Planning an Outdoor Photoshoot in Costa Rica - here are a couple of things to think about.

Embrace the Pura Vida (yes there is my word embrace again, you will see it a lot this year). Costa Rica is an incredible destination for a photoshoot, offering everything from lush jungles to golden beaches, dramatic cliffs, and volcanic landscapes - it provides endless inspiration and opportunities to really connect with the natural environment and with the story you are aiming to capture.

Silhouetted figure carrying a surfboard in golden sunlight filtering through trees creates a magical forest scene.

Surfer in red swimwear stands on beach at dusk balancing a longboard surfboard vertically against full moon sky.

A stylish portrait of someone in a white button-down shirt posing against a textured rock wall in warm lighting.

Whether you are planning an outdoor fashion campaign, branding session, or personal portraits, here are a few key elements to consider for a great experience.

Timing: Are You Flexible on Dates?

The first thing to ask yourself: Are your travel dates set in stone, or do you have some flexibility? And how important is it to you to get THAT shot. If you are aiming for a specific look - lush greenery, golden dry landscapes, dramatic sunsets it is worth planning around the best season for your chosen location.

Pacific Coast (Playa del Coco, Tamarindo, Avellanas, Santa Teresa, Jaco, Uvita, etc.): Dry season runs from December to April, meaning sunnier days but drier landscapes, especially in North Guanacaste (Playa del Coco, Tamarindo), where tropical greenery fades into golden tones. The rainy season (May-November) brings more vibrant colors and moodier skies. However the more South you go (even in Guanacaste - Santa Teresa for example), the more chances you will have to get those beautiful tropical green backdrops.
Caribbean Coast (Puerto Viejo, Cahuita): Has a different rainy season pattern, with drier months often in September and October however this areas does often have more humidity and maintains the lush greenery throughout the year, just be mindful of the rain.
Mountain & Volcano Regions: Weather can change quickly, so layering and flexibility are key.

If your vision is very specific, consider timing your visit accordingly or choosing a location that best matches your needs. But do not worry, if you already have your dates, amazing images are at your finger tips, you will just have to stay open minded about the final look.

Location & Travel Considerations

Costa Rica might look small on a map, but getting from one location to another can take time. If you are planning a multi-location shoot, believe google maps when it tells you that a 20km (12mi) stretch will take you 1h, especially on winding mountain roads or in remote beaches areas.

Each region offers unique backdrops, here are some special aspects of each area

Guanacaste: Dry forests, golden beaches, brown rocky coastlines.
Southern Pacific (Playa Hermosa, Dominical, Uvita, Osa Peninsula): Dense jungle, waterfalls, and dramatic shorelines.
Caribbean Coast: Tropical greenery, coconut-lined beaches, and Afro-Caribbean culture.
Arenal & Monteverde: Volcanoes, misty cloud forests, and rolling green hills.

The magic of shooting in Costa Rica is that you can often be in remote locations with a lot of space to create however the more remote, the more you need to make sure you have everything you need and are prepared, it can be quite an adventure but it is definitely worth it.

If you are unsure where to shoot, I can help recommend locations that match your vision and specific requirements.

A figure in a coral macrame two-piece outfit poses gracefully against a tree in a moody forest setting.

Weather, Heat & Shooting Conditions

Costa Rica is hot and humid, especially on the coasts. This means:

Most often as of 8.30am in the morning (and even more so in Guanacaste where I am located), it is already hot. If you are hoping to shoot with the sun high in the sky to create harsher shadows, it is recommended to have the necessary equipment to create some shade. If you want natural soft light, golden glows and a certain mystic vibe in the air, plan for first light, sunrise, the early morning or sunset - the light is really spectacular at these times.
Humidity & Heat vs Hair & Makeup - using the right products is important and be ready for touch-ups unless you are happy to embrace the natural effect of the elements.

A couple of other aspects to plan for:

Pacific Coast Beach shoots require tide awareness - some beaches shrink dramatically at high tide, while low tide can reveal more sand and tide pools. If you can scout the beach at different times of the day before the shoot to see what it looks like, this would be highly recommended. You can also find tide chart here to give you an idea of best timing.
Orientation of the beach - if you are shooting at sunrise or sunset especially, you need to consider the orientation of the beach. As a photographer who loves shooting the moonrise, moonset, sunrise and sunset, this is a key. Depending on the orientation, you may not get that beautiful sunset light or sunrise light next to that palm tree you love so much. The same goes for other locations, like waterfall, you want to make sure the light is hitting it just right - Lighting is everything.

Embracing the Moment

One of the most magical aspects of shooting in Costa Rica is working with the natural elements and taking inspiration from everything around you. Allowing space for spontaneity can result in amazing and unique images. You might have to make a location switch last minute or adapt your shot list order but having this flexibility is worth it.

Some of my favorite shoots have happened when clients embrace the surroundings rather than trying to control every detail. Letting the environment inspire the creative process often leads to the most striking and authentic images.

If you are considering a shoot in Costa Rica, whether for a brand campaign, personal project, or retreat, I would love to help bring your vision to life. You can get in touch via my contact form. Let’s create something unforgettable and magical together.