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Hi! My name is Kacy - and I'm contemplating a move to the USVI and seeking advice and/or opinions.
I am a professional photographer - from Cincinnati. I mostly photograph weddings, and have a very successful business here. I have vacationed in the Caribbean several times, and have shot weddings in St. Thomas, St. John, San Juan & Cabo San Lucas, MX. Last spring I spent three weeks in the U.S.V.I. mostly in STT and fell in love. All of these visits have sparked my desire to possibly move here one day. Plus, I've always known I'd be an island girl - I just didn't know how until now. It would just be me and my small dog (20lbs) moving.
I know it's going to be an extremely big and difficult move, but I'm seriously considering it... and soon. I'm thinking by January '09. I guess I need to figure out the logistics and see what all I need to do. I need to figure out a way to advertise or get in contact with people who are getting married in the Islands - so I can start building up business ahead of time. The couples who hired me for the previous Caribbean weddings all lived in Cincinnati or nearby - and just flew me there for the weddings.
Does anyone have any honest opinions on my move? I am willing to work elsewhere in addition to photography until I get my feet planted, but I have no idea how to go about finding a job, apartment, etc since this is such a big move. I am planning to visit in mid-August for two weeks to kind of check things out but since I'm not moving til January it might be too soon to find a job or an apartment.
Thanks in advance!
Kacy
Posted : June 22, 2008 11:31 pm
sent you a pm
Posted : June 23, 2008 12:21 am
I think it would be very difficult to line up clients without actually being on-island. Most photographers work with other wedding professional to provide a complete package. Plus, why would someone contract with you to provide services without you being in place. What if things changed and you didn't make the move?
I would suggest a long visit, 4-6 weeks, to network and see if you could make it work.
Posted : June 23, 2008 1:17 am
STX has a number of professional photographers that not only have done well doing weddings, quinceneros (15 year old coming out parties... like stateside "Sweet 16', family photography,and the likes... but which also have found a local appreciation for photographic art. Stefan Larsen of Mictchell Larsen Studios does computer enhanced local photography, Stephany Shoyer does beautiful black and white local scenes, Ted Davis from D&D studios is a photo artist (definitly check out his websited and beautiful studio), one of our local veterinarians sells his underwater photography, ... and the list goes on and on. Some make a living, some augment the living they are making at other jobs, but in general... STX welcomes artists and you could find a niche here, especially if you were flexible. I'd bet STT was no different.
All the tips about moving here apply.... do you PMV, round trip ticket, bring enough money to last awhile, set you expectations reasonably, if you are a grouch... don't bother, if you have substance abuse problems be aware that this place is very alcohol friendly, yada yada...
And, if you are serious and you really want to get a head start I would suggest you contact Wedding Planners in the VI (there are lots!), and high end resorts.... and send them your portfolio, put up a website, advertise here and on other VI Travel Information sites. Get to work making it happen for you. Success is work.
Hey... and you may be able to get a pmv paid for by getting a wedding gig.
Good luck to you.
Posted : June 23, 2008 1:16 pm
