Family Photoshoot in the Dunes of Maspalomas: A Windy, Sandy, Beautiful Story

Anastasia
Mar 24, 2025
2 min read

Updated: Apr 1, 2025

Last week we went for a family walk in the desert of Maspalomas, and what started as a simple promenade turned into a spontaneous and fun family photoshoot in the dunes.

Line of camels on sandy terrain with riders visible. Shadows cast on ground. — Camels in dunes of Maspalomas

We crossed paths with a camel excursion, which the kids found super exciting. What surprised me most though—there were pigeons everywhere in the dunes! My daughter ran after them, and I managed to catch a sweet shot (see it at the end of the story).

We played, we climbed dunes, we slid down their sides, and it we had so much fun. The sun was high and the sand started burning our feet. I had maybe 10 minutes before the kids started melting and complaining — but I think we captured something special.

The photo that stayed with me most is the one where my daughter runs down a dune, a wave of sand flying behind her, her hat mid-air. There’s something about the freedom in that frame — movement, joy, and wild energy wrapped in golden light.

If you're visiting Gran Canaria, a family photoshoot in the dunes of Maspalomas is something truly special. It's not just about photos — it's about capturing how your family feels in a moment like that: real, relaxed, a little messy, and completely beautiful.

Tips for Photographing Kids in the Dunes:

Keep it natural and fun — let the kids explore and play.
My secret sauce? Add action: running down sandy hills, chasing birds, jumping, or spinning in circles.
Bring water, hats, and schedule the shoot in the early morning or golden hour to avoid the heat.
If you plan your photoshoot during the day, bring sun screen and shoes that will protect your feet — especially kids’ feet — from burning. The sand can get extremely hot!
Go with the flow — the magic often happens in the in-between moments.