I love a mix of classic child portraits & documentary family photography
Documentary family photography is all about capturing moments as they unfold naturally. The unscripted, authentic moments.
The ones you can't prepare for. I LOVE my untamed series, a documentary family photography showing a week in a Glastonbury garden with my two beloved nieces here. This project was close to my heart as I have a special connection with these girls, it was also a challenge capturing the girls playing in harsh, unforgiving midday light.
Here are the two girls playing hairdresser in the garden!
You can see more from Untamed Summer series HERE. In general, I introduce my Fly On The Wall documentary family photography approach HERE
Child portrait photography, on the other hand, centers (for me) around the environmental child portrait. This is about capturing an authentic picture of a child in their natural environment. Natural, authentic expressions & gestures. Where the surroundings tells something about the child's unique personality & limited posing is allowed to set up the picture.
Where documentary family photography crosses into classic child portraits. I find I can really explore creative & emotive child portraits when doing Dublin communions especially. For instance, I love this SWEET communion portrait taken in golden window light. (and of course how her hands are covering her face!).
You can see more of this communion photography Dublin HERE
I also specialize in natural newborn photography Dublin. This can be outdoors or in the comfort of your own home. With at home natural newborn photography, it's all about documenting your life as you get to know your newborn. A slice of real life. There is no need to book a studio, I come to you. Just as you are, no fuss. You can stay bare faced and in your PJ's. In the first couple of weeks, baby is still all curled up. Natural newborn moments can be captured as you feed, play or sleep with your baby.
Don't get me started on the LIGHT! Here is a newborn picture taken in typical diffused window light, which is great for newborn baby portraits. The location you choose - that you LOVE - will also give the family portraits a unique mood. As does the light!
You can see more of this intimate newborn family photo shoot at home with the family near Herbert Park, Dublin HERE
I love to include all family members in my at home newborn photography Dublin session - even the furry ones are most welcome :)
I am a pure natural light family & child photographer.
Although I will use flash in some circumstances, such as with baptisms if the light in the church is soooooo dark the pictures will be grainy.
Other than that, natural light is the BEST makeover of all! For instance HERE for this Greek Orthodox baptism, in the heart of Stonybatter, Dublin, I did not use flash. I embraced the intense golden incandescent light inside the church. For this baptism photography Dublin I captured all the important moments as they unfolded throughout the ceremony outside & inside the church.
I love special occasion lifestyle photography, such as natural Holy Communion photography Dublin & baptism or christening photography. Also debs & graduation photography.
This kind of event photography can be done before, after, or during the main event. I specialize in small intimate family gatherings.
As well as photographing younger children, I love portraits of your older child, teenager or young adult child. As a parent myself, I know that no matter how old our kids get, they are always our precious babies!
I always look forward to doing debs & graduation and capturing these special occasions in our older child's life. Family pictures can be dressy or super casual, really showing off your teenagers "inner spirit." Perfect for laid teenager pictures. In the age of Instagram, a portrait you can frame and put on your wall. Start a family keepsake with high-res family photography.
You can see more feminine portraits HERE
I have a special passion for black & white child portrait photography. However a classic, cinematic black & white depends very much on the lighting in a picture, dramatic high contrast light being the best. HERE are some of my favorite classic black & white child and family portraits.
All my colors are natural & vibrant with a bit of gloss added. I love deep, rich colors that result from low lighting conditions & golden hour, end of day light.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I usually recommend that my families choose to have their pictures done during "golden hour" if it's possible. Golden hour is about 1-2 hours before the sun sets or after the sun rises. During that time the light is lower in the sky, giving a golden glow and creating deeper, softer shadows. This is the most flattering light for all styles of photography, including family & lifestyle. Colors may also appear deeper and more vibrant & can result in stunning edits.
With that said, I will make the most of any lighting condition and hard (midday) lighting can produce creative shadows.
During a family photo shoot Dublin, I look to capture a variety of different images for your keepsake gallery. I have a few tricks & games to loosen everybody up and help them to forget they are being photographed. (Children & babies respond especially well to a few prompts disguised as games!). When a family is comfortable & relaxed, the real magic can happen!
The connection between everyone in a family is always the No. 1 thing to bring out in a photo shoot. I will go where the action is...(Small children are busy & chaotic by nature, so it's important to shoot around their interests. If there is a tree nearby, they might want to climb it. If it's a beach session, they might want to explore a rock pool.)
See what to expect from a family photography Dublin session with me HERE including all the frequently asked questions!
My lifestyle & family photography has been featured internationally including in Iconic artist, Milan. Documentary Family Awards, & international child photo competition, best of black & white, as well as Bored Panda & The Times, UK. You can see more of my published pictures HERE
I have a range of luxury print products. Such as bespoke albums & fine art books, handcrafted in Yorkshire, UK.
I also use a professional printers here in Dublin, for beautiful accurate color, gallery-quality mat prints. All sizes of printing to fit all size of frame. Mounted print boxes are also available
Print products are available as part of a package or a la carte.
TO KEEP IT SIMPLE I OFFER ALL THE BEST MOMENTS FROM OUR TIME TOGETHER AS A COMPLETE DIGITAL GALLERY, NO NEED TO PICK AND CHOOSE YOUR FAVES ANYMORE! You can see more about the packages I offer HERE
All my best pictures from our time together are beautifully (and lovingly) edited. Checked carefully for contrast, brightness, temperature, sharpness... In the final selection I will take into account all the little details, removing any blemishes or stains on person or background.
Cara Hodge is a professional family photographer Dublin with a special love of emotive child portraits. I have 10 plus years experience photographing families professionally.
MOST OF ALL, I PROMISE YOU WE WILL HAVE FUN CREATING THESE MEMORIES TOGETHER!
For more recent family photography Dublin sessions, check out my family highlights page here:
Contact me HERE to book a session of family photography Dublin. Child, baby & newborn family portraits.
Cara xx
