If you are staying at JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort, you have already chosen one of the most aesthetically pleasing hotels on the island. It looks like a world of its own. Here, you want to walk slowly and examine the details, because there is so much beauty around you, and it is all carefully thought out.
But there is one thing that many people think about too late. Phone photos rarely convey the scale, lines and atmosphere of such a place. The picture seems to be there, but the feeling is missing. A professional photo shoot solves this problem calmly and without unnecessary fuss. You don't just get beautiful shots, you take home a story about your holiday.
I'm Eduard Stelmakh, a photographer in Phu Quoc. I photograph families, couples and weddings. During the shoot, I create a relaxed atmosphere so that everyone feels comfortable and the photos look lively and stylish. You'll receive your photos quickly, so you can share them with your loved ones while you're still on holiday.
In this article, I will show you the best places for a photo shoot at the JW Marriott and Khem Beach. I will tell you how to choose the right time of day and what to wear. In the article, you will see photos from a real family shoot at this hotel and a review from that family.
Why Marriott Resort is one of the best locations for a photoshoot in Phu Quoc
The Lamarck University Story Behind the Design
Here’s a fun detail that makes this resort even more memorable.
JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay was created with a storyline, not just a layout. The resort imagines itself as the former Lamarck University, a fictional French-style academic campus that “once existed” on this beachfront site. That’s why the property feels like you’re walking through a place with its own past. You’ll notice campus-like cues throughout the resort, from the way buildings are arranged like different “departments” to the playful details that suggest an old-school institution reimagined as a luxury hideaway.
This storytelling approach is closely tied to the vision of designer Bill Bensley, who’s known for creating hotels that feel like immersive worlds rather than simply beautiful spaces. At JW Marriott Emerald Bay, that means bold color palettes, elegant symmetry, curated antiques and objects, and a lot of small design moments that reward slow wandering. It’s not “theme park” styling. It’s more like living inside a carefully art-directed set where everything has character and purpose.
For guests, the result is simple. The resort doesn’t just look luxurious, it feels memorable. And for photography, it’s a rare advantage. When the architecture has a narrative and strong visual rhythm, your photos naturally look more editorial and timeless, because every background already has depth and personality.
The architecture here works for the frame, but the result is down to the photographer
Marriott provides photographers with rare material. There is a lot of symmetry, arches, staircases, passageways and clean backgrounds. The details are well maintained and visual noise is minimal, so the frame turns out neat and expensive-looking.
And yet, strong photographs do not appear on their own. Even in an ideal location, you can take boring or random shots. You need to see the angle, feel the perspective, know how to work with lines and light, and quickly compose the shot so that the people in the frame look natural and beautiful. It is an experienced photographer who turns beautiful architecture into a stylish story, rather than a set of background shots.
You can compile a whole series with different moods in one place
At Marriott, it's easy to create a series that looks like a small photo book. First, architecture and graphics, then cosy moments, then the sea and air. This transition always looks rich because the frames do not repeat each other.
Khem Beach perfectly complements the hotel
Khem Beach is nearby, which is a big plus. The beach is clean and well-maintained, with light-coloured sand and calm waters. It is a great place for family moments and romance for couples. And the best thing is that, after the architecture, the beach gives a feeling of lightness and freedom.
The best locations for photoshoots at the JW Marriott and Khem Beach
I usually suggest a comfortable itinerary. We don't run. We don't make unnecessary transitions. We shoot at a pace that suits you, and this is especially important if you're with a child.
Facades and entrance areas
These are strong spots for portraits and shots with a sense of status. They create that "cover photo" effect that many people desire from the JW Marriott.
Arches, staircases, and galleries
This is the heart of the architectural section. The lines here act as a frame. You simply walk, talk, hold hands, and I capture the moments and compose the composition. The shots come out stylish and very "precious" in their impression.
Passages, corridors, and details
Here are great for close-ups. I capture hands, glances, quiet moments, and the small details that bring the series to life. This is important because it's the details that create a sense of real history.
