MY STORY

“I found my passion for photography in an unusual place — high in the treetops in the rainforest of Costa Rica.”

Hi, I’m Cara Koch. In 2014, I packed my bags and went to spend a year adventuring in Costa Rica. I found a whole lot more than I expected because I found my husband, Carlos, and now we have a pair of beautiful little girls.

My adventure with photography started in an unusual way. I landed a job as a zipline photographer a few months after I got to Costa Rica. I didn’t have photography experience or ziplining experience, but I could speak English and that’s what they needed!

After spending countless hours photographing people just because I enjoyed ziplining, one day the photography bug bit me. I realized that I loved capturing the unbridled joy on people’s faces as they zipped through the trees and preserving those joyful moments forever. I was hooked!

I started doing family and couples sessions and eventually moved to real estate, product and food photography. I like a lot of variety and find that I enjoy many types of photography.

Do you need a photographer? Let’s chat!

ON THE BLOG

Dress Ideas for a Beach Photoshoot in Costa Rica

Tropical vacation: Check. Exotic photoshoot location: Check. You may have even already scheduled a beach photoshoot in Costa Rica with yours truly or another photographer. But…what do you wear? Of course, the stunning location will ensure gorgeous photos regardless of...

What to Wear for Family Photos on the Beach in Costa Rica

Isn’t it thrilling? You’re going to Costa Rica on vacation! Even better, you’ve decided to hire yours truly to take photos of your family while visiting this stunningly beautiful place. (GREAT choice, by the way!) There’s only one thing left to think about — what to...

Waterfall Photoshoot in the Costa Rican Jungle: A Unique Experience!

Imagine entering a magical new world deep in the quiet brilliance that is the Costa Rican rainforest. Brilliant blue morpho butterflies dance through the jungle and playful monkeys leap from branch to branch high up in the canopy. Lazy lizards flick their tongues...

Christy Mawdsley

Cara is an amazing photographer and working with her was a delight! She was so great with my kids, efficient and patient. We got some incredible photos out of our time with her!!! I highly recommend her!

kathy Roemer

Cara was amazing. Kate was feeling bummed about something before theshoit and Cara put her at ease and made her feel beautiful!

Mr. Williams

Very professional. We had a great day and a lot of fun. We recommend it to anyone who wants great photos from a great creative artist. Thank you so much for our wonderful honeymoon photos.

Ashley Rippey

I seriously can’t say enough about our experience with Cara just two weeks ago! She was so patient we had 2 kids and a 5 month old! The pictures were beyond beautiful and more than we ever expected! She is truly talented and it shows she loves what she does! I highly recommend La Vida in Life Photography if your in the area and want a truly memorable experience!

Elena Meadows

We had a vow renewal for our 25th anniversary and Cara was our photographer. She did an amazing job capturing the beauty of our surroundings and the emotion of the ceremony. I would highly recommend her services to anyone that wishes to have professional photos taken in Costa Rica. As an ex-pat, she's also a great resource for information and perspective. Many thanks and pura vida!

Kipp Bennett-Chew

Found Cara on Instagram using hashtags a day and a half before my surprise proposal to my girlfriend. Cara was so prompt and easy to work with. I am a part-time commercial photographer - so finding the right person was super important to me as its difficult to find someone who meets high-level criteria. Cara's photos were absolutely stunning. She is as talented as she is wonderful and her prices were extremely reasonable given the quality and flexibility she offered. Thank you Cara for helping me pull off the engagement, your photos will be treasured forever!

Jose gonzalez

Excellent experience, contacting the service, agreeing and defining the price was very easy and friendly. I had the opportunity to have my engagement portrait taken in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, always as a surprise and the result was great! Thank you very much!

Chrissy Gruninger

Cara is amazing! Since 2016, she's been my go-to photographer. I've had her photograph both product shoots as well as portrait/lifestyle shoots and I have loved everything that she has done for me! Highly recommend her services.