As winter blankets the Toronto region, casting a chill over our surroundings, the allure of Jamaica’s warmth beckons for exploration. The thought of trading snowflakes for sandy beaches and embracing the Caribbean sun sounds good just about now. Jamaica stands as an undeniable gem among the Caribbean’s tropical paradises. Embarking on a journey across this emerald island promises a visual feast for any avid photographer. From the vibrant hues of the turquoise waters to the lush greenery of the landscapes, Jamaica offers a myriad of picturesque scenes waiting to be captured through your lens. In this photographic travel blog, we will explore some of our favourite places that we’ve been to in the past.
Canon D10 underwater camera; 1/125sec., f4.9; ISO 400
Runaway Bay
Runaway Bay is certainly one of the most scenic areas in Jamaica. Some believe it got the name as the fleeing point of the last batch of Spanish soldiers retreating from English troops under the directive of Governor Ysassi in the 1600s. Others argue that it once was the point of departure of African slaves from inland sugar plantations who ran away to Cuba. There are many things to do and photograph at Runaway Bay, but a visit here remains incomplete without experiencing the awe-inspiring Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios, only 28 minutes away. Standing at approximately 180 feet in height and stretching across 600 feet, these waterfalls form terraced natural stairs and are awesome. We climbed hand in hand to the top of the falls for a breathtaking view of the falls. For this adventure I took along my Canon D30 underwater camera.
Canon SD1000; 1/125; f4.9; ISO 200
Whitehouse
Whitehouse is known traditionally for its vibrant fishing industry where retailers across Jamaica come to get their fresh seafood supply on a weekly basis. Our journey to Whitehouse from the Montego Airport was quite the adventure, unfolding over 90 minutes of traversing along a winding and hilly road while navigating through numerous curves, making the road trip to Whitehouse as memorable as the destination itself. The Whitehouse area is very quite with fabulous beaches. YS Falls is 48 minutes away and is a photographer’s dream with beautiful waterfalls, lush gardens and magnificent trees. Lots of photo opportunities.
18-200mm lens; 1/250sec.; f/9; ISO 400; AV mode
Montego Bay
As the capital of the parish of St. James in Jamaica, Montego Bay stands proudly as the fourth-largest urban area in the country by population. Its very name, “Montego Bay,” was bestowed by Christopher Columbus himself. Nestled along Jamaica’s stunning north coast, the city is embraced by the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. Beyond its historical significance, Montego Bay serves as an ideal launchpad for exploring the rest of Jamaica, offering a gateway to the island’s fanciful natural landscapes, inviting beaches, and meandering rivers. For photographers, Montego Bay unfolds as a paradise of captivating scenes, where every corner presents an opportunity to capture the essence and beauty of this Caribbean gem.
16-35mm lens; 1/60sec; f/6.3; ISO 100; AV mode
Negril
Negril, Jamaica’s westernmost resort haven, earns a reputation as the “Capital of Casual.” Renowned for its laid-back vibe, Negril is a favored retreat for those seeking solace on its world-renowned 7-mile beach. A highlight of the area is the iconic Rick’s Cafe, where cliff diving takes center stage, adding an exhilarating edge to the tranquil surroundings. As the sun dips below the horizon, casting its warm glow on the turquoise waters, Negril emerges as a haven for both relaxation and photo adventure, seamlessly blending the serenity of its expansive beach with the thrill of cliffside escapades.
The Finishing Touch
This Glossy Sample Pack FineArt from Hahnemuhle includes an assortment of 16 sheets of glossy archival papers with a premium glossy inkjet coating. While choosing a great archival inkjet printer is important in creating memorable prints, testing and selecting different types of fineart media is where the magic starts to happen. The feel, texture and finish of the media contributes a lot to creating an exquisite print. I decided to go with the Glossy Sample Pack FineArt from Hahnemuhle for this series of prints. You get 2 sheets of each: FineArt Pearl, FineArt Baryta Satin, Photo Rag Satin, Photo Rag Baryta, Photo Rag Pearl, Photo Rag Metallic, FineArt Baryta and finally Baryta FB. So much to choose from and so much fun printing. Give it a try! And I loved the results!
Happy Shooting & Printing!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Peter Dulis is a Canadian photographer and visual storyteller living in Toronto, Ontario. His work has been published in a number of magazines such as Graphic Arts Magazine, Visual Wilderness, Luminous Landscape, Photo News and has been recognized for photography excellence. Peter offers photo workshops in southern Ontario and can be reached at info@photographyAdventures.ca
Peter shares many of his tips and techniques in his monthly newsletter – PhotographyAdventures.ca and PeterDulisPhotography.com
