Summit Cuba
Storytelling and Travel Photography in Majestic Cuba
Cuba is a photographer’s dream. From vintage cars to colonial architecture to a vibrant local culture, this island offers a magnificent location to dive deeper into travel photography and visual storytelling. Join Pulitzer Prize winner and Nikon Ambassador Deanne Fitzmaurice on a photographic journey to explore the history, landscape, and people of this Caribbean gem.
During the Summit Cuba Workshop we will begin our journey in Old Havana, a city renowned for its bright colors, narrow streets, and seaside promenades. We will rise early each morning and wander the streets as the city awakes and markets and cafes fill. Our afternoons will be spent exploring the culture of Havana with visits to the Ernest Hemmingway estate, nearby villages, and the oldest boxing school in the country. And of course, a trip to Cuba would not be complete without a night of mojitos and music.
After Havana, we will travel across the island and into the countryside to Trinidad, a colonial town known for its cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and tropical vibes. We will spend our time here learning about the history of Cuba by photographing at rural plantations, in Trinidad, and at Cienfuegos, a beautiful French colonial city on a turquoise Caribbean bay. Following the southern coast, our journey will lead to the rural region of Viñales, where vibrant green tobacco farms weave amongst towering limestone cliffs. In the countryside, we will experience a taste of old Cuba and traditional farming lifestyles. After returning to Havana, our trip will conclude with a day shooting at one of Cuba’s oldest salsa dancing schools. If you are interested in learning more about photojournalism in a spectacular tropical setting, this workshop is not to be missed! Summit Cuba will provide a once in a lifetime opportunity to explore the wonders of this island nation and learn storytelling and travel photography from one of the best in the business.
- Location: Cuba
- Dates: 2023 Itinerary Coming Soon!
- Deposit: $2,000 / Tuition: $6,895
What To Know
Traveling to Cuba from the United States is often, and incorrectly seen as a daunting effort. This is not always the case and if you go through the correct channels, it is very easy. Currently, US travelers to Cuba can visit at any time if their trip fits certain requirements. Fortunately for a workshop such as ours that works with a longstanding travel provider, we qualify under the category ‘In Support of the Cuban People’ which entails learning about and immersing yourself in the local culture. You will not need to do anything in advance and will receive a Cuban Visa upon purchasing airline tickets. We will walk you through this quick, and simple process.
- You will be responsible for booking your flight between Florida and Havana. We will provide flight numbers and itinerary information so we are all on the same connection.
- Expect warm temperatures and lots of walking.
- If you are a fan of good food, this is the trip for you! Cuba has an incredibly varied cuisine and we make a point to sample the very best of it.
- Bring extra batteries and memory cards, you will fill them every day!
- Spouse and companion discounts are available for this workshop! These discounts are for non-photographers who want to share in this amazing experience with you. Please contact us for more information.
Topics We Will Cover

Street Photography

Travel Photography

Storytelling

Environmental Portraiture
2023 WORKSHOP INSTRUCTORS

Deanne Fitzmaurice

Matt Stirn
Deanne Fitzmaurice
As a Pulitzer Prize-winning documentary photographer and filmmaker, Deanne is most known for her visual storytelling and unique ability to go behind the scenes to discover and convey personal, intimate and emotional stories through images. With a focus on contemporary culture, Fitzmaurice, a Nikon Ambassador, represents a wide variety of publications, including creating content for National Geographic, Sports Illustrated, ESPN, and many other respected outlets. Deanne has won awards from American Photography, Pictures of the Year, Communication Arts, PDN Photo Annual, NPPA Best of Photojournalism, UNICEF and the Casey Medal. After earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts, Deanne worked as a staff photographer at the San Francisco Chronicle for 18 years and is now represented by National Geographic Image Collection.
Matt Stirn
Matt is a photographer, writer, and archaeologist from Jackson, Wyoming. The majority of his work focuses on travel, nature, and cultural and environmental conservation. He is a National Fellow for the Explorer’s Club and has worked as a senior photographer and on assignment for archaeological and conservation projects on four continents. Matt’s work has been published with Smithsonian Magazine, The New York Times, National Geographic, GEO, BBC, Archaeology Magazine, Outdoor Photographer Magazine, and more. Matt’s work at Summit is diverse and ranges from assisting at our core workshops to planning and running many of our international and destination workshops.
Workshop Information & Itinerary
Trip Highlights
- Small Group Experience (7 Students, 2 Faculty)
- Stay in Historic Old Havana
- Visit the Ernest Hemingway Estate
- Photograph at Cuba’s Oldest Boxing School
- Explore Spectacular Colonial Towns Trinidad and Cienfuegos
- Photograph at a historic Salsa Dancing School
- Learn About Travel Photography Tactics and Storytelling
Costs Included In Tuition
- Hotels, Several Meals, Transfers, Entrance / Guide Fees, Local Guide Tips
Not Included
- Some Meals
- Restaurant Gratuities
- International Flights
- Hotel in Florida