Hi I am Cara, an award winning Dublin family photographer based in Blackrock.
As well as taking family photos all over Dublin, I also do seasonal mini sessions throughout the year in my local area of Blackrock and Seapoint, near Monkstown.
My Dublin family photography style can be described as traditional family portraits paired with unposed documentary family photography. Above all, I am looking for honest moments of connection and love, whether it's a small family, or a family birthday bash with large family groups.
My sessions range from ordinary "slice of life" to family milestones, like a christening or engagement party. As an on location family photographer Dublin, many sessions are done in a place you love outdoors, or in your own home and garden.
Whether it is a simple child portrait or a documentary style unfolding narrative of your day, I aim to capture a variety of emotions and expressions. To create a timeless style, I love to use vintage inspired editing style made up of cinematic black and white, and warm colour tones.
What is vintage inspired family photography?
In the age of fleeting digital snapshots, there's a growing appreciation for the timeless elegance of vintage-style family photography. These are family photos that look and feel like film, or perhaps have the faded quality of a Polaroid photo.
De-saturated, warm colour tones.
Often the colours of film photography, or film inspired digital photography, are less saturated. Think slightly faded or on the edge of saturation. This can be achieved by reducing heavy contrast and bright highlights to get a flatter even image. Instead of adding colour, warmth can be added, as can a rosy tint. Light leaks and imperfections add to a sense of nostalgia and charm.
Old Money Aesthetic
I am experimenting a lot with the Old Money aesthetic at the moment!
To de saturate a digital photo to achieve a film-like look, I start by reducing the saturation gradually until colors appear more muted. Next, adjust the contrast, often by softening highlights and deepening shadows.
Aim for warm, slightly sepia tones reminiscent of aged photographs. Soften the overall contrast. I also enhance details selectively to highlight intricate textures, such as fabrics or details in the background. Rather then adding grain, I find that selective sharpening helps to create a feel of grain, or "dust & scratches"
By adjusting the sharpening settings selectively, I can emphasize the fine details while minimizing noise and artifacts in smoother areas. This approach can simulate the effect of film grain or imperfections, adding character and authenticity to the photo without the need for additional grain overlays.
There is something so timeless about balancing an apple on your head! The vintage inspired warm colour tones adds to a feeling of timelessness.
Soft and dreamy glow to create a sense of nostalgia.
By de-saturating hues and toning down vibrancy, this creates a soft, dreamlike aesthetic reminiscent of old film photographs. Faded pastel tones adds depth and character to family portraits.
Here (below) this picture of a beautiful girl (my girl!) lying back in a wheelbarrow was subtly desataurated - the focus is on her and not the bright greenery around her.
A Wicklow family photo shoot I did (below) in a Wicklow garden near Dublin. It was midday sun when the colours are typically at their brightest. I desaturated the tones so the focus is on the family's embrace. As mum and dad wore simple black (refer to wardrobe tips for vintage family photography), this little girl stands out in her timeless, blue cotton sun dress.
Cinematic Black & white Family Photography
By stripping away the distraction of color, black-and-white focuses on the raw emotion and interaction. Black & white is integral to the first methods of photography, so there is always a nostalgia to black and white. I always include "looks like film" black and white in my Dublin family photography galleries and they are usually a favourite.
.An example of"looks like film" edits, is the use of texture reminiscent of traditional film grain. Toning effects may be used to replicate the unique tonal qualities of different film stocks, from the rich contrast of Tri-X to the muted tones of T-Max.
By carefully adjusting exposure, contrast, and tonal curves, these actions recreate the signature look and feel of film.
Replichrome actions are great for editing black and white and I love to use these actions in my family photography.
Below are some examples of black and white family photos from recent sessions.
Dressing For Vintage Family Photo shoots
For vintage family photo shoots, opting for neutral (ish) clothing made from natural fabrics can help achieve a timeless look.
Avoid brand logos and bold patterns - but stripes and checks are classic!
I always give wardrobe tips to help my families prepare, but nothing too fussy! You don't have to dress as if you're living in the 19th Century, or even the 20th, to achieve a timeless look. You can dress simply in jeans and a T shirt as well - that won't go out of fashion any time soon. Aaron jumpers in Ireland are a classic that won't go out of style!
Below, simple elegant white cotton is always timeless for Summer!
Vintage aesthetic for classic family portraits AND documentary family photography
Whether capturing posed portraits or candid moments, the vintage touch adds nostalgia to family memories.
Examples of timeless family photography
Candid Moments: Family laughing together at a birthday party, their genuine smiles and playful interactions frozen in time.
Generational Bond: Grandparents, parents, and children gathered around a rustic farmhouse table, sharing stories and creating memories.
Siblings' Connection: A softly lit image of siblings holding hands, their eyes reflecting a deep bond
Intimate Moments: A mother cradling her newborn baby, bathed in soft window light, capturing the tenderness and joy of early parenthood.
Family Traditions: A family baking together in the kitchen, flour-dusted hands and contagious laughter filling the frame with warmth and nostalgia.
Using Locations that you love to create timeless family photos Dublin
Dublin family photo shoots can be in locations around Dublin, or in your own home & garden. Many Dublin locations are iconic or hold deep personal meaning.
This picture below of these two cousins was taken at the top of Killiney Hill looking over the sea in Dublin! A great place for family photo shoots during any season. We can walk the trails to the top of the hill & enjoy sea views.
This picture (below) was taken at the iconic Forty Foot in Dublin. A walk through Sandycove, Forty Foot & even Dunlaoghaire Pier (Family Sessions)
For this surprise proposal in Dublin, the location was a traditional pub in Glasthule Dublin, The Greedy Eagle. As well as landscapes, Dublin has iconic pubs, bars & restaurant for events and celebrations.
(visit Dublin) for ideas for family photo shoots outside: iconic city scenes make for iconic photos of your family out & about.
Vintage family photography Dublin is so much fun to plan and create. I have four main family photography session packages plus my year round mini sessions. I look forward to photographing your family and I promise you we will have some fun!
Contact me for more information, have a great week
Cara x
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