OMAR HAVANA

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ABOUT ME

My name is Omar Havana,
I’m a photographer.

Freelance photographer based in Brussels, Belgium.

I have been working as a professional photographer since 2005, and since 2009, photography has been my full-time career. Over the years, my assignments have taken me around the world—to Spain, Thailand, Taiwan, Japan, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Belgium, Sri Lanka, Tunisia, Egypt, the Netherlands, Nepal, Greece, France, Romania, and Cambodia—each place shaping the way I see the world and the stories I choose to tell.

Since returning to Europe and settling in Brussels, I have focused mainly on covering political events and collaborating with companies based in the European capital. This work allows me to combine my professional passion for photography with my greatest personal joy: spending time with my two children.

I am always open to new projects and opportunities, and I continue to pursue personal photography endeavours wherever they may take me. I speak English, Spanish, French, and Italian, with a basic knowledge of Portuguese and Khmer.

Some Facts about my work

62
COUNTRIES
I'VE WORKED
426504
PHOTOS
TAKEN
16
YEARS IN
BUSINESS
1363
DAYS ON
ASSIGNMENT
18
AWARDS
WON
31
CAMERAS
OWNED

Photo courtesy of Navesh Chitrakar.

Why Choose Me?

Professional skills

Photography is an art, but you don’t necessarily have to be an artist to excel as a photographer. Having an eye for images and the ability to create dynamic stills of special moments is only part of the skills needed as a photographer.

Artistic skills, technical skills, good communication skills, ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines, patience, dedication and attention to detail, and ability to work independently and in a team are some of the strengths I have acquired in my more than 15 years as a professional photographer.

uniQUE vision

The creative use of one’s eye and thinking is a crucial skill for a photographer. As a photographer, your artistic genius is housed in these two areas of your body.

But, why do I put so much emphasis on vision in my photography? Because I feel that vision is what differentiates an outstanding image. It’s what distinguishes a technically perfect image from one with emotion. 

Of course, the first step is usually to provide the client with the photographs they require, but something special is to go beyond what is expected and offer something unusual, surprising, and one-of-a-kind, which is why they choose me for the work at the end. 

In the end, this vision is just the sum of my life experiences that cause me to see the world with a different light.

EXPERIENCE

The only way to becoming very good at something, like anything else in life, is to PRACTICE. I’ve taken over two million images throughout my career, and the number is growing.

Every photo I’ve taken has taught me something, and I’m constantly learning from them. I’ve worked in a variety of photographic sectors, and each has taught me skills that I can apply to others. All of this, and many other factors, contribute to my ability to adapt to each session in a unique and diverse way.

PROFESSIONALISM

A signed contract is required for each job. For me, it is vital that everything is clear before starting an assignment with a client, and that the client understands what is included and what is not, while also feeling protected by the terms and conditions agreed upon beforehand. That builds trust and distinguishes me from other photographers who merely use words with clients.

I always deliver on time and to specification as promised and respect our agreements; if I can’t, I let you know ahead of time and try to work together to find a solution.

I always maintain honesty and transparency in my pricing and respect quotes, even if I make mistakes; if there are significant deviations or changes in scope, I communicate this and reason with the client.

PASSION FOR PHOTOGRAPHY

Photography is more than simply a career for me. I became a photographer because I enjoy the art and the challenge of composing and producing stunning images. For my clients, I have the honour of producing enduring photos that they will cherish for years.

Equipment

I photograph with state-of-the-art equipment, including lenses and lighting equipment to adapt to any situation. Whenever I cover an event, I always move with loads of equipment to make sure that nothing escapes the camera. And it doesn’t stop with the cameras, post-production is done on some of the best graphics equipment on the market, including calibrated monitors specifically for photography.

Every year I invest more and more in new equipment. Equipment alone does not make you better. First of all, you have to know the equipment you are using and, secondly, you have to know which equipment to use for which moment. 

Fun Facts

Friends often joke that I pronounce ‘TH’ like a Spanish ‘Z,’ and one of my all-time favourite songs is ‘Zunder’ by AC/DC.

The last song I played on Spotify was ‘Baby Shark.’ Having two kids has shifted my playlist from Pink Floyd to PinkFong—but thankfully, only for the next ten years!.

I’m still waiting for the hair-growth pill to be invented—headbanging at a rock concert isn’t quite the same with a clean-shaven head!.

The place I’ve lived the longest as an adult is Siem Reap in Cambodia, followed by Bishops Stortford in the UK and Paris in France. Altogether, I’ve lived in 11 countries and more than 20 cities.

Someone in my family wanted to name me Bienvenido (Welcome) when I was born; needless to say, that person is no longer welcome in the family.

Photography wasn’t always my greatest passion—Formula 1 and the sound of an electric guitar were. Unfortunately, my hands can’t quite handle the strings, and I’m probably a bit too old to follow in Fernando Alonso’s footsteps at Ferrari. So here I am with photography—my great passion… or maybe not. Honestly, I’m still figuring that out.

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