For Antiguan photographer Joseph Jones, what began as a personal passion grew into a career behind the lens. Self-taught, he went on to build an extensive body of work centred on the people, culture and landscapes of Antigua & Barbuda. Alongside his wife, Janet, he also runs a destination wedding photography business. He shares some of his images with us.
How did you first become interested in photography?
I was in London in the early 80s and having such a wonderful time that I bought an Olympus Trip camera to take some pictures. I sent the rolls of film to be developed, but unfortunately, I couldn’t pick them up before I left, so I don’t have one single photo from that trip! But I’d caught the bug, and things just developed organically from there, with my interest passing to my growing family, friends, and our activities, then to our environment. By the time I lost my day job, I had an alternative career under my belt, took that leap of faith, and never looked back.
How did you get into wedding photography?
That was quite an interesting start: one day at work, my boss coolly informed me that her daughter was getting married and that she wanted me to do the photography. It turned out to be a beautiful, very high-end wedding. The photography turned out great, and the experience prompted me to become interested in this field. I’m a documentary photographer at heart, so I’m focused on capturing special moments rather than typical posed shots. What makes weddings special for me, though, is working with Janet; we’re very happily married, and we bond easily with our couples, which shows up in our images.
Has photography changed the way you see the world around you?
It has made my awareness of things much keener because I’m looking at life through my lens. I’ve grown to appreciate life’s moments more because the decisive moments can be so fleeting. An expression can be gone in a split second, a sunset within minutes and a beach can, sadly, change drastically within a few months. Photography is the best medium for distilling moments and events in transition. Sometimes I wish I were out there just photographing more, but that’s just not practical; so moments are lost, sometimes forever.
What has been your most memorable shoot?
Janet and I went to a senior-citizen home a couple of years ago, and we sold the manager on the idea of doing portraits of the residents for free, which they could use for families and for promotion. We wanted to portray them as interesting people with their own personalities rather than the stereotype of old folks in an old folks home. We came out with some of the most amazing portraits I’ve ever done! The manager could not believe how we were able to relate with even those with Alzheimer’s and create images with so much personality.
What inspired your photography workshops?
I love teaching and taught photography at the tertiary level for a while, but working one-on-one in the field is special. I have tons of photography experience to share, and I know how to get around Antigua with a camera like no one else. One-on-one workshops are the perfect opportunity to share my expertise with anyone, at any skill level, who is interested in improving their photography while vacationing here.
Where is your favourite spot to shoot photos?
Ha Ha! I have three favourite spots: Ffryes Beach, Ffryes Beach and Ffryes Beach. Firstly, it’s literally my front yard since I live just a five-minute walk away. Secondly, it is the loveliest beach of the 365. I have many stunning photos there that I’ve captured over the years, some of which are in my new coffee table book, Antigua and Barbuda, Absolutely Beautiful!
Where is your favourite place when you’re not working?
Home. I’m the kind of guy who’s either at work or at home. Unless, of course, Janet and I are down at Ffryes Beach or have gone hiking.
To see more of Joseph’s work see:
www.josephjonesphotography.com