If you’ve ever met the mastermind behind JM Photography, better known around the British Virgin Islands as Jerome Edgar Morton, you’ll quickly learn that his work isn’t just about pictures—it’s about people, peace, and the quiet magic tucked into everyday moments. And if there’s one season that brings all of that into focus for him, it’s Christmas.
“Christmas means family.”
Coming from humble beginnings, for Jerome, Christmas isn’t about the bustle, the gifts, or keeping up with holiday traditions. At its core, it’s about time—that rare, uninterrupted time to be with the people who matter most.
“Family is busy all year,” he says. “December is that moment when you finally get endless time together.”
It’s the joy, the laughter, the hope of the season. And yes—the food. Jerome lit up when he talked about the holiday meals he looks forward to every year, but even then, the meal is really just an extension of what he loves most: being surrounded by family, friends, and people who truly care.
A Photographer Grounded in Nature
Despite being known for his studio work, Jerome’s heart belongs outdoors. He’s a landscape lover at his core—sunsets, birds, the moon, the ocean, greenery, “all the different stuff you can think about when it comes to nature.”
For him, nature tells a story that portraits and product photography can’t always capture.
“Landscape gives you peace of mind,” he says. “It makes you see many things about life.”
He believes every photographer should give outdoor shooting a try—not just for the technical challenge, but for the serenity it brings. And in the BVI, where blue skies, rolling greenery, and sparkling beaches sit right at your doorstep, he sees the outdoors as a creative playground waiting to be used.
Christmas Photography: Indoors or Out?
Every Christmas, families crowd studios for their portraits, but Jerome is encouraging something different this year—take it outside.
He lights up describing outdoor setups:
Santa hats among the greenery, a Christmas tree on the beach, festive decorations nestled into the natural landscape.
“You’re completely different from everybody else when you go outside,” he says. “You can still get that warm Christmas feeling.”
Still, he understands not everyone loves the sun or the heat, so he’s keeping indoor sessions too—but with a twist. This year, he’s offering something fresh: a free print with every Christmas shoot, a keepsake families can bring home to remember the experience.
The Season He Loves Most: Birthdays
Of all the celebrations he captures—weddings, graduations, holidays—birthdays hold a special place in his heart.
“To see people celebrating another year of life,” he says, “that’s what I love.”
Birthdays, he explains, reveal something deeply personal. People express emotions, confront insecurities, and sometimes rediscover confidence through the lens. It’s not just a photoshoot—it’s often a moment of personal affirmation.
Leaving a Legacy Through Images
When people look back at the photos Jerome has taken of them, he wants them to see more than a staged smile.
“That’s who that person is,” he says. “The smile, the look—that’s the story.”
He hopes his work sets a standard, tells a narrative, and becomes something families treasure for generations.
This season, whether he’s capturing a family under a glowing sunset or calming an energetic toddler in the studio, Jerome Morton is focused on what matters most: telling real stories, celebrating real people, and reminding us what Christmas still has the power to be.
