We often hear people say 'life is short', but when I look at my 96-year-old grandmother, I can't help but think, 'life is long, and full of stories'. Every wrinkle on her face, every twinkle in her eye, carries tales of love, laughter, struggle, and resilience. And it's through her stories, that I am constantly reminded of the importance of documenting our own lives. Here are some thoughts I refrelected on while taking photos of my family when they came to visit <a style="color: rgb(35, 111, 161);" href="https://www.santiagoaguilar.photography/">Costa Rica</a>.

My grandmother, a beacon of wisdom, has lived through several historical periods, from World War II to the invention of the internet. She carries within her a wealth of knowledge, experiences, and stories that are nothing short of a living history book. Her vivid recollections of the past, coupled with the wisdom that comes from living such a long life, makes it so that every time she visits us in Costa Rica, a storytelling adventure. But more importantly, her stories serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of documenting our own lives.

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The thing is, life has a tendency to move at a breakneck speed. We get caught up in our daily routines, chasing deadlines, and before we know it, years have passed. We tend to forget the little moments that make life beautiful and meaningful. This is where the importance of documenting our lives comes into play. It's through photographing our experiences that we can truly appreciate the unique journey that each of us is on.

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Documenting our lives isn't just about keeping a record for posterity. It's about capturing the essence of our existence, the joys we've felt, the challenges we've overcome, and the growth we've experienced. It's about creating a tangible medium through which our life's journey can be shared, celebrated, and reflected upon. It's about leaving behind a legacy, not just for our future generations, but also for ourselves, to look back and see how far we've come.
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So, every time my grandmother visits and shares her stories, I am reminded to take a moment to document my own journey. Whatever may seem like an everyday thing, may not always be so. I am reminded to take photos, in order to one day look back and remember the feelings of the moment and the stories behind them. It's a way of acknowledging and celebrating the uniqueness of life. My grandmother's stories are a treasure trove of life lessons, and through documenting my own life, I hope to create a treasure trove of my own.

In a world that's constantly changing, our stories, experiences, and perspectives are the only things that truly belong to us. They are our legacy. And by documenting our lives, we can ensure that this legacy may be passed on.

Documenting Life: Family Photos in Costa Rica

In every friend group, there's that person with a camera, weaving stories through snapshots. Here are a couple thoughts that came to me while spending time with friends in <a style="color: rgb(35, 111, 161);" href="https://www.santiagoaguilar.photography/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Costa Rica</a>, let's dive into the balancing act of photographing while remaining present in the moment :)

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Timeless Memories: The photos taken are time capsules, preserving shared laughter and bonds during heartfelt moments. These snapshots serve as tangible reminders of the chapters written while spending time together.
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Celebrating Spontaneity: Those unscripted moments, whether a mid-laugh candid or a spontaneous adventure, are immortalized, capturing the genuine spirit of your collective experiences. It's in these unplanned instances that the true magic of friendship reveals itself.
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Visual Journey: The photo collection is a visual diary, narrating adventures, celebrations, and everyday joys.

Balancing Presence and Photography: Amidst the joy of capturing moments, there lies the challenge of striking a delicate balance between being fully present in the moment and being the observer behind the lens. It's a constant juggling act, ensuring that you not only document the memories but actively contribute to them. The risk of feeling like an outsider to your own experiences is real, emphasizing the need for that balance between being an active participant and the photographer.

The solution to the challenge of balancing presence and photography for the unofficial group photographer is to pass the camera to a fellow group member. By sharing the role, responsibilities are redistributed, introducing diverse perspectives, and enriching the collection of memories by allowing people to be fully imersed in the experiences.
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Your camera is more than a device; it's a portal to relive laughter, bonds, and good times. :)

The Unofficial Group Photographer

When it comes to engagement photography, the choice of outfit plays a significant role in setting the mood and tone of the pictures. While the focus is definitely on the love and bond you share with your partner, the outfits you choose can greatly enhance the aesthetic and overall charm of the photoshoot.

