Contrasting yesterday’s swanky hotel picture with a regular neighborhood, we have this scene. The place is not very far from the 5-star hotel. You can see that it’s considerably more worn. However, photographically, it has more character and makes for a more compelling photograph. The Gran Hotel Manzana looks a bit too perfect, too white.

I also have a soft spot for this location because I shot one my favorite Cuba pictures here. The other picture has better lighting and atmospheric haze courtesy of the street churros. Still, his picture also has its simple charm.

There are enough differences between the two photos that most might recognize it’s the same place. Light, camera orientation, and even focal length make a big difference, not to mention the changes in subject.

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