St. Thomas & St. John Photography FAQs:
Everything You Need to Know Before Your Shoot
So, you're planning a photoshoot in St. Thomas or St. John! Whether you're visiting the islands on vacation, celebrating an engagement, planning a wedding, or trying to get one decent photo of the entire family looking at the camera at the same time (no small feat), I'm here to help!
I get a lot of the same questions from clients, and honestly, they're all good ones. Between the tropical sun, island weather, busy beaches, and figuring out what on earth everyone should wear, there's a little more to planning a beach photoshoot than just showing up in a cute outfit.
Here are some of the questions I get asked most often, along with a few tips to help you get the most out of your session!
1. What should I wear for my photoshoot?
Whatever you feel comfortable and confident in! Seriously. The last thing I want is for you to spend your entire session tugging at a dress, sweating in a heavy outfit, or wishing you'd worn something else.
It's hot here, and it's humid. Think breathable fabrics like linen, cotton, and lightweight dresses that move nicely in the breeze. Neutrals like white, cream, tan, and beige always photograph beautifully against the sand and turquoise water, but soft blues and earthy tones look great, too.
If you're coordinating outfits for the family, try picking a few complementary colors instead of having everyone wear the exact same thing. And please, don't feel like you need to buy an entirely new wardrobe just for photos! Wear something that feels like YOU. That's always going to look better than an outfit you're uncomfortable in.
2. Is the sun going to be too bright? And how hot is it going to be?
I'm not going to lie to you, we live in the Caribbean, so the sun does not play around! Between the bright sunshine and the reflection off the white sand and water, midday lighting can be pretty intense. Add in the humidity, and you'll understand why I'm not suggesting a noon photoshoot.
The good news is that we know how to work with it! I typically recommend early morning or late afternoon when the sun is lower and the light is softer. It's also a lot more comfortable for everyone, especially little ones.
And don't worry, you don't need to show up knowing how to pose in the sunshine without squinting. That's my job and I've got a few tricks.
3. What happens if it rains on the day of our photoshoot?
Welcome to the tropics! We can have beautiful sunshine one minute and a random rain shower the next. The good news is that most of our showers pass pretty quickly.
If it starts raining, we'll usually wait a bit and see what happens. I'm always watching the weather, and if we need to adjust our timing, we'll figure it out together. If the weather really isn't cooperating, I'll do my best to reschedule, depending on availability.
Cancelling is a last resort and very rare, like I haven't done it in 5 years rare. A little Caribbean rain doesn't automatically mean your photoshoot is doomed!
And my biggest piece of advice? Don't look at the weather forecast. It's never accurate, like ever! It will show rain every day, beause it will rain somewhere on the island for 10 minutes each day. Pretend it doesn't exist, trust me.
4. Are the beaches going to be crowded?
They can be! St. Thomas and St. John are popular vacation destinations, and some beaches get especially busy when cruise ships are in port in our high-season. High season runs December to March, but I personally think it doesn't slow down until July.
This is one of the perks of hiring a photographer who actually works here regularly. I know which beaches tend to get busy, when to avoid certain locations, where to position you, and how to find the best angles.
And if a few vacationers happen to wander into the background? Don't worry. I can remove people and other distractions during editing. You came for beautiful beach photos, not a souvenir portrait with 17 strangers in the background!
5. What's the best time of day for photos?
My favorite times are early morning, ideally before 10 a.m., or late afternoon, around 1.5 to 2 hours before sunset.
The light is generally softer, the temperatures are more comfortable, and we can get that beautiful glow without everyone fighting the sun. Depending on the beach and time of year, we may adjust the timing a little.
If you're flexible with your schedule, I always recommend letting me help choose the time. There's a reason I don't usually suggest mid-day at the beach.
6. Why is my sunset photoshoot scheduled BEFORE sunset?
Ah, yes. This one confuses people all the time! I call it the double sunset.
St. Thomas and St. John are mountainous islands, so the sun often disappears behind a hillside before the official sunset time. And not every beach faces west, either, so we can't always count on seeing the sun setting directly over the water. Some beaches have a better view of the sunset at different times of the year.