The first rule of thumb when considering what to wear to your engagement shoot is to choose an outfit that compliments the location. The colors, style, texture, and season should all be taken into consideration. For instance, if you're having a beach engagement shoot in the summer, light, airy clothing in pastel shades might be a good choice. On the other hand, for a winter shoot in an old, rustic barn, you might want to opt for warm, earth-toned clothing that compliments the rustic charm of the barn.

The second important factor to consider is your personality. Your engagement photos should be a reflection of who you are as a couple. If you're casual and laid-back, go for a comfortable yet stylish look. If you're more formal and traditional, a classic and elegant outfit might be more appropriate.

Next, consider how your outfits compliment each other's. While you don't have to match completely, selecting similar or complimenting color schemes and aesthetics allows for more cohesive photos that highlight your togetherness and bond.

Lastly, while trends can be fun, timeless is always the best way to go for engagement shoots. You want to be able to look back at these photos years down the line and still feel the style is relevant and classic. Avoid overly trendy outfits that you might look back on and regret in a few years. Instead, opt for classic cuts, colors, and styles that you know you'll still love in the future.

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Remember, the most important thing is that you feel comfortable and beautiful in your outfits. This is your special day, and your happiness and comfort should be the top priority. With the right outfits, your engagement photos will not only capture your love and bond but also your style and personality.

What to Wear to your Engagement Shoot: Styling Tips and Suggestions

One of the most fascinating aspects of being a photographer is the ability to notice and capture the smallest and most subtle details. These details, often overlooked by the untrained eye, can tell deeper and more moving stories than words themselves. This is especially true in couples photography, where each gesture, look, and touch can reveal the love, connection, and intimacy they share.
 Even the smallest details can have a great impact. Let us take, for example, the simple act of taking hands. For some, it can be a daily gesture that goes unnoticed. But when captured through the lens of a camera, it becomes something more. It becomes a silent promise of being 'here' and 'being together', a tangible affirmation of connection and shared love.

Another example is the concept of 'running away together'. On the surface, it could be interpreted literally as a couple plans a trip or an adventure together. However, by capturing this in a photograph, it becomes a metaphor of their shared journey through life, desire to face challenges together, and commitment to support each other at every step of the way.

As a photographer, my job is to observe and capture these details, these moments. My goal is to create a visual narrative that reflects the uniqueness and beauty of each couple's relationship. Because each couple is different, every detail tells a different story.

Therefore, the next time you look at a photo of a couple, I invite you to pay attention to the details. Look at the intertwined hands, the shared smiles, the complicit eyes. Each of these details tells a story, and together, they create an illustration that is as beautiful and unique as the relationship it represents.
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 Who would you like to escape with? What story would your details tell?

Ideas of a Wedding Photographer in Costa Rica: The Magic in the Details

Uno de los aspectos m&aacute;s fascinantes de ser fot&oacute;grafo es la capacidad de notar y capturar los detalles m&aacute;s peque&ntilde;os y sutiles. Estos detalles, a menudo pasados por alto por el ojo no entrenado, pueden contar historias m&aacute;s profundas y conmovedoras que las palabras mismas. Esta es especialmente cierto en la fotograf&iacute;a de parejas, donde cada gesto, mirada y toque puede revelar el amor, la conexi&oacute;n y la intimidad que comparten.

Incluso los detalles m&aacute;s m&iacute;nimos pueden tener un gran impacto. Tomemos, por ejemplo, el simple acto de tomarse de la mano. Para algunos, puede ser un gesto cotidiano que pasa desapercibido. Pero cuando se captura a trav&eacute;s de la lente de una c&aacute;mara, se convierte en algo m&aacute;s. Se convierte en una promesa silenciosa de 'estar aqu&iacute;' y 'estar juntos', una afirmaci&oacute;n tangible de la conexi&oacute;n y el amor compartido.

