Can you photograph us at our Punta Mita resort or villa?

Yes. Sessions can take place at the Four Seasons, the St. Regis, the W Punta de Mita, Iberostar Playa Mita and the private villas of the peninsula. Once you book, I confirm access with your concierge or villa manager and tell you in advance if the resort charges a fee for outside photographers.

What is the best time for a family session in Punta Mita?

The last hour and a half before sunset: around 6 pm in winter, closer to 8 pm in summer. The light is warm and soft, the heat has dropped and the beach is quieter. For babies and toddlers, early morning is a lovely alternative.

Which beaches do you recommend in Punta Mita?

Your resort's own beach is often perfect. Outside the resorts, I love El Anclote in the village of Punta de Mita, with its fishing boats, and the wide sand of Destiladeras.

How long is the session and how many photos do we receive?

About an hour and a half. You receive 40 to 50 hand-edited photos, delivered online within 5 to 10 days, in low resolution for social media and high resolution for printing.

Can the whole extended family join?

Of course. Multi-generation vacation reunions are some of my favorite sessions — grandparents, cousins and babies included.

Do you speak English, Spanish and French?

Yes, all three. I am French and have lived in Mexico since 2006, so everyone in the family can feel at ease.

Punta Mita Family Photographer | Villas & Resorts

Punta Mita is where families come to slow down — and where I love to photograph them: at your villa, on your resort's beach, or on a quiet stretch of sand at the tip of Banderas Bay.

I'm Julien Leveau, a French photographer living on Banderas Bay since 2006. My style is a mix of photojournalism and fine art: I don't line your family up for an hour, I photograph you as you really are — kids running to the water, grandparents laughing, the hug nobody planned — then gather everyone for a few portraits you will want to frame.

Family photos at your Punta Mita resort or villa

Most families I photograph in Punta Mita never leave where they are staying, and they don't need to. The resorts and private villas of the peninsula sit right on the sand, so a session can start on your terrace and end with the kids in the waves at sunset.

Sessions can take place at the Four Seasons, the St. Regis, the W Punta de Mita, Iberostar Playa Mita or a private estate such as Rancho 11, where I photographed the Christopher family. I also know the St. Regis well from weddings like Michelle & Marina's.

Resort access and outside-photographer fees

Some Punta Mita resorts charge a fee for outside photographers, or ask for my details a few days ahead. The rules differ from one hotel to the next, so once you book I contact your concierge or villa manager, confirm access and tell you in advance if a fee applies. No surprises on the day.

Photography is a very special gift, as it has the power to hold time.

Beaches and golden hour in Punta Mita

Punta Mita sits at the northern tip of Banderas Bay, about 45 minutes from Puerto Vallarta, with the Marietas Islands just offshore. Far from the town lights, the evening light is open and soft, and on clear days the sun goes down straight into the Pacific.

On the beach

Beyond your resort's own beach, I love El Anclote in the village of Punta de Mita — fishing boats, gentle waves and a real local feel — and the long, wide sand of Destiladeras, between Punta Mita and La Cruz de Huanacaxtle.

At golden hour

We meet about an hour and a half before sunset: around 6 pm in winter, closer to 8 pm in summer. The heat has dropped, the beach is emptying and children still have energy. For babies and toddlers, an early-morning session works beautifully too.

At your villa

A family reunion around the pool, a multi-generation dinner, a newborn sleeping in the shade of a palapa: some of the most moving images happen at home, between two swims. I bring everything I need, so you don't move anybody.

Staying in Puerto Vallarta instead?

If you are staying in town, Conchas Chinas, the Malecón or Mismaloya work wonderfully — see my Puerto Vallarta family photographer page and my guide to the best beaches for a photo session. I photograph families all around the bay, from Puerto Vallarta to Punta Mita and Sayulita.

What to wear for the photo session?

Comfort comes first, so aim for a balance between elegance and ease. On the beach, light fabrics in white, sand, blue or grey look timeless against the sea; avoid big logos and bright neon. Bare feet are welcome — we will be on the sand.

How the session works and photo delivery

A family session lasts about an hour and a half. Back at the studio, I carefully select the best images (between 40 and 50) and edit each one by hand. Your photos are delivered online within 5 to 10 days, in low resolution for social media and high resolution for printing.

Tell me your dates and where you are staying in Punta Mita, and I will suggest the best time and place for your family. Ask for your quote.

Planning a wedding in Punta Mita? See my Punta Mita wedding photographer page: venues, light, seasons and films.