When I go on holiday I always carry a camera - even the best new phones can't match the image quality or convenience of my dslr.
This summer, I'm going to my first ever naturist clubs and campsites. The question is, will people be suspicious of me because I have a camera in my hand?
I know some of the clubs have specific rules on photography, which I'll respect, and I obviously wouldn't take photos of naked people unless they had specifically given permission, but would it be better just to leave it at home?
If I do take it I'll probably put on my wee 40mm pancake lens, which I know is useless for photographing people unless you're quite close, but the compact size of that lens might make me look as though I'm trying to hide it.
I think I'm worried that people will doubt my motives and think I'm trying to sneak photographs of their children or something.
Advice? Experiences?
I think I'm worried that people will doubt my motives and think I'm trying to sneak photographs of their children or something.
Some will and some will tell you they are not happy. Most will not have an issue unless you are pointing at or near them.
I always take my camera with me when I got to our naturist camp site, we are meeting a few friends there and normally take photos, but the site does have rules which I abide by. I mainly take it as I am a bit of an aviation anorak lol and we are not far from some military bases so always listening out for planes flying over. Also where we are when there, the site is out in the sticks, I like to photograph the wild life and the birds. I always ask people if they mind me using my camera and as long as I respect them then most of the time I don't have a problem.
Life is to short, live it to the full and sod the consequences.
My suggestions are to ask and respect the rules of the site and when you take pics, do it clearly. The worst thing is when someone plays with a camera or smartphone but it not clear if is taking pics or not. Obviously, if you photograph people, ask the permission before.
Alessandro and Lidia
I like to photograph wildlife too but I can never be bothered carrying a big heavy lens on holiday, especially if it's hot.
I lucky I have two cameras set up so no need to swap over lense, I don't mind having both with me and also i have a camera I can use under water which I used in Spain to photograph the fish in the sea when I went swimming.
Life is to short, live it to the full and sod the consequences.
My advice would be to always carry your camera totally openly and make it obvious what you ae trying to photograph.
I have never had any problems on naked beaches or any other venues and I strongly suspect that using a mobile phone to take pictures wold be more problematic.
JOhn
Do not do unto others as you would that they should do unto you. Their tastes may not be the same.
George Bernard Shaw, Maxims for Revolutionaries
Obviously respecting the spirit of the rules as well as obeying them is important. But to be honest I do feel the people hanging about with cameras seriously impose on the comfort and relaxation of other naturists. We all take holiday snaps but my suggestion would be to do that openly and respectfully and ensure that other naturists aren’t made in any way uncomfortable and then put your camera away. Most naturists, especially naturists with children, are made uncomfortable by people with cameras constantly at the ready. I’ve no doubt that you have no bad intentions - you wouldn’t be posting here if you had - but other naturists you encounter won’t know you or your ethics so I feel ( and it’s only my personal opinion ) that cameras should be put away when not in use and used with a demonstrated respect and considerateness.
This is something I have sometimes wondered about. I appreciate the thoughtful comments here.