Introduced to photography by an older brother while still at a tender high school age, Ethelbert Bedminster fell in love with the art from the beginning. Soon thereafter, he worked as a photographer intern at the Virgin Islands Daily News where, under the guidance of two leading photojournalists, he was exposed to photojournalism.
Ethelbert attended the Art Institute of Houston (AIH) and graduated with high honors. In that same year, he was awarded Best of Show for his photography at the AIH photography show. Three of his photographs were selected to be part of the Art Institute of Houston’s school portfolio, and two others were also selected and hung in the school’s lobby. During his studies, he did internships and learned from some of Houston’s leading Wedding/Portrait and Fashion photographers.
In 1992, Ethelbert returned to the Virgin Islands and worked as a freelance photographer for the Virgin Islands Daily News, and a full time staff photographer at one of the Virgin Islands photography studios. His passion, devotion and creative vision for his craft prompted him to take charge and open the doors of Chic Photography in May of 1993. With over twenty-four years of photography experience, Ethelbert combined his skills and knowledge in photojournalism, and fashion photography, to create breathtaking wedding photographs that many couples and their families rave about. He is unobtrusive while capturing the emotions of the wedding day. His photography style, as he defines it, is “fashionable with a creative, photojournalistic edge.”
Ethelbert creates the most passionate and glamorous photographs that tell the story of a beautiful wedding day. He does not interrupt the natural magic of this special day, but captures it and helps to perfect it if and when the need arises. Through prompting and directing from a distance, poses appear as natural as possible, to create fashionable photographs for all to treasure.
Ethelbert’s clients are always amazed at his attention to detail in the creation of his images. He has won several awards for his photography work, and has also been published in numerous publications and magazines. Ethelbert has worked with such clients as: A Bridal Affair of St. Thomas, Wyndham Sugar Bay and Spa Wedding Department, Condé Nast Traveler Magazine, MAGIC, Inc., Champion Windows, Inc., Stock Builders, Fremount Mutual Insurance Co., TCI Travel, BASF Corp., Prevention Magazine, Weddings The Islands Way, Perfect Weddings of St. Thomas, and the University of the Virgin Islands.
Ethelbert continues to improve his knowledge and artistic skills in photography through his combination of new styles and techniques. In addition, through participation in photography seminars and attendance in classes given by some of the world’s leading wedding and portrait photographers, he is able to maintain his well-known chic and cutting edge style.
His passion and love for his craft also affords him opportunity to teach the fundamentals of photography to at-risk high school youths. Through this art, he attempts to instill in them, the patience and individual, artistic ability necessary to encapsulate the viewer.
Ethelbert is a proud member of the Professional Photographers of America (PPA), Wedding and Portrait Photographers International (WPPI) and Rotary Club of St. Thomas, II.