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CAPTURING THE WONDERS OF TOPES DE COLLANTES IS A CHALLENGE FACED EVERY YEAR BY PHOTOGRAPHERS IN NATURALEZA DIGITAL

Known as the eighth art, photography reveals before the human eyes many details they can’t see on their own. So, we’d say that pictures are the work of an experienced eye: the eye-lens that highlights visible wonders and discovers them where they are believed to be extinct.
Having a camera years ago was a privilege just only a few could afford. Nowadays, digital technology has democratized its use. However, carrying one of them does not turn us into experts. Other “gifts” are required. That was proven by the participants of Naturaleza Digital, the photography meeting that every year takes place at the natural paradise of Topes de Collantes, in Cuban Sancti Spiritus province. Organized by Grupo de Turismo Gaviota S.A., the event, held on September 12-17, was attended by 65 guests, and the U.S. turnout was higher if compared to the event’s previous editions.
Capturing the whole shades of greens in Topes de Collantes, each of the areas’ endemic birds, insects, amphibious, reptiles; or countless butterflies and orchids, is wishful thinking for any image artist. Nevertheless, during the days of Naturaleza Digital, the photographers did their best to “catch” the finest photos. The traditional hikes across coffee plantations were a good start. The truth is that the walk is a great opportunity to watch and, of course, take pictures of authentic landscapes where wildlife quietly interacts with men and women that have called the region their home.
La Batata caves, with their natural pools of healing waters, were photographic “sets”. Water plays the leading role in Topes de Collantes’ show. The famous 62-meter Caburni Fall is always a target for cameras. 
Having such spectacular scenery, like this Escambray region, facilitates the photographic work; nonetheless, reality is different. It’s not all about arriving in, positioning the camera, pressing the shutter and get the job done. In an effort to capture the perfect image, photographers wait or look for the perfect moments. Sometimes, light is not in the position they want, therefore, they have to wait for sunlight to fall and shed a different angle. There are other moments when a woodpecker is perched on a very high branch, so they have to carefully climb the trees to avoid chasing the bird away or losing balance. They also have to remain still until the butterfly finally sits on the flower she’s been fluttering around. Who said it was easy?
Likewise, standing in front of such visually rich scenery represents a sort of “trap”: there is so much to photograph that sometimes you don’t know where to begin. So, the decisions are to be taken quickly. These are just a few days in this piece of heaven on earth and you have to make the most of them.
Neither Niépce nor Daguerre probably thought, while running their experiments back in the 19th century, that photography would reach such a pinnacle. Art and technique have combined to create amazing works. Photography captures spaces, moments, gestures, colors, situations, images that won’t be repeated in a lifetime. That’s its greatest virtue. Topes de Collantes will stay there, nestled in the central region of the island and giving visitors its exotic, overwhelming, addictive beauty... However, the pictures shot by Cuban and foreign photographers every year in Naturaleza Digital are unrepeatable. They are the visual memory of a nation.