Outdoor Travel & Photography....

THE CARIBBEAN:

PICTURE PERFECT

If you want perfect pictures, pack your cameras and head to the Caribbean. Often called the world's eighth continent, the Caribbean islands and surrounding sea offer an unsurpassed opportunity to the outdoor and travel photographer. It's picture perfect.

Tropical weather, stunning scenery, cultural and historical variety, and colorful people and places all combine to make the Caribbean special to photographers. It's not a question of going. It's just a question of when and where.

Anytime is the right time to take your cameras to the Caribbean. You can escape the winter cold or take advantage of price breaks in the summer. Just go.

"I love shooting in the Caribbean," says Michael Ventura, whose Caribbean pictures accompany this article. "There is something special about islands, where the boundaries are definite and you can explore them completely with your camera." This love shows in his pictures, which have appeared often in Caribbean Travel & Life, Islands, and Travel & Leisure.

From years of experience, Ventura travels lightly when he heads to the Caribbean. He typically takes two Nikon 8008s and three or four lenses ranging from 20mm to 300mm. For saturation of the blue sky and water, he considers his polarizing filters a vital part of his equipment.

Where to go is a tougher question. It all depends on what you want to see and do with and without your cameras. Rather than choosing one or two islands, some photographers opt to take a cruise, making brief photographic forays onto a number of islands. There's an island for everyone and the following island overviews can help you find your perfect place for pictures in the Caribbean.

HISTORY

The Arawak-speaking Indians who first inhabited the Caribbean islands came from South America. Traces of their existence can be found on Puerto Rico, Cuba, Hispaniola (Haiti and the Dominican Republic), Jamaica, and as far north as the Bahamas.

Christopher Columbus "discovered" the Caribbean in 1492 and changed the face of the island forever. The indigenous Indians were virtually eliminated, beginning centuries of European influence throughout the Caribbean that still exists today.

Britain, Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden followed Spain in establishing European outposts in the West Indies. The riches of the Caribbean caused many conflicts, with islands changing hands often. This accounts for much of the cultural diversity throughout the islands.

The Napoleonic wars and subsequent treaties set many of the political and social connections that exist today. Slavery slowly came to an end in the Caribbean and each of the islands began to depend more on tourism for economic growth.

The U.S. has slowly developed interests in the Caribbean. In 1917, Puerto Rico's people became American citizens and the U.S. purchased the Danish Virgin Islands, forming the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The modern Caribbean features a multitude of colonies, republics, states, and independent nations. The unique history has led to a picture perfect present.

CARIBBEAN CULTURE

The Caribbean is a cultural cornucopia. The varied European, African, American, and other influences are apparent throughout the islands. It's like a worldly microcosm for photographers.

The people of the Caribbean have a rich cultural heritage. The history, the food, the music, and art are as varied as the islands. English, Spanish, French, Dutch, and African influences are present throughout the islands.

This melting pot menagerie is a photographer's dream. With so much to shoot, it's just a matter of picking the right island.

GEOGRAPHY

The Caribbean Sea spans about one million square miles and packs millions of photographic opportunities into a small space. It is framed by the Greater Antilles on the north (Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola, and Puerto Rico), the numerous Lesser Antilles on the east, the South American coastlines of Venezuela, Columbia, and Panama in the south, and Central America and Mexico's Yucatan on the west.

This geographic diversity means many possibilities for the travelling photographer. There are beautiful beaches, stunning resorts, bustling cities, nature preserves, lush mountains, and so much more. We have not included the Bahamas because they aren't technically part of the Caribbean, while we've excluded Haiti and Cuba because of the difficulty of travel there.

Anguilla--Part of the British Leewards, this small, flat, and relatively quiet island rhymes with "vanilla." It's famous for beautiful beaches, like Road Bay and Shoal Bay, as well as a popular Carnival in early-August.

Antigua--The largest of the British Leewards, busy Antigua has beautiful beaches and resorts. It's capital, St. John's, features a colorful market and many picture possibilities. Secluded Barbuda is just 26 miles north. Antigua's location also makes it a great base for exploring much of the Caribbean.

Aruba--Part of the Dutch "ABC" islands (with Bonaire and Curacao), Aruba is small and famous for its stretch of large resorts and casinos along seven miles of beautiful beaches on the north shore. Windsurfing and other watersports are popular, but there is relatively little to shoot inland.

Barbados--The Caribbean's easternmost island is now independent, but it features many British influences. The island is known for postcard-like beaches, pretty greathouses, a wide variety of accommodations, and some of the friendliest people in the Caribbean. It serves as a great introduction to the best that the Caribbean offers.

Bonaire--Part of the ABCs, Bonaire is best-known for its rich underwater marine life. Underwater photographers will go through lots of film in Bonaire. Topside, the Dutch influence, the Washington/Slagbaai National Park, and the pink flamingos all mean great photo opportunities.

