February « 2010 « Thoughts From an Island Photographer

February 26, 2010

We Got So Mad We Turned Green

On our little island these days, we are very conscious of wasteful product packaging and its impact on our environment. All of our waste must be transferred off-island. Sadly, it took a fire in the landfill on St. Thomas on a picture-perfect day to motivate us to stop being a part of the problem ourselves.

Bovoni Landfill Fire

We got so mad, we posted this time-lapsed photo clip: Bovoni Landfill Fire on You Tube and committed ourselves to conscious consumption. Since then, small changes in our household habits have added up and our “dumpster drops” are now less than ¼ the size they were two years ago.

Our company, Tropical Focus is now doing its part too. The most basic products we produce and distribute to clients are the images we take, so that’s an important focus of our environmental efforts.

For Necessary Client Mailings:

We buy our discs, jewel cases and other materials in bulk. This eliminates excessive packaging that would be otherwise wasted and thrown out.
Our own packaging process attempts to be eco-sensitive. We reuse jewel cases and other materials provided they are in excellent condition. Recycled cardboard and bubble-wrap is used instead of new during the packaging process. The tissue paper we use is bio-degradable.
The pretty decorative cloth envelopes we send CD’s in for Family Portraits, Weddings, and Vow Rentals were chosen for their clean but simple design. They can be reused and repurposed by the client over and over again.
We only ship via the US Post Office because they are cradle to cradle certified:
- The US Post Office has the largest fleet of alternative fuel vehicles and we like that too.
- We also use their packaging when possible because they use a manufacturing process that results in no waste. When we must use alternative packaging, we use envelopes made of recycled materials.
- We limit shipments to twice per week, to minimize trips to the Post Office and all the ecological waste associated with travel.

Hand-Delivery Can Be A Viable Alternative:

When a client is on-island for a while and workflows permit, we hand-deliver their finished images or coordinate drop-off/pick-up of images before they leave island.
We do drop-offs in a way to coincide with other travel and on a 5×8 mile island that is a synch.

Our Newest Electronic Delivery:

We use a DSL link with the highest speed available to residents here on-island to upload photos to a place where clients can then download directly to their own PC’s or MAC’s.
This option eliminates the need for any physical packaging at all, which is a wonderful thing.
As a bonus to clients, it is often the fastest method possible to deliver their product. More often than not, our clients are requesting this newest option.

Nothing is perfect, but at Tropical Focus every little bit we do to keep our environment healthy is a sound business practice. Our islands are our studio and we want them to be pristine for generations of visitors to come. Thanks for doing your part too every day.

- Bob and Karin Schlesinger
Your Island Photographers

Filed under: General — Tags: environment, island photographers, packaging, photo, St. John — Karin @ 6:48 am

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February 22, 2010

Photo Monday – 2//22/10

Happy Monday!

This week started out with a late afternoon walk to the top of Windy Hill overlooking Annaberg Plantation, Leinster Bay and the BVI’s. While the ruins area was heavily overgrown, we agreed this must still be the most picturesque picnic area on all of St. John.

Windy Hill At Sunset Ovelooking Leinster Bay

Inspired, we decided to walk back to the same location the very next day to show you what the view is like in mid-morning. We love this place, overgrown or not. The morning walk was worth every step.

Windy Hill Picnic Area Overgrown, But Beautiful

We were about to pick out way through the vegatation to the picnic table for a closer look, when St. John’s version of the calvary arrived.

The Calvery - VI National Park Volunteers

VI National Park Volunteers Mora Watson and Ron Ledoux, led by Volunteer Leader Jeff Chabot, had arrived to clear undergrowth at Windy Hill this very day. It was like a miracle. The crew was small – park volunteers are down over 50% percent this year – but they quckly moved into action.

VI National Park Volunteers In Action

Watching them work, we decided to make this Photo Monday about volunteering.

It’s easy to do and the commitment is small. Sign up at the National Park Visitors Center, or just show up every Tuesday and/or Thursday morning. The van meets and picks up volunteers at the Maintenance Shed next To Mongoose Junction at 8AM, at Cinnamon Bay Campground at 8:15AM, and at Big Maho Bay near the trailhead to the campground at 8:30AM. Bring water, sunscreen and a snack. You’ll learn a lot and help make a difference in a very short amount of time.

In less than an hour, our new best friends had cleared out the picnic area, making it ready for visitors to enjoy in all its glory.

Windy Hill, St. John Picnic Area Overlooking Leinster Bay

Free T-Shirt For Park Volunteers!

