Hi, I'm Cara, a Dublin family photographer!

I have just finished this session in the garden at home in Stollorgan, Dublin (at home family Session Stillorgan Dublin) with mum, dad, little brother and new baby sister.

This led me to asking : why a family photo shoot in your own home & garden?

Here are 8 reasons why:

1/ You don't have to move.

This is a very attractive proposition when there are small children involved. As much as love getting out and about on adventures, there is something to be said for the stress free nature of a family photo shoot in your own home and garden. The logistics are just easier.

This fuss free approach is particularly good for small children, toddlers, babies and newborns. It can free parents up for getting ready without the extra stress.

2/ Dublin in home family sessions: Your garden has plenty of space!

Here's the thing: You don't need a lot of space for a family photo shoot. Even a small garden can provide opportunities for varied compositions and family portraits. In this garden in Stillorgan, I made the most of the apple tree that was a feature in the garden as well as a toy kitchen.

The apple tree (below) was ideal for framing family and child portraits . I love capturing family portraits under the shade of trees. Trees provide shade from intense light throughout the day, even in the early morning. The leafy canopy also makes an attractive backdrop.

3/ Dublin in home family photos: We can start (even) earlier in the morning

Children are often on good form in the morning. Toddlers, babies & newborns who have just woken up and had breakfast have more energy and are less cranky (usually!)

Around 10 am is usually a good time for a morning session at home, and sometimes, for particularly lovely morning light, even earlier can work.

4/ The children can play, play, play!

Children are in their own element in their home and garden. They have their toys to hand.

This little boy had access to his Little Tikes truck and didn't want to leave it for one second! Some of my favourite photos from this session are those of him toppling out of his truck into dad's lap. I also love the scattered toys across the garden that help capture the chaos of family life with small children and babies.

As well as doing semi posed family portraits, I will make the most of Fly On The Wall, Documentary Family Photography. That's unposed moments as they arise naturally during the session.

 Last year I did a photo story around two sisters playing in a garden throughout my week stay. In the same way, they could be totally themselves interacting with each other as they played in their garden. (Garden portraits, Glastonbury England)

In home family photos with your older kids and teenagers.

Here is my own 22 year old child in a rusty wheelbarrow in the garden. (The wheelbarrow. Summer family portraits Dublin). Using props lying about your own home and garden can be the perfect entry point to a lovely portrait.

See also: Family Portraits at Home with a Wheelbarrow in a Wicklow Garden.

5/ The garden is really BEAUTIFUL!

I mean who doesn't love a beautiful garden? Trees, leaves, FLOWERS!

6/ Your own garden for EVENTS: Birthdays, Holy Communion, graduation, debs, baptism & christening...

Your home and garden can be the perfect place to celebrate important events such as birthdays, graduation, debs, baptism and Holy Communion. I often get asked, for example, to capture celebrations at the church or other venue, and then also at home with friends and family.

(Communion family portraits in a Dublin garden)

7/ Mini family sessions in a Blackrock Garden: Choosing a garden

So if a wholesome garden feel is what you like, but you don't have your own...?

I use a Blackrock garden for my outdoor 30 minute seasonal mini family sessions (Spring mini family photo shoot Dublin).

Throughout the year I use this Blackrock garden for mini family sessions. It is a particularly good spot for seasonal colour in Spring and Autumn. There is a gorgeous cherry blossom tree for children to sit in and climb. In Autumn, there are beautiful falling leaves. (The best season for family photography Dublin? )

Below, sitting in the tree...

You can expect Looks like film colour and cinematic black and white in your family galleries.

Also, for something a bit special...There are other exotic garden locations around Dublin such as the National Botanical gardens Dublin. Also perfect under the shelter of green houses and among tropical plants for something a bit different.

8/ We can always go inside the house too!

There is always the option to take family photos inside the house.

There are always favorite spots inside the home for pictures. I will be on the look out for the best light inside, which is often window light.

Here, on the Stillorgan home session, we went inside so the kids could eat some crackers and I captured dad placing baby girl gently into her high chair. The natural light in the kitchen was perfect for photos.

Going inside is also a good option for if it starts to rain (In Ireland this can always be a possibility!).

For more information on getting ready and what to expect for a Dublin in home session with Cara, please see my frequently asked questions page.

I look forward to planning your natural family photography session at your home & garden really soon

Cara xx