British Virgin Islands--The BVI offer a wide variety of islands and great sailing (and shooting) sports. Though tourism is expanding, these islands are still among the quietest in the Caribbean. Tortola is the main island, featuring Mount Sage (primeval rain forest and great views). Pretty Virgin Gorda features legendary Little Dix Bay Hotel and many other quaint properties. Even more secluded possibilities include: Anegada, Guana Island, Jost Van Dyke, Marina Cay, Mosquito Island, and Peter Island.

Cayman Islands--This British outpost is an underwater photography mecca, consisting of Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman. Grand Cayman features many resorts, famed Seven Mile Beach, interesting sightseeing, and great diving. Cayman Brac and Little Cayman are much smaller and quieter versions of Grand Cayman, appealing to serious scuba divers and Caribbean veterans.

Curacao--The third of the Dutch ABCs combines the great diving of Bonaire with the tourism amenities of Aruba. Great photo opportunities exist in the capital of Willemsted and in the St. Cristoffel Reserve Park.

Dominica--This mountainous green island is the largest of the British Windwards. Though the beaches aren't as beautiful as in much of the Caribbean, photographers love Dominica's lush landscape of countryside, rain forests, and waterfalls. Hiking and photography tours are popular on Dominica, with Morne Trios Pitons National Park, Sulphur Springs, and Cabrits National Park among many highlights.

Dominican Republic--Covering approximately the eastern two-thirds of Hispaniola, the Dominican Republic is the second largest country in the Caribbean. The island is relatively inexpensive and offers great opportunities for urban, beach, and mountain photography.

Grenada--Known as the "spice island," Grenada is the most southern point in the British Windwards. Grenada is lush, with beautiful beaches, mountains, Grand Etang National Park, and quaint accommodations. The capital, St. George's, is among the prettiest ports in the Caribbean.

Guadeloupe--Part of the French West Indies, Guadeloupe features French finesse coupled with Caribbean charm. The island is actually combination of two islands: rolling Grande Terre on the east and ruggedly mountainous Basse Terre on the west. From the resorts to the great outdoors, Guadeloupe offers a wide range of standard Caribbean photo possibilities.

Jamaica--This is the place for some great photography, mon! Jamaica features famous resort areas like Montego Bay, Negril, and Ocho Rios. Away from the tourists, the island's mountainous landscape, unique culture, reggae music, and fun food make for a jammin' place to shoot.

Martinique--The largest and most sophisticated island of the French West Indies, Martinique has a definite French flavor. Highlights for photographers include the city of Fort-de-France, some of the best restaurants in the Caribbean, and Carnival time just before Lent.

Montserrat--This tiny island in the British Leewards is great for a peaceful photographic getaway. Montserrat offers limited, but varied, tourist facilities and a quieter Caribbean. The town of Plymouth, Chances Peak, and Galway's Soufriere are perfect for photographers.

Puerto Rico--Under the jurisdiction of the U.S., this island is a world apart. Puerto Rico serves as a perfect introduction to the Caribbean. It's easy to reach and easy to explore. Highlights include beautiful resorts, small country inns, lush mountains, the El Junque rain forest, lots of culture and history, quaint Old San Juan, and the small islands of Culebra, Mona, and Vieques.

Saba--This tiny Dutch Windward in the Leewards is an relatively unknown gem. This extinct volcano is cone-shaped and draws photographers more for its lush steep landscapes than its beaches. It's popular as a unique trip from St. Maarten.

St. Barthelemy--Known to many as St. Barts or St. Barths, this French West Indies enclave has long been a hangout for the rich and famous. Photographers will find St. Barts rich in opportunities, with the storybook capital town of Gustavia, beautiful white sand beaches, and interesting Creole cuisine.

Sint Eustatius--Small Statia is in the Dutch Windwards in the Leewards. This sleepy island is just awakening to tourism, offering photographers a look at a little-known island. Photo opportunities include the town of Oranjestad and hiking up the Quill. Many people schedule a short visit from St. Maarten.

St. Kitts and Nevis--One of Michael Ventura's favorite island nations, St. Kitts and Nevis are divided by a two-mile strait in the British Leewards. St. Kitts is less-touristed than Antigua and offers many good photo possibilities, like scenic Brimstone Hill, Mount Liamuiga, the Sugar Factory (and many cane fields), and the Carib Beer Plant. Nearby Nevis is even less-touristed, with steep terrain and beautiful scenery to shoot (Pinney's Beach is one of the prettiest in the Caribbean).

St. Lucia--The second largest of the Windward Islands, this British oasis offers everything to the photographer: lush beauty, lots of wide sandy beaches, mountainous regions, banana plantations, quaint villages, and smiling people.

Sint Maarten/St. Martin--Part of the Dutch Windwards in the Leewards and French West Indies, this half-Dutch and half-French island gives you more bang for your buck (and gilder or franc). The Dutch side has major tourist facilities and casinos, while the French side features posh resorts and excellent restaurants. The entire island offers typical Caribbean photography opportunities.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines--These lesser-known charmers are great for photographic exploration. St. Vincent packs much into a small area, with lush mountainous terrain, beautiful beaches, wonderful waterfall, and colorful coral reefs. To the south of St. Vincent, the Grenadines chain features more of the same unspoiled Caribbean landscapes. Some of the best options are Bequia, Mustique, Canouan, and Palm Island.

