Capturing the Beauty of the Bahamas Through Different Lenses

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NASSAU , BAHAMAS – For four weeks, nine young Bahamians traded the comfort of their homes for the great outdoors.

They put down their cell phones, picked up professional cameras, and set out to capture The Bahamas’ natural beauty, from national parks to marine ecosystems.

The Nature Photography Internship, hosted by the Bahamas National Trust in partnership with the Ministry of the Environment and the Rotary Club of East Nassau, combined hands-on photography training with immersive outdoor experiences.

Director of Education and Outreach at the Bahamas National Trust, Portia Sweeting, says the internship was designed to do more than spark an interest in conservation.

Portia Sweeting – Director, Education and Outreach, Bahamas National Trust

“You care about what you know, and you love what you know. So we wanted young people to explore national parks, become intimately knowledgeable about them so that they could care about the environment more. They could be better stewards. They now see the wildlife and plants that we protect in national parks through a different lens.”

The interns explored national parks and learned about wildlife. They also spent several days in Andros, where they swam in a blue hole.

One of those students is 19-year-old Harper Romer, who is studying marine conservation in college.

He says the program gave him the opportunity to take what he’s learning in the classroom and apply it in the field.

Harper Romer – Intern

“Going into the environment, taking photos, exploring the ecological side of The Bahamas, and really connecting with other young, like-minded Bahamians who are also interested in conservation, documenting conservation, and protecting the environment.”

For 16-year-old Cheyanne McKenzie, daughter of our weekend weatherman Ian McKenzie, the experience was just as impactful.

Cheyanne McKenzie – Intern

“It was a very good experience. I made a lot of new friends. I got to appreciate nature by taking a lot of photos. Marvonne was a very good instructor. I just really liked being part of this internship.”

Also in attendance at the completion ceremony was Environment and Natural Resources Minister Zane Lightbourne.

Zane Lightbourne – Minister, Environment and Natural Resources

“For our young people to be excited about nature, about what makes The Bahamas unique, and what makes our environment healthy and beautiful for us to enjoy, will encourage tourists to continue to visit and help us continue breaking records for visitors coming to these islands because of their beauty.”