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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

May 21, 2010

Making The Most Of It

Our blog is about our hectic life this week – we hope you won’t mind.

We believe in making the most of every day. That means being fluid enough to work around obstacles,  change plans on the fly, and sometimes our schedules just keep us going different directions for days at a time. It’s enough to make us want a time-out or a drinking habit.     

Just this week we had a couple scheduled for a portrait shoot at Cinnamon Bay during a too short 4-day visit to the islands. The airline lost their luggage for their entire trip. They were camping out, and with no clothes, vehicle, bug spray or bathing suits. After two days, they decided to make the best of things and move to a resort on St. Thomas.  There they discovered alcoholic beverages, shopping and Limin.  Haven’t really heard from them since. So was that making the most of their vacation, or just deciding to take a time-out? You be the judge.

As for us, the week got crazier by the moment. Without warning the atmospherics turned clearer than normal – and that meant squeezing in a couple of villa shoots for savvy owners who know that when conditions are right it pays to be ready.  Bob ended up on St. Thomas two days in a row. Karin wound up at both the Caneel and Westin Resorts with prospective clients. He was on the south shore – she was on the north. She was in Coral Bay, while he was in Fish Bay. We left notes for each other, work for each other, and our voice mails crossed paths more than a few times.   

As we are writing this we both pulling late-nighters. Karin’s working on the scripting for Wagapalooza (the huge island dog show tomorrow). I’m writing this, then cleaning lenses for shoots tomorrow. We’ll be in Cruz Bay early to help set up tents for Waga, then heading over to take photos of St. John Rescue and the Coast Guard during their joint demonstrations for Safe Boating Day. We’re meeting day trippers for lunch, then a villa to shoot before heading over to the ball park to finish setups for the nighttime dog show.  

Sunday will be our time-out. We have nothing scheduled…. but you know we’ll be making the most of it!

Until later,

Bob and Karin Schlesinger
Your island photographers

March 22, 2010

Photo Monday 3/22/10

Happy Monday!

After a full week of portrait shoots, it is always nice to sit back for a couple of minutes to enjoy the places we’ve been and celebrate the island that is our studio. This week is no exception as we look back upon our recent visits to the north shore of St. John and the VI National Park.   

Seasonal Cinnamon Bay Waves

Many people have never seen waves like this on St. John because it is a seasonal phenomenon. And a beautiful sight. 

Sometimes we just want a little more serenity though, especially for quiet afternoon moments or contemplative portraits.

In that case, the half-mile nature loop at Francis Bay is just what the doctor ordered. This part of the trail is wheelchair accessible (and perfect for brides who want to photos along a nature walk in high heels too!)

We're Not In Kansas!

 Around a bend in the trail we came across this sign. We agree – no one should be looking for crabby people when they are at the beach. It ruins the ambiance. Instead, look for the shimmering turquoise water that’s bound to be nearby.

Later Afternoon at Francis Bay

  Just a few yards away from the Francis Bay Trail loop, the beach awaits. Hmm… swim, walk, hike, lay in the sun and think about it? So tough to make a decision!

St John Beach Moment

Whatever you decide – just have fun! To all our clients past and future – thank you for bringing so much joy to the islands and letting us share the moments.  

Until later,

Your Island Photographers
Bob and Karin Schlesinger

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:

Wayward Sailor Celebration

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.

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.  

Cinnamon Bay

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 Road Signs

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.  

St john Iguana

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!

Coral Reef on St John

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