Otro ejemplo es el concepto de 'escapar juntos'. En la superficie, podr&iacute;a ser interpretado literalmente como una pareja planeando un viaje o una aventura juntos. Sin embargo, al capturarlo en una fotograf&iacute;a, se convierte en una met&aacute;fora de su viaje compartido a trav&eacute;s de la vida, su deseo de enfrentar los desaf&iacute;os juntos y su compromiso de apoyarse mutuamente en cada paso del camino.

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Como fot&oacute;grafo, mi trabajo es observar y capturar estos detalles, estos momentos. Mi objetivo es crear una narrativa visual que refleje la singularidad y la belleza de la relaci&oacute;n de cada pareja. Porque cada pareja es diferente, y cada detalle cuenta una historia diferente.

Por lo tanto, la pr&oacute;xima vez que miren una fotograf&iacute;a de parejas, les invito a prestar atenci&oacute;n a los detalles. Observen las manos entrelazadas, las sonrisas compartidas, las miradas de complicidad. Cada uno de estos detalles cuenta una historia, y juntos, crean una narrativa visual que es tan hermosa y &uacute;nica como la relaci&oacute;n que representa.
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Y a ti, &iquest;con qui&eacute;n te gustar&iacute;a escapar? &iquest;Qu&eacute; historia contar&iacute;an tus detalles?

Ideas de un Fotógrafo de Bodas en Costa Rica: La Magia de los Detalles

Nestled in the city of Ciudad Colon in San Jose, Costa Rica, Casa Vista is a dream venue for couples seeking an intimate wedding. This venue, with its awe-inspiring views, is perfect for hosting a wedding of about 50 guests. With plenty of space for tables and separate rooms for the bride and groom to get ready, Casa Vista ensures that every aspect of the wedding flows seamlessly.
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One of the standout features of Casa Vista is the variety of locations on the property for photography. Whether it's a romantic shot against the backdrop of the dazzling river view or a group photo in the beautiful trees, the venue offers plenty of breathtaking vistas to capture your special moments. The river, in particular, adds a touch of magic to the ceremony, creating a picturesque setting that will leave your guests amazed.

Despite its secluded setting, Casa Vista is conveniently located a short drive from the city, ensuring easy accessibility for your guests. Its close proximity to the city, coupled with its tranquil ambiance, makes it the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle without straying too far.
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In conclusion, Casa Vista is not just a wedding venue; it's a destination that offers a unique blend of beauty, convenience, and comfort. It's a place where your wedding dreams can come to life, providing an idyllic backdrop for the start of your happily-ever-after journey.

A Fairytale Wedding at Casa Vista, Ciudad Colon, San Jose Costa Rica

A beach is an enchanting location for couples photography. The natural light, blue waters, and endless skies make for an incredible backdrop.
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Yet, capturing the perfect, candid moments can be a bit challenging. Here are some pro tips to help you ace your beach photoshoots, especially if you're in <a style="color: rgb(35, 111, 161);" href="https://www.santiagoaguilar.photography/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Costa Rica</a> ;)

Firstly, posing prompts and movement will be your best friends. Static poses can often look staged and artificial, so using interaction-based prompts will naturally lead to genuine smiles and connections. This will not only make you feel more comfortable but also add a dynamic element to the shots.
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A common misconception is that the subjects should always make eye contact with the camera. I usually tell couples that I'm working with to not look at the camera unless I tell them to.
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In reality, this often creates more natural and intimate photos. It allows you to become lost in the moment, focusing on each other rather than the lens.

In addition to thoughtfully interacting with your loved one, interact with your surroundings. Embrace the beach environment in a way that feels most authentic to you and your love story.
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For example, if you all are more energetic and adventurous, use the elements to your advantage: roll in the sand, splash in the ocean, chase waves, or even hunt for shells. Remember, candid photography tells a story; allow the setting to further compose yours.

