.”
Nancy Coates, PhotoCuba 2015
“It is a great opportunity to learn creative photography in a cultural immersion context. Comfort expectations should be lowered if one is used to luxury vacations. A degree of physical stamina and patience is important and it is the imperfections in schedules, infracture and technology (in Cuba) which create meomories! Cuban people are friendly!”
Lesley Ord, PhotoCuba 2015
From our 2012 Participants:
“Fantastic in every way. I got what I had wanted out of the workshop and so much more. Meeting the Cuban people and connecting with so many has enriched my photos and made the trip so memorable.”
Nicola Gordon, Photo Cuba 2012
“While a bit nervous to visit the first time, the trip was magical and memorable…a life changing experience. “Trina and Company” are totally awesome! They all make the travel as easy and comfortable as possible (go with the flow), and the lectures and critiques were very organized, informative and stress-free, regardless of one’s photo level. I grew on this trip, and I hope to visit again!”
Anne Pace, Photo Cuba 2012
“Photo Cuba has been a life changing experience and profoundly paramount to my evolving photography. Loved Cuba, Trina and Company- top trip EVER!”
Pat Gardener, Photo Cuba 2012
“The team was fantastic- approachable and flexible. I would definitely recommend this workshop to others. Loved it, loved it, loved it!”
Giovanna Gatti, Photo Cuba 2013, 2012
“Very well thought out, planned and well co-ordinated.”
Darlene Lamb, Photo Cuba 2013, 2012, 2009, 2006
“It was a pleasure to participate in the Photo Cuba workshop for a third time and to sense the energy and enthusiasm of the younger participants. And they even tolerated with good grace an old geezer like me! We really appreciated their good grace and kindness.”
Bob Liptrap, Photo Cuba 2006, 2007, 2012
From our 2010 Participants:
“It’s exactly what I needed/wanted/expected- it truly was an opportunity of a lifetime! You provided the opportunity and the vehicle to truly be able to grow in photography, and to feel good in your own skin while doing it!”
Monica Grau, 2010 Photo Cuba Workshop Participant
“Love the light here in the early AM!”
Joyce Brant, Photo Cuba 2010
“Thank-you! Thank-you! For an experience of a lifetime!”
Sandra Roamer, Photo Cuba 2010
“Once again the critiques have been excellent and so very, very helpful and constructive. German’s final critique is a very special gift.”
Burna Wilton, Photo Cuba Participant 2009, 2010
“I think the critiques are great. You always learn just as much from everyone else’s images as you do your own. It’s cool when you leave the critique feeling better about your images because we’re always so critical of your own work and they point out the good things. German’s perspective is always very interesting!”
Melissa Glidden, Photo Cuba Participant 2009, 2010
“What exceeded my expectations was the blossoming of deep appreciation and connection with the Cuban people, my classmates, and a newly discovered spiritual side to me that I never knew existed. I have a strong desire to return to this exact location again and hopefully that will be through Photo Cuba 2011. Thank you for an amazing experience!”
Karen Connelly, Photo Cuba 2010
“There is no price that can be put on what you can take out of this experience. The workshop has made me a much better photographer.”
Jim C, Photo Cuba 2010
“It’s hard to separate the workshop and non-workshop experience. The workshop brought so much to the table; language, cultural exchange, humanity, clarity. It was not just a photo workshop. It was more how one should travel through life. I think I’ll throw up now.”
David Sunderland, Photo Cuba 2010
“The people of Cuba are so resilient, resourceful and creative. Their music and spirit is infectious and also admirable.”
Anonymous, Photo Cuba 2010
“Highlight as singular is almost impossible – Photographing kids and grand-parents in family units in the village was tops. Cultural and spiritual discussions were right up there as well. Overall the workshop provided a unique experience in the creativity and art of photography along with technical details. The stress on culture and art and the opportunities to experience the people, the music and dance and the joy of life in a supportive environment were amazing.”