What a fantastic job! The next time you are in the Leinster Bay area, take a detour up the Johny Horn trail a short way to the top of the hill and have a picnic. Think of us while you’re there. Better yet, consider volunteering for a few hours.

As a little added incentive, the VI National Park gives you your own volunteer T-Shirt once you volunteer just twice.

VI Park Volunteers Ron Ledoux & Mora Watson with Ranger Jeff Chabot

A special thanks this week to Ron Ledoux and Mora Watson for taking time out of your vacation to making everyone else’s a little better. You’re the best! And, to Jeff Chabot for recognizing Windy Hill as a special place for all of us.

Until Next week,

Karin and Bob Schlesinger
Your Island Photographers

Filed under: General, Photo Mondays — Tags: annaberg plantation, island photographer, leinster bay, St. John, Vi National Park, windy hill — Karin @ 12:55 pm

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February 19, 2010

Which Is Better – Morning or Afternoon Light?

We are often asked which is the best time for a photo shoot here in the Caribbean – in the morning or late afternoon. The answer depends on the makeup of your party and what you want your photos to look like in the natural tropical light.

In early morning, the light starts out cool and the contrast is low. Distant objects can appear hazy and soft or distant but crisp. Images of calm, contemplation, grace, and renewal are perfect for capturing during these moments. It is a serious time of day, but also a joyous one. As the sun rises above the horizon the light begins rapidly changing and warming. Think awakening, birth, new beginnings, and growth as concepts to capture.

Mid-Morning Sunbathing Light

Morning is a popular time for young couples having beach weddings. It is also a perfect time for families who want both formal portraits and picture-postcard fun-in-the-sun type photos. Sunbathers always look cooler in the morning sun. Just keep in mind the moods created by the fast-changing lighting, as the light moves from a calm peaceful glow to warm vibrant sunshine, plan your shots accordingly.

By mid-morning, the island’s blues and greens are becoming their most vibrant. As the bright Caribbean sun becomes sharp overhead, the light becomes hard. There are tricks to taking great photos mid-day – think diffusing the light and creative perspectives. Those photos can be difficult to capture, but spectacular when done well. (Hopefully we’ll cover this in another blog soon).

Mid-Afternoon Fun In The Sun

By mid-afternoon, the sunlight is very warm but lower in the sky, with the blues and greens more muted than the morning hours. The warm colors of the color spectrum have taken over. It is a perfect time for images of fun, family, friends, and high energy vacation portraits. With the sun moving closer to the horizon, the yellows, oranges, and reds of the light spectrum dominate. The mood changes as the day ends and the light softens even as the shadows grow. It is a time of gatherings, of happily ever after, of romance, and family bonding. Late afternoon is a time well suited for hiding fine wrinkles and age spots.

As the sun begins to set, the lighting changes quickly as reds give way to purples in preparation for nightfall. Tranquil reflections, intimate love, and timelessness are all easily captured in the waning light.

Here on St. John, every day is different. On one day a sunset might bring a fiery red sky, and the next evening might bring a pastel palette of tranquility. A crisp early morning with 50 mile view can be followed by one with a hazy start and distant islands gently receding out of vision.

Whatever your personal goals are in taking photos here in the Virgin Islands, there is always a perfect time to take them, or have them taken for you. At Tropical Focus, we love shooting photos every moment of every day.

Filed under: General, Weddings, portraits — Tags: beach wedding, Caribbean, natural light, photo, St. John, vacation portraits, Virgin Islands — Karin @ 10:02 pm

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February 15, 2010

Photo Monday 2/15/09

Alexander Hamilton - First US Treasurer

Happy Monday and President’s Day Too!

In response to a special request we’re taking you to St. Croix this week. While no US president ever lived here, Alexander Hamilton did. He was a founding father of the United States and the first Secretary of the Treasury.

St. Croix, once the seat of government for the Danish West Indies, is steeped in history brought to life by the combined efforts of the VI National Park, the US Virgin Islands Government, the VI Landmark Trust, and the private population.

The Christiansted National Historic Site is the place we start this week. It encompasses 5 structures over 7 acres. We took this photo inside Fort Christiansvaern in mid-morning.

Fort Christiansvaern On St. Croix

While there, be sure to look for hidden courtyards and alleys filled with surprises throughout the town. This beautiful fountain area graces the inner courtyard at the Government House complex. Enjoy it. It is your tax dollars at work!

And yes, St. John lovers, we’re afraid it’s true. St Croix does have some beautiful white beaches to call its own. Very civilized, of course.

