A family of four holds hands beneath the white ceremony arch at Majestic Elegance Costa Mujeres with the Caribbean behind them.

 

Multigenerational Family Photoshoot at Majestic Elegance Costa Mujeres

Three generations of the Coopelman family met us at Majestic Elegance Costa Mujeres for a relaxed beach photoshoot, with grandparents, parents, cousins and a toddler all in the same frames. As a family photographer working across Costa Mujeres, Cancun and the Riviera Maya, I’ve photographed around 300 families on these beaches, and large groups like this one are some of my favorite sessions: there’s always someone laughing.


Here’s how the session unfolded, and what you can plan for your own family photoshoot in Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya.

 

Three generations of the Coopelman family pose on the white steps below the arch at Majestic Elegance Costa Mujeres.

Family Portraits at the Majestic Elegance Costa Mujeres Ceremony Arch


We began at the resort’s white arch and the wide stone steps below it. The architecture is clean and simple, and the deep blue sky behind it keeps attention on the family. The steps also solve a common problem with big groups: everyone sits at a different height, so every face is visible.


With a group this size, the formal portraits take only a few minutes. We make a few frames of the whole family together, then break into smaller combinations: grandparents, each parent with their children, and the youngest members together.

A grandmother and her two daughters laugh together in flowing dresses on the white sand of Costa Mujeres.
Black-and-white photo of a family laughing as they walk across the beach, with a toddler on her dad’s shoulders.
A father lifts his laughing toddler into the blue sky above palm trees in Costa Mujeres.

Candid Moments Between the Portraits

This is where the personality of the family appeared. A grandmother and her daughters collapsed into laughter on the sand. The whole family walked across the beach together, with a toddler raised on her dad’s shoulders, and the black-and-white version of that walk may be the strongest image of the day. A father tossed his daughter into the sky as she squealed.


None of these were posed. I give the family simple prompts, such as walk, hold hands or tell a story, and then I step back and let them react to each other.

A mother adjusts her toddler on dad’s shoulders while their son looks at the camera in a candid family moment.
Smiling parents share a glance while holding their toddler beneath palm trees.
Parents, a son and a clapping toddler hug in warm golden light with the Majestic Elegance resort behind them.

Golden-Hour Light by the Resort

As the sun dropped, the light turned warm and soft. We moved close for hugs and quiet glances between the parents while the toddler clapped and wiggled. Late-afternoon light is flattering for every age and skin tone, and it keeps the children from squinting, which makes it the best time to photograph families in Costa Mujeres.

A father and his son laugh together against a textured white stone wall in Costa Mujeres.
Black-and-white portrait of a mother holding her son close on a beach near Cancun.
Black-and-white close-up of a mother and her teenage daughter touching foreheads and smiling.

One-on-One Connections

Before the session ended, I made a few minutes for individual connections: a father and son laughing against a white stone wall, a mother holding her son in a black-and-white portrait, and a mother and teenage daughter touching foreheads. Parents often tell me these are the images they print first.

See more from this session in the full Coopelman family gallery.

Planning a Family Photoshoot in Costa Mujeres?



Costa Mujeres has some of the widest, quietest beaches near Cancun, and many resorts have gardens, boardwalks and architectural features, like this arch, that make great backdrops. For families traveling with kids, grandparents or both, a few ideas help:


  • Book your session for sunrise or the hour before sunset, when it’s cooler and the light is soft.
  • Choose coordinated colors in neutral or soft tones, and avoid large logos and neon. Our family beach outfit guide has more ideas.
  • Leave time for naps and snacks, because happy kids are better in photos.


If you’d like to see how we work at another resort, take a look at our Fairmont Mayakoba family session or the family session at Punta Esmeralda. Send us your resort, dates and the ages of your group through our contact page and we’ll recommend the best location and time.

 

Costa Mujeres Family Photography FAQ

01.

Can you photograph our family at Majestic Elegance Costa Mujeres?

Yes, but resort rules change often, so tell us your hotel when you inquire. Many resorts allow sessions on their beach and grounds. If yours doesn’t, we’ll suggest a public beach nearby with the same Caribbean look.

02.

Is there a travel fee for Costa Mujeres?

Costa Mujeres is outside our Playa del Carmen no-fee zone, so a travel fee applies, usually around $50 USD. We confirm the exact amount in writing before you pay your retainer, so there are no surprises.

03.

Can you photograph a large family with grandparents and young kids?

Yes. This session included three generations and a toddler. We mix group portraits, individual families, grandparents with grandchildren and candid moments so everyone is included.