~ Marketing Director& Photographer ~
Quebec-city native, and recently, officially a Sint Maarten resident, Christian Gomez has been capturing the most lavish properties in the world for the past 15 years. With his move to our lovely rock, he has taken on a new job as marketing director for Ani Villas, an award-winning luxury villa brand, which includes an extravagant estate on our sister-island Anguilla.
A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to accompany Christian on one of his photo- and videography shoots geared towards showcasing the new indulging retreats and family-amenities that this estate on Anguilla has to offer. During that time, Christian shared a bit more about his new island-life, a closer look at being a photographer and the intricate workings behind luxury property marketing.
Why did you move to Sint Maarten?
My wife and I moved to Sint Maarten on December 1, 2015. One reason was my health. I have asthma and in the warm Caribbean air, I just breathe better and need less medication. It is also of course a big plus to have clear, blue, sunny skies for most of the year, as opposed to the cold, harsh winters in Canada. I also wanted a change, I have been travelling to the Caribbean for much of my work for many years now, so I thought, “Why not just live here?”
What was your first impression of Sint Maarten?
My first impression of the island was 15 years ago. The island seemed calmer back then – but very different from other neighbouring islands. Today, it feels more like Vegas on an island, which is actually partly why I considered living here as opposed to on Anguilla. On the Dutch side, you can find any American brand and product; and on the French side, all the great European products and foods. I also found out by using the “The Mailbox” service, I can actually get my Amazon orders faster and cheaper here than in Canada!
Although I love most aspects of the island, I do think that Sint Maarten really needs to start working hard on being more sustainable. I am actually appalled at how little is being done in terms of “going green” on the island. Being in such a perfect location: small island, sun-rating at the highest it is anywhere in the world, it would be cheaper to run everything off solar than using fossil fuels, let alone all the ecological benefits, they should actually be at the forefront of the sustainability movement. I hope this happens soon so that the remaining natural beauty of the island is preserved and protected.
How did you get into photography?
When I was young, my dad showed me how to develop film and make prints in a dark room; it was like magic seeing a photo appear on paper – being creative and putting together something from start to finish intrigued me. When I turned 13, I bought my first video camera. I used it to film my family and friends, making little movies for fun. I also tried retouching photos on the computer; it was around the same time the first version of Photoshop was released.
I couldn’t draw well, but these new tools allowed me to try different things and explore that new digital form. It was fascinating to see what the combination of photography and technology could produce; it reminded me of the “magic” of developing film with my dad. I enjoyed making photos and videos throughout my teens, and even won a short film contest in Canada.
A few years later, I decided to move to the other side of Canada, to Vancouver, where I got to work on the more technical side of photography for VRX studios. My job was to stitch over 30 photos together to create one 360 panoramic views. I hated it. I wanted to be the photographer who took those pictures.
Luckily, this changed in 2001 when my wife (then fiancé) was doing a professional make-up course. She needed a portfolio to showcase her work at the end of her class. Instead of hiring a photographer, I offered to shoot it for her. After that, people started requesting shoots, especially models who needed test-shoots for their own portfolios. She’s the best makeup artist – and I guess we made a pretty good team – as we got our first cover just three months later!
Since then, I have had over 4,000 photos published in magazines such as GQ, Valeo, Vogue, Maxim, Bon Appetit, New York Times, Destination Weddings & Honeymoons, Bride Magazine, Caribbean Travel + Life, Condé Nast Traveler, Robb Report, Home & Fine Living, enRoute, Architectural Digest and Zink!
What is your favourite photography?
I enjoy shooting properties and architecture, which is what I am doing now. Besides that, I also really love shooting portraits, because it is a challenge to truly capture something real about a person, which would result in an image that at least unveils something intimate about the subject. You need to try and get emotions out of them, make them comfortable, get to know them, really dig deep into who they are and what is important to show in the photograph.
How did you get involved shooting high-end properties?
I met a guy, who now owns the company “Luxury Retreats.” At the time, he was just starting out managing a few villas in the Caribbean so I hounded him; again and again, I sent him emails offering him to shoot a location. After a few months, I got my first job through him in 2002. With four days’ notice, I hopped on a plane to Sint Maarten, then took a boat to Anguilla to shoot my first villa. I arrived at night, seeing nothing of my surroundings. When I woke up the next day and saw the craziest shade of turquoise that is Shoal Bay East, I was totally hooked. Word got out about my work, and slowly more and more properties requested my services.
What is the hardest part of your job?
Dealing with the weather! Though the Caribbean does not have much bad weather, it does happen from time to time where you have just a bad day. Your job as a photographer is still to deliver photos with crisp blue skies. That’s a challenge. Another tricky part is getting that money shot: the photo that defines a property – their go-to wow picture. You need to find the defining factor that makes a particular property special and sets it apart from all others.
Now you are marketing director for Ani Villas, which is one of the leading brands in high-end villa properties. How did that happen?
Long story short, in 2008, I got married in a villa that my now boss built. Ira, and his wife Bonnie, later started a new project now called “Ani Villas”. I followed closely the development of that villa from the 3D models, to its completion, which was very interesting to see. Today, Ani Villas encompasses four properties, in Anguilla, Thailand, Sri Lanka and next year, Dominican Republic. All these “super-villas” offer luxury and the best service anyone could wish for.
Everyone who works with Ira and Bonnie at Ani Villas has a tremendous attention to detail. I enjoy their approach in luxury-travel, how they conduct their business and treat their staff. Everyone who works with them feels that they have grown together and made a positive contribution to making Ani Villas the best it can be. So far Ani Villas has won multiple awards including most recently “The Best Villa in the World” for our Sri Lanka property, by Robb Report Magazine in the “Best of the Best” issue of June 2016.
As marketing director, I want to expand the brand of Ani Villas, launch some amazing new retreat programs that we have in the works, and help others in the world see the benefits of staying at a luxury villa.
Why should someone invest in spending a week at a luxury property such as Ani Villas?
If you’re a group of friends or a family traveling together, it comes to the same price as a mid-level all-inclusive resort per person. It gets pricier if you’re just a couple wanting to stay there, but even then it’s quite worth the expense.
The key differences are that the place is all yours. The staff is dedicated to you, the menus are catered to your preferences and are on your timeframe, everything is customised to you and your group’s desires. It’s a completely different experience, one that spoils all others really. It is a truly unique experience with a guaranteed good time, full of unforgettable memories with friends and family.
What advice do you have for others who dream about being a professional photographer?
Don't be afraid to pick up the phone! You need to push and work hard for what you want. For example, I was a fan of Jason Mraz, so I emailed him and his agent. I just said: “Here is my portfolio, I want to shoot a portrait of you.” A few years later, I got an email that he was up for it. His manager gave me only 10 minutes to do the shoot (I finished it in eight). Boy did I feel the pressure, though! He used these photos I took for quite a few years after that; they made it to five different covers of magazines, and were his YouTube, Facebook and Twitter profile pictures for years. Being ballsy pays off!
To see more of Christian’s work, surf to www.christiangomez.com or www.anivillas.com
