A few weeks before this shoot, Zenetta reached out to book a session. She and her fiancé Calvin were visiting Nassau from Atlanta. We agreed to meet at the McDonald’s downtown, which is a good central spot for many of my sessions.

At first, we planned to shoot at Junkanoo Beach. But when I got there, it was super busy. A cruise ship was in port, and the beach was full of people. I didn’t want their photos to be full of strangers in the background. And honestly, editing all those people out would have been a big job. So I suggested we go to a quieter place.

They trusted me, and I’m really glad they did. I offered to take them to Orange Hill Beach, just a short 15-minute drive away. On the ride there, I got to show them more of the island and share fun facts about the Bahamas. In return, I learned more about Atlanta — and I even found out that Zenetta is a photographer too! That made me feel proud but also a little nervous, because I wanted to do my best for someone who knows the craft.

Once we got to Orange Hill, everything just worked. The beach was calm and peaceful, and Zenetta and Calvin had amazing chemistry. You could feel the love between them, and it made taking photos easy. Every shot looked natural and real. I had to get into the water to get the best angle — which happens a lot when I shoot at the beach — but it was worth it.

Zenetta told me later that she picked me after looking at many other photographers. That meant a lot. I always want people to feel like they made the right choice, not just because of the photos, but because of the full experience.

I love what I do. I love this island. And I love showing visitors the hidden spots that make the Bahamas feel magical. If you’re thinking about visiting and want to take home special memories, I’d be happy to help. Our beaches are beautiful, and our people are warm and welcoming. That’s what I try to show in every photo I take.