Conveying The Feeling Of Peace Experienced At Liamuiga Natural Farms
My experience filming at a coffee farm 1542 ft above sea level in the mountains of St. Kitts
Having worked in and visited St. Kitts for over 10 years, I have had the opportunity to explore many beautiful locations on the island. It wasn't until I was contacted by Seamus, the owner of Liamuiga Natural Farms, that I discovered one of the most captivating places I’ve been there.
Journey to Liamuiga Natural Farms
Seamus saw one of my videos showcasing the island and reached out to me, leading to our first meeting. I met with Seamus and the following day he picked me up and we drove up through the jungle to the farm. The drive itself was super impressive and Seamus told me they use an ex army truck to bring their tour groups up - so cool! The farm is located 1542 ft above sea level in the rich forest region of Phillip's Estate, near Mount Liamuiga - my favourite hike in St Kitts.
Arrival and Initial Impressions
Upon arriving at the farm, I was instantly struck by the peaceful atmosphere. Mist and clouds floated through the air, accompanied by the sounds of birds and the beauty of the lush landscape. The long drive through the jungle to reach the farm emphasized the sense of peace and isolation that surrounded the farm. I immediately knew I wanted to be involved in the project as Seamus' passion for the farm was evident, and I was excited to help bring his vision to life. After a tour of the farm and some scouting we agreed on a day I’d come back to shoot.
The 24-Hour Shoot
The shoot was split into two main elements: the farm tour and the Cabin in the Mountains accommodation. I arrived at midday and spent the first afternoon filming around the farm. These shots were more Broll, aerial shots. In the late afternoon/evening, I focused on capturing the accommodation, ensuring that I caught the golden light of the sunset as it glinted into the cabin. The following morning, I continued to shoot the cabin, emphasizing the sunrise, and then spent the late morning filming with a group on the farm tour and enjoying the dining experience.
The Filming Experience
I created three videos for Liamuiga Natural Farms. The first video highlights the Cabin in the Mountains, offering an intimate glimpse into the serene accommodations and breathtaking views. The other two videos capture the essence of the Farm Tour in short and long form, where guests can explore the farm's lush landscape, interact with the animals, and enjoy delicious farm-to-fork cuisine.
Cabin in the Mountains
Laimuiga Natural Farms 15s
Laimuiga Natural Farms 60s
Memorable Moments
One of my most memorable moments from the shoot was staying overnight in the Cabin in the Mountains. The sounds of the jungle were incredibly relaxing, and waking up to the low clouds rolling around the hills with a cup of tea in hand was the relaxing start I needed before a busy day of shooting.
Challenges and Successes
The main challenge I faced during the shoot was the limited time I had to capture the perfect lighting conditions. I was determined to film the sunset and sunrise scenes, showcasing the beauty of the Cabin in the Mountains in the golden light. Fortunately, my gear and experience in low-light shooting allowed me to make the most of these fleeting moments.
The Farm's Future
During my time at the farm, I learned about their plans for a coffee plantation, which will eventually supply beans to Seamus's new coffee shop down in Frigate Bay, St. Kitts. The farm tour guide, Tyme, was incredibly knowledgeable and shared insights about the growing and processing of coffee on the farm
Appeal of Liamigua Natural Farms
Every aspect of Liamigua Natural Farms is appealing to visitors, with its special atmosphere that anyone can appreciate. Going up for a day tour is an amazing experience, but staying overnight allows guests to slow down and fully take in the surroundings. With no phone signal, it's a great opportunity to switch off and connect with nature.
My filming experience at Liamigua Natural Farms was truly memorable. The peaceful atmosphere, stunning landscapes, and passionate people behind the farm made it an unforgettable project to be involved with. I am grateful for the opportunity to capture the magic of this incredible destination, and I hope that my videos will inspire people to visit Liamigua Natural Farms.