About Us
Who We Are
OneWorldSeen began as a publishing project in 2020 when co-publishers Jennifer Spelman and Andrew Child pooled their talents to create CubaSeen — a bilingual photo zine about Cuba by Cuban and American photographers and writers. After publishing their first eight issues, they expanded to include travel workshops and educational programs. Andrew departed the company in 2025.
A Passion for Cuba (and Great Photography)
Like many visual artists, we first came to Cuba with a mixture of curiosity and desire to document what seemed to be an exotic location. What we found – beyond the touristic veneer of classic cars, rum, and cigars – was a complex, resilient, and welcoming culture.
From strangers inviting us into their home to share coffee to fellow photographers sharing their favorite locations, we continue to be humbled by the warmth of the Cuban people.
Our mission is a direct response to these experiences. It is to share positive messages about Cuban/U.S. relations during this challenging time:
- The friendships that come from meeting artists and fellow photographers.
- The cross-pollination of creative ideas.
- The debunking of myths that citizens of our countries hold about each other.
Our Cuba Travel Program
The core of our travel workshops is the Cuba program, which was started by Santa Fe Workshops in 2010 and where Jennifer served as a key staff member from 2011 onward. The original intent of the program was to build relationships between photographers from the US and Cuba. We are excited to continue this mission and launch some of our own new initiatives:
- Offering small-group workshops and tours with access to unique locations and people in Cuba.
- Bringing well known and dynamic instructors back to Cuba.
- Adding new workshops to the mix, such as the CubaSeen Creative Retreat.
- Publishing an annual arts zine sharing curated work from both countries.
- Creating shared exhibition opportunities within the US and Cuba.
These workshops continue to offer US residents a legal way to travel to Cuba and engage with fellow photographers and artists under the people-to-people educational exchange general license.
How We Travel
It has been said that habaneros know how to hurry slowly. It’s a lesson we take to heart every time we’re in Cuba.
Rather than rushing to each destination, we linger, watch, and wander. Sometimes it’s for the right light, at others it’s the perfect gesture, frequently it’s a cafecito or heartwarming moment shared with locals we meet.
We set aside traditional notions of travel photography to focus both literally and inwardly on creating mindful imagery that respects the culture we are visiting and – not coincidentally – reflects the beauty of the people and spaces we are fortunate to photograph.
Travel to Cuba Legally
This trip allows US citizens to travel legally to Cuba under the People-to-People General License for educational exchanges (Title 31 CFR § 515.560). We focus on authentic connections and meaningful interactions, capturing the spirit of the Cuban people through our lenses.
