I first met Diamela at the Casa minutes before heading to Fabrica de Arte Cuba. She was a guest and also a model who accompanied us through the club/art gallery for the first half of the night.

Upon arriving, we headed to the bar, and I attempted some candid portraits in a dark environment with available light. I had brought a 50mm f/1.4 to Cuba but decided not to bring it that night, opting for the 24-70 f2.8, which was more versatile. Ironically, this particular picture is a 51mm, so the framing would’ve been the same as the other lens. Though I could’ve benefitted from a shallower depth-of-field.

The 50mm allows for 2 stops more light gathering. Instead of ISO 5000, I could’ve used ISO 1250. I shot at a slow-ish 1/30 second and told Diamela to stay still. You’ll see more of Diamela in subsequent posts.

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