By Circles Robinson
HAVANA TIMES – Today we are happy to announce the winners and special mentions of our 13th HT Photo Contest. The ten judges from five countries made their choices in three rounds of selection. We started out with 159 photographs from 18 photographers.
Much thanks to all the participants who shared their work with our readers.
Gardens
Winner: Melvin James Bowie (Mel Bowie)
The photograph is of the Oystera (Oyster Bar) garden. This historic location in the town of Todos Santos, Baja California Sur, Mexico, is an old sugar mill known as a gathering spot for local artists, close to the Hotel California. I have been involved in photography for many years off and on, and over the last few years I have been concentrating on Street Photography. I have travelled extensively and most recently to Cuba.
I have created three photo books entitled “FOR THE LOVE OF CUBA” and working with a Director of Cuban Tourism Board to market and sell with the intention of raising much needed funds for the Abraham Lincoln Language School in Havana.
Special Mention: Alejandro Arce
It was taken in Havana at my grandparents’ house and the house where I was born. It no longer belongs to us. This is a neighbor’s cat that roamed around our backyard and terrace every day.
Lines and Curves
Winner: Antonio Vargas
This photograph was taken in old Bogota, Colombia where the Gabriel Garcia Marquez Cultural Center is located. I am a photographer and videographer trained in France with more than 40 years of experience where I have practically dedicated myself to the defense of Human Rights in the world through photography and video.
Special Mention: Alejandro Arce
This is the Riviera Hotel now under reconstruction, located on the Havana Malecon Avenue.
Innovations
Winner: Micheal Melaugh
Finding the fastest way home is something we all look for. Taken above the Yayabo River, Sancti Spiritus, Cuba.
Being selected came as a nice surprise for a photographer from Bradford, England. I spent 3 months travelling solo around Cuba 2023/24 staying with Cuban families and loved each day.
Special Mention: Gabriel García
“Bici-sky” was taken on the Malecon in Havana a couple of years ago at dusk.
When I pressed the shutter, he was already in front of me on his Bici-sky. Ingenuity and bravery combine in this intrepid cyclist from the heights. I always wondered: How the hell does he get down from there?
Disguises
Winner: Gabriel Garcia
“Gabala” is a photo taken in a session for Halloween 2023 at my house. Gabala gives me a look from the mirror a little indecisive with the makeup done. The light and her pose seemed ideal to me. Minutes later she changed her makeup.
Special Mention: Alejandro Arce
A child dresses up to celebrate the Day of the Dead. Photo taken in a Havana neighborhood.
Fences and Doors
Winner: Nicolaas Kuiper
This photo was taken in October 2019, in Potosi (4.090m above sea level) Bolivia. From a tour where we first followed Che Guevara’s last movements, and then went through the salt desert and ended in Potosi. It is an old mining town built around the Cerro de Potosi mountain. It is one of the colonial towns with a horrible history in South America that has preserved most of its original. I am an enthusiast photographer living in Oslo Norway. I enjoy the South American way of life and music.
Special Mention: Gabriel Garcia
The photo was taken on September 8, 2022, the day of the patron saint of Cuba: La Virgen de la Caridad. On this day, a procession takes place that covers several blocks around the Church. The local residents come out to participate in the event. One of the residents is this man and his dog leaning out the door.
Sign of the Times
Winner: Gabriel Garcia
“The Struggle” was taken in Havana. This Cuban stands in his eternal struggle to not perish in this suffocating reality. For thousands of Cubans, everyday life becomes an act of survival that finds no limits in the absurd. Here everything can be possible. While the few have everything and much more, the majority have nothing and every day much less.
Special Mention: Micheal Melaugh
Walk a few minutes in any direction from the Capitolio and the reality of life is heartbreaking in Havana.
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While this year the winners and special mentions will receive certificates, we have received an offer to finance prizes for next year’s 14th contest which we will be announcing in February. We look forward to your participation.
2024 First Cut survivors
2024 Second Cut survivors
For those of you that would like to see the winners from previous years:
2023 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009
