All the tropical vacation vibes from Photographer + Director Alexa Miller! Anyone else ready to plan a Costa Rica trip now? Just incase you said yes, we asked Alexa a few question about her shoot. Read below! 

 

What was the idea behind shooting this in Costa Rica?

I've been traveling to Costa Rica with my husband for almost 15 years.  We bought a tiny beach cabina several years ago and Nosara has become a home away from home.  I shoot for a lot of swim and surf-related brands so I thought it would be really fun to bring my camera along to one of our trips and try to capture some "professional" images for a change!  There is SO much natural beauty here, from the people, to the landscapes, to the food, it's a photographer's treasure trove!

 

How was it interacting with your model throughout the different locations? She has a beautiful smile!

Sugey, my model, was so naturally gorgeous!  We styled the shoot with a mix of clothes from her closet and mine.  And luckily she brought a friend with her, who could help translate.  My spanish isn't the best, and neither was her english.  Even though it was hard to find the words, we were still able to crack up and laugh throughout the afternoon.  It was about 95 degrees and 99% humidity, so there were definitely some challenging but hysterical moments.  We were SO uncomfortable, but had to just let it ride and get 'er done... and we laughed our way through it...

 

Did you have a favorite part of this day? It seems like you explored several different spots. 

My favorite part of the day was shooting the fruit stand. I had stopped by earlier that day, just to check in with the owner, to see if it would be ok to shoot there. He was excited to have us, and he was slicing up watermelons and coconuts on ice, which was a lifesaver in the heat.  

 

Speaking of locations, can you tell us a bit more about the different spots you photographed at?   

Since it was a test, I knew I wanted to get a broad scope of images.  I was working with Andrea and Ranee about how to maximize my time shooting and we decided that since I already have SO MUCH beach content, it would be better to swerve in a different direction.  I reached out to a local hotel that I've always thought was super cute. I decided to shoot the hotel to capture a tropical, luxury travel vibe, then the fruit stand for a fashion/lifestyle look and we ended down the street, at the center of town with the Tuk-tuks, for a more laid-back playful moment.  Again, I wanted the locations to reflect a tropical, fashion-inspired lifestyle. It was a perfect opportunity to elevate my laid-back California style into something slightly more aspirational.

 

I’m betting the fruit in Costa Rica is amazing so tell us, how was that watermelon? lol!  I already answered this one!!   Probably one of the best watermelon slices of my life!!!  It was ice-cold..... and perfect....

 

It looks like you found a cute Tuk-Tuk at the end, was that planned?  I had put some tuk-tuk scenes into my pinterest inspiration board.  So I would call it more of a hope than a plan!  I had to just trust that it would all work out... I did leave that shot til the end, my back up plan was to end up where I always do, sunset at the beach!  

 

Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about this day? 

The tropical heat is real.  Even though I've been traveling and shooting casually for fun, when it came to producing and styling a more planned shoot, it was harder than I expected it to be.  My hands were so sweaty it was actually getting hard to hold the camera!  Having some icy cold drinks and a pool to jump into made all the difference!  

 

See more of Alexa's work here --> AlexaMiller.com

Follow Alexa on Instagram --> @AlexaPhoto

 

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costa rica lifestyle travel fashion shoot by los angeles photographer alexa miller

costa rica lifestyle travel fashion shoot by los angeles photographer alexa miller

costa rica lifestyle travel fashion shoot by los angeles photographer alexa miller

costa rica lifestyle travel fashion shoot by los angeles photographer alexa miller

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Watch our new Instagram reel with Alexa's images here! --> Watch Now!

https://www.instagram.com/p/C90IETPpZeV/