elcineus' photostream  

I was born in 1969 in Havana, Cuba and began making photographs as a child. My father, a professional photographer, brought me to shoots and the darkroom, teaching me every aspect of the process of making a photograph.

During my teenager years, I worked as a photographer in several photo studios in Havana. I started as a photographer’s assistant and then worked as a professional photographer.

Immediately after high school I began working for the Cuban Navy as a photographer documenting military maneuvers across Cuba.

In 1989, I was admitted as a photography student to the highly competitive Instituto Superior de Arte, Cuba’s most prestigious art university. I started making short films and eventually switched my major to Motion Picture Directing. I graduated in 1994 with offers to direct some of the island’s top talent.

Although my work was recognized in my homeland, it was also censored by the totalitarian regime there. Under the guise of post-graduate work, I was allowed to travel to Moscow but I defected during a layover in Ireland.

I began working as a News Photographer for Telemundo Network in Chicago in 1995. After covering news stories for three years, I had the opportunity to manage various advertising agencies in Chicago. I cultivated relationships with clients for whom I continue to work as an independent photographer and videographer, as I simultaneously develop my artistic portfolio.

I continue to photograph everything around me hoping to communicate my vision to those who like my work.