Jason Pickering’s trajectory to becoming one of Antigua & Barbuda’s preeminent photographers is nothing short of remarkable. Born in the UK, Jason’s distinguished career in the world of science – including a postdoctoral research fellowship at Oxford University – turned one hundred and eighty degrees when he became an expedition diving officer in the Philippines, before returning home to start his own diving company. Not content to stay under the waves, he later trained as a commercially endorsed yacht master, buying and refitting a 39-foot yacht, Ciao, which became his home for the next seven years. Like so many before them, when he and his wife Kirsti – whose background is as diverse as that of her husband – arrived by yacht in the twin islands, they fell in love with the country and decided to make it home.
Always a serious photographer and having established his own studio in English Harbour, Jason now combines his passions for photography, yachting and the undersea world in the paradisiacal surroundings of Antigua & Barbuda.
Why did you choose Antigua & Barbuda after spending seven years on your yacht in the Caribbean?
We naturally gravitated to Antigua, partly because of the shared history with my home country of England and partly because of its sailing connections and outstanding natural beauty.
How did being a diving officer on a Coral Cay Conservation expedition in the Philippines influence your underwater photography?
After having been a serious photographer for many years, my experience in the Philippines got me started on underwater photography. Having to learn to identify hundreds of species of marine invertebrates, algae, corals and fish added a whole new set of opportunities for my photography.
As a biologist, do you see the underwater world differently from other divers?
My background and training in biology influence my view of almost everything, especially of the underwater world. Our own basic biology affects our perception of the world, as do our psychology and anatomy. I’m always thinking about these influences and constantly try to accommodate them whilst producing beautiful photographs. It’s harder to get the results you want when underwater, but it’s also more rewarding when you get it right.
Where is the best place to dive in Antigua & Barbuda?
My favourite place is probably Sunken Rock outside Indian Creek where I first photographed a spotted eagle ray in Antigua. There is wonderful marine life around the fairly unknown northern barrier reef. Although it has been affected by disease, storms and warming over recent years, there are still some cool spots and even some signs of recovery.
What do you want to say with your photographs?
I want to make beautiful images that people want to look at, at the same time as capturing the essence of an object or event. As a positive person, I want to inspire people and remind them that the world is a beautiful place and there is beauty even in the most ordinary things.
What constitutes the “perfect shot” for you?
Capturing a moment in time that would otherwise pass away unseen. Maybe capturing an ordinary scene in an extraordinary way or rendering the mundane in a hyper-realistic way.
What is your favourite photograph of Antigua & Barbuda?
It’s one of my sailing boat with a rainbow dropping into the cockpit and English Harbour in the background. It encapsulates how I feel about the island, showing my first home here anchored in my first backyard.
What is your motto?
The briefest and most profound piece of wisdom that I know is by Louis Pasteur: “Fortune favours the prepared mind.”
To connect with Jason and find out more about his work, go to www.jasonpickering.com or www.linkedin.com/in/jason-pickering-21982540