Trinidad and Tobago--This two-island nation offers much Caribbean culture in a small area. Trinidad is famous for its carnival (see sidebar) and the beat of its calypso music. Tobago is a tiny island that is well-known to many tourists for its beaches and resorts.

U.S. Virgin Islands--This American paradise packs all of the best of the Caribbean into three islands. Bustling St. Thomas offers excellent shopping, many beautiful beaches, and several new upscale resorts. Nearby St. John is much quieter, with a stunning National Park covering more than half of the island. St. Croix is 40 miles to the south and is the largest and most diverse of the three.

Any island is the right island when it comes to photography in the Caribbean. It's simply picture perfect for the outdoor and travel photographer, mon.

SIDEBAR

CARIBBEAN CONTACTS

--Anquilla Tourist Information and Reservation Offic, c/o Mehurst & Associates, 271 Main St., Northport, NY 11768,          (516) 261-1234 or (800) 553-4939.

--Antigua Department of Tourism, 610 Fifth Ave., Ste. 311, New York, NY 10020, (212) 541-4117.

--Aruba Tourism Authority, 521 Fifth Ave., 12th Fl., New York, NY 10175, (212) 246-3030.

--Barbados Board of Tourism, 800 Second Ave., New York, NY 10017, (212) 986-6516.

--Bonaire Government Tourist Office, 275 Seventh Ave., 19th Fl., New York, NY 10001-6788, (212) 242-7707.

--British Virgin Islands Tourist Board, 370 Lexington Ave., New York, NY 10017, (212) 696-0400.

--Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, 420 Lexington Ave., Ste. 2733, New York, NY 10170, (212) 682-5582.

--Curacao Tourist Board, 400 Madison Ave., Ste. 311, New York, NY 10017, (212) 751-8266.

--Dominica, Caribbean Tourism Association, 20 E. 46th St., New York, NY 10017, (212) 682-0435.

--Dominican Republic Tourist Office, 2355 Sanzedo St., Coral Gables, FL 23134, (305) 444-4592.

--French West Indies Tourist Board (Guadeloupe, Martinique, St. Barthelemy, St. Martin), 610 Fifth Ave., New York,          NY 10020, (212) 757-1125.

--Grenada Tourist Office, 141 E. 44th St., New York, NY 10017, (212) 687-9554.

--Jamaica Tourist Board, 866 Second Ave., 10th Fl., New York, NY 10017, (212) 688-7650.

--Montserrat Tourist Board, c/o Tromson Monroe, 110 E. 59th St., New York, NY 10022, (212) 752-8660.

--Puerto Rico Tourism Company, 575 Fifth Ave., New York, NY 10017, (212) 599-6262.

--Saba and St. Eustatius Tourist Information Office, 271 Main St., Northport, NY 11768, (516) 261-7474.

--St. Kitts/Nevis Tourism Office, 414 E. 75th St., New York, NY 10021, (212) 535-1234.

--St. Lucia Tourist Board, 820 Second Ave., New York, NY 10017, (212) 867-2950.

--St. Maarten Tourist Office, 275 Seventh Ave., 19th Fl., New York, NY 10001-6788, (212) 989-0000.

--St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourist Board, 801 Second Ave., New York, NY 10017, (212) 687-4981.

--Trinidad and Tobago Tourist Board, 118-35 Queens Blvd., Forest Hills, NY 11375, (718) 575-3909.

--U.S. Virgin Islands Division of Tourism, 1270 Ave. of the Americas, New York, NY 10020, (212) 582-4520.

CARNIVAL!!!

TRINIDAD'S CARIBBEAN CRAZINESS

They know how to throw a party in the Caribbean, and the carnivals throughout the islands are some of the best in the world. Trinidad's carnival craziness is one of the best to attend with your cameras.

"The Carnival of Trinidad is one of my favorite things to shoot in the Caribbean," says Michael Ventura (see accompanying photos). "The streets are packed with colorful costumes, wild dancers, and loud bands. Taking good pictures is actually easier because everyone is on exhibit and you don't even need to ask permission to shoot."

Trinidad's festivities take place each year on the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. For 48 hours, the island offers one big street party.

The costumes are incredibly colorful and intricate, often costing hundreds of Trinidad and Tobago dollars. Those in carnival costumes are usually happy to pose for pictures.

Calypso commands the musical scene, with many concerts each night. The King of Carnival each year is the top calypso artist.

Trinidad's hotels and inns are typically booked well in advance. For more information about this picture-perfect chance, contact the Trinidad and Tobabo Tourist Board or the National Carnival Committee, 41 Frederick St., Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, (809) 623-7510.