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Writer's pictureCara Hodge

Capturing authentic moments. Family photography in Dublin.

Welcome to a glimpse into style of family photography in Dublin where spontaneity meets timeless memories. In this post, I discuss capturing genuine moments with flair and fun, embracing imperfections, and crafting photo stories that reflect your family's unique personality.

I am a proud member of This Is Reportage: Family.


As well as specializing in classic child & family portraits, I also focus on authentic documentary family photography that takes pictures with little to no posing. Although child environmental portraits may have some direction from me, the surroundings or backdrop of the photo are derived from real life and tell the story of the individual. In addition, pure documentary is about recording moments as they happen. This is a perfect genre for people who want to remember their family, warts and all. Also for family gatherings and celebrations with plenty of action, such as christenings, baptisms, birthdays, communions - and all sorts of unpredictable occasions!


Perfect Pictures from Imperfect Moments.


Life's most cherished memories often stem from unexpected moments. Here below, a picture of this little boy bouncing on the bed, but when I did this in-home photo shoot in Dublin, I wasn't prepared for the position of the pillow in the top left hand corner of the frame with little boy's face and eyes just visible. This is one of my favorite perfectly imperfect moments. My family photography in Dublin is always a mix of unscripted documentary family photography as well as more classic child & family portraits.


little boy jumping on bed with a pillow in mid air directly in front of his body
Pillow

Below, a portrait of a little boy with a broken arm. Although this portrait was staged to some degree (I knew I was taking his picture), the grimace on his face as he reaches for the railings on the bed is entirely genuine!


boy with bandaged arm grimacing as he clutches railings of bed with large flower wallpaper in backdrop
Hurt

Embracing Chaos: Environmental Child Portraits.


The idea that a perfect house makes for perfect pictures is a myth I gladly debunk! As an on location child & family photographer, in the warm embrace of cluttered rooms and lived-in spaces, I discovered the true essence of childhood. Through environmental portraits, I celebrate the authenticity of everyday life, where each corner tells a story and every detail adds character to the frame.  Embracing the natural chaos and imperfections, I celebrate the uniqueness of each family member, creating timeless images that speak volumes about love and togetherness.


Below, you'll see a little boy looking bored as he sits on the window ledge of a bedroom with inside-out PJ's and a rain spattered window behind him and surrounded by pink fair lights that give almost a supernatural, eerie glow. Nothing about this picture was planned before hand but the unusual elements in the room really add to the atmosphere.


little boy sitting on a window ledge in inside out pyjamas and in front of a rainy window decorated by pink fairy lights giving a bright pink glow
Pink Fairy Lights

In another photo, a little boy watches an air show, and nothing prepared me for the heart-shaped trail in the sky left by planes, perfectly framing his moment of awe.

little boy on a garden wall looking at heart shaped smoke left by plane in an air show. award winning photography by one of Dublin's best family photographers
Heat Shaped Air Show

Creating Photo Stories from Real Life.


Life unfolds in a series of moments, each deserving of its own narrative. With a blend of candid shots and carefully curated compositions, I weave together a visual tale of your family's journey. From the quiet intimacy of bedtime stories to the exuberant chaos of playtime, these photographs paint a holistic picture of your family's love, growth, and cherished moments.


One such moment is captured when a street cat catches a mouse, with the mouse flipped over in the corner of the frame. Another unplanned moment that along with other pictures of this little boy and his cat, tell the story of a boy's bond with his favorite pet.


cat jumping up to catch a mouse as boy watches through a window
Mouse catcher

In another series, the same cat padding past the boy makes it look like the cat's face is superimposed on the boy's like a mask. These unpredictable moments come together to create an emotive story.


cat walking past boy's face on side of bath giving him appearance of wearing a cat mask
Eclipse

Timeless Memories in Black and White and Vintage Styles.


Inspired by the timeless elegance of black-and-white photography and the nostalgic allure of vintage editing, I transform moments into memories. With my color editing I gently de-saturate pictures and then increasing the vibrance, warming up tones and playing with tint. Contrast is tweaked to create a timeless mood inspired by vintage aesthetics. The bird mask pictures (below) are edited to enhance grain, light leaks, and texture, evoking a sense of nostalgia and timelessness. Each image capturing not just faces, but emotions and memories that will endure through generations.


boy up in the branches of a tree like a bird with bird mask on
Bird Mask

boy in an old tree looking like a bird, wearing a bird mask atop his head and house in background
Bird Mask II

At the heart of family photography in Dublin by Cara lies the art of storytelling through images. As one of the best family photographers in Dublin, I am privileged to witness and capture these precious moments—spontaneous, imperfect, chaotic, and utterly beautiful. Let me preserve your family's story in photographs that celebrate life as it truly is.


I have 4 main packages to choose from, from mini 30 minute sessions in my local area of Blackrock, to 45 minute or extended sessions throughout the Dublin area. Please see my prices & packages to book.


Ready to capture your family's unique story in Dublin? Contact me today to schedule your own on-location family photo shoot. Let's create timeless memories together.


Cara xx

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