Photo Mondays « Thoughts From an Island Photographer

July 7, 2010

Photo Monday 7/5/10

Happy Tuesday!

Having Photo Monday on Tuesday may seem weird to some , but hey – we’re on St. John and we celebrated the 4th on the 5th down here this year, so it seems quite normal to us. This week we’d like to share a few of the many photos we took yesterday in Cruz Bay. It was Parade Day, and the culmination of our annual St. John Festival (our island version of Carnival).

The delightful Gypsies are a perennial delight and always a colorful addition. They got everyone in the crowd on their feet and dancing alongside them as they passed.

Can rain stop a Carnival Parade….?

Not on St. John.

Off and on showers just made parade day cooler for everyone. So what if there was even a deluge at one point? Drink, dance, throw some beads at the crowd and be happy!

This marked the beginning of Caneel Resort’s floupe. (Parade troupes that have floats are called floupes – really.) Their theme was Guardian Of The Children and they led off with this dragon protecting the castle of St. John…or, is that the new entrance gate at Caneel? No matter.

The Westin Floupe theme was Birds of Paradise and they even had a caged beauty on their float! Of course there were lots of mocko jumbies too in the parade and one troupe even lined up to create a long tunnel through their legs which they invited carnival goers to walk through. You can see how doable that is by the size of the stilts on this lone jumbie.

The Shaka Zulus Troupe was on St. John in force - looking fierce and spectacular in their traditional garb. Others in the parade were not so fierce looking.

Can you say Princess? There were also queens and kings, majorettes and steel pans, reggae and salsa, and so much more. It was all very exciting.

It was a long day, so afterwards we retired to our little cottage above town, sat on our rocking chairs, set our cameras onto tripods and adjusted the automatic timer so it could take pictures for you while we took a rest and enjoyed fireworks like eveyrone else. Not bad for a mile away!

Until next week,

Bob and Karin Schlesinger
Your Island Photographers

p.s. – Look for many more photos of Festival to be posted on Flickr soon. Just look for “tropicalfocus” and be sure to share with your friends.

Filed under: General, Photo Mondays — Tags: Carnival, St John Festival — Karin @ 12:01 am

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June 28, 2010

Photo Monday 6/28/10 – On St. John

Happy Monday!

Where did the month fly? If you’ve ever wondered if it’s boring to live on a little island, we can tell you first hand- it’s not! (Sure we like to leave the Rock once in a while, but that’s a different story).

You know that myth about St. John having no natural water? Well, there are certainly waterfalls galore when it rains like it did last week!

Isn’t it amazing? This waterfall photo wast taken while standing on the North Shore Road just past the Cinnamon Bay Campground turnoff. The water was way too much for the roadway drains to handle. It was worth getting our sneakers in the water to take some rainy afternoon images. This next photo will give you some perspective on size.�

We weren’t the only ones out playing in the drizzle in between photos shoots. The waterfall was huge climing all the way up the mountain.

Island kids of all ages can find fun almost anywhere, yours truly included. There were plenty of snorkelers at the island beaches all week long – even in the rain. Why not? Since it only rained some of the time, there was plenty of time for other beach activities.

Everyone seemed to be making sandcastles last week. They were on every beach island-wide. We could use some of those busy hands in our garden right about now.

Our plants are loving the early summer weather and growing faster than we can keep them pruned. When rains and clouds pass through, picture postcard perfect days with crystal clear views often follow. We’ve had those too this past week with lots of puffy clouds and sunshine, and you know what that means.

Beautiful sunsets!

On this particular Saturday evening we were shooting the wedding of Thomas and Phoebe – two St. Johnians (congrats you two lovebirds!) at Gallows Point Resort. The sky colors changed from hushed muted pinks and mauves to blazing oranges and golds before nightfall was complete. A

Now that’s what we call a sunset! We feel blessed that we can regularly experience such beauty living here on St. John.

Yesterday we were at the new Seashore Allure property in Cruz Bay taking pool shots. Just as we were finishing up, we spied the beginnings of a singularly beautiful sunset from the rooftop spa deck with the promise of many pinks and reds.

We headed home, hoping to catch the last of the promised fantastic sunset from home, but as we drove ur our driveway looking west, we realized we were too late. For some reason, we both looked up to the night sky as we got out of our car and saw this.

It was the last cloud directly overhead - just waiting for us to say goodnight.

Next week we’ll do Photo Monday on Tuesday because St. John Festival’s Parade and Fireworks are on Monday and we plan to PARTY. We promise to take lots of photos on the 5th for you!