White Sandy Beach Near Christiansted on St Croix

And, yes… St Croix does have its own wildly beautiful tropical rain forest area too, where coastal photos are beautiful even when taken on a hazy day. But that’s not what gets some of us excited. It’s the roads on St. Croix. Long flat lanes of luxurious pavement lined with tropical palms. At least we like to go visit things like that once in a while.

St Croix's North Shore/ The Entrance to St Croix's UVI Campus

St. Croix even has castles, like this landmark private residence which is visible from many locations on the eastern side of the island.

The Castle - St Croix.

Castles come in all sizes and for all tastes on this surprisingly diverse island.

Cozy Live-aboard On St Croix

Throughout the island we saw public displays of island pride. Bob caught this photo of a painted building mural while driving on our way to see the site of the very first European tourist to the island. Yes, Columbus landed on St Croix on his second voyage to the new world. The site is now part of the Salt River Bay National Historic Park and Ecological Preserve. It’s worth the visit.

A Monument For Today/Salt River Bay Site - A Nod To Our Past

Culture and History comes to life in St. Croix. Even after we are long gone from this world, generations to come will be experiencing the history of today on the island. The Millenium Monument, tucked under a stairway at Government House ensures that.

The Government house complex is the seat of USVI government activity on the island of St. Croix. We wanted to show you photos of the extraordinary ballroom, and much more of this complex, but there is just no room this week. So we’ll leave you with this beautiful shot of the main entrance to the original Government House building, now joined into a complex of buildings.

There is so much to see and enjoy on St Croix, it’s no wonder we like to visit once in a while. We’re sure we’ll be back with another blog on our sister island to the south in the future. Meanwhile, it’s nice to be back at home on St. John where we belong!

Until next week!

Filed under: General, Photo Mondays — Tags: Christiansted, Salt River Bay, St Croix — Karin @ 9:41 pm

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February 12, 2010

Love That Location!

Bench Overlooking Sunset At Gallows Point Resort

There are many perfect spots on St. John to be romantic, whether to pop the marriage question, offer an anniversary surprise, or have a special moment with your Valentine. After all, the island has been known as Love City for over 35 years!

Some people choose very private locations, and others like a cheering crowd. For the latter, the evening crowds at Woody’s, Skinny Legs, or even the dining gazebo at Maho Bay Campgrounds just can’t be beat. A crowded ferry ride with a clued in captain can make a spectacular public display.

If you want a more private moment, St. John has romantic locations galore. As photographers, sometimes we get to tag along under the guise of a vacation photo shoot, or by just “happening by” at just the right time to capture the magic moment in our camera’s lens. Here are some of our most memorable intimate locations for that special surprise:

Surprise Vow Renewal On Wayward Sailor Sailboat

In the private outdoor dining area in the ruins near Caneel Bay’s Equator Room
At sunset on the poolside bench or the small gazebo’s swing at Gallows Point Resort
At the windmill in historic Catherinberg
In the grassy meadow on top of Peace Hill
Overlooking views at the Leinster Bay garrison or Leinster Estate ruins
At the scenic overlook on the Lind Point hiking trail (to Honeymoon Beach) leaving Cruz Bay
Under the beachside tree rimmed with stonework just east of the East End Schoolhouse in Hanson Bay
In early morning on the large rocks at Hawksnest Bay
Inside the Franklin Powell Park bandstand across from the Cruz Bay ferry dock
On the walking bridge in the Westin Resort villas area
On any sunset sail overlooking St. John

The most popular St. John beach wedding locations are – you guessed it – some of the most popular beaches on St. John. There are a few lesser known beaches that also made this list of our top dozen romantic beach locations:

Trunk Bay Beach
Cinnamon Bay Beach
Francis Bay beach
Classic Romance at Cinnamon Bay Beach During Sunset
Hawksnest Beach
Turner Bay Beach
Honeymoon Bay Beach
Little Lameshure Bay Beach
Hanson Bay Beach
Great Cruz Bay Westin beach
Gibney Beach/Oppenheimer Beach
Brown Bay Beach
Jumbie Beach

Because more and more brides are choosing non-beach locations on or around St. John for their special day, we have assembled a list of our own short list of locations to consider for the wedding celebration:

Annaberg Plantation grounds near large frangipani tree
Fortsberg Point garrison area
Westin Resort beachside gazebo
Estate Concordia Preserve
Caneel Bay’s grassy Turtle Point
Gallows Point Resort large gazebo on the point
Framed in the windmill on Peace hill
Offshore – on a sailboat, catamaran, etc.
Inside the Maho Bay pavilion
At the Catherinberg historic ruins

Love City Is For Lovers

Note – private villas all over the island are also excellent choices. There are too many to list here, but if you are interested in this option, we’ve worked with perfect locations for just 2 people to those for large groups. At Tropical Focus, we’re always searching for romantic locations. If you have a personal favorite you want to share – drop us a line. And if you are looking for some place special but none of the above inspired you, then share your vision with us and we’ll do our best to come up with a creative solution.

