Antigua through the lens of Qasim "Q" Henry

Born and raised in the fishing village of Urlings, Antigua, Qasim “Q” Henry grew up with the sea as his playground and storytelling as second nature. His career began in hospitality, entertaining guests with fire-eating shows and island charm, before he cofounded the Inside Out Tour Company with business partner Camilla Iaia. What started as a way to capture promotional videos for their tours gradually turned into a deeper creative pursuit. Photography became a new way for Qasim to tell stories - framing Antigua’s landscapes, textures and colours through a lens sharpened by local insight and a love for the island’s natural beauty.

You started out working with video. What led you to explore still photography, and what do you enjoy most about working with a camera?

Still photography was a way for us to preserve short-lived moments, enabling us to concentrate on a specific subject while simultaneously narrating a story. What we enjoy most about working with a camera is that it basically allows us to freeze time. While 70 years can transform the surrounding environment, a photograph remains exactly the same. It also provides an opportunity to showcase Antigua & Barbuda through our unique perspective.

You grew up in a fishing village and spent a lot of time on the sea – does that early connection to the ocean influence the way you photograph and video the island today?

My early connection with the sea profoundly shaped my perception of Antigua & Barbuda, making me feel as though I was one with nature. This connection has consistently inspired me to share my personal experiences and the island’s beauty with others.

What’s your favourite place in Antigua to take photos, and what makes it special to you?

Rendezvous Bay in Antigua stands out as our preferred location for photography. Surrounded by wildlife and untouched by human intervention, the pristine beach creates a perfect blend of tranquillity and calmness, making it the ideal spot for tropical photography.

When you look at Antigua through your camera while guiding tours, do you feel you see the island differently, almost through the eyes of a visitor?

No, I don’t see Antigua through the eyes of a visitor when I look through my camera. My love for this land is genuine, and each photograph establishes a connection that neither first-time nor repeat visitors will ever fully understand.

What has photography taught you about Antigua that you may not have noticed before?

Photography has taught me to appreciate Antigua & Barbuda even more. Only through the lens of a camera do you realise the true beauty of this twin island state.

Is there a particular part of the island you always love introducing to first-time visitors?

I always boast about the southwestern regions of Antigua to first-time visitors. This area offers front-row seats to watch breathtaking sunsets, and is also home to our national fruit, the Antigua Black Pineapple.

When not taking photos or video, where is your favourite spot to hang out in Antigua?

When I’m not taking content, my favourite place to hang out is the beach. I enjoy snorkelling along the coastline, which makes me feel at peace.

To find out more or to connect with Qasim, visit: www.antiguainsideout.com or Instagram @antigua_inside_out