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In Pictures: Look beyond the expected on Caribbean islands
By Tom Adkinson
December 29, 2023
ON CARIBBEAN SHORES – When winter creeps in every year, it’s understandable that thoughts turn to sunny skies, blue water and sandy beaches, often in the easily accessible Caribbean. You can take an island-hopping Caribbean cruise departing from any of several U.S. ports, or you can fly straight to a plop-down-in-one place Caribbean resort. Every Caribbean vacation will be different in its own way, but one constant is that photo opportunities abound, especially if you explore just a bit and get beyond the obvious destinations, even on heavily visited islands. Start your photo collection with a few shots that establish where you are, and then remember to look for details and the smiles of the islanders. That way, your photos can tell a complete story.
Look back when you get off your ship
Gigantic cruise ships can be difficult to photograph, so always be on the lookout for an interesting perspective that shows more than your ship. Here, tropical foliage frames the NCL Epic on a stop in St. Lucia. Image by Tom Adkinson
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Not every shot is of the beach
Some visitors understandably never get out of San Juan, Puerto Rico’s historic major city that is rich in colonial architecture and excellent restaurants. Those who do can discover the island’s mountainous interior, with its coffee plantations, magnificent vistas and small towns. Image by Tom Adkinson
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It’s not all cruise ships and sailboats
Be on the lookout for scenes that show that the islands are real places where real people live and work. This work boat provides a focal point for a shot that captures an uncluttered landscape near St. John’s, the capital of multi-island country of Antigua and Barbuda. Image by Tom Adkinson
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Skies aren’t always blue
Not every Caribbean day delivers blue-sky experiences, but clouds sometimes can help accent inviting waters. These snorkelers are walking along Honeymoon Beach on St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands. It is part of Virgin Islands National Park. Image by Tom Adkinson
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Spying your vacation home
After you win the lottery, you can think about buying or building a Caribbean retreat such as these on Tortola in the British Virgin Islands. Until then, a colorful photograph can keep your dream alive. Image by Tom Adkinson
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Pass some time with a local
This fisherman on Saint Lucia was happy to chat with a vacationer and willingly consented to a photograph. One protocol that travelers too often neglect is asking permission to photograph. When someone does agree, the resulting image can brighten a vacation photo collection. Image by Tom Adkinson
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It’s OK to be silly
Vacations are supposed to be fun, so capture silly memories, such using this prop for a photo at Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar and Restaurant in Oranjestad, Aruba. Sure, other people have the same photo, but you should have one, too. Image by Tom Adkinson
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Trip-planning resources: OneCaribbean.org/destinations and DiscoverPuertoRico.com
(Travel writer Tom Adkinson’s book, 100 Things To Do in Nashville Before You Die, is available on Amazon.com.)
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