When it comes right down to it, the truth is that anywhere on St. John can be a very romantic place, especially when you are with the one you love.

Any time and any place… share the love.

Filed under: General, Weddings — Tags: beach wedding, Caneel Bay, Cinnamon Bay, Concordia, Cruz Bay, Love City, Maho Bay, Peace Hill, romance, St. John, Trunk Bay, wedding locations — Karin @ 5:28 pm

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February 8, 2010

Photo Monday 2/08/10

Happy Monday!

Watching the Weather Channel is a bit of a sport to us. With all the snow and rain and cold up north, we decided to start off this week by warming everyone up with this picture postcard perfect view of Cinnamon Bay in the VI National Park.

Overlooking Cinnamon Bay on St. John

Now, how can you look at that view and not feel the warmth of the sun on you and the relaxing scent of tropical flowers?

Of course, you have to work to get there. We especially feel for first time visitors to the island as they adjust to island time. Imagine, after travelling all day, you get to little Cruz Bay, are told to drive on the left side of a road barely wide enough for your vehicle to pass. Then, you pass by this sign and have to make a decision:

Cruz Bay Confusion Guaranteed

Nope… we don’t have a clue what all that sign means either!

Thank goodness that as soon as you get out of town, life settles down to normal. Of course, it helps to remember that our ‘normal’ isn’t the same as most other places in the world.

Just Another Traffic Obstacle - A St. John Iguana In The Road

Iguanas have been spied everywhere this week, hiding in the lee of a palm tree, running back and forth across roadways and even snoring on top of our ixora hedge.

Pink Island Hibiscus

They seeem to prefer pink hibiscus, at least near our little cottage on St. John. Since each blossom lasts only a single day, it was hard to catch a photo before they ate them this week!

Snorkeling Is Awesome In Zootenthaal

Whether you live here or plan to visit sometime in the future, your island is ready for you to have fun. So get out there and snorkel, for goodness sake!

Love City Sign Etched in Cruz Bay

And, on this week, when Valentines and love is in the air everywhere, keep this thought close to your heart:

Love City Loves You.

Warmest wishes wherever you may be this week. Until next Monday,

Karin and Bob Schlesinger
Your Island Photographers

Filed under: General, Photo Mondays — Tags: Cinnamon Bay, Cruz Bay, hibiscus, Iguana, Love City, St. John, Vi National Park, Zootenthaal — Karin @ 8:51 pm

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February 5, 2010

On The Other Side

In on-line reviews, we’ve had clients compliment how easy Tropical Focus was to work with, whether it was for a family vacation portrait or a beach wedding. While pleased, we’d never given those comments much weight. But for the last few days, we’ve been on the other side and now we “get” it. We really, really get it.

Zach Takes Aim On Bob Near Maho Bay

A staff photographer for a national travel magazine has been here on St. John to take images of our family. No, we’re not celebrities – just a small part of an assignment for an eventual article. The experience taught us some things about ourselves that was eye-opening and at the same time it affirmed some of our business beliefs. Everyone can benefit from what we learned.

Bob Catches Zach During A Work Shoot This Week

In our family, Bob is the resident ham. He likes to have his picture taken. Like many people Karin rolls her eyes at the 3 or 4 poses that seem to be ‘his’ in so many photos over their 23 years of marriage [our anniversary is this weekend!]. Karin is camera-shy to say the least. She is a living example of someone who is not comfortable in their own skin, but is working on it even as a 50-something. With an understanding husband who’s a photographer she’s got two or three looks down herself, at least when Bob is taking those inevitable family photos.

Before Zach arrived this week, we made a conscious decision to just be his clients and learn from it. That was easy to say, but when Zach showed up with three (!) cameras around his neck we both knew it would be a challenge, even for us. Bob gets razzed by some for the two cameras that he constantly carries to a shoot. How intimidating!

Zach Followed Us To Our Skyway Villa Shoot

Yet, it was a strangely comforting thought that our own past clients would understand exactly what we were about to go through. It was time to put our own beliefs into reality.

