Hi, I'm Cara of Cara Hodge Photography - Storytelling family photographer Dublin.
I specialise in traditional child and family portraits as well documentary style family photography. Although one style is semi posed and the other, not at all, what I am looking out for with both approaches is honest and emotive expressions and gesture.
Below, auntie with her gorgeous baby girl. This was a semi posed family portrait in that I pointed out the shade under the tree to avoid harsh midday light - but their expressions are completely genuine!
I've gone through a few different title tags in the past year! Natural family photographer, emotive family photographer and recently... Storytelling family photographer. I like to think of my style as natural, emotive and storytelling with a vintage inspired aesthetic.
I take Dublin family photos in the comfort of your own home and garden as well as at locations all over Dublin. I am an on-location, all natural light photographer, although I do have a flash for evening photography or super low light (think dark churches during a baptism!). Many of my own family and child portraits have been published or awarded and I am a member of Click Pro Elite.
Below, photo of my son in all natural light in the garden with dappled light.
Cara Hodge Photography started in Dublin in 2020, about five years ago during the pandemic, although I've been taking photos for over 12 years. In the beginning I started taking photos of my own children growing up in Abu Dhabi, U.A.E - and now in Dublin, Ireland.
Below, Boy with Robin (Hint: My boy, often in my favourite family photos!)
Another child portrait (below) of my son with our French bull dog, Tony.
Why a Dublin documentary family session?
Documentary family photography is particularly popular for Dublin in home family sessions featuring young kids, babies and newborns. Documentary sessions are perfect for the little ones who don't even know what posing is! At the same time, I will be on the look out for authentic gestures and expressions for lovely child portraits. That way you can remember your little boy's curly hair, or your little daughter's gap toothed smile over the years.
I don't expect children to smile. I might say "Look at me!" but I don't expect anything more than a genuine expression!
Below, more documentary style photos focused around action. Mum swinging her baby girl and my son jumping on a hotel bed with a pillow flying in front of his face!
Below, I consider this set up to be more of a traditional child portrait where I set up a blanket with baby boy, mum and their dogs to sit for relaxed portraits at home in the garden!
Why Dublin Storytelling Family Photography with Cara? You get a full gallery of all the best moments from our time together!
Whether it's a relaxed documentary style family session at home, or a mini photo shoot at Seapoint beach with the kids, I aim to tell a story with every family session. Rather then picking and choosing your favourite pictures from a session, you get a complete gallery of all the best moments from our time together.
Timeless Dublin family portraits with a vintage inspired look and feel.
My style has evolved over the past 5 years to what I like to call: vintage inspired family photography that focuses on timeless family portraits as well as Fly On The Wall Documentary Family Photography.
I like to create ageless family photos using soft, de-staurated colour tones that have an ageless feel. Also I am a huge fan of classic black and white family photography.
Sneak peak! I will be showcasing a recent wedding soon. Below, newly married couple sharing a slice of wedding cake!
Another one of the bride and groom in front of a painting at the Dublin National Portrait Gallery.
Below, mum and gorgeous baby boy outside in a courtyard garden in Blackrock.
Below, an example of gently de staurated colour tones in my vintage inspired child and family portraits: three sisters in a wheelbarrow in a summer garden in Wicklow!
What elements make up an emotive family portrait? What do I look out for?
I love hand gestures and am always on the look out for expressive hands! (Unexpected expressions & gestures.) I love it when newborn baby girl reached her little hand out like Superman in this at home newborn photography Dublin session. It made me smile.
Authentic interactions between family members can happen with the furry ones too! I love to include all family members, including dogs and cats and any other pets in my family sessions.
I just love my French bulldog's curious and trusting expression as he looks up at this little boy (little boy at home with Frenchie).
During this Spring mini outdoor photo shoot with baby girl, I caught baby girl's first steps. Including the moments she stood up all on her own unassisted.
And up she went!
Cara, Storytelling Family Portrait Photographer Dublin: using Natural Light.
Natural light will enhance the emotive aspects of a family portrait. Here in this Communion photo shoot in Donadea Forest Park I had to use the shelter of trees to temper the brilliant midday sunshine. The intensity of the light added drama to the pictures. I love dappled summer lighting and there was a lot on this outdoor Communion session.
More dappled sunlight at this party in the park.
And here there was brilliant sunshine slicing up the wall with golden end of day light. My son and our new Frenchie is the inspiration for many photo stories at the moment & a series called: My family & other animals. More to come...
More bright sunshine on this communion outdoor photo shoot. (black & white child).
and in a summer garden in hazy backlighting. My photo story project Untamed Summer Story,
Contact me to book your Dublin family portraits. My session packages include digital images, a complete narrative of our time together. Prints and professionally printed albums. are also available.
Check out frequently asked questions about preparing for a family photo
and here are some kind words from people who have had a family session with me:
Have a lovely week, Cara xxx
Comments