I schedule sessions around the light we'll actually have at your location, rather than just the sunset time on your weather app. If I tell you to arrive earlier than expected, there's a reason! We're trying to catch that gorgeous golden light before it disappears behind the mountains.
Trust me, I've got you. You just have to show up!
7. How much time should I book?
It depends on what we're photographing and how many people are involved! I offer sessions from 30 minutes all the way up to 8 hours, so there's something for everything from a quick couples session to a full wedding day.
Here's a general idea:
30 minutes: A quick solo session or a short couples shoot.
1 hour: Couples, families, proposals, and intimate wedding ceremonies.
2 hours: Larger families, multiple group combinations, or sessions where we'd like a little extra breathing room.
4–8 hours: Larger celebrations, events, and weddings that need more extensive coverage.
Of course, every situation is a little different. A family of four is a different situation from a family of 18 with six toddlers and a grandpa who really doesn't want his picture taken.
Tell me what you're planning, and I'll help you figure out the best option.
8. How long does it take to get my photos back?
I know, I know. You're already imagining these photos framed on your wall, posted on Instagram, and sent to every family member you have. I get it!
In practice, shorter sessions generally take less time than a full wedding day, which can involve hundreds or even thousands of images to review and edit.
Turnaround also depends on the time of year and how busy things are. During wedding season, things can get a little hectic, but I always want to deliver a gallery I'm proud of rather than rush through your photos just to get them out the door.
I'll keep you informed at the time of booking what my curernt turnaround time is, and I promise your gallery isn't sitting in a mysterious folder somewhere being ignored!
9. Can you edit me to look a certain way?
First of all, let's talk about lighting, posing, and angles! Knowing where to stand, how to position you, and when to take the photo makes a HUGE difference. A lot of what people love about a photograph happens before editing even begins.
My goal is to make you look your best while still looking like YOU. I include standard retouching in my editing, so things like temporary blemishes, stray hairs, little clothing stains, and distracting background elements can be cleaned up.
If you're hoping for something more extensive, just let me know ahead of time. We can discuss what's possible and whether an additional editing fee would apply.
Basically, I want you to love your photos, but I also want you to recognize the gorgeous person looking back at you!
10. Do you travel for photoshoots?
Absolutely! I love traveling, and getting to combine photography with exploring new places is pretty much my dream job.
I'm based on St. Thomas, so St. John is one of my most frequent destinations. My St. John travel fee is $100 to help cover the ferry, parking, transportation, and additional travel time.
I also photograph in Puerto Rico and St. Croix, and I'm happy to discuss destinations elsewhere in the U.S. or internationally, depending on the location and travel costs.
Planning a destination wedding somewhere else in the world? Reach out! There's a good chance I'll be excited about the trip with my passport in hand before we've even finished discussing the photos.
11. How many photos will I receive?
I guarantee approximately 60–70 edited images per hour of photography, but I'll let you in on a little secret: I take A LOT of photos. Sometimes probably too many!
I don't like the idea of leaving out a beautiful moment just because I've hit some arbitrary photo limit. I go through your images, select the best ones, and deliver the keepers in your online gallery.
That means all the beautiful smiles, candid moments, little in-between interactions, and those photos you didn't even realize I was taking. If it's a great image, I want you to have it!
12. Can I print my photos? Do I own the rights to them?
Yes! Your photos are yours to enjoy, print, share with family, post on your personal social media, and display in your home, subject to the terms of your photography contract.
I retain the copyright to the images unless we agree otherwise in writing. That means selling the photos, using them commercially, or submitting them for publication may require additional permission.
Basically, print that beautiful family photo for your living room, make an album for Grandma, and post away! Just don't put my photos on a billboard to advertise your new business without checking with me first. If you're ever unsure about how you can use an image, just ask!
13. Which beach is best for our photoshoot?
Oh, this is a fun one because we have SO many beautiful options!
