Camera? Should I take it?

[kentuckycouple2004]

Has anyone out there who's a photo junkie like me ever taken their camera gear to Desire?  If so, I'd like to know what I should be considering?  Should I even take it at all?  Part of me is thinking I should just leave my stuff at home, but the other part of me says I may be missing incredible photo ops (both vanilla and non) by leaving my 5D at home.

Advice?

B.

[TeamLS]

last trip to Desire we took a little pocket camera along "just in case" sure glad we did.  We got photos in the room each night with the dress-up attire.  Then toward the end we took some more vanilla group shots with the friends that we made.  Everyone was dressed for dinner, like at any other resort, and the background is neutral so noone seeing the onto by accident would think it was anything but friends on vacation.  Most people were very courteous to make sure that only willing participants were in photos. Cameas at the pool and Jacuzzi were big no now while we were there, but I've seen photos where a takeover group had photos in the pool, they were posed and it was obvious that everyone in the photo knew it was being taken.   

[John]

We took our Nikon D1X with us last year and got some great shots.  We also have a smaller camera that was much more practical by the pool and at the parties during the evenings.

There were 3 times when I was really glad I dragged the big camera to Desire.

1. Desire does not normally allow photography at the pool or jacuzzi lounge.  We negotiated a private 1 hour photo session for our group. Everyone who wanted to participate could be a part of our group shot.  Everyone also had the opportunity to take their own personal photos at the Jacuzzi Lounge.   This year we negotiated a 1.5 hour photo shoot for our group. 

2. Jen, Jeff, Allie and I headed to the beach one afternoon (very impromptu) and got some really good photos at the beach.

3. Got some great shots of a certain Australian couple lounging in their room before we went out one night. Fun!

Most of the time it was much easier to slip our smaller camera in our pocket than lug the big boy around.

Maybe we can collectively share the burden of bringing a large SLR somehow?  Seems like overkill if we all bring large cameras.

I really appreciated you taking all those shots at Swingfest.

As they say in Mexico, ¡Vale la pena! (It's worth the effort!)

John

[mplsnudecpl]

Great question. I wrestle with this question as well. We have brought the slr, the lenses, flash, extra batteries, chargers etc. Last year only got the camera out when we had our photo op at the desire hottub area and then again on the "nude" cruise. Also ran into the issue of the camera fogging up right before the hottub photos so I didnt really use it. until the last 15 minutes or so. Should have let it acclimate on the balcony. Was careful what I shot with it on the cruise too. Was very aware of everyone's privacy.

Have also hauled the whole bag to St. Martin and down to Swingfest where I only pulled it out for the wedding photos we did. Thought I would have been reprimanded anywhere else with it.

Swingercast and MrMsBhaven did do some awesome photos out on the beach as the sun was going down Amazing light. Must have been J's camera I am guessing.

I decided to get a Canon SD1000 after St. Martin trip to lighten the load and probably bringing that this time especially if you are bringing your set up.

[Duet]

We took the Nikon D200 and a point and shoot and are glad we did. After ruthless editing of over 600 shots I put together a great video montage with music and subtitles.

Duet

[kentuckycouple2004]

The point and shoot is coming regardless because it's light and easy to carry, but I'm slightly leaning toward bring "the good stuff" as well now.

What do I need to be concerned about if I decide to bring my camera.  I have a lot invested in my camera, lenses, and gear.  Is it safe to check that stuff?  Should I go out and get a special hard shell case?

Maybe we can collectively share the burden of bringing a large SLR somehow?

While I like that idea on the surface, I've been known to get inspired to take photos at weird hours and locations.  I'd hate to have a great shot in my head at 4 AM only to have the camera's time share currently allocated to say...SexyLICpl.

Then again, perhaps negotiating for the camera w/ them may be fun!

[AnglHntr]

We're only bringing the point and shoot little digital camera, but that's just so we can get into the SC photo shoot with everyone else.  Don't tell the others, but I love seeing all the sexy people posing for sexy pictures! 

And for those of you with the expensive equipment, there are safes in the rooms.

AnglHntr

[kentuckycouple2004]

And for those of you with the expensive equipment, there are safes in the rooms.

How big are the safes?  I remember the ones at the Westin being too small to hold my camera bag and lenses.

[hikemighty]

Just take a point & shoot...more gear gets to be too much like work!

[mplsnudecpl]

If I remember correctly the safes are about the same size as the ones in the Westin. Standard hotel issue. Long and narrow.

We had our camera bag sitting out and didnt have an issue.

[kentuckycouple2004]

Just take a point & shoot...more gear gets to be too much like work!

Yeah, I wonder how inclined I'm going to be to actually take the time to get my camera out and take some "pro" shots.  On the one hand, it IS a vacation and I don't want to be burdened w/ feeling obligated to take time out from the fun because I lugged my camera all the way to Cabo.  On the other, I'd hate to have some really good shots available to me that are marketable and that I could sell to help us finance Swingfest 2009, but not have my gear.  I'm a freak that way.

B.

[kentuckycouple2004]

We had our camera bag sitting out and didnt have an issue.

When you took your gear down last time, how did you ship it?

[BedBreakers]

I was just thinking of this last week. Thanks for all the great info guys. We're bringing our small Fugi FinePix10. It's like an SLR but without the bulk.

Lance n Shelly

[Penzer]

We're bringing our Panasonic Lumix...takes great pics and can be hidden easily...

[kentuckycouple2004]

I personally think we should take the canon point and shoot and then your smaller canon camera (the Rebel) and leave the big one at home, I'd rather have your attention focused elsewhere as opposed to taking pictures 


K