FOR Donald Nausbaum, life - or at least work - truly is a beach. Though his one-man photo agency, Caribphoto, is based in Toronto, he has made an enviable career out of travelling the globe to shoot photos, especially of Caribbean islands.

Later this year MacMillan Caribbean will be publishing Nausbaum's latest book, Bermuda: Portrait of An Island. It's an almost 200-page-long photographic celebration of Bermuda's people, its natural and man-made amenities and its unique and diverse culture,

Nausbaum, whose previous photographic books include island portraits of St. Martin, Cuba, Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao, says the photo/coffee table book will be available in August. His wife and collaborator Madeleine Greey wrote the book's text and the.Bermuda Department of Tourism, Bermuda National Trust, Waterloo House, Pink Beach Club, Elbow Beach, the Fairmont Southampton, the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute and 9 Beaches are all thanked by the author in the acknowledgements for helping to make the book possible.

The library at Caribphoto is packed with images from all of the islands, as well as exotic locales like Thailand, Morocco, India, Tibet, Brazil, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

Nausbaum has shot for Conde Nast Traveller, Fodor's, Frommers, Rough Guides, and many other publications and organisations. He is also represented by Getty Images.

In a recent interview with the Mid-Ocean News, Nausbaum discussed his work, his new book, and what he loves best about Bermuda.

Q: What's your background in photography?

A: I have been at photography since I was eight years old, when I developed my first roll of film. I'm 57 now, so a lot of film and now digital has been shot in the intervening years.

Q: How did you come to specialise in Caribbean photography?

A: I have always been a travel photographer. I have been fortunate to be able to put (together) the two things I love to do most: travel and shoot photos.

As for specialising in the Caribbean, when you live in Canada, it's a bonus to be able to work in warm places, and the whole of the Caribbean is accessible from Toronto. Although I have travelled to Asia, South America, Africa and Europe, I feel at home in the Caribbean.

Q: Is your life as glamorous as one might imagine?

A: I travel, mostly in short trips, nearly every month. For example, this year I have been to South Africa, Namibia, Ireland, Malta, Belgium¿and of course the Caribbean - Barbados, Grenada and St. Vincent.

Q: Do you recall your initial impressions of Bermuda?

A: I first went to Bermuda three years ago. And I can tell you that I loved the island.

The first trip there, I basically got the lay of the land, and thought about where I'd like to return to. During another memorable week, I spent the entire time on a scooter, shuttling my gear all over the island, staying in various B&B's¿ I hadn't been to Bermuda, so having a book project was the best excuse for finally checking (it) out!

Q: As a photographer, what appeals to you most about shooting in Bermuda?

A: Bermuda has a wonderful quality of light, with a lot of diversity in locations for such a small island.

Q:What are some locations you find particularly inspiring?

A: I adore St. George's. And also the South Shore, particularly Jobson's Cove.

The list price for Bermuda: Portrait of an Island. will be $50.00, but Amazon.com is currently taking advance orders for $31.50.

Visit Caribphoto's website at http://www.caribphoto.com