From our 2009 Participants:
Jim Wilton, Photo Cuba 2009
“A huge bouquet to all of you who have had the courage and creativity to make this workshop a reality for us… Will draw on these very special memories for years to come. Muco Gracias!”
Burna Wilton, Photo Cuba 2009
“The highlight for me was how welcoming the people were to us. The fact that these “strangers” are opening up their lives to us and giving us their time, gifts (eg. fruit, Chaisser’s {music} show) and wanting to share their culture with us was so amazing to me. I am very sad to be leaving and I really want to come back next year and contribute more to them.”
Melissa Glidden, Photo Cuba 2009
“The highlight: So hard to pick one – so I won’t! I loved the dance/music in the gallery. Loved Trina’s critique. Loved Trina’s demos on portrait photography. Loved Laura’s Spanish lessons. Loved the fact that I feel like I got to learn a little (and got some access to) the real Cuba. But more than that – the workshop was challenging at the perfect level for every individual photographer – a real feat. And what a supportive, encouraging team! Also – there was time to be on your own, do your own thing and explore up to (and even beyond) your comfort level (good for us introverts).”
Sandra Herber, Photo Cuba 2009
“I Love you guys — my heart is so full!! Thank you.
I think it’s your joy, your respect for each other and us is what makes this absolutely the best workshop. Trina, Laura, and others… You know I have been to workshops taught by other photographers — some world wide famous ___ and I AM telling you…. (now don’t let this go to your heads)…. it is my belief that you are the best… (and I’m not trying to butter you up for better critiques either!!)”
Darlene Lamb, Photo Cuba 2006, 2009, 2012, 2013
“I would rate this experience in the 90th percentile.”
Ken Roberts, Photo Cuba 2009
“Thank you for the opportunity to explore this wonderful place and meet such warm lovely people. I feel my work has improved by a level from this experience.”
Anonymous, Photo Cuba 2009
“The music & dancing in the art gallery was by far the most amazing part of the trip for me. The intimate setting, the band was amazing,and the dancers were incredible! I didn’t take pictures of this because I didn’t want to miss anything. The guides were very helpful, patient and available at all times.”
Anonymous, Photo Cuba 2009
“The people on the trip were amazing! A great creative holiday with a wealth of knowledge available if you so desired. A lot of thought and preparation went into planning this trip and it was very apparent as the week unfolded. I love the fact that we pooled our tips and donations so that as many people as possible will benefit instead of just a few.”
Anonymous, Photo Cuba 2009
“What did it take for me to be here? 26 years since my first camera, always loving photography – always feeling lost in a good way, or captured/captivated in the taking of or look at photos; doing “so-so” in the only course in photography in University – then recently picking this trip over a journey to see aging relatives in Ireland, & seriously focussed recuperating from a recent illness. Thank you for accepting me & allowing me to grow & refocus & enhance my journey.”
Anonymous, Photo Cuba 2009
“Terrific group of Participants. Great job organizing! We all realize the huge amount of work and co-ordination it took (especially in Cuba).”
Anonymous, Photo Cuba 2009
“Highlight: The people. Being greeted like a long lost relative or best friend from childhood.”
Anonymous, Photo Cuba 2009
“I thoroughly enjoyed the experience- the people were lovely, friendly and I learned a lot.”
Gerry Chaundler, Photo Cuba 2008
“I have had an absolutely wonderful experience and a new area in my life has opened up. I feel a freedom not experienced before. The setting, the people were perfect!”
From our 2008 Participants:
Margaret Bell, Photo Cuba 2008
“Overall, an amazing experience-more than I had ever hoped for.”
Judy Osman, Photo Cuba 2008
“I found the Photo Cuba 2008 workshop very inspiring. I loved the setting of the village (Chivirico) and found everyone very welcoming. I also feel I have developed my photography thanks to Trina, Laura, German and all of the wonderful participants of our trip. Thanks for a fantastic trip!”
Renee Fleming, Photo Cuba 2008
“This was a wonderful, “curated” experience that added unique perspectives on art, photography and Cuba.”
