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Hey all! I joined this forum 9 years ago as a single 20 something when I first contemplated a USVI move, but life happened and I never went. Now, fast forward to 2017, I'm married with nearly 4 month old twins. My husband and I have been discussing possibly making the move now. He's considering a career change and I'm self employed so now seems to be a good time. Looking for a little advice and insight.
My questions are:
I'm a professional newborn and baby photographer (previously wedding photographer) with a great following and reputation in my city. Is there any need for a baby photographer for people who live in USVI? I could also shoot weddings and/or family photos for vacationers. Trying to see if I would be able to start working fairly soon once we arrive.
My husband is a CNC machinist. Are there any warehouse/factory/machining jobs in USVI? He's open to doing whatever, but just curious.
Also, I'm assuming it's relatively safe for families? The babies will be with either of us at all times but making this big move with small babies is a little nerve wracking.
Any other advice or insight welcome! Thank you!
Posted : August 10, 2017 3:36 pm
I had to look up what a CNC machinist does -- I don't think we have much in that area of work, perhaps a welding shop, woodworking shop, marine boatyard?
A very professional operation to check out:
http://www.subbasedrydock.com/our-services/
You will likely have a slow start up on your own as a photographer but could find a job or freelance with some of our wedding companies.
In a few years you will have to seriously consider the schooling of the twins.
Posted : August 10, 2017 4:42 pm
Which island are you considering?
Professional photography is a competitive field here - lots of photogs in this beautiful place, and only so much demand for paid gigs. I don't know of anyone specializing in babies, but perhaps that is just because the potential client list is not as large as where you live now. To make ends meet, most photographers do weddings, family photos, real estate, and whatever else comes along.
Not much in the way of manufacturing jobs here.
"Relatively safe" depends on where you live now. There are many safer places to live in the US, and some that are less safe.
Posted : August 10, 2017 6:21 pm
My husband and I are moving with our 11 month old and 3 1/2 year old in 5 weeks. I run my own business online and my husband is a chef, we're making the move and just jumping into it!
The best thing I learned about the island is just you've really gotta just save a lot of money and take the leap.
Posted : August 11, 2017 4:53 pm
Which island are you considering?
Was that question ever answered? Just curious here.
Posted : August 12, 2017 8:26 am
Topic starter
STT or STX -- we haven't decided yet and are still researching. I'm leaning toward STT though.
Posted : August 12, 2017 4:45 pm
Trust me, not many people here (or elsewhere for that matter) understand that good photography costs money. Sadly people think they can take the same photo with an iPhone and even more sad that most of them will be happy with those results. As a professional, it's utterly exhausting.
Realize you're coming to an economically depressed island with people who are struggling to pay their electricity bills - not too many I know have extra money for a newborn photographer because well newborns are expensive! I also just don't know if thats something people really 'do' here. Seems not. I too am a photographer (www.photosVI.com) and I have never once been asked.... but I also don't have any of that type of work in my portfolio nor would I as its just not my thing. Lots of destination weddings in STT and STJ though but the market is pretty flooded and a couple are VERY good.
Ultimately you will not be ablate make an actual living off this in the VI. That is my personal opinion being in the field here.
Posted : August 22, 2017 1:59 am
