Costa Rica Family Photographer for Real Moments and Beach Family Photos

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Real moments. Real families.

This is what a portrait session with me looks like.

No posing, no rushing. Just your family being yourselves in one of the most beautiful places on earth. Take 30 seconds and see what your session could look like.

Family Photos in Costa Rica That Feel Like Your Time Here

blended family walking

Family Photography in Costa Rica That Feels Easy and Real

A family trip to Costa Rica already gives you plenty to remember. But here’s what I hear from almost every family once they arrive: “Oh my god, this place is so amazing — we need photographs of us here so we can remember it when we’re back to our regular lives.” That feeling is real, and it’s exactly why these sessions matter.
Whether it’s your family’s first time out of the country or you’re a well-traveled group who likes to document your adventures, Costa Rica has a way of making people want to hold onto the moment. The value of a session isn’t just nice photos at the beach. It’s photographs of everyone together that feel true to how your family actually was during this time — real expressions, real moments, the kind that would otherwise be gone in an instant.

The session stays simple and fits into your trip instead of taking it over. You don’t need to turn it into a big production or spend your vacation trying to get everyone lined up. The goal is photographs you’ll still care about years from now — not images that sit on a phone and get forgotten once you’re home. If you’re also planning a wedding in Costa Rica, a family session can be built around the same trip.

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Be in the Photos Without It Feeling Forced

Most families already have plenty of photos on their phones. What they usually don’t have are photographs of everyone together that feel relaxed, honest, and worth keeping — especially in a place that means something to them.
I have a daughter, and having her changed the way I work with kids completely. Before I was a parent, I couldn’t connect with young kids the way I do now. Now I know how to get them on my side quickly — by treating them as little individuals, not props for a family session. I introduce myself directly to the kids, talk to them, find out what they want to do, and we come to a compromise. We do some of the formal photos the parents want, and then I let the kids run free. That’s when the best photographs happen.

Parents are often surprised by how quickly the kids loosen up. I do whatever it takes — being silly, getting on their level, making it clear I’m on their team. During the session you don’t need to manage anything or worry about getting your kids to perform for the camera. Just stay with your family and enjoy the time together while I document what’s unfolding around you. You can check out the about page to get a better sense of who I am before we connect.

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Family Portrait Sessions in Costa Rica