Goodnight for now,

Karin and Bob Schlesinger
Your Island Photographers

Filed under: General, Photo Mondays — Tags: Cinnamon Bay, Gallows Point Resort, St John Festival, St John sunset, Waterfall on St John — Karin @ 10:23 pm

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June 7, 2010

Photo Monday 6/7/10

Happy Monday!

This week’s photos are all photos our readers have requested. So, if you have a favorite slice of St. John life you’d like to see pictured here, just -e-mail us and we’ll include it in an upcoming Photo Monday.

First up this week is Caneel Bay. We were asked to capture the Ruins, the Equator Room, Turtle Point, and the boat dock all in one photo.

Yes – Caneel Bay Resort is a beautiful sight even on a hazy day. Notice how the island has gotten so green lately!

The flamboyant treese are coming into full bloom and we admit this photo is just a little teaser with more photos to come. But we didn’t want to disappoint those who’ve asked about them recently because Flamboyants are the harbinger of summer here in the islands.

Someone pointed out to us that no one ever takes a photo of Maho Bay showing the old building and picnic area. It is rumored that the VI Nationatl Park will be making improvements here in the future, so archive this photo for fond memories.

Yes, you can catch a photo of a mongoose standing still. They are cute little devils, aren’t they?

We admit, we almost didn’t include this last photo this week. But, who are we to ignore our fans?

Yes, this is the beautiful villa on St. John where the Housewifes of New York stayed during their recent vacation, taken from a relatively new well-marked overlook on the North Shore Road.

Hmm… what would you like to see photos of?

Until later,

Bob and karin Schlesinger
Your Island Photographers

Filed under: Photo Mondays — Tags: Caneel Bay, Equator Room, flamboyant trees, Housewives of New York, Maho Bay, mongoose, ruins, St. John, summer, Turtle Point, Vi National Park — Karin @ 9:39 pm

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May 31, 2010

Photo Monday 5/31/10

Happy Monday!

While the thought of another Trunk Bay photo may make you yawn, this one taken a couple of evenings ago makes us want to take a walk on the beach.

The air is still heavy with mist from the heavy downpour that just passed by at sunset.

All those showers have turned our island an emerald green. Jason and Amber got married two years ago at Hawksnest in the rain and wanted to come back for photos when it was not wet.

They certainly got vibrant color this week. After all, it doesn’t shower here in Paradise all the time. When showers come, they can be fierce this time of year, but rather refreshing too.

Visitors often comment that our raindrops are warm. But, don’t run for cover (unless it’s a thunderstorm). Go ahead and get wet – it’s great time for a sea bath or some snorkeling. … or to get married. Folklore has it that if it showers during your ceremony on St. John, you’ll be coming back to visit again.

It happened to Lisa and Reid, pictured here a year ago on their wedding day. They have just arrived back on St. John to celebrate their anniversary with a baby on the way. Congratulations! And congratulations to all the lovely couples who have braved a shower in the name of love. We look forward to visiting with all of you again!

Until later,

Bob and Karin Schlesinger
Your Island Photographers

Filed under: Photo Mondays — Tags: baby, folklore, Hawksnest, married, rain, showers, snorkeling, St. John, Trunk Bay — Karin @ 9:23 pm

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May 17, 2010

Photo Monday 5/17/10

Happy Monday!

This week’s inspiration came when I spied the antics of a very frisky seagull on the beach at Caneel Bay, while enjoying a little island time of my own. Was he trying to playfully catch a free ride or was he just being naughty?

If it weren’t for being on island time, I would have missed seeing the fun. These days, with sensory overload, it’s important to take time out once in a while. And when we do, it’s amazing the things we see right under our noses.

In a not so distant past, it was a bit different here on St. John.

This used to be the only sign to let you know you were in Fish Bay. I’ll bet most people don’t even know where this sign is, because to notice things like this, you need to slow down and get on island time.

Almost any little quiet corner of the island will do. Go ahead and try it, even if only in your imagination. Close your eyes and think warm Caribbean thoughts. That sudden clarity in your mind and slowing of your heart rate? That’s island time.

Now you’re in the right frame of mind to catch an inquisitive gecko peaking out at you, or a frolicking seagull on the wet sand. Wherever you live, you can still feel the magic.

Island time will bring you back to a very special time when life was simple and full of amazement. It’s not a bad place to be once in a while!

