Blue Mountains Jamaica

This past week I was shooting in Jamaica, specifically in the Blue Mountain area. I have worked in Jamaica several times before shooting travel gigs in Negril, Ocho Rios, Browns Town, Trelawny and Lucea, but this by far was the most interesting of all my previous shoots.

In this set I shot a well-known yet rarely visited tourist site - Bob Marleys birthplace. About a 2 hr white knuckle cab ride from Ocho Rios.

bob marleys one bedroom room inspired these lyrics- ("We'll be together, with a roof right over our heads" we'll share the shelter of my single bed")

Because I tend to shoot off of the resorts or out of the main cities of Negril or Ocho these assignments can become at times a little daunting. Although Jamaicans are by and large friendly when you head off the beaten path you encounter many “screw faces” – people who are not really impressed with what you are doing.

I have learned a lot shooting travel all over the world. The first thing I do is put away the big white expensive telephoto lens and travel light. The expensive looking gear not only puts you a risk of being robbed but it also tends to put your subjects on edge as well.

So I find using small fast lenses the best way to go. The small lenses force you to get closer to your subjects but they are also non-imposing.

Enjoy.

C