Bob's Blog
Thoughts From an Island Photographer

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.