Your villa or balcony
If you want lifestyle shots, you can add a shoot near your room or villa. These photos have a particularly warm feel. They're about intimacy and vacation, not just the architecture.
Khem Beach
We usually keep things as casual as possible on the beach. You can walk barefoot, play with your child, or stroll by the water. For couples, hugs and movement work best, rather than rigid poses. These create shots you'll want to return to.
The hotel also has a recognizable shell-shaped pool area. It's one of the resort's signature features. It's also a great location for a resort-style photo shoot, where you can be seen in a bikini by the pool or in beachwear, sipping coconuts at the pool bar.
When is the best time to shoot for light and how to choose the best time for your vacation?
If you're aiming for the softest and most beautiful light, the period from about 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM often works well. At this time, it's easier to achieve a pleasant volume on the face and a beautiful image on architecture and the beach. The light becomes softer, and the mood of the shot is warmer.
But I don't tie you to a rigid schedule. I shoot throughout the day, whenever it's convenient for you. We can accommodate your child's nap, spa time, lunch, or any other plans. I'll simply help you choose locations that look their best at the chosen time.
Cloudy weather and the rainy season are also excellent times for photography.
Many people think that sun is always best. In reality, things are different. Cloudy weather often produces beautiful fill light. It's even, soft, and very complimentary to skin. Plus, it cools down, which significantly improves comfort, especially for families.
Even rain isn't an obstacle. It can be a highlight of the shoot. It's easy to take fun and romantic shots in the rain that look unusual and vibrant. An example of how this can work can be found here.
What to wear for a photoshoot at the JW Marriott and Khem Beach
Any well-thought-out, elegant look looks good against such beautiful architecture and on a well-maintained beach. You can choose a classic, calm look. You can add color. You can experiment with textures, accessories, and mood.
The main thing is that your clothes look neat and comfortable. This will allow you to move freely, and this will immediately show in the frame. Anything that flutters in the wind looks beautiful in the frame.
The solution is simple: just avoid loud prints, too many neon colors, and logos. And I wouldn't recommend black for a tropical photoshoot in general.
Shooting format and why two hours are best for JW Marriott
I offer one-hour and two-hour photoshoot packages. For weddings, we offer half-day and full-day sessions. It all depends on your needs.
One-hour sessions are suitable for those who want to quickly capture a few powerful shots and don't plan to change locations too much. The pace is usually faster, which is fine, but it can sometimes get a bit hectic, especially with children.
Two hours is the optimal format for the JW Marriott. It creates a sense of calm. There's time for breaks, time for the child, time for mood changes, and time to explore the architecture and the beach all in one story. The series is rich without being overwhelming.
Current packages and prices are here ➡️
Fast photo delivery is a pleasant part of your vacation
I deliver photos quickly. It's one of my specialties. You can receive the finished shots while you're still on vacation and share them immediately with friends and family. And if you wish, we can make some short videos Reels for you.
Photos are delivered via a private online gallery. It's easy to access from your phone. You can download, send a link, or save your favorites. It's that simple.
Questions on the topic
Is it possible to combine the hotel and the beach in one shoot?
Yes, that's the best scenario. You get both stylish architecture and the sea. Two hours is perfect.
What if the child doesn't want to look at the camera?
The child doesn't necessarily need to look at the camera. It's more important that they feel comfortable. Bring a favorite toy and a small snack with water. This almost always helps. I'll adjust the pace and capture the moments so the shots are lively and warm, not forced.
How to choose a comfortable time?
I'll give you some recommendations on lighting and locations, but we choose a time that suits your vacation. That's okay. Comfort is more important, because a relaxed state always shows in the photos.
Review of a family photoshoot at the Marriott Hotel
We are more than delighted by the photos that Eduard took of our family around the hotel and on the beach.
He was very friendly, knowledgeable on all the best places to take photos, and helpful at explaining what worked well for poses/lighting and showed us how the photos were coming out as we went along.
He and his wife were also great at entertaining and capturing our very active toddler who doesn’t like to look at the camera!
Highly recommend if you are in Phu Quoc - we could not be happier with the results! Thank you Eduard.
- Darren