Golden Hour at Los Morrillos Lighthouse: A Family Portrait Session Worth the Hike
The Nelsons
As a destination wedding and portrait photographer based in Puerto Rico, I’m often called to chase light—and this time, it led me to the cliffs of Cabo Rojo.
A few months back, my close colleague and fellow photographer Karen referred me to a family seeking a photo session at Los Morrillos Lighthouse. Karen, who frequently travels from Jacksonville, Florida to Puerto Rico, connected me with Ashley—a passionate mother and photography enthusiast eager to document her family’s love against one of the island’s most dramatic backdrops.
Ashley and Brandon
Ashley and her family were also visiting from Jacksonville. She had a vision: golden hour, sweeping ocean views, and the kind of warmth only the Puerto Rican sun can provide. We connected instantly, exchanging inspiration and planning the details for a family session that would commemorate their time on the island.
This past weekend, that vision came to life.
Family
To get to Los Morrillos Lighthouse, I left my home base in Guaynabo and made the two-and-a-half-hour trek to the island’s southwest coast. Ashley, in a well-meaning attempt to be helpful, shared her live location instead of a dropped pin—which meant I first showed up at her Airbnb. We both laughed it off, then caravanned to the lighthouse, bonding over our mutual excitement for what was to come.
Once we arrived, the adventure continued. The gate leading to the cliffs has been closed for a while now, so we parked our cars and hiked roughly twenty minutes through rocky terrain. I had my trusty Peak Design Travel Bag strapped on, filled with nearly 40 pounds of gear—camera bodies, lenses, lighting equipment, and a heavy-duty softbox, because I knew I’d want to work with both natural and artificial light.
Aww
We reached the lighthouse just in time for that coveted golden hour. The sun sat low, casting a glowing rim around the family. Backlighting like that is a dream—but only when you're prepared. That’s where off-camera flash came in, helping me balance the ambient light with precision and artistry. I always expose for the sky first, ensuring I preserve the vibrancy of Puerto Rico’s sunsets before locking in my camera and flash settings. It’s a must-have approach in any outdoor or destination portrait session.
Ashley had sent me Pinterest inspiration ahead of the shoot, so we recreated her favorite poses first. Once we checked those off the list, I let instinct take over—capturing lovely moments between Ashley and her husband Brandon, portraits of their two kids both individually and together, and, of course, a few sweeping wide-angle shots with the lighthouse and ocean cliffs in full view.
The four of us
The light held out longer than expected, the skies were clear (despite my fear of rain after such a long drive), and the vibe was absolutely perfect. It reminded me that while I mainly focus on weddings, I deeply enjoy photographing families—especially when they’re this joyful, stylish, and up for an adventure.
Cabo Rojo is truly a gem for destination photography in Puerto Rico. From the rugged cliffs to the sun-drenched lighthouse, it offers one of the most stunning backdrops the island has to offer. And for families traveling from the mainland, it's an unforgettable way to turn a vacation into a visual legacy.
Blessed
This Los Morrillos family session reminded me of why I do what I do: to tell stories, to chase light, and to create moments that will live on far beyond the final frame.
