Photos around the resort

[candjwv]

Hi Folks:

We're about 2 weeks out from our trip, and I'm starting the last minute planning. I'll be bringing some photo gear with me, so I can take some photos of Wifey while we're there. I'm curious if anyone has tips on taking photos at the resort.

I know all resorts have options for photography packages, but I'd rather put that cash into more gear

At TTR, we were able to take all the topless photos we wanted on the beach. We got up early one morning, and took shots before anyone was around, so no one got creeped out and thought we were perving on them. I did see others taking photos of unsuspecting folks with their phones, which was horrible in my opinion. I don't want to be that guy.

At DRM, we kept the photos strictly in our room, because the resort is smaller, and there was a lot of traffic on the beach. In one case, I saw a guy taking nude photos of his wife in the ocean, but he had a resort staff member standing by with a clipboard, who was presumably there to "keep an eye on things" and let the other guests feel confident that they wouldn't get any shots of strangers.

This is our first trip to DP, so I'd like to know what to expect. I bought some new photo gear (diffusers and reflectors, plus a nice new 1.8 prime lens), and would love to get some awesome photos of Wifey while we're there. At the same time, I don't want *anyone* around us to feel uncomfortable. I don't even want someone to suspect that they might get their photo taken, and worry about that during their vacation.

Pardon the long intro, but now to the questions....

- At Pearl, will we need to keep all photo activity strictly inside our room?
- Is it possible that we can get up early and take photos on the beach, or will there be too many folks around to make this comfortable?
- Are there other spots around the resort where we can safely take photos? I don't want all the shots to have a mini-fridge in the background
- We have a Master Suite with Plunge Pool - is it reasonable to stand on our patio and take photos of Wifey in the pool, if I'm *obviously* only pointing towards our room?
- I've asked to upgrade to a Penthouse, but if we can't, is there anyone with a Penthouse who might let us take some rooftop and pool photos for an hour or so?

Thanks for any advice!

C & J

[gaviao]

Pearl is a great place for taking pictures. Last three times we were there I did more than 100 pictures of my naked wife. It's a pitty I'm a mediocre photographer, but very enthusiastic!
Early in the morning, beach is practically desert, people passing by is almost inexistent.
The pier is other great spot for photo shooting. Light after 5 PM is incredibly good and very probably nobody will be there.
Even along the day, you may take pictures if you select a spot in one of the extremes of the resort's beach, or at the empty beach southbound from Pearl.
We've taken pictures at the jacuzzi around 11AM and at the lobby before dinner (dressed photos).
Try to be very obvious that you are not taking other people and I'm sure you will not have a single trouble.
You may try to use the Suki terrace, over Aphrodite restaurant out of operation hours, or ask permission for taking pictures at the disco and in the SPA.
Enjoy your stay, come back to home with thousands of images!

[TandD]

I agree with gavaio - the DP beach is very quiet.

I'd also venture that people will be much less afraid of you taking pics of them the more gear you have. You look more professional and therefore more trustworthy and all that stuff just doesn't lend itself to sneaky shots.

Obviously, you still need to take great pains to no include people but I think you'll be fine.

And put up an avatar of your work!

[candjwv]

Yes, we need an avatar badly. I'd also like to have a small gallery on the forum, so I don't seem like a creeper to everyone.

Thanks for the feedback - I'm hoping for some great shots.

[barebuns]

We have taken a lot of pictures at the resort at places mentioned : the beach in the early morning, the pier and even the grounds if you stay out of the way and make it obvious to passers by that you are only interested in your subject. I just put the camera down until people walked by. We got a lot of positive comments from others on the poses, bikinis etc. Most people will get it. You can also walk in either direction on the beach and either have open space or some cool beach access doors from the nearby properties to use as tropical backdrops. Actually that is the best option because it is public and there is no fear of upsetting anyone. Just stay on the public side and it can make for some great pictures.
BB