Autumn Family Portraits with a baby & fluffy dog

Isn't he a darling?

We took a walk around Carysfort park & gardens, Blackrock. There is a maize with a plinth which provided a good focal point for autumn family portraits Dublin.

At this time of year, golden hour is earlier in the day. Yellow mellow autumn light in the afternoon as the days get darker & shorter. Flattering natural light for family portraits with baby!

This baby boy was a delight. All smiles. At three months babies can really start interacting with their environment. The bond between mum, dad & baby is precious at this age when baby is a little sturdier & able to take a lot in!

The family also wanted their first baby - a white fluffy dog - to be included in their pictures.

I really welcome dogs on my family photo shoots, Dublin.

Dogs really stimulate genuine interactions. Dogs are never self conscious in front of the camera (...and neither are babies!!) & help the rest of the family to relax & enjoy the pictures.

While mum & dad tend to baby boy, I can click away unnoticed.

Every now & again I might just ask you to "hold it right there" and "look at me for an instant" or two. Perhaps I've noticed a lovely gesture or composition that's occurred naturally and I want to make sure I've got it!

Children are naturally curious - and chaotic by nature - so when photographing babies & small children I have to be QUICK. Emotions can change very rapidly. Baby might need to feed or sleep. Or to be changed out of a nappy.

(Or might even be ready for a crying spell!)

I have to be able to go with the flow and make the most of unscripted moments!

By shooting quickly I managed to capture baby's first smiles. Sometimes a baby's smile might only last a second or two at this age!

Although I love traditional, emotive family & child portraits, a lot of my family sessions rely on documentary family photography. That's natural, candid interaction that is not posed.

Authentic connection is much better than feeling stiff or being placed in a pose.

This baby boy wrapped up cozy in white woolens. The thing about outdoor baby or newborn photos in autumn or winter, is that you can accessorize you & your baby with lovely, cozy knitwear. Hats and gloves & scarf can create a charming, interesting, arresting wardrobe. Also, it can be easy to swap out a hat, scarf, coat or shawl on location outside. White woolens and neutrals work so well, without detracting from YOU and the natural environment!

I do give out wardrobe tips, but nothing complicated. It's mostly important to feel comfortable & above all cozy in autumn or winter baby photo shoots.

For family photography Dublin with your newborn or baby, please contact me. If you would prefer an at home natural baby or newborn session, I do those too

Take a look at my maternity photography Dublin, as well as baby & newborn page for more inspiration. Also my Fly On The Wall page for my natural slice of life photography

Finally, autumn & winter family & baby photo shoots Dublin make for great Christmas presents. These family photography sessions taken before the festive season can also be made into beautiful Christmas cards for family & friends

If you want to gift a family session this Christmas, or as a birthday present all year, I have vouchers available!

What others had to say about family photographer Cara & autumn family portraits in Dublin

https://www.carahodgephotographer.com/testimonials

And my recent family photoshoots Dublin gallery, including autumn family sessions

https://www.carahodgephotographer.com/photoshoots

Cara xx