The Cuba Project

Mike's fascination with Cuba began in 2001, when he visited to take part in a photography workshop. On that trip, he concentrated on photographing the people of Havana and made many friends in the process. Accompanying him on the initial trip was friend and photojournalist Eric Stocklin. The two agreed that it would not be their last time on the Communist island. Since then, they have returned numerous times to continue documenting Castro's Cuba in the twenty-first century.

"Cuba is by far my favorite country in which to photograph," says Mike. "The people are fantastic subjects. They allow me into their homes and into their lives, and they usually won't let me leave without first offering some coffee or beer.

"Typical Cubans don't have an abundance of food or material possessions, but what they have, they share with friends and neighbors, and even outsiders like myself. It is part of the mentality there.

"It is crucial to document life in Cuba right now because the island may be on the verge of massive change. This is a long-term project geared toward recording life in Cuba during the 21st century."

Mike and Eric have photographed all over Cuba. Their adventures have landed them not only in Havana, but also in Trinidad, Santa Clara, Bayamo, Holguin, Santiago de Cuba, and numerous small towns and villages.