  • A family of four stands on a beach shoreline, smiling at the camera. The parents and two children are barefoot, dressed in pastel clothes, with hills, trees, and their reflections visible in the wet sand and water.
  • Four people, including two women and two children, walk and play together along the shoreline at a beach during sunset. Waves gently approach the sand, and a building sits atop a distant, tree-lined hill.
  • A black-and-white photo of a girl twirling on the shoreline, her dress and hair blurred with motion, as gentle waves approach the sand in the background.
  • Three boys stand side by side on a beach with their arms around each other, smiling at the camera. They wear casual summer shirts and shorts, and the ocean waves are visible in the background.
  • Family photos costa rica. A group of four people, holding hands, walks along a sandy beach with gentle waves. They are smiling and surrounded by lush green trees on a cloudy day.
  • An adult and three children stand on a sandy beach facing the ocean at sunset. The adult is mid-motion, skipping a stone, while the children watch. All wear similar light shirts and shorts. A driftwood log is near the water’s edge.
  • Two young boys are laughing and playing in the ocean waves. Both are wearing light-colored shirts. The boy in the foreground has curly hair and is smiling, while the boy in the background is slightly out of focus. The ocean water is bubbly and foamy.
  • A smiling family sits on the wet sand at the beach. A pregnant woman sits in the center, hugged by a man, with two laughing children playing beside them. The group looks happy and relaxed near the shoreline.
  • An elderly couple stands closely together, smiling in a lush, green outdoor setting. The man wears a striped shirt and beige pants, while the woman wears a blue and white floral blouse with white pants. They appear happy and content.
  • A young boy with blonde hair, wearing a light blue shirt and shorts, stands outdoors on a sandy path with greenery in the background and warm sunlight shining from the right. He is smiling at the camera.
  • Four people are joyfully jumping in the air while holding hands on a beach. They are mid-jump with the ocean and distant islands in the background. The sky is partly cloudy, and the water is reflecting their image.
  • A smiling person holds a sleeping baby in their arms while standing on the beach near the ocean, with gentle waves in the background.
  • A group of six people, including adults and children, walk hand in hand along a path surrounded by lush, green tropical trees. They are enjoying a sunny day and the natural beauty around them.
  • A young girl in a blue dress poses with outstretched arms in a lush, green forest setting. She is smiling, and the sunlight highlights her long, blonde hair. Tall trees and leafy branches create a vibrant background.
  • A child with curly hair, wearing a sleeveless pink romper, runs joyfully along a sandy beach. The water is calm, and there are distant hills in the background. The sky is overcast.
  • family photos costa rica. A group of adults and children are laughing and playing in the ocean waves. Some adults carry kids on their shoulders. The sky is overcast. Everyone appears to be enjoying a fun day at the beach.
  • A young boy with glasses and a blue shirt is smiling joyfully while standing on a beach. The background features blurred greenery and a misty shoreline, creating a serene and happy atmosphere.
  • Four people stand closely together smiling in a lush green forest setting. Three women wear off-shoulder dresses in pastel shades of pink and yellow, and the man wears a white shirt with khaki shorts. Sunlight filters through the trees, creating a serene atmosphere.
  • A family of four walks along a misty beach, holding hands near the shoreline. Lush green trees cover the hillside in the background, and waves gently roll onto the sand. The sky is overcast, adding to the serene atmosphere.
  • A young girl in a colorful shirt hugs a small brown puppy on a sandy beach. The puppy looks up at the girl, who is smiling warmly at the animal, capturing a moment of affection.
  • A couple sits in the back of an open safari vehicle, holding a smiling baby between them. The woman wears a beige dress, and the man is in a white shirt. Theyre surrounded by lush palm trees, enjoying a tropical setting.
  • A multi-generational family of ten walks hand in hand along a beach at sunset, with calm waves and distant hills in the background. Everyone is smiling and dressed in coordinated neutral and pastel colors.
  • Four children explore a rocky cave opening by the water. They stand on wet sand surrounded by textured stone walls. The perspective is from above, highlighting the caves narrow entrance and natural setting.
  • A smiling elderly couple stands outdoors, holding a happy baby. The man, in a plaid shirt, holds the baby wearing white. The woman, in a yellow floral dress, stands beside them. Green trees are in the background.
  • A woman in a pink sundress joyfully runs along a beach with lush green trees in the background. Waves gently lap at the shore, and the woman appears carefree and happy beneath a partly cloudy sky.
  • Four children balancing on a large driftwood log on a beach at sunset. The ocean and a tree-covered island are in the background, under a pastel-colored sky.
  • A family poses on a sandy beach with tall palm trees in the background. The group includes adults and children, all dressed in light-colored, casual beachwear. The sky is clear, and sunlight shines on the scene.
  • Two young boys in white shirts and red shorts play by a stream. One boy bends down with a stick, while the other holds colorful toys. They are surrounded by lush greenery and driftwood, with a clear blue sky above.
  • A woman in a floral dress stands on a beach with three men in matching tropical shirts and jeans. They are smiling and laughing, with the ocean and trees in the background.
  • A smiling couple walks along the beach at sunset, each carrying a young child on their shoulders. The sky is filled with soft pink and purple clouds, and gentle waves lap at the shore.
  • A family stands on a sandy beach near a white boat at sunset. Two adults interact while another adult holds a child, with the ocean and distant hills in the background.
  • Four women wearing white dresses stand barefoot on a sandy beach at sunset, smiling at the camera with gentle waves and boats in the background. One woman holds a wide-brimmed hat.
  • Silhouette of a family on the beach at sunset, with two adults lifting children in the air as boats float on the water and the sun sets behind distant hills.

Why Family Photos in Costa Rica Are Worth Doing

Family trips pass quickly, and the people in them change faster than you think. The kids grow, the dynamic shifts, and even the way you spend time together looks different from year to year. I photograph my own family in Guanacaste almost every weekend — my wife and my daughter exploring new beaches, hiking to waterfalls, finding the out-of-the-way places most people never see. I document those moments the same way I document yours. Photos let you hold onto what this season of your family actually looked like, not just what you remember later.

Why Vacation Photos Are Hard to Do on Your Own

When you try to do family photos yourself, someone is usually missing, the timing feels rushed, or the whole thing starts to feel like work. By the time everyone is in place, the expression or moment you actually wanted is already gone.

What makes the biggest difference is not just hiring a photographer. It is working with someone who knows how to keep the session easy, especially with kids, and who can make the photos feel honest instead of overly posed.

Maybe you already have family photos, but not photos that reflect who everyone is right now. A trip like this gives you the chance to update that in a way that feels meaningful and still true to your family as it is today.

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Family Reunions and Special Trips in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is often where families come together for something bigger than an ordinary trip — a reunion, an anniversary, a milestone birthday, or the rare chance to have everyone in one place at the same time. I’ve photographed extended family groups of 20 or more people with all different age ranges, and for those sessions a standard beach portrait often isn’t the right approach. An activity changes everything.

