The internet is full of pictures of enticing Caribbean beaches and sunsets, but there are pretty pictures, and then there are photographs that make you feel like you are actually there. Photographer Steve Simonsen, based on the beautiful island of St. John, USVI, is adept at creating these visual masterpieces – photographs that transport you to the islands. Let’s take a look at the islands through the lens of Steve Simonsen.
Steve didn’t start his career as a photographer, in fact, Steve got started as a Scuba diving instructor. The owners of the dive shop he worked at in Boulder, Colorado (Rocky Mountain Diving Center) encouraged him to get into underwater photography so he could be more well-rounded as a sales person.
Steve is self taught and studied the leading underwater photographers for years, practicing daily as a diving instructor. His photographic style was influenced heavily by the advertising style of posters for Club Med in the early 80’s. Taking photographs now since 1980, his favorite things to photograph are tropical scenes with coconut palm trees, nature, marine life and people.
He and his wife Janet are proud of their work photographing many villas and homes here in the Virgin Islands as well. Janet says her official title in the company is “enabler”. She handles all non-photography tasks for Steve Simonsen Photography.
Steve and Janet have lived on St. John since August of 1991. Janet was brought to St. Thomas (by way of New York) in 1984 to run Aqua Action, the dive shop on St. Thomas at Secret Harbor and Steve arrived in 1987 (by way of Michigan) to be the underwater photographer at Chris Sawyer Dive Center. They were married in 1989 after Hurricane Hugo.
Hurricane Hugo wasn’t the only hurricane they’ve experienced. On September 6, 2017, Irma, a Cat 5 monster hurricane, hit St. John and the surrounding islands with unprecedented force. Steve was in their home when the roof and walls blew off. He struggled outside in the powerful storm for 3 hours before finding his way to the house next door where Janet and their assistant John were hunkered down. He barely made it alive and suffers from PTSD to this day. The silver lining was that with the help of FEMA and the SBA they were able to rebuild and their new home is not only beautiful, but strong. Steve was able, after a few days, to film the disaster and make a short documentary about the storm, “Hurricane Irma, Not a Nice Day”. It can be viewed here.
Steve has now had a long and distinguished career in photography. In addition to his stunning still photography, he is a videographer and a licensed drone photographer in the VI and loves shooting aerials.
When asked what work they are most proud of, they answered, “Our self published book “Living Art, St. John” which is in it’s third and final print run and has been in print for almost 20 years. We’re also happy to have contributed images to the Audubon Field Guide to Marine Fishes, he was a regular contributing photographer with Caribbean Travel and Life Magazine for 15 years, and we’ve licensed cover images for every North American diving publication. We authored and photographed the Lonely Planet Diving and Snorkel Guide to Puerto Rico and contributed the images for the Virgin Islands edition. And, Carnival Cruise lines flagship, Carnival Breeze, has decorated all their stairwells with Steve’s images.”
A popular project that they release annually is a beautiful St. John Calendar. They will be taking pre-orders for the 2021 edition soon and calendars and photo books can be purchased on their website. Here’s a sneak peek at the 2021 calendar cover.
When asked about exciting projects coming up, Steve and Janet said that they are preparing to enter into the editing phase on two projects: the Leatherback Turtles of Sandy Point, St. Croix and the Tektite project of 1969 here on St. John. Follow their Facebook page for updates on these and other upcoming projects.
As we all know, Covid has had an effect on travel all over the world and has severely impacted areas that depend on tourism. The pandemic makes it very difficult for tourists to determine whether or when to return to the island as most don’t want to return and bring the virus to the island. To help those that can’t return right now combat the St. John blues, the Simonsen’s started a live Facebook feed coined the “Simonsen Sunset Stream” at the onset of the pandemic to bring St. John into the homes of all St. John lovers until they can return. The feedback has been phenomenal. You can follow the daily sunset stream on their Facebook page.
Steve also offers fun family portrait shoots, photography and video classes (land and underwater) and photo safaris. Check out some of his workshops here and contact them to arrange a photo shoot or to find out more about their services.
phone: (340) 513-9687 • cell: (340) 690-8986 [email protected]
And lastly, I asked Steve if he had any tips he could share with anyone wanting to improve their photography skills and he said, “Commit yourself to your craft… practice every day and always challenge yourself. Very critically evaluate your own work so you continually improve.”
Steve Simonsen Photography Website
Steve Simonsen Photography Facebook
Steve Simonsen Phtography Instagram
all photos courtesy of Steve Simonsen Photography
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All information is correct to our knowledge at the time of writing, but be sure to verify current information before your visit.
