I recently had the opportunity to attend Saint Lucia Carnival while working with M.C. Experiences in partnership with Fuzion Mas and Siete Events for the Soca Raff Up: Saint Lucia Edition. Serving as both videographer and photographer, I arrived on Friday and went straight into preparation mode, procuring the last items needed for the boat event. The island was buzzing with Carnival energy, and traffic was unusually heavy this year, creating a unique challenge for getting around. Saturday’s event took on a different tone than I’m used to with boating fetes, so I adapted and kept moving forward. Guests enjoyed themselves as the M.C. Experiences team treated everyone like VIP.

     By Sunday, I had a moment to slow down and enjoy Saint Lucia’s beauty at Pigeon Island Causeway Beach. From the shore, I could see Reduit Beach across the bay and the peak of Pigeon Point lookout above. I sent my drone up to explore and discovered there was a fort and a vantage point with panoramic views for those who made the climb. It was my first time at this historic spot, and it was refreshing to capture the island from a different perspective. I could absolutely live by that beach any time I visit Saint Lucia. Her beauty always inspires me.

     Monday brought the main Carnival road experience, and I was ready with my Sony A7RV, FX3, and three lenses; the 16-35mm f2.8 GM II, 28-70mm f2 GM, and 70-200mm f2.8 GM II. The route was unlike others I’ve experienced; masqueraders walked a notable distance before reaching the mas bands under a relentless sun. I focused more on photography than video, capturing the vibrant energy of the day, along with a few impromptu mini photoshoots. One standout moment came when the Xuvo band kept the music going even after sunset, dancing through the dark streets until the sound systems went silent. Before flying home, I returned to Pigeon Point Beach for one last unwind with friends. I topped off the sendoff with perfectly seasoned fried chicken, a warm bake, and the satisfaction of wrapping another successful creative project abroad.

Aerial view of a rugged coastal headland with turquoise waters and steep cliffs.
Colorful graffiti text art painted on an orange wall with purple and white tones.
Black signage boards mounted on exterior wall of commercial building.
Group gathered at outdoor storefront with orange awning and white text signage.
Colorful carnival dancers wearing vibrant pink feathered headdresses perform during a festive parade celebration.
Carnival performers in ornate costumes and body jewelry dance in formation during a street festival.
Dancers in bright feathered costumes featuring turquoise, red, and orange plumes perform in a carnival parade.
Festival performer wearing an elaborate gold spiked headdress and colorful costume dances during celebration.
Carnival performer wearing a golden spiked crown and festive decorations celebrates during a parade.
Festival participant in gold jewelry and decorative accessories performs during carnival celebration.
Scenic coastal landscape with mountains and boats in the distance under cloudy skies.
Panoramic view of a tropical coastline with mountains, buildings, and boats in the harbor.
Carnival dancer in elaborate silver and purple winged costume performs on street during festival.
Festival performer in golden headdress and colorful feathers dances during street celebration.
Woman in red crochet swimsuit poses on boat deck with scenic ocean view.
Woman in tan mesh cover-up relaxes on yacht during sunny day.
Aerial view of boats docked along tropical coastline with lush green vegetation.
Panoramic aerial view of boats and watercraft lined up along scenic shoreline.
Woman in white ruffled top and sunglasses poses on boat deck.
Friends enjoying leisure time on boat deck during sunset cruise.
Friends in swimwear share joyful moment on boat deck.
Person in pink and white swim shorts enjoying time on boat deck.
Woman in colorful patterned swimsuit poses on yacht deck with lifesaver.
Group enjoying sunny day on boat deck with mountains in background.
Aerial view of a rugged coastal headland with turquoise waters and steep cliffs.
Colorful graffiti text art painted on an orange wall with purple and white tones.
Black signage boards mounted on exterior wall of commercial building.
Group gathered at outdoor storefront with orange awning and white text signage.
Colorful carnival dancers wearing vibrant pink feathered headdresses perform during a festive parade celebration.
Carnival performers in ornate costumes and body jewelry dance in formation during a street festival.
Dancers in bright feathered costumes featuring turquoise, red, and orange plumes perform in a carnival parade.
Festival performer wearing an elaborate gold spiked headdress and colorful costume dances during celebration.
Carnival performer wearing a golden spiked crown and festive decorations celebrates during a parade.
Festival participant in gold jewelry and decorative accessories performs during carnival celebration.
Scenic coastal landscape with mountains and boats in the distance under cloudy skies.
Panoramic view of a tropical coastline with mountains, buildings, and boats in the harbor.
Carnival dancer in elaborate silver and purple winged costume performs on street during festival.
Festival performer in golden headdress and colorful feathers dances during street celebration.
Woman in red crochet swimsuit poses on boat deck with scenic ocean view.
Woman in tan mesh cover-up relaxes on yacht during sunny day.
Aerial view of boats docked along tropical coastline with lush green vegetation.
Panoramic aerial view of boats and watercraft lined up along scenic shoreline.
Woman in white ruffled top and sunglasses poses on boat deck.
Friends enjoying leisure time on boat deck during sunset cruise.
Friends in swimwear share joyful moment on boat deck.
Person in pink and white swim shorts enjoying time on boat deck.
Woman in colorful patterned swimsuit poses on yacht deck with lifesaver.
Group enjoying sunny day on boat deck with mountains in background.