A beach barbecue is one of my favorites for large groups — it’s catered and set up, but the family is just living in it. Some people are in the water, some are playing in the sand, some are sitting in the shade. I photograph it for a couple of hours and capture the whole thing as it happens.
A catamaran tour is another great option. I go along on the trip, photograph everyone on the boat, get underwater shots during the snorkeling, and if it’s a sunset tour the light is spectacular. Surf lessons work well for smaller groups — not just the standing-on-the-board moments, but the whole experience. The learning, the wipeouts, eating fruit afterwards, the kids playing in the sand when they get tired.
These sessions produce something different from a standard portrait session. They document how your family actually spent their time in Costa Rica — and that’s what people tend to hold onto. We can also make time for a full group photo, smaller family groupings, and the quiet in-between moments that usually end up meaning the most once everyone is back home.

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Photos You Will Still Care About Years From Now

  • wedding guests on sea lounge catamaran
  • kids at hot springs
  • A young girl sits in a rocky pool of water, looking pensive during a family portrait session in Costa Rica. She wears a patterned long-sleeve shirt. Next to her, a mermaid doll rests on the rock, blending seamlessly with the natural setting of rocks and water around her.
  • Two people enjoy a family portrait session in Costa Rica, sitting under a blue and turquoise beach canopy on sandy ground. One wears a large sun hat, the other sunglasses. Nearby, a blue beach chair holds a bag, with lush greenery completing the tranquil setting.
  • A child and an adult, both wearing sunscreen, ride a blue surfboard on small Costa Rican waves. The child looks excited as the adult smiles, supporting them. Its like capturing a perfect family portrait session with the ocean in the background under a clear sky.

Beyond Standard Sessions: Lifestyle Family Photography in Costa Rica

For some families, especially larger groups with different age ranges, an activity session works better than a standard portrait session. When people are doing something together, they forget about the camera and just interact. That’s when the real photographs happen. Some popular options:

  • Beach bonfires at sunset
  • Surfing or yoga lessons
  • Private catamaran tours along Costa Rica’s coast
  • Exploring tide pools or swimming in Guanacaste’s warm waters

Whatever the activity, I photograph the whole experience — not just the highlights. The quiet moments, the tired kids, the laughter, the in-between. Those are usually the photographs families treasure most. Explore some of the best beaches near Tamarindo for session locations, or check out the full venue guide if you’re combining a family session with a wedding.

“I have a family that hates taking photographs and somehow Kevin managed to get amazing photographs. The preview slideshow made me cry it was that good. My husband and son both said that was fun. Taking photographs was fun — that in itself was a miracle.”

– Jacqueline A

family photo at playa flamingo

Costa Rica Family Photography FAQ

A man and woman stand on a sandy path with lush green trees. The man in a blue shirt holds a surfboard, while the woman in a pink bikini holds a baby outfit. Two fluffy dogs stand nearby.

Let’s Plan Your FAMILY PORTRAIT SESSION in Costa Rica!

Tell me about your family, your trip dates, and what you have in mind. Whether it’s a quick beach session or a full activity day for a larger group, I’ll help you figure out what makes the most sense.

01.

What ages work best for family beach photos in Costa Rica?

All ages are perfect for Costa Rica family portraits! Your family evolves at every stage of life, and documenting these changes is a beautiful tradition. I’ve photographed families vacationing in Costa Rica with babies as young as six months to grandparents in their 90s, creating multi-generational memories on Costa Rica’s golden beaches.

02.

How do you handle young kids who don’t want to cooperate?

This is where having my own daughter has made a real difference. I introduce myself directly to the kids — not as the person in charge, but as someone who’s genuinely interested in them. I find out what they want to do and we work it into the session. We start with the formal photos the parents want, then I let the kids run free. By the time we get to the candid part of the session, the kids are relaxed and having fun — and that’s when the best photographs happen. Parents are often surprised by how quickly it turns around.

03.

Where are the best locations for family photos in Costa Rica?

In Guanacaste, some of my favorites are the beaches near Tamarindo and Playa Langosta, Playa Conchal, and the area around Hacienda Pinilla. Each beach has its own character — some are wide and open, some are more dramatic with rock formations, some are quieter and more remote. I’ll recommend locations based on the size of your group, the time of day, and what kind of feel you’re going for. I also photograph sessions at resorts, private villas, and for activity-based sessions like catamarans and surf lessons.

04.

Can we schedule family photos during Costa Rica’s rainy season?

Costa Rica’s rainy season typically runs from May to November, with October being the wettest month. However, even during these months, mornings often bring clear skies. As your photographer, I’ll recommend the optimal time of day to ensure beautiful lighting and dry conditions for your family beach portraits.

05.

Which part of Costa Rica is best for a family vacation with photography opportunities?

