See how I got the shot on Instagram!

Eight steps to get memorable pictures on a vacation to the beach!

I don't know about you, but this time of year, I'm planning my next vacation, and in my humble opinion... nothing beats the beach!

To be honest, many of our couple and family vacations run together because I've been too lazy to take pictures (it can feel like work when it's your profession,) but on occasion I prepare ahead of time, and that's what it takes for me to get what I want for the memories and also the desire to capture the drama and beauty of the destination and my extended family!

In this blog, we'll explore how to plan your photo-ready trip to Cozumel, with a special focus on two iconic locations: San Miguel Square and Chankanaab Park. Both have been perennial favorites for our family.

1. 1. For more ideas and locations, or for Senior Pictures for boys or girls, check out my website: Dallas Photographer or follow me on Pinterest Dallas Senior Pictures

Dramatic Dresses in San Miguel Square:

We were on a short cruise with the family and I brought some clothes for my daughter-in-law and youngest son's girlfriend to wear. I was able to talk one of the boys into dressing up for pictures (with the help of said girlfriend.)

In the spirit of full disclosure, yes, I did bring my professional DSLR and scaled-down lighting equipment to achieve this look, but you can play around with what you have! If you're intentional and plan ahead, you almost always get more than if you ask the waiter to take a phone pic at the oceanside restaurant.

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I think the levels of planning and photography woud go something like these eight steps:

1. No plan - hope you brought your phone.

2. Have a selfie stick so your photos aren't ugly wide-angle shots that distort your features.

3. Study the location ahead of time: You'll be visiting briefly and make a list of some places you'd like shots in front of.

4. Look them up on a map and see what direction they face and where the sun will be at the time you'll be visiting (important for us because we were on a cruise, so in Cozumel we took a taxi to San Miguel Square in the morning, then had lunch and took another taxi to Chankanaab Park. Whether or not you care about photos, Chankanaab Park is a must-experience.

5. Get an entry-level DSLR. They are dirt-cheap compared to what I use.

6. Warn your family that this is part of the package and maybe bribe them a little.

7. Study the light, keep taking photos until you get the light right.

8. Have fun! My photos are intentionally dramatic and editorial, but I love the candid, fun pictures too.

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Click to see behind the Scenes in Insta

This is how I got the shot:

I was able to talk one of the boys into dressing up for pictures (with the help of said girlfriend.)

3. Chankanaab Park: It costs about $25-$30 each to enter. Your cab driver and everyone at the port will try to sell you a package. AVOID! You don't need it, and it locks you into group activities adn meals with people you don't know. When the cabbie stops at a place to sell you the package, just politely request that you just go to the park. And tip them, this is their livelihood.
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After your trip:

Once you get home, print up a little book! You don't have to do a professional album, like a pro. Every printer like Walgreens or Shutterfly or MPix can make an album for you.

This will also help you prepare for your next vacation in that you'll learn and hone what you want to do photo-wise on your next trip.

It also provides a memory you're more likely to revisit when it's not just more phone pics from years ago.

Do this for yourself, your family, and your future self. You won't regret it!

1. For more ideas and locations, or for Senior Pictures for boys or girls, check out my website: Dallas Photographer or follow me on Pinterest Dallas Senior Pictures