National Geographic Traveller (UK)
What I love about St Helena
Drone photographer Craig Williams’ perspective on his home island of St Helena changed when he started snapping it from the air. He shares his passion for photography and the island he calls home
Iused to take what I had in my backyard for granted. St Helena — a volcanic island in the middle of the Atlantic — is where I’ve lived my whole life. Perhaps because of this, I never thought that much about all the island has to offer; I failed to see its unique beauty, with its volcanic valleys and lush, tropical centre.
Growing up in the island’s St Paul’s district, I’ve always been surrounded by trees and vegetation. When I started taking photos, I began to appreciate the beauty of my surroundings and wanted to give something back. I bought a drone; first a DJI Phantom 2, and then a Mavic 2, and was able to see the island from a totally different perspective. It was breathtaking.
What I love the most is capturing topdown images of the steep, striking coastline — constantly smashed by ocean swells — plus historic fortifications such as High Knoll Fort, which towers over homes from its perch on the crest of a hill. Then you have Diana’s Peak, where the path to its summit is often shrouded in low fog — a pathway to the sky, if you will. My favourite locations to photograph are dotted around the island, but if I had to choose one, it would have to be the seaside on the outskirts of Jamestown, the capital of the island. Sunsets there are never the same, from the warming colours of the sky to the beautiful Georgian buildings with history spilling from their walls.
No visitor to St Helena will ever be disappointed — from history enthusiasts and nature-lovers to photographers and younger people looking for a fun night out. Take it from me, this beautiful island deserves to be on your bucket list. For keen hikers, there are endless routes to places like our famous Heart-Shaped Waterfall, and the challenging Sharks Valley.
Above all, no matter where you go on St Helena, there’s always a photographic opportunity. Since I started using my drone, I go out every day to fly, and to find new locations. St Helena, I’ll forever be grateful for the views, the perspectives and the beauty you offer — and the fact I have all this in my backyard. I’m very lucky indeed.