Today I bring you an image that comes with a warning: “This photograph may induce an uncontrollable urge to leave for the Caribbean right this second.” To me, it perfectly captures the spirit of the island of St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands. In the middle of a cold February day, sitting at my desk in my office, I can look at this picture and instantly feel the warm sunlight and the incessant breezes, I can hear the calm sea gently rolling ashore, and I can sense the peaceful and quite lifestyle that defines St. John.

This picture is also a classic example of the need to be in the right place, at the right time, and ready to shoot. I took this on our last day in St. John as we were driving to the ferry that would take us to St. Thomas and the airport. We stopped to take a group picture at a pullout overlooking Trunk Bay. I knew this place was definitely the best place to get a view of Trunk Bay, but I didn’t think any good pictures would materialize because clouds had been blocking the sun all day. However, just as we pulled up, the clouds parted and the sun shone out, giving the water its trademark blue-green color. I was able to take 2 frames before it went behind clouds again. What a blessing that everything came together when it needed to!