In my non-expert opinion I think the cluster of stores and restaurants on St. John would make for some great shots. Boats in water are always pretty, a colorful frozen drink propped in the sand (you know, beachy themes). Of course the island, ocean, beaches, skies...can't really beat the surroundings for great photography-

Just about everywhere....from an empty can of Coke on the beach to an old rowboat in the harbor....beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Folks get some really nice pictures at the Anaberg Ruins, and all the other Ruins sites on St. John.

Unfortunately, there isn't a photography group here, though there have been a few classes offered from time to time usually in season.

If you hike the Lind Point trail, you'll get a good shot of Cruz Bay from the hilltop, and some decent photos of the beach. If you go to Caneel, you can get good shots of plantation ruins and maybe tropical flowers. If you hike the Reef Bay trail, you'll get good pictures of hermit crabs, bats, and plantation ruins. Oh, and the petroglyphs.

Coral Bay has good views, too.

There are unusual traffic signs on St John. Those make interesting photos depending on your taste.

Have fun!

It may be not what you want to read/hear but anything can be a photo opportunity. That's the hard part. But given your experience as a semi pro specializing in portraits, your best best would be to start exploring your boundaries.

I know it's an answer you are not looking for but look at it as a challenge to broaden your horizons and sharpen your skills. Good luck!

Steve Simonson is a local photographer on St. John and you can check out his website for St. John photos at this link: http://web.mac.com/ssimonsen/iWeb/StJohnUSVirginIslands/Welcome.html Hopefully you will get some ideas! I personally think that everything on St. John is photogenic....cheers!

When it comes to art, the artist rules... if it hits you right, get to snappin'! Photos can also be a chronicle of the times. Those pics you posted are very nice and I just know you'll find lots to share on St. John.

There are no ridiculous posts. And, I agree that a bit of flotsam can be just as compelling as the most serene landscape.

THERE ARE NO LIMITS!
A new trend is close ups of some of the tropical foliage we have as well. I love taking pictures and I am always looking for new ways to shoot pics. Have fun!

Our new love is the hiking trails on the park. If you aren't put off by the approach (like trash on the ground at the trail heads, which for me is a disgrace) you can take in some amazing scenes and close ups no one else sees. with a little effort , suddenly you are the only people on the island.

You can hit some incredible beaches via the trails, too, and be the only humans in sight for hours. Sometimes the view is what you don't see.

Have a wonderful stay!
Pattypan

Hi Pattypan

Alot of visitors who visit St John and hike the trails (especially if they find the start a "disgrace") take a trash bag with them and spend a few mins picking it up at the end of their hike and dropping it off at the nearest dumpster - we don't have enough people to pick up after everyone - just a thought

Pia

The most rediculous post/question is the one you never asked or posted, but later wished you did. That said, I foind there are two things that are nearly impossible to do while on Island. 1. You really have to try hard not to have a good time, and 2. You can't take a "bad" picture. Every picture I have taken is a thing of beauty....even the out of focus or tilted ones! Have a great trip, and please share your pix with us when you return!:-)

-Bert

I always like the colors

and the differences

there is also some great people pictures

Check out these shots....some of the absolute best I have ever seen.
http://www.pbase.com/mreilly01/bestofstjohn

Just about any island scene will make a stunning photo if you have the right "eye" to frame the shot and the equipment to capture it.

If you can catch a full moon in the evening on any water front bay - truly is magical with the silver sheen reflected off the water....my facorite time of the month!

Walking around Cruz Bay you can get photos of colorful storefronts, fruit/drink stands, brightly painted hurricane shutter windows, small boats, ferries, sail boats in the harbor. Mongoose Junction is photogenic with its beautiful stonework. There is a window in the ferry waiting area that looks over the beach - the window (if open) makes a nice frame for the view,

There are several viewing areas along the Northshore with awesome views of Cruz Bay, Caneel Bay, Trunk Bay, Maho Bay.

If you have an underwater camera you can explore photographing marine life. Steve Simonsen was mentioned in an earlier post; if you've not seen his split level images check those out. Very cool shots partly underwater and partly above.

Sunsets. Pelicans diving. Coconut trees and the sky.

Coral Bay side there are usually donkeys and herds of goats. If you go to Salt Pond Bay there is a trail at the end of the beach to Drunk Bay where hikers have made 'beach art' with the coral rubble and rocks. The beach/water is rough so the waves, rocks, 'beach art', might be of interest.

If you heading to Lameshur there are some neat views back at the beach from the ruins at the far right (when facing the water). Annaberg Ruins has the ruins, mill, view.

Lots to photograph :D. Enjoy!

--Islander