Light Filled Dublin Christmas Family Photo shoot with Cara Hodge Photography, Dublin

Cara Hodge
Sep 29
3 min read

Updated: Oct 3

Updated, September 2025.

I am a family, child, baby and newborn photographer, specializing in sessions, including fuss-Christmas family photo shoots outdoors or in the comfort of your own home and garden.

Looking for a gift for family and friends this Christmas? I have family photo vouchers towards all my sessions. They can be used at any time in the year, and there is no expiry date!

I have four main family sessions ranging from 45 minutes to two hours. All my sessions come with an edited, curated gallery of best moments from our time together.

Below, an in home Christmas family session to celebrate baby's first Christmas around the tree.

mum showing baby boy a bauble from the tree — Christmas Tree

Below, the classic moment where baby is entranced by Christmas decorations on the tree...

baby looking at Christmas decoration lifted from tree by mum — Christmas Bauble

mum looking down at Christmas tree decoration with baby — Christmas Decorations

mum holding a candle with baby and two dogs by the Christmas tree — Christmas Candle

As well as colour photos that capture the Christmas lights and festive colours, black and white family portraits show off the Christmas tree decorations!

mum holding a candle with baby on her lap and two dogs under a beautifully lit Christmas tree — Christmas Lights

Below, a close up of baby looking at a Christmas decoration.

baby reaching out for a Christmas decoration on tree with close up of bauble and lights — Twinkling Lights

mum and dad standing by tree holding baby in decorated living room strewn with lights — Family Christmas!

baby close up playing with X mas tree dcorations, close up of pine tree needles — Baby's First Christmas!

As well as photographing the festive cheer, we went outside and took some more traditional family portraits in the garden.

My style is a mix of traditional family and child portrait as well as very natural documentary family photography, that focuses on moments as they come up naturally in the session. Think genuine expressions and interactions.

mum, dad, baby boy and two dogs on a blanket in the garden

mum hugging baby on a blanket in the garden

baby reaching for festive fairy lights on a tree in garden, held by dad as mum watches

Christmas cards can be made out of your favourite photos from your Autumn session.

Below, baby peeking out from mum's winter coat.

baby in white wool hat warpped up and peeking out from mum's wainter fur coat — Winter Coat Baby!

Below all the girls in bright coloured winter coats giggling with each other. Natural moments like these have the charm of being "in the moment".

three young girls huddled together on rocks overlooking sea in bright colours, bobble hats — Winter Warm

However, often Christmas is a time when extended family gets together - sometimes from different parts of Ireland, and even - overseas!

Below a traditional group family portrait with grandparents, children and grandchildren taken in the fir tree woods around Killiney Hill, Dublin.

grandparents, children and grandchildren group family portrait with winter hats and scarves — Christmas Family Portrait

Iconic Christmas Photo Shoot Locations in Dublin

We are spoiled for choice here in Dublin - there are so many beautiful outdoor locations for family photo shoots through the year and Christmas is no exception!

Locations like Howth village with fishing boats, and traditional harbour front with fish markets, and pubs. Sandycove and Forty Foot have beautiful sea views.

You can often find me around Blackrock, Bootertown, Stillorgan, Dunrum, Ballsbridge, Dunlaoghaire, Monkstown, Dalkey village - and locations all over Dublin!

family with arms wrapped around each other by colourful fishing boats of howth harbour — Howth Harbour

Christmas family portraits can be as simple as a genuine moment of connection, below with the family dog at Dillons Park Dalkey, Dublin

young woman with red hair hugging her dog

Wardrobe Tips for Timeless Family Photography Dublin.

I recommend easy, timeless wardrobe choices for family photo shoots. For a festive touch, pops of Christmas colours, such as red, green, white, gold and silver, can work very well. I also recommend earthy, natural colours such as brown, rust, khaki, grey, navy, which can work well with pops of brighter Christmas colours or on their own.

Textures like wool, silky fabrics, fur, leather, sheepskin can bring texture to family photos. Denim is very versatile and can be dressed up or down!

Below, a pop of red leather gloves can be a simple way to bring a festive touch to a Winter family photo shoot!

young woman with red gloves standing in front of a tree with red leaves

Gift Lasting Memories this Christmas.

My Christmas family photo shoots come with a complete gallery of best moments from our time together. I also offer handcrafted albums, turning each photo into a family keepsake that can be passed down through generations.

Below, a framed Giclee print from Copper House Gallery, Dublin.

framed Giclee pigment print — Giclee Pigment Printing

Gorgeous handcrafted albums from Folio, for professional photographers, made in Yorkshire. Albums that reflect the tones of this festive season are also available.

Below, fern green Clamshell box with gold foiling personalization. Christmas style albums and boxes that represent the season's festive colours!