Adventures with Duncan
&
One Shot Studios
photos & videos by Duncan Seaman
I’ve always been an avid photographer, and have really enjoyed capturing the moment throughout my travels, and I have a lot of special memories of various places from the photographs that I’ve taken.
But transitioning from being a photographer to being a videographer creates many challenges. First is the gear and equipment for videography. Video is different, and learning the proper settings and lighting on audio are all completely different.
Also, with that first challenge also encompasses the video editing software. So that certainly has been one of the main challenges that time encountered the second challenge has to do with storytelling. Storytelling is truly an art. There’s some structure and some recipes that go behind it, but it is definitely at least for me an acquired skill that requires constant practice and reinforcement.
So I’ve really worked hard to try to improve my storytelling and try different styles of video composition to what I call a Vlogumentary, which would be a combination of a Vlog and a documentary. I love researching some of the topics to provide the viewer, with a deeper understanding of the history and culture of the places.
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Hemingway’s Havana
Portfolio 1
When describing what Cuba means to him, Hemingway said the following:
"I have found that the older I get, the more I appreciate the things that I have learned, the things I know to be true. And the only thing I know to be true is that Cuba is the most wonderful place in the world. I know that I will always love it. I have loved it as much as I have loved any person in my life, and it is where I feel most at home."
This quote captures Hemingway's profound connection to Cuba, reflecting both his admiration and deep personal attachment to the island, placing his love for Cuba above that for a person
Hi, I'm Duncan. A traveler and explorer who loves to tell the stories of my experiences.
Join me on a journey through Havana and beyond as we explore the life of Ernest Hemingway in Cuba. From his favorite haunts like the Ambos Mundos Hotel and La Floridita bar to his tranquil villa Finca Vigía, we dive into the places that inspired his legendary works.
Discover the vibrant culture and history of Cuba through Hemingway's eyes in this travel documentary. Whether you're a literature enthusiast or a travel aficionado, this is a glimpse into the secret world of one of the greatest writers of the 20th century.
In these places, several times I must say that felt the strong presence of Hemingway. Especially in his Villa, and the last place, the seaside town of Cojimar, I found his presence a fitting tribute to Hemingway and his novella, The Old Man and the Sea to let me know his spirit - in Cuba - is alive and well.
Valley of Tobacco
Portfolio 2
Nestled in the western part of Cuba, the Viñales Valley in Pinar del Río province is a region steeped in history and renowned for its tobacco production. This picturesque valley, surrounded by dramatic limestone hills known as mogotes, is a place where time seems to have paused, preserving the traditional ways of life that have defined its culture for centuries.
The history of tobacco cultivation in Viñales and Pinar del Río dates back to the early Spanish colonial period. When Spanish explorers arrived in Cuba in the 16th century, they found the indigenous Taíno people cultivating and using tobacco for religious and medicinal purposes.
The fertile red soil and favorable climate of the Viñales Valley proved ideal for growing high-quality tobacco. Over the centuries, the region developed a reputation for producing some of the finest tobacco leaves in the world, particularly the coveted wrapper leaves used in the production of premium cigars.
The traditional methods of tobacco farming in Viñales have been passed down through generations. Even today, much of the work is done by hand, from planting and cultivating the tobacco plants to harvesting and curing the leaves. The tobacco is often grown on small family-owned farms, known as "vegas," where techniques and knowledge are shared within families, maintaining the artisanal nature of the industry.
Alexi’s Secret Workshop
Portfolio 3
Some of life's best moments are unscripted! Welcome to Havana, Cuba—a city where the past and present blend seamlessly in a vibrant mosaic of history and culture. Today, we're about to discover on a journey into one of Havana’s best-kept secrets: the secret workshop of Alexi, a master craftsman whose artistry transcends mere craftsmanship.
During my visit to the Workshop and watching Alexi work, an idea was born: To create an iconic award for a group that I am a member of. We get together often for hunting, camaraderie, and just to have fun. These get together are celebrated with special awards. Thats when the idea was born for this Cuban master craftsman to create an iconic award that can be passed down year after year. The concept was born for what will be forever known as the Globe Trotter award
We’ll step inside this unique space, where time slows down. Join us as we explore Alexi’s world—a place where the soul of Cuba is captured in each piece of functional art, and where the essence of true craftsmanship is alive and thriving. Welcome to a special journey into the heart of Havana’s artisanal legacy.
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