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project003: cuba

 

 

The 1959 Revolution replaced a dictatorship with a one-party system exercising control over every aspect of life in the country. In 2011, 100cameras launched the project in Havana at a pivotal point in the country’s post-revolution era. In a country where freedom of speech and artistic creativity are still limited, our goal was to give the current generation a forum to share their stories with the world and an opportunity to express themselves through photography.

This was quite possibly the first time in the history of the nation where children were given cameras to document their lives and then shared with the world. 100cameras partnered with the independent, non-partisan, Spain based organization, Campo Amor, an organization that provides intermediary services to encourage community development, benefiting those who have been financially, socially and culturally excluded from society.

Purchase a kid's photograph, and 100% of your purchase will directly serve them and their community. Half supports ongoing project implementation, and half funds education and workforce preparation as well as provides for basic humanitarian needs for 400+ neighborhood children and 2,000+ community members. Or you can simply make a donation to Project003 by clicking on the Paypal button below.

Since 2011, the photos taken by our ten student photographers have raised $12,000 in sales through the 100cameras platform. That's over $1,200 per student. These funds purchased 1,000 pairs of eyeglasses, 20 cameras, and 3 sewing machines for members of the community center led by our partner organization, Campo Amor. The remaining $3,809 will go to our partner to meet educational and medical needs in the community.

Furthermore, the students of Project003:Cuba have also witnessed the power of sharing their perspectives with the world. They have a new found sense of pride and hope in their ability to create positive change within their community.

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100cameras is a non-political organization that promotes connectivity and encourages expression among children in developing communities. Activities conducted in Cuba and remittances to Campo Amor are compliant with US law, including Office of Foreign Assets Control regulations.

  • VSCO Curated Gallery

    VSCO Curated Gallery (26)

    We are excited to release a new gallery curated by the team at Visual Supply Co (VSCO). In support of the 100cameras mission, VSCO reviewed the complete portfolios for each child from Project003 and selected a cohesive collection of images to feature for purchase on the 100cameras website. Applying classic VSCO film to these images, the final images are visually striking. VSCO's unique perspective connects the viewer with previous 100cameras projects in a new and exciting way.
     
  • purchase manuel's prints.

    purchase manuel's prints. (46)

    Manuel, 10 years old.

    During the 100cameras photography course, Manuel focused on the details of doors, architectural tiles, various modes of transportation, and the beautiful flamboyant trees that line his neighborhood. Manuel said that his favorite thing to photograph was open fields. Because he thinks that they are very beautiful.

     
  • Purchase Jose's Photos.

    Purchase Jose's Photos. (28)

    Jose, 13 years old.

    Jose’s photographic perspective was mostly angled towards the sky. He specifically liked to take photos of tree branches from below in the shade and the historical light fixtures that lined the streets. As you will see, his photography resembles life from the perspective of an insect.

     
  • purchase alexander's photos.

    purchase alexander's photos. (44)

    Alexander, 13 years old.

    Alexander was very studious. His photography reflects his careful attention to detail, reflected in his photos of architecture from old Havana. He explored the double meanings and paradoxes of both beauty and destruction found within the city. His photos, especially of windows and doors, were carefully thought out and are both descriptive and telling of his personality. His favorite thing to photograph was the fields of the countryside.
     
  • purchase amiris's photos.

    purchase amiris's photos. (26)

    Amiris, 14 years old.

    Among a team of baseball players, Amiris was one of the few girls that participated in the photography class. This was the first time she had ever used a camera, and she truly excelled as a photographer. Her photography focused on everyday sights, such as caged birds and the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Her documentary style emphasized the reality and feel of the world around her. She captured the concept of photojournalism and successfully shares the story of herself and her city.
     
  • purchase eduardo's photos.

    purchase eduardo's photos. (34)

    Eduardo, 11 years old.

    Eduardo focused on the details of shadows and texture as he documented his world. Once he knew that his photos were going to be seen on the world wide web, he was extra attentive during the lessons in camera class. Eduardo was determined to capture all aspects of the everyday life of a Cuban teen. His photographs depict a life that is filled with much color, laughter, and uncertainty as he focused on the scenery, people, transportation, and all the colors of Cuban architecture. And of course, baseball.
     
  • purchase miriam's photos.

    purchase miriam's photos. (20)

    Miriam, 15 years old.

    Miriam’s photography highlighted the landscape and city scenes around Havana. Since she grew up in Alamar, a suburb of Havana, Miriam was very attentive to the big picture skylines from the viewpoint of her backyard, as well as the details of shapes and colors that appealed to her style in downtown Havana. Miriam showcased her creativity through her unique angles and lighting techniques that are portrayed in her portfolio. Her photos reflect the layers of significance in the life of a Cuban girl today.
     
  • purchase anthony's photos.

    purchase anthony's photos. (14)

    Anthony, 11 years old.

    Anthony's portfolio content differed form the rest of our photographers. Although his subject matter was similar to his peers, his photos reflected new angles, depths of field, and lighting schemes. This is specifically highlighted in the way that he captured the vintage doors and buildings with varying perspectives. Anthony’s work truly showcases his ability to capture the unique twist on everyday objects.
     
  • purchase dariel's photos.

    purchase dariel's photos. (13)

    meet dariel, 15 years old.

    During the field trip to Havana, Dariel was especially excited to visit the capital city. His photo assignment was to document the details of architecture, and he worked very hard to apply what he had learned through his photography. He was specifically drawn to photographing the details of the doors and windows he saw throughout the city.
     
  • purchase germay's photos.

    purchase germay's photos. (16)

    meet germay, 14 years old.

    Germay had a natural knack for telling stories through his photography with both composition and expression. On the first day of camera class, it became obvious that Germay was a leader. He was always sharing his ideas with the class, and his confidence and charisma shines throughout his portfolio.
     
  • purchase gustavo's photos.

    purchase gustavo's photos. (17)

    meet gustavo, 15 years old.

    Gustavo found a unique niche with his photography. Unlike many of the other children's portfolios, he didn't focus on Cuba's many vibrant colors that highlight the city's architecture. Instead, he chose to focus on textures found in sand and stone that show the history and age of his home. Thus giving us a deeper glimpse into the distinctive way that he relates to the world.
     
  • Purchase the 100cameras Staff Prints

    Purchase the 100cameras Staff Prints (61)

    The 100cameras staff photographed the details of Cuba. All money from the sale of staff photos will serve to support the projects and operations of 100cameras, Inc.