Cara, Communion Portrait Photographer Dublin
- Cara Hodge
- Jan 11
- 5 min read
Updated: Jan 16
Hi I am Cara, family and Communion Portrait Photographer Dublin.
For my family and Communion sessions, I do a blend of both timeless family portraits and documentary style photos which focuses on you and your family interacting naturally with each other.
All my sessions include the photo shoot and a curated and edited gallery of images. My Local sessions are 450 euro and all other locations in Dublin start from 490 euro. You can expect 50-60 edited photos in your gallery and a variety of photos - from group family portraits to smaller details that tell the story of your Communion day.
I also offer Communion portrait sessions for families in my local area of Blackrock or Seapoint Beach near Monkstown.
Below, a timeless family portrait! This was taken during a local Communion session in Blackrock gardens. It was very sunny and we found shade in a little courtyard with a bench!
Photo sessions can be done on the day of the Communion, or it can be a session with your child before or after the special day as well.
Sessions can cover preparations at home and include pictures before and after the Communion mass, as well as celebrations afterwards.
Many families choose to do their photos between the mass and later celebrations. Perhaps at a favourite place outdoors, or indoors, in their own home and garden or a venue such as a hotel.
I've put together a blog post (below) with a variety of Communion portraits so you can see the range of photos you might expect in a session.
Dublin "studio style" traditional Communion Portraits in Natural Light.
Not sure you want to rush to a studio after mass, but still want some traditional style child portraits?
Natural light is very flattering and you don't need a bright, sunny day for lovely portraits.
Below, a traditional child portrait where the background is blurred or out of focus, so we can see clearly this lovely girl's freckles!
Back lit in a hotel in front of soft window light. The wonderful thing about natural light is it can create painterly style Communion portraits.
Trees in natural settings make great perches - also, children love to climb trees!
Another more traditional portrait with the sweet Communion boy alongside his sister and younger brother! This was taken in a garden in my local area of Blackrock for a local family session.
But I just want really natural Communion family photos? Documentary style photography.
Sure!!
Although I love to take classic child and family portraits, I am always up for unposed, very natural documentary family photography! This is a popular approach for parties and celebrations, including Communion celebrations. Perfect for lots of people gathered together having fun.
A moment with cousins - getting together in the park after mass and sharing balloons in the Liberties, Dublin!
At the K-Club in Kildare. Lots of spinning!
Communion party at home in the garden!
Running through hotel grounds in brilliant sunshine!
It's also important to capture all the family at any event such as a Communion. Younger children playing in a restaurant in Glasthule Dublin...
Below, another traditional style Communion portrait - sweet girl sitting in a hotel lobby. Window light can be incredibly flattering - I love how her dress is lit up with sunlight!
Here, dad running down a sand dune at a Howth hotel and beach resort, holding his daughter's hand for a beach Communion session.
Little boy in white shirt throwing back his head and laughing. His shirt is rumpled from a full day of fun.
This Communion boy and his brother wanted to climb trees.
Twirling with her dad under the dappled light and beautiful shade of trees.
This Donadea Forest Park Communion was taken after the mass and before evening celebrations at home.
Below, tumbling down a sand dune at the beach!
A Dublin Communion session in May? You might be lucky enough to get BRILLIANT sunshine!
Honestly, the past couple of years of doing Communions in May, the weather has been hot, and I mean HOT.
Often, the sessions were done outdoors in the full midday sun and sometimes with little to no shade. As a Dublin family photographer, midday light can be challenging light, as mid afternoon sun can create high contrast shadows and highlights. However, rather than shying away from intense light, it is better to embrace it fully.
Below, in the dappled light of a tree at Donadea Forest Park.
Again, intense midday light - with dad and his boys! Look how smart they look!
How long is a Dublin communion photo session with Cara?
As with all my family and baby sessions, there are four main family session packages that I offer, and they also cover Communions.
Sessions last from 45 minutes, to one or two hours, and can also cover a full day. They cover locations across Dublin - and beyond.
My local sessions in Blackrock and Seapoint Beach are also very popular. They last for 45 minutes and, as with all my sessions, you get a full edited gallery of best moments.
What can I expect from my Communion Photo Gallery?
I love family photos that evoke timelessness and nostalgia, so take a look around my website to see my look and feel on my Family page. I make sure that each photo is carefully hand edited in natural, vintage inspired soft colour tones or classic black and white.
There is no need to pick and choose your favourite pictures, you get a complete gallery of edited photos. These photos are all high resolution and can be printed at any size you wish.
I don't tend to do forced poses very much, but here is a communion portrait that was a little more styled
What about printing my favourite Communion photos?
Most people choose to print their own favourite photos from the gallery. I also provide gallery quality printer information for beautiful Giclée Fine Art Prints prints, so it is very easy to get your photos printed at your leisure.
In addition, I supply prints, framed prints and handcrafted books and albums.
You can read more about what to expect here, or please also reach out, I'd be very happy to answer any questions you have - I know every family is different and every Communion is unique. Frequently Asked Questions.
Contact me to find out more about about booking a Dublin Communion photo session with me!
Have a wonderful week!
Cara x
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