Most importantly, have fun! A photoshoot shouldn't feel like a chore. Relax and enjoy your time together at the beach (such as Costa Rica's beautiful <a style="color: rgb(35, 111, 161); text-decoration: underline;" title="Playa Flamingo Costa Rica" href="https://www.google.com/search?q=playa+flamingo&amp;rlz=1C5CHFA_enUS1016US1021&amp;oq=playa+flam&amp;gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqDQgAEAAYgwEYsQMYgAQyDQgAEAAYgwEYsQMYgAQyBwgBEAAYgAQyBggCEEUYOTIHCAMQABiABDIHCAQQABiABDIHCAUQABiABDIHCAYQABiABDIHCAcQABiABDIHCAgQABiABDIHCAkQABiABKgCALACAA&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Playa Flamingo</a> as pictured here). After all, the goal is to capture your love and happiness. Laugh, be goofy, and create those precious memories. Your joy will radiate through the images, making them all the more special.

In conclusion, beach shoots can offer an exquisite setting for couples photography. With the right approach, you can turn the beauty of the landscape into a stunning backdrop for the love story unfolding in front of the lens.

Candid Beach Photos in Costa Rica: A Posing Guide

La playa es un lugar encantador para la fotograf&iacute;a de parejas. La luz natural, las aguas azules y los cielos sin fin hacen que el fondo sea incre&iacute;ble.
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Sin embargo, capturar los momentos perfectos y sinceros puede ser un poco desafiante. Aprovechando que estoy en <a style="color: rgb(53, 152, 219);" href="https://www.santiagoaguilar.photography/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Costa Rica</a> por ac&aacute; les dejo algunos consejos profesionales para ayudarles con sus fotos en la playa.

En primer lugar, acciones y movimientos ser&aacute;n sus mejores amigos. Las poses est&aacute;ticas a menudo pueden parecer esc&eacute;nicas y artificiales, por lo que el uso de sugerencias de movimiento basados en la interacci&oacute;n conducir&aacute; naturalmente a sonrisas y conexiones genuinas. Esto no solo te har&aacute; sentir m&aacute;s c&oacute;modo, sino que tambi&eacute;n a&ntilde;adir&aacute; un elemento din&aacute;mico a las tomas.

Un concepto equivocado com&uacute;n es que los sujetos siempre deben hacer contacto visual con la c&aacute;mara. Normalmente les digo a las parejas con las que estoy trabajando que no miren a la c&aacute;mara a menos que les diga que lo hagan.
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 En realidad, esto a menudo crea fotos m&aacute;s naturales e &iacute;ntimas. Permite que se pierdan en el momento, centr&aacute;ndose el uno en el otro en lugar de con el lente.

Adem&aacute;s de interactuar con su ser querido, interactuar con su entorno hace que las fotos se sientan m&aacute;s aut&eacute;nticas.
 Por ejemplo, si todos ustedes son m&aacute;s en&eacute;rgicos y aventureros, usar los elementos a su ventaja: rodar en la arena, mojarse en el oc&eacute;ano, perseguir las olas, o incluso la caza de conchas. Recuerde, la fotograf&iacute;a cuenta una historia; permita que el entorno sea parte de su historia.

&iexcl;Lo m&aacute;s importante, divertirse! Una fotograf&iacute;a no deber&iacute;a sentirse como una tarea. Rel&aacute;jese y disfrute de su tiempo juntos en la playa (como la hermosa <a style="color: rgb(35, 111, 161); text-decoration: underline;" href="https://www.google.com/search?q=playa+flamingo&amp;rlz=1C5CHFA_enUS1016US1021&amp;oq=playa+flam&amp;gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqDQgAEAAYgwEYsQMYgAQyDQgAEAAYgwEYsQMYgAQyBwgBEAAYgAQyBggCEEUYOTIHCAMQABiABDIHCAQQABiABDIHCAUQABiABDIHCAYQABiABDIHCAcQABiABDIHCAgQABiABDIHCAkQABiABKgCALACAA&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Playa Flamingo de Costa Rica</a> como se muestra aqu&iacute;). Despu&eacute;s de todo, el objetivo es capturar su amor y felicidad. Sonr&iacute;e y crea esos preciosos recuerdos. Su alegr&iacute;a irradiar&aacute; a trav&eacute;s de las im&aacute;genes, haciendo que sean a&uacute;n m&aacute;s especiales.

