About Adria

A Commitment to Cuba

I have committed to photographing Havana for ten years, and I’m half way there. What I thought I would be documenting has changed in some ways. I imagined Cuba becoming more modernized, I imagined seeing more of a Western presence, I assumed the architecture would continue to deteriorate and I hoped that life for Cubans would continue on the upswing that I had been witnessing since 2016.

I don’t even know where to start. Life is more difficult than it has been in over 50 years. Many of the things that could be counted on no longer can. I’ve heard it said more than once that, “Cuba succeeded with education and health care but failed miserably with breakfast lunch and dinner.” From what I have witnessed there is truth to this. And for now the health care is struggling as well.

A Bit About Cuba

Currently the food shortages resemble what was seen 50 years ago. Long lines and not very many choices. Eduardo hunts for flour and powdered milk and they can really only be found on the black market. He paid around $12 USD for a pound of flour. About 1/3 of the monthly salary for most Cubans

In the last year over 250,000 Cubans have left Havana. The largest and fastest exodus in Cuba’s history is happening right now. Most of this leaves me speachless and heart broken. But life in Cuba goes on, there are good things and bad things. There are so many things to be spoken of it’s hard to even know where to start. Many years ago, my friend Tony said, “trying to understand Cuba will make you crazy.”

For now, the best way I know to support the Cuban people is to continue telling their story. To share their beauty, and heartfelt warmth that I experience. To make sure the world knows they are there! They are struggling, and they are striving for change. I always feel honored to introduce people to Havana, and the Cuban people. Cuba has changed my life and I believe that it’s an experience of a life time.

EDUCATION

A little bit about me

In 1994 I attended Brooks Institute of Photography. Brooks was strictly a school of photography and science, the education I received was second to none. The down side of this education was that  if I didn’t have the biggest and the best, and wasn’t up the earliest I might as well not bother. The seriousness, and literally the weight of my approach resulted in me not shooting much for almost a decade.

Since 2011 I have been shooting exclusively with my iPhone. Once I let go of my larger cameras and excessive gear I remembered my love of photography.  My camera is almost always in my hand, I enjoy the instant gratification, and I appreciate the ability to quickly manipulate and edit my images. 

People are surprised that all of my work is shot on an iPhone. My formal education serves me well – understanding light, composition, and exposure is important.  My success is partially based on knowing and understanding exactly how to capture what I’m seeing, and using apps that allow more control and creativity. In 2013 I started traveling –  India, Thailand, Japan, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Canada, Iceland, and beyond. Well, i think you get the picture;-). My love of photography returned, and the iPhone fueled my creativity like nothing ever has.

Employment & Formal photographic education:

  • 2019 – Tourism Board of Ireland & Steller Stories: A Digital Day in the Life of Ireland.
  • 2017  Apple : Launch of Apple’s official Instagram feed.
  • 2016 Inspirato: Provide social content for blog and Instagram.
  • 2014-15  Wholefoods:  Brand Embassedor, provide social media content.
  • 2014 Cooking Light: Provide social media content.
  • 1997 Graduated from Brooks institute of photography with honors in commercial photography and illustration.
  • 1990 at Parsons School of Design in Paris.
  • 2019 Short list MIRA Mobile Prize
  • 2018 Exhibition Fabriqua Des Atre in Havana Cuba.
  • 2016 Mobile Photography Awards: Water & Photojournalism
  • 2015 Mobile Photography Awards: Travel & Transportation & Silhouettes & Landscapes & Architecture
  • 2015 Mobile Photo Now. Columbus Museum of Art
  • 2015 MPLS Juried Show: Still Lives.
  • 2014 MPA Pocket Vistas – Ontario Exhibit: Winter Landscape.
  • 2014 MPA Shadow Stories: Two portraits.
  • 2014 MPLS Juried Show. Two still lives.
  • 2013 Mobile Photography Awards. Food & Beverage
  • 2013 Mobile Photography Awards: Plants & Flowers
  • 2013 iPhone Photography Awards. Honorable Mention:  Flowers
  • 2013 iPhone Photography Awards. Honorable Mention:  Flowers
  • 2013 American Aperture Awards. Honorable Mentions: Fashion
  • 2013 American Aperture Awards. Honorable Mentions: Nudes
  • 2013 American Aperture Awards. Honorable Mentions: Street Life
  • 2013 Published  “The Art of iPhone photography.” A collaboration of the worlds 45 leading iPhone photographers.
  • 2012 La Mobile Arts Festival. Featured: Botanica Illuminati
  • 2012 La Mobile Arts Festival. Featured: Portrait Series
  • 2012 La Mobile Arts Festival. Featured: Winter Series
  • 2012 Mobile Photography awards. Flowers
  • 2012 Mobile Photography awards. Travel
  • 2012 iPhone Photography Awards.  First Place: Botanicals
  • 2012 iPhone Photography Awards.  First Place: Animals
  • 2012 iPhone Photography Awards.  First Place: Still Life
  • 2012 iPhone Photography Awards.  Honorable Mention: Life Style
  • 2012 iPhone Photography Awards.  Honorable Mention: Seasons
  • 2012 iPhone Photography Awards.  Honorable Mention: Still Life