Photography sessions in fantastic locations for couples, families, travelers, and entrepreneurs. With 7 years of experience and over 350 sessions captured on Caribbean beaches. Sessions start at $175 USD and include natural-light portraits with 24–48 hour delivery.
Based in Playa del Carmen, I’m a professional photographer specializing in natural-light portraits for families, couples and personal branding — available for sessions across the Riviera Maya.
I work in locations such as: Playa 88, Playacar, Punta Esmeralda, Playa Constituyentes and a variety of cenotes in the Tulum region. Whether you’re visiting for a vacation, a honeymoon or a creative project, these sessions are designed for people who want authentic images.
You get professionally edited photos, shot with the golden light and turquoise scenery that make the Caribbean iconic — images you’ll actually want to share, print, and keep.
From intimate engagements portraits to expecting mothers — each type of session is tailored to how you want to be seen. The only photographer in Playa del Carmen specialized in both tourist memories and entrepreneur personal branding — same eye, two worlds.
I specialize in discreet proposal photography, capturing those emotional moments through surprise proposal photography in beautiful beach locations.
Book a proposal sessionI create emotional images through a romantic beach photoshoot, capturing natural connection and timeless couple beach portrait shoots by the sea.
Reserve a couple shootAs a family photographer, I create family photography sessions capturing fun moments. I work on the best spots for family photos in Playa del Carmen: Esmeralda beach, Playacar, 88 Beach.
Secure a family photoshootI offer pregnant photography, creating soft and emotional images focused on connection, beauty, and motherhood.
Schedule a pregnant sessionI offer personal branding business photography designed to elevate your image and strengthen your brand presence.
Book a personal branding sessionI work with a professional team of photographers from Costa Rica and a videographer from Mexico. They combine a cinematic style, capturing unique images, with a documentary/editorial style in paradise locations.
Book a destination WeddingNot sure which session fits your trip?
Send me a message — I’ll help you choose the format and location that works best for your dates and group.
You get pristine beach backdrops and perfect golden light: all delivered within 48 hours.
Booking a session is straightforward — no forms, no agency, no waiting. Here’s how it works from first contact to receiving your photos.
Follow these steps to book a photo shoot. We plan your vision together, from location to timing and emotional flow.
Send me a message with your preferred date, location, and vision for your session.
I’ll respond quickly to confirm availability and help you choose the best time for lighting and atmosphere.
A small deposit secures your session. I’ll send you preparation tips to help you feel confident and ready.
Show up, relax, and enjoy the experience. I’ll guide you step by step while capturing genuine moments.
Every photo below was taken on locations in Playa del Carmen, Cozujmel, Puerto Morelos or the surrounding cenotes — natural light. Browse by session type to see what your session could look like.
All sessions are photographed in natural light during golden hour or in the controlled shade of cenotes and jungle canopy. No flash, no artificial backgrounds — what you see is what the Riviera Maya actually looks like.
Send me a WhatsApp and tell me when you need the session. I work by reservation so it’s important to check the availability.
I’m Vanesa Allende, a photographer in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, with over 7 years of experience creating meaningful images for couples, families, solo travelers, and entrepreneurs from around the world.
My clients range from vacationers and honeymoon couples to local business owners and residents building their visual identity. I cover engagement sessions, surprise proposals, maternity portraits, family shoots, and professional branding imagery.
I know which cenotes have the best light. I know which section of which beach is empty at 5 PM. That local knowledge it comes from being on location every single day for seven years.
If you want to know whether I’m the right fit for your session before committing to a booking, send me a message. I reply within 24 hours.
Over 350 sessions in the Riviera Maya. Clients from the US, Canada, UK, Germany and Australia. Here’s what they say after getting their photos back.
I work directly with every client — no agency intermediary, no language barrier, no handoff to a second photographer on the day. You talk to me from the first message to the final delivery. If something isn’t right about the gallery, you tell me directly and I fix it.
Same cenote as 50 other tourists that day
Private or off-peak access to exclusive locations
Photographer assigned day-of, unknown
Direct communication from booking to delivery
Batch editing using the same preset for every client
Individual color grading crafted for every session
1–2 locations with a fixed itinerary
Locations chosen specifically for your session
No flexibility if weather changes
Backup locations always prepared
Select the photography experience that best fits your needs. Three packages designed for different session lengths, group sizes and delivery needs.
*Delivery in approximately 24 to 48 hours depending on demand, whether it is high or low season.
¨*Transport to locations outside Playa del Carmen centro is not included in the package. Is an extra depending on distance. Cenote entry fees are paid separately on arrival.
*Yes — additional edited photos are available with an extra priceper image, ordered directly from your gallery after delivery.
Capture unforgettable moments in paradise with a personalized experience.
Book a session now and let’s create timeless images together.
This couple wanted to take their photos on the beach and film a drone video. They played the session back on the big screen at their wedding in Paris and were thrilled with their Caribbean photos.
She has a wine brand — without alcohol — based in Norway, and we took photos at three locations. The photos are for the local press and newspapers in her country.
Playa del Carmen offers stunning locations for photography: some of the most special spots include quiet beaches, jungle and cenotes along the Riviera Maya.
Perfect for couples and families. This beach has a small cenote on the center and a big space for take beautiful portraits near the palms.
It's a fantastic cenote in the middle of the jungle. Transparent water and a lot of beautiful spaces for portraits. The light is perfect around 3 and 4 o clock.
Playacar Beach It's a public beach with the best sky colors during golden time. Especially for romantic portraits. A color palette ranging from the green of the palm trees to the turquoise of the water.
Rates start around $175 USD.
Some of the best portrait photography locations include Caribbean beaches, palm tree areas, jungle settings, boutique hotels and nearby cenotes.
The basic session includes 10 edited photos, an outfit, and a location.
At least two weeks in advance. Ideally, a month in advance.
I accept PayPal, Wise or international bank transfer to safely reserve your date.
The best time for portrait photography is during sunrise or sunset when the light is soft and flattering.
Light colors, neutral tones and linen fabrics photograph beautifully against the beach and tropical background.
A typical portrait photography session lasts between 30 minutes and 1 hour.
Most portrait photographers deliver between 10 and 20 professionally edited images depending on the package.
A professional photographer ensures high quality images, beautiful lighting and guidance during the session.
Let’s schedule your session. Spots are limited.
