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.

Capturing Family Portraits: A Celebration of Love in Old San Juan

Momma bear and her two cubs

     Family portraits hold a special place in the hearts of both the families who pose and the photographers who capture them. Recently, I had the privilege of photographing a beautiful family session in the heart of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. The session featured a mother and her two young sons, set against the vibrant, historic streets of this enchanting city. Old San Juan’s cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and rich cultural heritage provided the perfect backdrop for this family’s story, turning each photo into a timeless memory.

     In every family session, there’s a deep sense of connection that shines through in the final images. But there's something truly unique about photographing single mothers with their children. Single moms embody resilience, love, and strength. These qualities were beautifully expressed by the mother I had the honor of working with during this session. Her bond with her sons was palpable, a testament to the love that keeps families like hers thriving. Celebrating these intimate moments between her and her boys was a reminder of why family portraiture is so meaningful.

     A great family portrait session is about more than just taking pretty pictures. It's about capturing the essence of a family—its joys, challenges, and the moments that bring them together. For single mothers, these moments are often hard-earned and deeply cherished. Family portrait sessions become a way to freeze time, to look back and reflect on the love that overcomes adversity. Every photograph becomes a tribute to the mother’s strength and her ability to nurture and protect her children.

     As a wedding photographer based in Puerto Rico, my primary focus is often on capturing the love stories of couples as they begin their married life together. However, family portraiture has always been a passion of mine. In between the beautiful weddings I photograph across Puerto Rico, I make time for family sessions. There’s something incredibly rewarding about capturing the joy and love within a family, especially in such stunning locations as Old San Juan.

     The vibrant and historic streets of Puerto Rico provide a one-of-a-kind setting for family portraits. The colorful Spanish colonial architecture, the serene ocean views, and the rich cultural history add layers of depth to each shot. Old San Juan, in particular, offers a fusion of heritage and charm, which elevates every family session into something unforgettable. Whether it's a playful moment between siblings or a quiet, heartfelt glance shared between a mother and her child, the beauty of Puerto Rico enhances these moments, making them timeless.

     Family portraiture is about more than documenting a family’s appearance at a particular moment in time; it’s about telling their story. Single mothers, especially, have stories that deserve to be told. They embody dedication, hard work, and unconditional love, often serving as both mother and father to their children. Highlighting this journey through photography is a privilege and an honor, one I am always excited to undertake.

The flower garden

     Between my wedding photography sessions, capturing families like this one is not just a change of pace but a joyful experience. Wedding photography celebrates the beginning of a new family, while family portraiture celebrates the ongoing journey. It’s the perfect complement to my work as a wedding photographer in Puerto Rico, reminding me that love comes in many forms and all deserve to be beautifully captured.

     Photographing families, particularly single-parent families, brings an added sense of responsibility. I want every image to reflect the love, the strength, and the joy that these families share. Single mothers, in particular, deserve to have their incredible journey celebrated through photography. Each session is a chance to honor their devotion and the unique bond they have with their children.

     If you're a single mother, or a family looking to preserve your story through photography, know that family portrait sessions are an opportunity to celebrate your love and connection. The experience is about more than the photos themselves; it's about taking time to appreciate your family as it is right now. In Puerto Rico, with its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture, there is no better place to capture those moments.

“Ok, make a funny face!”

     While I dedicate much of my time to destination weddings in Puerto Rico, family portrait sessions remain one of my favorite aspects of being a photographer. Whether it's on the cobbled streets of Old San Juan or a serene beach at sunset, these sessions are a chance to freeze time, capturing the love that binds a family together. For single moms, these moments are even more powerful—a testament to their strength, courage, and endless love.