By Jessica McCurdy Crooks
Jamaica's natural beauty is well known and some areas are always on the must visit list of vacationers. In addition to the natural photographic spots, the island's rich history has resulted in great houses and other historic monuments that leave lasting memories with those who experience them. While some of the locations listed below may not be on everyone's list, they are worth exploring if time allows.
The island's history and natural beauty are beyond words to describe; you have to see it for yourself to fully understand. Each of the fourteen parishes has something to offer both amateur or professional photographers and anyone in between.
1. Dunn's River Falls
This is Jamaica's most famous waterfall. Rarely does a visitor come to the island and not take time to climb the falls. Located in Jamaica's garden parish of St. Ann, Dunn's River has a long and interesting history. When the Spaniards saw Dunn's River Falls they aptly named it Las Chorreras, meaning "the waterfalls" or "springs".
Dunn's River is believed to be the only waterfall in the world that combines a number of unique features. It is close to the sea and the waters actually flow into the Caribbean Sea. Visitors to the Falls only have to walk a few feet to take a dip in the Sea. Going into the Sea after climbing the falls causes an invigorating change in body temperature. While the falls leave you feeling a bit chilled, the seawater tends to be much warmer.
Not only is the Falls worthy of picture-taking, but the human chain that normally climbs the fall with a native guide is an added bonus.
2. Somerset Falls
These falls could really be called one of the hidden gems of the island. The spectacular vista is nestled inside a rainforest in Port Antonio, one of Jamaica's sleepier towns. The view is, to use a clichi, breathtaking. The water's colour is different and can only be described as an unusual bluish-green.
The best shots are obtained from the upper reaches of the river, but the true nature lover will have ample opportunities to capture nature at her best. This writer believes that some of the most beautiful scenery in Jamaica can be found at Somerset Falls.
Emancipation Park
As parks go, Emancipation Park may at first glance not seem like a photographer's idea of a must-do, but that soon changes as you walk around. The main focus of the Park is giant nude male and female statues that grace the outside of the Park on the Knutsford Boulevard end.
The work of art has the nudes standing on a base over which water flows. The monument means different things to different viewers, some people find it offensive while others admire its artistic purity. The artist, Laura Facey, says her own interpretation is that the purity of water washes away pain and struggles of slavery, and the dome represents life.
The place is not just statues and fountains, there is flora, specially selected to add to the charm. These include the national flower, the Lignum Vitae (when in blooms, it features beautiful light blue flowers), the national tree, the Blue Mahoe, and an abundance of palms and ferns. Although still in their growing stages, they add to the romantic feel.
Rosehall Great House
This greathouse was home to Jamaica's infamous white witch, Annie Palmer. The magnificent Georgian structure has been restored to its former glory, enthralling visitors with its magnificent old world furniture. Palmer's ghost is said to still roam the property that she loved, and where she killed her husbands and slave lovers.
Made of cut stone and stucco, the 19th century greathouse has a beautiful cut stone staircase that goes up to the second floor. Like most buildings of the time, Rosehall has sash windows and a hip roof. The house holds center stage on a rolling expanse of beautifully manicured land.
Port Royal
The pirate capital of the Caribbean, Port Royal is worth visiting not only for its photographic opportunities, but for a glimpse into a past many still find alluring.
The sunken city is almost exactly as it was after the 1692 earthquake. The picture-taking opportunities here will appeal primarily to history buffs.
Also of interest in Port Royal is the grave and tombstone of Lewis Galdy who was actually swallowed by the earth during the great earthquake and spat out. Not all the historic scenes in Port Royal can be photographed, but many can be, making it possible to capture lasting images of the remnants of "the wickedest city in the world".
Kingston Harbour
The world's seventh largest natural harbour offers scenic glimpses into the real heart of Jamaica. Apart from the myriad photographic opportunities on the waterfront itself, at the right time of day the view across the harbour is spectacular. Also referred to as Kingston Waterfront or simply, The Waterfront, Kingston Harbour is both a study in tranquility and the hustle and bustle of a metropolitan city.
There are two scenes that anyone with a camera at Kingston Harbour always leaves with. One is the smiling boys of varying ages who are always diving off into the water, and the other is the view of the setting sun on the horizon as you look towards Port Royal and the Norman Manley International Airport.
Apart from the Harbour itself, the area comprising The Waterfront includes some of Jamaica's landmarks. The main two are the National Gallery of Jamaica and the Seabed Authority. The National Gallery is home to the artwork of some of the island's top creative minds such as Edna Manley and Kapo. The Seabed Authority, a beautiful structure of cut stone and wood is built to specifications provided by the United Nations.
Cinchona Botanical Gardens
Relics of the past, beautiful plants and enthralling vistas make this a worthwhile trip for any nature loving photographer. The estate which is situated high above the city of Kingston is the only one of its kind in the Caribbean.
Built in 1868, the Gardens, while not kept to their original splendor should be visited not only for sheer beauty, but also for the scenic view. From its elevation of about 5,000 feet Cinchona presents one of the most unforgettable views of the Blue Mountains, Strawberry Hills, Kingston, and Liguanea.
View from Negril Point Lighthouse
Although this historic structure is worthy of being captured on film; it is the magnificent sunsets that can be seen from the island's western end that continues to intrigue visitors and locals alike. The varieties of colours, orange, red, pink and lavendar that grace the skies as the sun sets is more than picture-postcard perfect.
The Negril Point Lighthouse was commissioned into service in 1894. Of Jamaica's seven lighthouses, it is the fourth to be lighted. The white concrete building sits in a 14 foot deep tank that is kept filled with water and stands 66 feet above ground. It was constructed to withstand earthquakes.
Those with a love ofhistory will enjoy visiting and snapping the remnants of -- or in some cases, restored -- greathouses that can be found in many of the parishes. St. James, the tourist capital, has quite a few.
Aptly named Xamayca, "The Land of Wood and Water" by the Tainos, Jamaica has other lots of rivers and water features (mineral baths) to give an ending source of great photographs.