Mary Roberts, Photo Cuba 2008
“For many people photographing on locations at people’s homes in the village, in caves and natural settings and in Santiago de Cuba and the photographic critiques were the biggest highlights of the workshop.”
Anonymous, Photo Cuba 2008
“A return visit for us to Chivirico with Trina’s second Photo Cuba class was a must! Why? Because the well organized classes built upon previous photo experiences and once again provided an intimate photographic introduction to the Cuban people and their culture – the colour, the warmth, their friendliness and generosity. An unforgettable experience. Thanks Trina.”
From our 2007 Participants:
Bob and Pat Liptrap, Photo Cuba 2007
“I want you and Trina to know that I came home more present and connected… to my heart and soul, my creativity and intuition…and my world. Thank you for that”
From our 2006 Participants:
Gerry Lodder, Photo Cuba! 2006
“I remember this trip not so much as taking pictures, but as sharing images. I really like the idea of balancing our imposition with giving back to the community-in fact I wish that it could always be balanced more heavily on the latter- I think you are really on to something here. It was a wonderful trip.”
Tom Buis, Photo Cuba 2006
“You know how whenever your high school English teacher would complain that the expression “life changing experience” was trite and hackneyed? Well, there are no other words to express our life changing experiences in Chivirico!
It all started in February, 2006 with our first trip to the southeast coast of Cuba. This, because Trina’s description of what was to be her inaugural PhotoCuba workshop sounded just too interesting and exciting to pass up. While there was no way to know exactly what to expect from the hotel, the village and the local Cubans, we were quite sure that whatever Trina had to offer in the way of photography lessons would be, at the very least, worthwhile. The temptation of sun and photo-making in new surroundings (and an excuse to escape our own cold winter) was just too hard to resist, and so we signed on. And we signed on again in 2007. And we signed on again in 2008.
In addition, we have returned to “our” little village of Chivirico three more times. Six trips to the same tropical location in a matter of only twenty six months surely tells the whole story. If not, then our literally thousands and thousands of photos complement the telling and the retelling.
From both a photographic and a personal point of view, Chivirico is unlike any other place in the world. It is enticing and seductive. Add Trina’s excellent touch as a teacher of photography and traveling companion, and you truly do have magic.
Charming and pretty, and with a spectacular view of the Sierra Maestra Mountains and the Caribbean Sea, Los Galeones Brisas Hotel is perched atop a small mountain, with a road leading directly into the village. From the gardeners to the wait staff to the management you can expect a daily dose of hugs and kisses. Remember, this is a small hotel, with a family atmosphere. Nowhere are we welcomed more warmly. We always stay on after the workshop; it’s just too alluring (and inexpensive – and the food is great, too!) to pass up!
We are drawn to the village and our dear friends and “our family”, over and over again. Whether it is just to sit on Tia and Tio’s porch sipping hot, sweet and locally grown coffee: or just to hang out at a baseball game; or, from time to time, at the local concert venue (Nautica, where the admission will set you back about a quarter – and that’ll cover you and a few of your friends); or to share a meal in one of their homes, or to sit on a rooftop to observe the eclipse of the moon – photo taking and making are an ongoing process.
It is pretty well guaranteed that nowhere else in the world will you find people so amenable to being photographed as they go about their daily business. Each of the three times we’ve taken the PhotoCuba course, we’ve learned something new about ourselves and what contributes to successful photomaking. Each of the three times that we’ve taken the course, we’ve found it engaging.
The progression in the style of our own work is obvious and noticeable. Trina is a fine teacher; her pedagogy, exemplary. Her respectful and thoughtful encouragement always spurs us on to new and different ways of looking at our subject matter, and our creativity has become so much more fluid and emotional.
Just when we think we can’t squeeze out one more photo from the little village of Chivirico, on the southeast shore of Cuba, inspiration strikes again.
We shall definitely be keeping in touch with Trina and the gang in Guelph. ‘Cuz not only have we formed fast friendships in Chivirico, but with our fellow PhotoCuba travelers!
¡Muchisimas gracias por todo, Trina, y tienes suerte!