📸 Old San Juan Photo Shoot – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Umbrellas? Read on. 

Where do we meet for the photo shoot?

Plaza Colon 

Roughly 409 Calle De San Francisco

Meet in the corner by the I "heart" SJ sign. I'm the guy with the camera gear.

What’s the best way to get there?

It will take longer than you think! 

Traffic and parking can be tricky in Old San Juan, so plan ahead:

• Taking an Uber or Taxi is the easiest option.

• Driving yourself? Don't waste time hunting for street parking.

  • Instead, park at the Doña Fela Parking Garage:
    📍 315 Calle del Recinto Sur, San Juan
    It’s about an 8–10 minute walk to our meeting point (Plaza Colon) and costs around $10.

  • Warning: Parking tickets in Old San Juan are expensive:

    • Handicap zone without a permit: $1,000

    • Other no-parking zones: $750

• Check travel times. What might take 15 minutes on day can take an hour if there is congestion due to events.  Weekends are always a challenge! 

• Take an UBER or arrive early! In Dec. 2025, 90% of the people who drove themselves were late due to parking, unexpected route change and/or traffic. Being that I have back-to-back shoots, this can limit our time for our shoot.

What should I expect from the walk and locations?

• We’ll cover multiple scenic spots, which means walking a few blocks through the colorful streets of Old San Juan.

• Wear comfortable shoes – it’s not the time to break in new ones!

• Prefer less walking? Let me know when we meet, and we can stick to beautiful but more accessible locations near Plaza Colón.

• There is no beach in Old San Juan. We will get some shots with the ocean in the background, but there is not a classic beach scene in Old San Juan. 

What should I bring or prepare for?

• Weather: Puerto Rico is hot and humid. Expect heat, and sometimes short tropical rain showers.

• Clothing: There are no nearby changing areas, so come dressed and ready.

• Restrooms: May be several blocks away – please plan accordingly.

• Clothing and other tips about shooting photos in Old San Juan: https://www.puertoricoportraits.com/blog

What happens if it rains?

Passing rain is common but usually brief. I’ll do my best to adjust the timing of your shoot if needed. Full rainouts are rare, but we’ll stay flexible!

How and when do I receive my photos?

You’ll receive a link to an online gallery where you can:

Download all your photos at no extra cost within 24 hours.

Where are the Umbrellas? 

Previously, the umbrella were on the street in front of the governor’s mansion. Calle Fortaleza. They were taken down in 2023 and haven’t been reinstalled. Don’t worry, there are plenty of other interesting places around Old San Juan!

Is there a bonus for booking?

Yes! As a thank-you, La Tortuga Bistro & Bar is offering 10% off your bill for up to 4 people.

Just show this confirmation at the restaurant:
📍 116 Calle de San Sebastián, Old San Juan
La Tortuga on Yelp

Contact Info

Steve – Photographer
Phone: 801-589-1716

I look forward to photographing you in beautiful Old San Juan!