By Eduard Stelmakh – family photographer based in Phu Quoc, capturing honest, sun-or-cloud moments all year long.
When families arrive at Pullman Phu Quoc Beach Resort, they’re usually carrying a mix of beach toys, sunscreen, and the quiet hope that this vacation will be the one where everyone finally slows down. I see it all the time.
And that’s exactly where I come in — not to pose you stiffly in front of palm trees, but to document the real momentsthat unfold when you’re just being a family.
Recently, I photographed a beautiful family staying at Pullman. The sky was heavy with clouds — no sun in sight — but what we got instead was calm air, giggling kids, and an hour of connection that turned into timeless images.
And if you’re wondering whether cloudy weather “ruins” beach photos, let me stop you right there. It’s actually one of the best conditions for a family photoshoot in Phu Quoc.
Why I Love Cloudy Days (And You Might Too)
Here’s the thing most people don’t expect: overcast skies are a gift to photographers.
There’s no squinting. No shiny foreheads. No rush to find shade. Just soft, even light that wraps around your family like a hug. The ocean becomes a calm canvas, and everyone breathes a little easier.
Your kids can play without overheating. You can wear what you like without worrying about sweat marks. You’ll have more patience, and I’ll have more time to catch the little things — sandy hands, spontaneous kisses, the look you give your partner when the kids aren’t watching.
I’ve photographed in every season here, and honestly? Some of my favorite family photos in Phu Quoc were taken under clouds.
A Dream Location for Family Photography
Let’s talk about this resort. Pullman isn’t just photogenic — it’s practical. You don’t have to trek anywhere. The beach is steps from your room. The layout flows naturally, which means we can move from soft sand to modern architecture without ever pushing the kids too far.
It gives us everything:
- Clean lines for modern portrait backdrops
- Colorful corners for playful storytelling
- A quiet, safe shoreline for those barefoot-in-the-sand shots
- Plenty of space for real moments to happen without us forcing them
It’s luxury, but with room to breathe.
What a Real Session Feels Like
You’ve booked an hour with me. What happens next? No awkward posing, no rushing. Just a walk, a play, a pause — and a whole lot of honest frames in between.
We start gently. The kids warm up with sand toys or a game of “who can find the biggest shell.” I stay low, stay quiet, and catch the good stuff before anyone even realizes we’ve begun.
Then we move. Walking along the waterline is magic. The breeze helps. The soft sky helps. Your body relaxes into natural shapes when you’re not trying too hard.
Little moments appear. A piggyback ride. A hand grab. A big grin at a wave that almost soaked their knees.
You get a minute together. When the kids are off building something epic, I steal a few shots of just the two of you. Because this trip is about them — yes — but it’s also about you.
We wrap with the long walk back. Nothing posed. Just the afterglow of a good hour together. These are often the most powerful frames.
What to Wear (and What Not To)
Phu Quoc’s vibe is effortless, and your outfits should match that energy. Here’s what I always suggest for beach family photography in Vietnam:
- Light fabrics — cotton, linen, anything breathable.
- Soft colors — white, cream, dusty blue, light yellow, gentle pastels. They photograph beautifully under clouds.
- Avoid logos, characters, and bold prints. We want the focus on you, not the T-shirt.
- No shoes needed. Barefoot is the default here.
Bring a spare outfit for the kids. Sand + water = joy = mess.
Want to Make It a Day to Remember?
One of the best parts of doing a family photoshoot at Pullman Phu Quoc is that it fits right into your holiday — no stress, no overplanning.
After the session, your kids are already sandy and smiling. So why not:
- Build the world’s tallest sandcastle.
- Go on a seashell treasure hunt.
- Grab a coconut and swing by the palms.
- Walk the shoreline as the light turns blue (yes, even without a sunset).
Turn the day into a memory that lasts.
Why Now Is the Right Time — Even in the Rainy Season
I hear this a lot: “But isn’t it rainy season?”
Yes, and? That’s why it’s perfect.
Less sun means cooler temperatures. Fewer crowds. More room for us. If you’re visiting Pullman Phu Quoc in the off-season and thinking about booking a family photoshoot with kids, know this: cloudy weather is not a problem. It’s a blessing in disguise.
You’ll get natural colors, relaxed kids, and photos that feel real — not overly staged or sunburned.
I’m Just a Message Away
I live here on the island — photographing families at Pullman and beyond year-round. Whether you’re already checked in or planning ahead, I’d love to help you create something special.
📸 Session: 1 hour on the beach
🖼️ Photos: 30 professionally retouched images
🌐 Delivery: Private online gallery to download and share (1-2 days)
Book here: stelmakh.com/price
Contact via WhatsApp
Let’s turn your cloudy day into something unforgettable. )