Until later,

Karin and Bob Schlesinger
Your Island Photographers

p.s. – a special thanks to young Carolyn and her family who let us use this photo of her this week to illustrate our point!

Filed under: General, Photo Mondays — Tags: Caneel Bay, Fish Bay, Island Time, St. John — Karin @ 11:20 pm

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May 10, 2010

Photo Monday 5/10/10

Happy Monday!

It’s good to be back home to St. John. Our past week in Kingston, Jamaica was packed so full with activities we had little time to get homesick or even enjoy a quiet sunset. So this Monday, we’re treating ourselves as much as we’re treating you!

We built our little house facing west so we could enjoy the sun setting over Pillsbury Sound and St. Thomas. Even during the day, St. Thomas is beautiful when seen from our island. This particular shot was taken on Gifft Hill. But our daily sunsets - those are always magical events.

This photo was taken at water’s edge. When the sun kisses the horizon of the open sea, there is a split second of golden reflection which makes all our daily stresses disappear.

As the sun dips below the horizon some days, the evening turns quietly into nighttime darkness. Sometimes there are clouds that completely mask the sunset itself and day moves colorlesly into evening. But at other times, the sunset itself was only the beginning of a spectacular evening show.

From behind the clouds come a glorious display in a rainbow of colors. The pinks and yellows soon give way to vivid reds and stop us in our tracks.

Our island home is always close to our hears. Is it any surprise that we’ve been looking forward to getting back here?

At least when we’re away for a weekend on Jost Van Dyke, we can see our island home and its surrounding cays all day and all night. Oh, yeah! Here’s an idea… take us with you on your next excursion there and we’ll take a photo of you with this view as your backdrop!

Until later,

Bob and Karin Schlesinger
Your Island Photographers

Filed under: General, Photo Mondays — Tags: Gift Hill, Jost Van Dyke, Pillsbury Sound, St, St. John, sunset, Thomas — Karin @ 11:02 pm

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May 3, 2010

Photo Monday 5/3/10

Happy Monday!

Cruz Bay is the big town on St John, so to speak. While it is often photographed, we feel it sometimes misses the respect it deserves.

While Sunday was overcast and drizzly, this perspective of our little town deserved a photo. Cruz Bay Park is such a green gem, just to the right of the ferry dock in this photo. We need to protect all our green spaces.

It doesn’t matter whether you arrive on the passenger ferry dock to the south of the Battery or via the Customs area to the North. This historic compound and its beautiful landscape is the first thing most people gaze at when arriving to St. John.

And, the VI National Park Visitors Center, just a short walk away along the area known as The Creek, is the first place they want to visit.

Unless you are a boater. Looking at town from Gallows Point at waters edge gives a completely different perspective of our little town that is all about the boats. Most of our Cruz Bay perspectives make us smile. But this one made us very sad.

The Cruz Bay dock at 6:00AM photographed from our departing ferry. We were headed off-island and that always puts a little weight upon our hearts. We’ll be home again soon, God willing. And we hope you’ll be there for at least a little visit too.

Until later,

Bob and Karin Schlesinger
Your Island Photographers

Filed under: General, Photo Mondays — Tags: Cruz Bay, St. John, Vi National Park — Karin @ 11:18 pm

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April 26, 2010

Photo Monday 4/26/10 –

Happy Monday!

This week, we’re paying homage to the little coves on St. John. Each one is a little gem, with no two alike. They are an important facet of our beautiful island and worth sharing.

We’re talking about beaches where a dozen people on a short stretch of sand would make them crowded places. But sand can sometimes be overrated.

This pebble beach near the end of the road on the East End may not have much sand, but the snorkeling is absolutely wonderful and the only neighbors you’ll ever see are pelicans and the occasional curious gecko.

Some sweet little coves are tricky to reach unless you have a kayak or like to swim because there is no path, or the cove is surrounded by private property. We’ve been known to put our lunch and towels on a float and use the float as a kickboard to reach a few that beckoned us on a sunny day. But, oh, it has always been worth the effort.

If that sounds like too much work, there are other options.

Take Miss Vie’s Beach and little cove in Hanson Bay. Sure, you pay an access fee to crosss her land, but you won’t risk wet towels on a pool float. Heck – skip that float all together. There are beach chairs here!

But for the easiest, sweetest little cove on St. John, just go to our favorite little north shore cove in the VI National Park. The parking lot across the street can only hold 5 or 6 vehicles at best and that says it all. You’ll have to walk a little.