The best beach really depends on the look you're going for, your group size, accessibility, and the time of day. Some locations are great for families with little ones, while others are perfect for romantic couples photos, dramatic coastlines, or those classic turquoise water shots.
If you've been scrolling Instagram and have a particular beach in mind, send it my way! I can help you figure out whether it's a good fit or recommend another location that might work even better.
And don't feel like you have to pick the most popular beach just because everyone else photographs there. Sometimes the best location is the one that works best for YOU.
14. Can we bring our kids or pets?
Of course! Pets are part of the family, and I love including them.
Pets are welcome at suitable locations, too, depending on the beach rules and restrictions. Just give me a heads-up beforehand so we can plan accordingly. And yes, your dog absolutely deserves a spot in the family photos.
15. How do I book a photoshoot?
It's easy! Send me an inquiry right here through my website with your preferred date, the type of session you're interested in, your group size, and any location ideas you have. You can also send me an email at tropicalexposureimages@gmail.com or give me a call at 585-698-7361. Yes, my area code is Rochester NY. It's my hometown and I refuse to give up the number I've had since 2008!
I'll help you choose the right package, answer your questions, and walk you through the booking process. Your date is secured according to the payment and booking terms in your contract.
If you're visiting during a peak-season or planning a wedding, I'd recommend reaching out as early as possible. The earlier we get things on the calendar, the more flexibility we'll have with dates and timing!
16. Do you photograph surprise proposals?
YES! Surprise proposals are some of the sweetest moments to photograph, and I love helping couples plan them.
We can talk through the location, timing, and where I'll be positioned so I can capture the actual proposal without giving the surprise away. We'll also coordinate how we'll communicate on the day, because the last thing we want is for your partner to spot me hiding behind a palm tree with a camera!
Want photos of the proposal followed by a couples session? We can plan for that, too. Just tell me what you're envisioning, and we'll work out the details together.
17. Do we need a permit for our beach photoshoot?
It depends on the location and what you're planning! A small portrait session can have different requirements from a wedding ceremony or a larger event, especially in protected areas.
If you're planning a ceremony, bringing a large group, or have your heart set on a particular beach, let me know early so we can check the applicable rules and requirements.
I'd much rather help you figure everything out ahead of time than have anyone dealing with unexpected restrictions on the day of their session. A little planning goes a long way!
18. What should we bring to our beach photoshoot?
Keep it simple! You don't need to show up with half your hotel room packed into a beach bag.
I'd recommend bringing:
Water: lots of it, because Caribbean heat!
Sunscreen: preferably applied before your session so you don't have fresh white streaks across your face.
A towel and comfortable shoes for walking on the beach. I recommend going barefoot!
Any outfit changes or accessories you'd like to include.
Snacks and anything the kids might need.
For weddings and proposals, your rings, vows, bouquet, and any meaningful details you want photographed.
And don't forget to eat beforehand! Nobody wants their gallery remembered as the day everyone was beautiful but absolutely starving.
19. What if we're awkward in front of the camera?
First of all, you're in very good company. Most people aren't professional models, and most couples don't spend their weekends practicing poses in front of a mirror.
You don't need to know what to do with your hands, how to stand, or how to get that effortlessly candid look. I'll guide you through the session, give you direction when you need it, and help you feel comfortable in front of the camera. I'm all about making it fun, it shouldn't feel like work!
We'll leave plenty of room for genuine laughs, little moments, and natural interactions. Some of my favorite photos happen when people stop worrying about how they look and just enjoy being together.
You bring yourselves. I'll handle the rest!
Let's make some memories in paradise!
If you're visiting St. Thomas, hopping over to St. John, celebrating an engagement, or planning your dream destination wedding, I'd love to be part of it.
You don't need to know how to pose, have the perfect outfits, or be a model. You just need to show up ready to have a good time. I'll take care of the photos!
Ready to plan your session?
Get in touch with Tropical Exposure Images to check availability and start planning your photoshoot in the beautiful U.S. Virgin Islands.
St. Thomas • St. John • St. Croix • Puerto Rico • Destination Photography
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