En conclusi&oacute;n, las fotos de la playa pueden ofrecer un ambiente exquisito para la fotograf&iacute;a de parejas. Con el enfoque correcto, puede convertir la belleza del paisaje en un escenario impresionante para la historia de amor que se desarrolla frente a la lente.

Sesión de Fotos en la Playa en Costa Rica: Una Guía de Poses

“You have no idea how much I loved having Santiago at our wedding. He did such a great job, I'm literally in awe. I can't put into words how I feel. Aside from it being literally a perfect day, it was captured perfectly. You can literally feel the emotions through the photos. I was so nervous about all of the decisions I made pre-wedding, and in the end, I loved every second of it. I wouldn't change a thing."”

Dania V.

"Steve and I loved our photo session with Santiago. It was super relaxed and we had so much fun. Obviously- I highly reccommend him! Thank you for this amazing gift!"

Gretta W.

“These pictures mean the world to me. They’ve captured the essence of our relationship, and we will cherish them for years to come. Santiago’s confidence behind the camera and friendliness to us as clients put us at ease and allowed for our most genuine selves to show in our gallery. He works hard and delivers only excellence. Could not recommend enough!!”

Anna H.

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Elevate your wedding photography experience with the Premium Wedding Package. This 10- hour comprehensive package is ideal for grand celebrations and those who want a complete visual narrative that reflects the depth and grandeur of your love story.

Premium Wedding (10 Hours)

The Standard Wedding Package is my most popular coverage option, offering eight hours of photography services. This comprehensive package provides an extensive experience and is ideal for couples who desire a complete and timeless album. This package includes all the elements of a typical wedding album with emphasis on candid, intimate moments to ensure your day and, more importantly, your love story are captured in full authenticity.

Standard Wedding (8 Hours)

Offering four hours of services, the Mini Wedding Package is my most basic and concise option. This package is perfect for couples seeking essential coverage without compromising quality. Embrace the beauty of the basics, and let me effortlessly document your unforgettable moments.

Mini Wedding (4 Hours)

I'm starting to grow my business and do between $500-$1000 a month in bookings.

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San José Province, San José, Costa Rica

Santiago Aguilar

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The Adventure Elopement Package is designed for couples having an intimate ceremony. You can expect me to be alongside you fully invested in your day, whether that means summiting a mountain for sunrise or documenting whichever adventure is authentic to you.

Adventure Elopement

The Standard Wedding Package is my most popular coverage option, offering eight hours of photography services. This comprehensive package provides an extensive experience and is ideal for couples who desire a complete and timeless album. This package includes all the elements of a typical wedding album with emphasis on candid, intimate moments to ensure your day and, more importantly, your love story are captured in full authenticity.

Olman y Ana (7 Horas)

Quick and easy. Capturing you in your natural habitat. Whether this means bringing that special someone, wearing that ugly sweater, or posing at your favorite diner with your dog… just be you. Options starting at one hour of coverage at a location of your choosing.

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Elevate your wedding photography experience with the Premium Wedding Package. This comprehensive package starting at 12 hours of coverage is ideal for grand celebrations and those who want a complete visual narrative that reflects the depth and grandeur of your love story.

Carrie & Nolan's Wedding (Premium 12 Hours+)

It’s important for you to be comfortable on your big day. Get to know your photographer, each other’s energies, and you and your partner’s chemistry in front of the camera.

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