Postcard from Antigua #1: The Colours of the Caribbean

​Date: January 2026

Location: Nelson’s Dockyard / Shirley Heights, Antigua

​"A Palette of Blue and Ochre"

​There is a rhythm to the Caribbean that is dictated entirely by the sun. From my current base in Antigua, I’ve found that the island offers a visual depth that goes far beyond the standard "tropical" cliché.

​This week, I’ve been focusing the lens on the intersection of history and nature. Standing at the top of Shirley Heights at dusk, you see the convergence of the deep, ink-blue Atlantic and the sheltered, turquoise waters of English Harbour. It is a study in gradients—the way the water changes character based on the depth of the coral and the angle of the light.

​The Photographer's Perspective:

The real joy of photographing Antigua is the contrast. You have the weathered, ochre-colored stone of the 18th-century dockyards set against the neon-bright hulls of modern yachts. In this week's featured shot, I wanted to capture that "Caribbean glow"—that fleeting moment just after the sun dips below the horizon when the air feels like it’s turned to liquid gold.

​It’s not just about the big vistas, though. I’ve been spending time capturing the smaller details: the textures of sun-bleached wood, the vibrant tropical flora that frames every coastal path, and the way the salt spray creates a natural soft-focus filter over the horizon.

​I’m collecting these moments and colors to bring back a refreshed perspective for the 2026 season. After months of shooting in this high-contrast, vibrant environment, I’m looking forward to bringing that same warmth and clarity to the waters back home.

​Wishing you were here to see these colours in person.

​— Richard