“La libreta” A boy takes his ration of milk back home while a young adult goes to get his daily supply, Trinidad, Cuba © Andrea Torrei — *“La libreta”* A boy takes his ration of milk back home while a young adult goes to get his daily supply, Trinidad, Cuba © Andrea Torrei

I read that you graduated with a degree in political science. What made you decide to get behind the camera? Did your studies influence your pursuit of street and documentary photography, as opposed to other types of photography?

Politics and social issues were and still are my main interests, together with movies. Both have been part of my education since childhood. I started photography when I quit working during a hard economic crisis here in Italy. “Now or never,” I thought. To get behind the camera, in a way, was a natural conclusion and, of course, the beginning of a new chapter in my life. Portraiture was the first genre that I approached and enjoyed very much. It was so challenging, as it is not that easy to convey the personality of the subject. I explored different genres before I started to delve into street and documentary photography, where I felt more involved because it was so close to my background. I think nothing is more interesting than photographing people in their daily lives. People are always the main focus of my work. My studies, my travels and my personal experiences all shaped the person I am, and I imagine my work reflects who I am and my personal story.

Under the rainbow, young girls in their uniform at early morning, Viñales, Cuba © Andrea Torrei

Can you tell us about this series, El Alma de Cuba? How did you decide to photograph this community, and what impact did it have on you?

This series came from my second trip to Cuba, where I visited the same places but with a different eye, trying to go beyond the obvious beauty of vibrant colors and deep shadows. Life is very hard on the island — people have been dealing with scarcity of goods for decades. When it comes to resilience, people here can school anyone on the planet.

You managed to capture such unique and intimate moments in this series. Are there any anecdotes about the people in these photographs you can tell us about?

I can say I discovered myself to be very patient during my shooting in Cuba. I was attracted by the light of the green wall when a little boy walked out of the shop with his liter of milk. While I was thinking of this system of food rationing on the island that allows only some food to each family per day, another subject appeared on the stairs with the rations booklet in his hand, and I thought I was going to capture the essence of this system, its hardship, and also the strength of its people.

Old cars and crumbling building and the incredible resilience that it takes to live in this environment every day, Havana, Cuba © Andrea Torrei

What is the main goal you are trying to achieve through your street and documentary photography?

I like to tell stories, and photography is a powerful tool: the one I chose. It is a long way to go, and I am enjoying the process.

Describe your creative process in one word.

Patience.

Viva la Revolución, Viñales, Cuba © Andrea Torrei — *Viva la Revolución*, Viñales, Cuba © Andrea Torrei

If you could teach a one-hour class on anything, what would it be?

I do not think I can teach it, but I would choose storytelling. Editing (the choice of the photos) and sequencing is such difficult work. It is amazing how many stories we can tell by photography.

What was the last book you read or film you saw that inspired you?

Before Night Falls by Reinaldo Arenas inspired my series for Cuba. The book is about the true story of the author and his struggle for freedom. Very touching, so moving.