I just finished a trip sequence in which we flew in and out of TNCM/St. Maarten a couple of times. Yes, I too can confirm the reality of the photos. It does amaze me how many people get as close as they possibly can, not only for arrival, but also for departure -- as Otterman points out, I can easily see how people might get severely blown backwards as we set takeoff thrust!
Lovely place - now I just want to go back and stay a while, for a proper vacation! Any recommendations from any of you who happen to live locally?