Carnival in Jamaica: Your Complete Photoshoot Guide for Carnival Sunday

Written By Jonsouthy .

Hi, I’m Jon from Jonsouthy and I help you create moments that last a lifetime.


Carnival season is one of those moments in time where you’re just happy? You wake up, happy, go bed, happy. It’s euphoria in an experience, that comes around every April in Kingston, Jamaica. We have 3 main bands here - Gen XS, Xodus & Yardmas Carnival. Each band has their own set of events so you get a pretty packed week of non-stop fun. You like paint - Immortals J’ouvert, you love being parked up and vibing - Xodus Tailgate, want a pre-game road march - iLLUMINATE. All of that prepares you for Carnival Sunday Jamaica where we get to meet and freeze that whole experience in our 15-minute photography session. 

If you’re wondering, we did miss a step. Your photoshoot planning begins months before with your “Carnival in Jamaica” deep dive. You don’t need to worry about posing or if you’re photogenic. Acknowledge and accept the anxiety and allow us to give you the information you need to feel safe to be represented as your authentic self in front of the camera. 

Carnival photoshoot prep:

  1. Find a location 

  2. Find and book your makeup artist

  3. Book the photoshoot 

  4. Do the photoshoot

  5. Choose your photos

  6. Receive your photos

  7. Find a location:  If you don’t like to walk then listen up. The road march usually involves Hope road, New Kingston, Trafalgar Road and Arthur Wint Drive which makes it pretty difficult to drive around on carnival day. If you have a specific location in mind, then you’re gonna need a roaming photographer. If you’re looking for ease and a one-stop shop, I’d recommend a fixed location such as Carnival Glam Hub which operates out of the Jamaica Pegasus in New Kingston.

  8. Find a makeup artist: Book your time with your makeup artist. Our preferred vendors are Carnival Glam Hub, however, you can find book your artist independently.

  9. Book the photoshoot: Lighting is a major factor when having your photographs captured. A safe range for the most flattering lighting is (8AM-10AM) where the sun hasn’t reached its peak - those times will generally be the most contested. 

  10. Do the photoshoot: Don’t start overthinking, it’s simple. It boils down to being open. You get a 10 minute time slot with the first 2 minutes being used for you to get used to the camera and the experience. Nobody loves being thrust into a new experience so we get it - You don’t know us, this is an anxiety inducing moment and you’re gonna be perceived. That’s valid. It’s like doing anything new, the first few reps are rough but the more you get into it, the better you become. All we ask is that you, breathe, communicate and trust the experience. 

  11. Choose your photographs: 24-48 hours after Carnival day your photos are sent over for your selection. After your selections have been returned to us, the final images will be delivered within 48 hours.

  12. Receive your photographs: Upon delivery let us know how your experience was and if you’re so moved, leave a review.

I hope this reduces your anxiety and you get to have the time of your life at Carnival in Jamaica!

Louvnia carnival photoshoot Kingston Jamaica - Jonsouthy

Louvnia, photographed by Jonathan South of Jonsouthy

Jonsouthy .