Barbados in Frames: Past, Present & Personal
How Barbados Became Part of Our Story
There are places that you visit, and there are places that stay with you. For me, Barbados has always been the latter. My relationship with the island goes back to 1994, when it became the destination for our wedding. Back then, booking a holiday meant walking into a travel agency and flipping through stacks of glossy brochures. If you’re from the UK, you might remember AT Mays, that’s where we spent hours browsing Caribbean islands before choosing Barbados. I honestly can’t remember what made us pick it over the others, but it became the backdrop for the biggest adventure of our young lives. I was 21, it was my first time flying, and we were getting married in the Caribbean.
We returned in 1995 for our first anniversary, this time with the freedom to explore a little more. And then life went on. We didn’t make it back again until 2019 for our 25th anniversary. By then, the journey was faster, with us now living in Orlando, Florida. Since then, we’ve returned several times. No matter how many years pass, Barbados and its people still hold a special place in our hearts.
Every trip, we make our way back to Silver Sands Hotel in Christchurch, the beach where we took our vows back in 1994. The hotel itself closed shortly after the global recession in about 2010. Each year the buildings fall further into disrepair, and nature slowly reclaims the walls and walkways. But we can still stand in the very spot where we said our vows, even if the surroundings have changed. It’s bittersweet. The place is for sale, but realistically beyond restoration. Still, I hope one day someone sees what that little corner of coastline could be again.
A Shift in Perspective
In recent visits, I’ve looked forward to what photographs the island might offer. The sunsets are always reliable, always magical, always different and yes, I still capture them. I’ve rarely managed a sunrise though, the sun comes up early here and after all, I’m meant to be on vacation. But traditionally, most of my images have leaned toward landscapes and seascapes. On my latest trip in October 2025, I wanted to do something different. I wanted to photograph life
I did still shoot a few sunsets — it’s impossible not to. But this time I spent more time walking, observing, and responding. Oistins Fish Fry on a Friday night. The glow of Chefette signs after dusk. A busy Saturday afternoon wandering Bridgetown. Street photography reminded me how energizing it can be. No tripod. No perfect setup. No waiting for the “right” light. Just being present and capturing what unfolds in front of you.
The Takeaway
It felt good. Honest. Real.
So thank you, Barbados — for the memories I have, the memories I keep discovering, and the part of me you continue to hold. I look forward to seeing you again soon.
For anyone who’s ever fallen in love with a place, I’ve made a selection of images from this Barbados trip available as fine art prints. Visit the Pixel Topics store to choose a travel moment that speaks to you and make it your own.