We know it’s not always easy to just be yourself in front of a camera. No ham, no shyness – just exposing yourself and trusting your photographer to do his job, do it well, and capture you. Trust matters. It’s something we’ve always told clients but it certainly hits home when that camera is aimed at you by a stranger, no matter how much of a pro he is. While our clients often say we make them quickly comfortable, Bob now knows first-hand the impact of those two cameras hanging off his neck when he says his initial hello. Zach had an easy way with people, just as Bob does. It was a bit surreal to see this magic turned on us for a change. It also affirmed our belief that a critical trait for a destination photographer is to earn trust quickly and put clients at ease.

Zach Caught Bob Shooting A Vow Renewal

Client attitude makes a difference. This well-known photography tip was put to the test this week. Instead of whining about looks, Karin consciously told herself that she was worthy and aimed to forget about the camera and have fun. Bob worked at stripping off the outer ham and let Zach catch a bit of his inner self. Instead we both focused on enjoying our new best friend, occasionally sharing little bits of ourselves with Zach tagging along for the ride as we went about our daily lives. Magically, we forgot the cameras more often than not. And, we survived the experience, not just unscathed, but with happy memories.

Zach, Ready To Shoot on Hawksnest Bay

We haven’t seen more than a photo or two in the camera’s preview lens, but it doesn’t matter. Our attitudes made the process enjoyable and gave us some sweet family moments together. Cataloging life’s moments is what photography is all about and we’re sure Zach caught a few of ours beautifully for a lifetime of viewing.

We probably won’t see any of those photos for a while. And we may not ever see most. Meanwhile life goes on. But the experience will stay with us. And for the first time we really understand why some vacation portrait clients say we were the highlight of their vacation. It wasn’t us or the even the finished images that mattered most, but the surprising fun they had of the entire photographic experience. We get it now.

Thanks, Zach, for taking us onto The Other Side!

P.S. – A special thanks to Skyway Villa, Captains View, and to the Weatherholtz family for your graciousness in letting us share your photo shoots in an unusual way this week

Filed under: General — Tags: beach wedding, camera, family photos, Maho Bay, photography, St. John, vow renewal — Karin @ 2:31 pm

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February 1, 2010

Photo Monday – 2/01/10

Gibney Beach Perspective

Happy Monday!

So many think of St. John as just another pretty beach, as shown by this simple Gibney Beach perspective. White sand, palm and seagrape trees rimming the shoreline and that tourquoise blue of our water that screams Caribbean vacation – some never see more that this part of our little island.

While we love our beaches, there is so much more to enjoy. This Photo Monday, we are sharing some different islandscape perspectivies with you. Enjoy!

The highest point on St. John is less than 1800 feet above sea level. The lush mountain foliage on Bordeaux hints at the hidden aged forest that still graces some steep hillsides. We chose and cropped this photo to give you an honest feel for the extraordinary beauty in an ordinary glance.

Lush Bordeaux Mountain Region of St. John

Where goats have been domesticated for generations, though, the land has been eaten barren. It’s a huge contrast to the island most visitors know, yet goats are important to the islands culture and for some, come before everything else.

Gift Hill Goat At Home

On southern slopes of St. John one often finds cacti growing, even down to the water’s edge. The turks head cactus shown here on a southshore cove of coral rubble is just one of many varieties of cacti that grow on the island.

As an island community, palm trees and coves filled with boats are a part of our lives. This stunning photo combines the best of both worlds and was taken during a walk near the Great Cruz Bay Boat Landing in late afternoon.

Grassy Meadow Atop Peace Hill on St. John

If you get tired of our crystal clear turquoise water and white sandy beaches, look just around and within steps you will find extraordinary beauty.

The grassy meadow along the hilltop at Peace Hill provided the setting for this memorable photo. Take your camera along for some beautiful vacation photos. And, don’t be surprised if you see us along the way and offer to take and e-mail you a photo of you amongst the awesome scenery.

St. John is such a beautiful and diverse island - we love sharing it!

Until our next Photo Monday…

Karin and Bob Schlesinger
Virgin Island photographers

Filed under: General, Photo Mondays — Tags: Bordeaux Mountain, camera, Caribbean, Great Cruz Bay, island photographers, Peace Hill, St. John, turks head cactus — Karin @ 12:13 pm

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Bob's Blog Thoughts From an Island Photographer

February 26, 2010

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February 15, 2010

February 12, 2010

February 8, 2010

February 5, 2010

February 1, 2010

Bob's Blog
Thoughts From an Island Photographer