But the stroll to the cove is an easy one and carefully groomed. It’s a gentle slope down from road and past a little bridge to this often passed over cove.

Awaiting at the end of the short trail, lays Jumbie Beach – an idyllic little cove. When a storm front comes through, it can be a bit rough. And if there are 5 carloads of people, the beach can be darned full. But it is a wonderfully romantic and tranquil spot if you catch it at the right time.

And despite the number of visitors this year, it’s surprisingly pristine. On Sunday members of the local Rotary Club of St John performed a beach clean-up here and even they were surprised by the lack of litter they were able to pick up.

Little Jumbie certainly is a beauty. Thanks to everyone whose been remembering to keep our beaches and little coves cleaner this year. Good Jumbies to you all.

Until next time,

Bob and Karin Schlesinger
Your Island Photographers

Filed under: General, Photo Mondays — Tags: East End, Hanson Bay, Jumbie Beach, Miss Vie's, Rotary club of St John, St John beach, St. John, Vi National Park — Karin @ 10:57 pm

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April 19, 2010

Photo Monday 4/19/10

Happy Monday!

It’s certainly been a busy week on-island, with many villa companies switching over to Off-Season rates and you know what that means….

Brides. Lots of brides.

It actually means lots of visitors of all kinds enjoying the first week of lower rental rates for the year. Budget minded brides know it is also a perfect time to get married on St. John, whether you are eloping, or bringing the entire family.

Admittedly Trunk Bay was crowded in the middle of the days this week. On Saturday, when we took this photo, it was also designated a Fee Free day by the VI National Park. With no fee charged to enter Trunk Bay, many sunbathers felt it was worth the extra company.

Excessive people on the beach can make photographing a wedding a bit tricky, but that’s why we recommend using a pro for your photos. Then too, most weddings are late in the day or early in the morning, which always means less people on the beach. On Saturday, there were three late afternoon weddings on the beach at popular Trunk Bay all happening concurrently.

But you’d never know it - even from our untouched images like the one above. And that’s a good thing, because every bride deserves their own intimate wedding moments filled with magic. And magical beach weddings are our specialty.

Don’t get us wrong. That tranquil, nature-loving St. John island you know and love is still here, hiding in full sight.

And bone-fishing is still a nice choice for whiling away an afternoon on the North Shore away from everyone and everything. But, we digress.

Wedding parties were easy to spot in Love City this week whether mingling with the locals at the Tap Room in the evening, or headed for a late morning brunch at Rhumb Lines before heading back to their cruise ship.

Every night this week there were celebrations all over the island. It was enough to make us both exhausted, but we loved it all.

Thank goodness we know those quiet places where one can sit back and appreciate the lively charm of it all before heading off to sleep. And that is something we need dearly, before our next week here in Love City.

Until later,

Bob and Karin Schlesinger
Your Island Photographers

Filed under: General, Photo Mondays, Weddings — Tags: island photographers, Love City, St. John, Trunk Bay, Vi National Park, Virgin Islands — Karin @ 11:20 pm

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April 12, 2010

Photo Monday 4/12/10

Happy Monday!

This week we’re back on St. John and celebrating the beginning of “Off-Season”, which is just as busy as “In-Season”, but that’s island life for you!

It's Off-Season and St. John's Welcome Mats Are Out!

The water is getting warmer and the white sandy beaches are a joy.

Annaberg Plantation on St. John's North Shore

It’s a great time to take a full or half-day snorkel excursion around our little island or to explore our Annaberg Plantation ruins.

Emancipation Statue in Cruz Bay/Yellow Cedar In Bloom

St. John has a rich history – but ask anyone about the Emancipation and you can expect an earful. It’s that important a part of our island history. There are spring flowering trees blooming around the island, as our recent drought is slowly giving way to occassional welcoming showers.

Toy Boat in Spectacular Caneel Bay

There is a special place to ‘float your boat’ on St. John, whether it’s your own 52-ft sloop, or an electronicly remote controlled sailboat like this one in sunny Caneel Bay.

Whatever your vision of paradise is, St. John has something for everyone provided you take the time to relax ands enjoy it.

The sun may set, but tomorrow is another beautiful day here on the island of St. John. We hope you can enjoy it with us, even if only with our photos.

Until later,

Karin and Bob Schlesinger
Your Island Photographers

Filed under: General, Photo Mondays — Tags: annaberg plantation, Caneel Bay, island photographers, photos, St. John — Karin @ 8:55 pm

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