David Carranza is who we use for our Boobs Cruise promo stuff, he also does the hotel social media / special event photography, and if you see a drone overhead it's probably his. He really is excellent in his field. However, he doesn't hold the concession for guest photography. A "concession" is where someone pays the hotel to own the rights to operate a business on hotel premises. That means although David can do beach shots or meet you outside of the hotel he cant do so inside the hotel. He is an in demand guy and does a lot of other hotel promo and restaurant food pics etc so probably doesn't need the hotel concession to keep in work. The company that hold the hotel concession are called Provoke Photography, you can find them in the lobby and they also wander around. I've heard some good reports of their work, but don't know much about them myself. However, they are the only permitted option for on premises photos at the current time.
We did a shoot last year with Provoke Photography.. WAY over priced compared to other options. While David and other photographers aren't allowed on the premises, only the beach, if we were going to do another shoot we'd opt for that as opposed to doing a shoot onsite by Provoke again.
Is provoke the same company that does the Desire photo shoots? If yes, yes they shoot way high with their prices. But everything is very negotiable. At Desire they started at $1300 for all the photos they took. We eventually landed at $10 a photo for 30 so $300. These days I hear a better target to shoot for is $13-$15 a pic. This highly depends on your negotiating skills and willingness to walk.
While I am staying here, If I were to bring my equipment and am given an "sd card" from any potential couples, am I able to take photos of them for them on property?
How are they going to stop you ? If you are a guest shooting friends on the beach, gardens , in their room. at the Apple ect .... you are not breaking any rules .
As long as you don’t have a sign that says taking pictures for cash (tequila is fine) there is nothing they can do
