Getting your family portraits taken while on vacation is a wonderful time spent because your family can hang out, have fun, and get some meaningful and one-of-a-kind memories captured.

However, there are some things you should prep before visiting and getting photos taken. I’m gonna delve into some of the best tips to consider so that you feel really prepared and don’t have to worry about a thing!

By the way, a portrait session only takes about an hour and half and doesn’t carve too much time out of your vacation so if you’re interested in booking a session, let me know! We’ll get it booked!

WARDROBE

I get this question a lot and it can feel like an overwhelming decision because you definitely want your photos and family to look class and timeless, yet you don’t want to have to worry about over packing or packing something that will take up space in your luggage.

Let me be the first one to tell you: WHATEVER YOU WEAR WILL LOOK GREAT! The beach makes for the perfect background that really lets you shine against the beautiful blue waters and setting son.

As long as you don’t use any patterns that are distracted. Using color schemes instead of trying to be too matchy-matchy can work really well. Follow your kids’ lead and if they feel comfortable in something you can try and keep that look for the session for everyone.

In the end, you’re on vacation and your vacation wardrobe works well for your portrait session because I’ll make sure you look and feel comfortable in anything you decide to wear!

WHEN TO VISIT

This is also the biggest factor in getting portraits taken. The best weather here in Puerto Vallarta and the surrounding areas is from October to May. This is when the heat subsides and the humidity as well.

However, during this time, it is also high season and the sun sets closer to 6:30 pm. High Season also comes with more festive days in Mexico and more visitors to the area than the rest of the year. So the beaches might be crowded or there might be people in the background… don’t worry because I’ll be able to retouch them out ;).

In the summer months, it rains off and on and so it can put a damper on your session. Usually, it rains heaviest during August and September. The good thing though, is that the sun sets at the latest time of the entire year - close to 9 pm! So sunset can always happen after the afternoon showers and we can still get great photos taken!

BUY WHAT YOU CAN HERE INSTEAD OF BRINGING IT

The best thing about visiting a high touristic location is that many of what you can get in your country, you can get it here, especially products from the US. We have various pharmacies for things like bug repellent (the green OFF brand is the most effective one!), Walmart, Sam’s and Costco, and many other various supermarkets that will have anything you need.

Like wipes, diapers, and sunblock you can also get it at these stores. So if you can save yourself some weight and worry, just get it here. Many hotels also are equipped with stores that have lots of the basic things that you’ll need. Super handy just in case you forget something too!

I have to focus on bug repellent for a moment: BRING BUG REPELLENT. It’s a must, especially if you’re going to be staying at a location that has luscious gardens or lots of vegetation. The mosquitos usually come out right before sunset, which is when most of my photo sessions take place.

Usually, during the summer, it is more saturated with bugs, winter we get a little bit of a break, but still, because of the hotel’s greenery, the mosquitos are really annoying so bug repellent is really important.

I usually carry some with me but sometimes, I also tend to forget! There are a few natural made bug repellents as well so just look for the ones that have more essential oils than the OFF brands.

SNACKS, DRINKS, TOYS & EXTRA CLOTHES

I think I put this tip in almost off of my posts that offer tips for better photo sessions because I can’t stress enough how snacks, an apple juice, some toys, and extra clothes can make a huge difference in a kid meltdown or a kid having the best time of his life.

You don’t have to bring these with you from home unless you have a specific diet, the hotels offer snacks and drinks for kids that can make the session run more smoothly. It seems like I have to give snacks every 15 minutes of my life so I make sure to carry snacks when ever I leave the house. It also works for bribes in getting real smiles!

Toys are another thing you don’t have to necessarily bring from home. Most shops in the hotels or surrounding areas have sand toys that your kids can have a blast playing with during the session.

And last but not least, bring extra clothing. If you’ve chosen carefully what you’re going to wear, bring another outfit that also works. Because kids will run into the water, get sandy, drip juice, and well, you know the drill ha! So extra clothes make for an easier transition rather than having to cut the session short.

Luckily, I can come to you for the session and photograph your family at your hotel’s beach area so we are close to all the things you’ll ever need. I hope these tips prepare you for the best portrait experience yet! If you are wondering how you can book a session with me, email me hello@jackielamas.com.