Guanacaste is where I’m based and where I’d recommend for most families — especially if you want reliable weather, beautiful beaches, and plenty to do. It feels like you can drive ten minutes in any direction and find a completely different beach, each with its own vibe. For families who want something more adventurous, La Fortuna offers volcano views and the famous waterfall. The Southern Pacific around Manuel Antonio is lush and green but gets more rain. If you want the best chance of sunshine and a wide variety of venues and activities, Guanacaste is hard to beat.

Check out some of my favorite beaches for family portrait sessions below:

To learn more about these beaches you can read my complete resource article: Best Beaches for Portrait Sessions

From Your Session to Your Walls: Photographs That Actually Get Printed

digital files from photo shoot

The photos you never print

Most families come back from a trip with hundreds of photos on their phones. A year later those photos are still on the phone, buried under everything else that came after. The trip was amazing. The photos are great. But nothing ever made it to the wall.

That’s why I offer printed albums and wall art as part of my sessions. You don’t have to figure out sizes, paper types, or where to order. I handle that. You just choose what you love and I take care of the rest.

family photos on beach

Everything handled after the session

After the session you’ll receive a full edited gallery. From there I can help you choose the best images for an album or wall art — whatever fits your home and how you want to remember the trip.

Albums and prints are made in Europe and built to last. The same quality I include with every wedding collection is available for family sessions too. Years from now you’ll open that album and remember exactly how this trip felt — not just how it looked.

Framed prints Costa Rica

Ready to book your session?

Sessions are available across Guanacaste — beaches near Tamarindo, Playa Flamingo, Hacienda Pinilla, Playa Conchal, and beyond. Fill out the form below and tell me a little about your family and your trip dates.

How to Prepare Young Kids for a Portrait Session in Costa Rica

It’s every mom’s worst nightmare when it comes to family portraits. The elusive smiles of her family — especially the toddler who is usually a ham but refuses to cooperate in front of the professional’s camera. 

Maybe it’s happened to you before, by the end of the session you’re just begging everyone for “one decent picture”!

So how do you avoid this stress and be able to relax and enjoy your family photo session in beautiful Costa Rica? I’ve put together these tips for how to prepare young kids for a portrait session to help set things off on the right foot.

5 TIPS FOR YOUNG CHILDREN AT FAMILY SESSIONS

1

Pick the Right Clothes

Comfy clothes that your kids like are the best clothes for a portrait session. You might have your heart set on this adorable bow or that cute little hat. Unfortunately, if your child hates it, this feeling will shine through in your photographs.

I promise you’ll much rather have a happy kid in your images than your favorite accessory. 

2

Feed Them and Bring Snacks

A hangry kid doesn’t photograph well. No matter how smiley they usually are, once those hunger pains roll in, the smiles roll out. 

Do yourself a favor and make sure they eat not too long before the shoot. Bringing a few snacks along doesn’t hurt either, but stick with something that won’t be messy.

3

Talk About the Portrait Session Beforehand

Start setting the tone for the shoot early in the day. Let your kids know we’ll be taking photographs on the beach and how excited you are about it. Be enthusiastic and focus on how much fun it’s going to be.

If your kids are old enough to understand, you can chat positively about a few expectations. But don’t put on too much pressure or it can backfire. 

4

Relax, Be Silly, and Have Fun

Kids tend to take their cues from you. If you are relaxed and excited about the session, they are more likely to be excited too. 

I do my best to put everyone at ease in front of the camera. I also have plenty of experience getting amazing images of all sorts of people with different family dynamics. Seriously, you can relax, have fun, and let me worry about how the photographs turn out. 

5

Let Them Run!

Most of my family sessions happen on the beach. People naturally gravitate towards the beauty of Costa Rica’s shores when they come to visit. 

When kids get to the beach, whether they’ve seen it one or one thousand times, they want to run free! I’ve seen it with my own daughter and with the countless families that I’ve photographed. 

So I say, let them run! And chase after them too, if you want. I guarantee we’ll get some amazing dynamic images with big smiles on all your faces. 

Then, once everyone is a touch tired and grinning from ear to ear, we’ll grab a couple of those posed ones that you can put on your Christmas cards this year. 

Moments to Last a Lifetime

These tips will help you prepare young kids for a portrait session, but the biggest one is to just relax and enjoy the time together. That’s the beauty of lifestyle images, we’re documenting how your family is at this moment in time. 

Feel free to slow down and enjoy this special time with your family. On a beach in Costa Rica, you’ll be experiencing something new. I’m going to capture that joy and wonder — all you have to do is dive in headfirst and have fun! 

playa penca. Silhouette of an adult and child sitting on the beach at sunset. The sky is a gradient of deep blue to orange, reflecting on the water. The figures appear to be playing or talking in the shallow waves.

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Because you deserve the absolute best, I only take on a limited amount of clients per year. This is why I make a huge effort to see if I am the right photographer for your special day and I want to provide a lot of information as easily as possible.

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