Taking photos at Hedonism...an understandable no-no

**emis100** · 07-14-2016, 01:57 PM

I was just wondering if there were ANY areas outside your personal room where it is allowed to take out a camera or iphone. Believe me: I certainly understand the extreme importance of anonymity on a vacation such as this and have absolutely no problem abiding by the rules. However, I was just curious if people would frown on it if, say, I took a photo of my bf in any of the "sparsely populated but still public" places on the resort. Or if I asked someone to take a photo of us somewhere. If it's an absolute no, NO PROBLEM. I'm a newbie, so thought I'd ask since I searched the forum and didn't really find anything on this topic. Thanks ahead of time!

**lovin_life** · 07-14-2016, 02:18 PM

As long as it's not on the nude side & as long as you're respectful about not capturing people in the background without their approval - it isn't a problem.

Just be mindful & when in doubt - simply ask those around you.

Photos are allowed all over the resort - except at the nude pool & the nude beach.

Have fun!

**PNK** · 07-14-2016, 02:34 PM

I would add: If you simply 'have to have your iPhone with you' at the nude beach/pool, make it clear to everyone that you are NOT taking photos. Better: leave the phone in the room. If you have your GoPro with you after a snorkel trip etc. again, make it clear that it is shut down, turned off, packed away.

I have seen a high end camera 'accidentally' fall into the pool when used inappropriately.

The gardens, the bamboo path, the so called prude beach all make great photo spots. As do weddings on the beach etc. You may be at Hedo when there's an organized camera shoot. Best not to try capturing images of the models (unless you have a signed model release).

But anytime people can be expected to be naked and vulnerable to photography, get that camera put away.

PNK
Hedo Sept 8 - 18, 2016

**TJ and DA** · 07-14-2016, 03:03 PM

I concur. Prude side is fine. And people will happily take pictures for you. Last year (and next month) we wandered all over the prude side with Kim and Brad from Tantric Hearts as well as other couples taking pictures as they do a photography "class" one day during the week.

**jshell** · 07-14-2016, 04:50 PM

Now that you know the etiquette of where, if you are taking a real camera (which I highly recommend) outdoors, be sure to wrap it up in a towel, or two and let it sit outside for at least an hour and let it warm up. Otherwise when you walk out of the room with it, the cold camera and lens will fog up and also create moisture inside the camera causing damage. Camera phones are easy to use, but the quality compared to even a mid grade real camera is horrific. I'd even take a tripod.

**chazo4** · 07-14-2016, 05:35 PM

We took pictures in one of the garden areas once. A good time is earlier in the day, when not many people are about. It's a good idea to walk over to the guard and let him know you are taking pictures and that you are just taking pictures of each other. Then everyone is happy and there are no problems.

A good idea if you're going to be toting a phone around the nude side is to buy some brightly colored tape. Then tape over the cameras. It's easy to remove if you need to, but everyone is so much more comfortable when they see it, which is why bright colors are a good idea.

**emis100** · 07-14-2016, 07:11 PM

Thanks for the replies. Yes, cool with all of that.

**we2are469** · 07-14-2016, 07:34 PM

Originally Posted by chazo4

We took pictures in one of the garden areas once. A good time is earlier in the day, when not many people are about. It's a good idea to walk over to the guard and let him know you are taking pictures and that you are just taking pictures of each other. Then everyone is happy and there are no problems.

A good idea if you're going to be toting a phone around the nude side is to buy some brightly colored tape. Then tape over the cameras. It's easy to remove if you need to, but everyone is so much more comfortable when they see it, which is why bright colors are a good idea.

Very good ideas here.
We have in the past, taken pictures of the nude pool and beach early in the mornings before people have arrived. Do inform the guard first though, as we found out, they don't like cameras at anytime, but if there is no one on the beach or in the pool, they will let you take pictures. Just remember that as soon as another guest shows up, your camera disappears (unless you have their permission).
Weddings at the point have been photographed, BUT, there was a staff member present, and the camera was only ever allowed to be point out to the ocean.
AND very important is the comment above about letting the camera get aclimatized before using it. Usually 30 minutes works for me.
There are many small pools around the resort, for personal photo shoots, in a pool. There are also at least two secluded hot tubs for more personnal photo shots.
There will certainly be a lot of voluntees available if you need someone to take your pictures.

The idea with the tape over the lens is good, but I would use something like a post-it note, so as to not leave adhesive on the lens. Same thing applies to Tablets, on both side. Selfies can capture someone in the background

Ray

**David & Qian** · 07-14-2016, 07:35 PM

Most days there will be people on the pier taking pictures of the sunset, and of the wife on the Hedo sign. And on our last trip there were lots of people using mobile phones for pictures during dinner. Winston even announced several evenings, not to video record or take pictures of the contests or shows.

I take the camera out one afternoon. We take pictures on the prude beach and on the pier at sunset. I have a large DSLR. It is easy for people to see where I am pointing it, and I always keep it in full view at all times. I do not want to look like I am doing anything nefarious, and I have never had any complaints about how or where I use it at Hedo.

I think if you are courteous and use some common sense, you are fine. And if anyone does say they are uncomfortable with you having a camera, just apologize and put it away, and buy them a drink.

**Live2Ride** · 07-14-2016, 09:24 PM

Common sense and courtesy is the idea! We took our camera (waterproof) and got lots of great pictures. And yes, there is always somebody around to help you get those extra sexy sunset shots from the beach! Just remember to ask if there's even a remote chance that somebody will be in the background. I never had anybody complain to me either---and it's always easy to just put it away. Sometimes memories are made to be kept in the mind, not the camera!

**ChiTownHedoCpl** · 07-15-2016, 08:26 PM

Aside from the cameras one of the things I love best about hedo is i get to leave my phone in the room safe and be technology free for a week. I might check texts and emails once a day for any family issues at home but I love not being tethered to everyone in the real world.

**David & Qian** · 07-15-2016, 08:36 PM

Originally Posted by ChiTownHedoCpl

Aside from the cameras one of the things I love best about hedo is i get to leave my phone in the room safe and be technology free for a week. I might check texts and emails once a day for any family issues at home but I love not being tethered to everyone in the real world.

Could not agree more.

I wish I did not have to check the emails once a day, but that is the world I live in. But even so, once a day is not bad to give peace-of-mind.