Photoshoot with the Makonnen Family!


Last week Girma and his family booked a family photo session with us and I had the privilege of working with them. We began with some family photos among the trees in front of Flamingo Beach. From the very first shot, it was clear that they shared a deep bond, and I knew this session would be an exceptionally wholesome experience.

Family of four in white outfits smiling together under shaded tropical beach trees. Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Before heading to the beach, amid lighthearted laughter, we captured a few couples’ photos, which quickly became some of my favorites from the day.

Smiling couple embracing near large palm tree trunk on sunny tropical sandy beach. Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Happy couple laughing together leaning against large palm tree on bright tropical beach. Guanacaste, Costa Rica

As we moved on to portraits of his daughters with the sunset, I asked if they wanted to take more couples’ photos. Girma responded, “Let’s keep doing more of these.” He was eager to capture more moments with his girls—and understandably so, as the images were turning out beautifully.

Smiling young woman with curly hair wearing a white dress on a sunny beach. Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Smiling young woman in white sundress wading in ocean waves on a sunny beach. Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Woman in flowing white gown standing gracefully on a beach at golden hour. Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Beautiful young woman in white dress with braided hair smiling at a beach sunset. Guanacaste, Costa Rica

My favorite part of the session was capturing the love, closeness, and genuine happiness this family shared.

Happy family of four posing on a driftwood log on a tropical beach. Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Three women in white outfits smiling together on a beach with ocean and sky in the background. Guanacaste, Costa Rica
A young woman in a white halter dress smiling on a tropical beach with ocean waves behind her. Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Couple holding hands and strolling along scenic tropical beach with hillside resort in background. Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Couple in white outfits walking hand in hand through shallow ocean waves on tropical beach. Guanacaste, Costa Rica
A young woman in a white halter dress posing on a beach with a hillside town in the background. Guanacaste, Costa Rica
A smiling couple in white outfits embracing under a tropical palm tree on a sandy beach. Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Two smiling women in white dresses holding hands under trees on a beach. Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Two young women kissing a smiling older woman on the cheeks on a beautiful tropical beach. Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Young girl in white dress smiling on sandy beach with lush green trees in background. Guanacaste, Costa Rica
A happy family of four dressed in white holding hands while strolling on a sunny tropical beach. Guanacaste, Costa Rica
A young woman in a white dress touching her hair while gazing away on a sunny tropical beach. Guanacaste, Costa Rica
A joyful family of four in white outfits holding hands and walking along a tropical beach. Guanacaste, Costa Rica
A young woman in a white sundress with braided hair smiling while looking toward the ocean. Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Two women in white dresses holding hands on beach with ocean waves behind them. Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Two young women in white dresses posing under trees on a sandy beach. Guanacaste, Costa Rica
A smiling young woman in a white sundress posing on a sandy tropical beach with green trees behind. Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Two women in white dresses smiling at each other on beach with ocean waves behind them. Guanacaste, Costa Rica

As a photographer I see these moments as the heart of my work: capturing memories that reflect both real connection and joy.

Photographer: Valentina Villegas

Redaction: Valentina Villegas