Outdoor Spring Family Photography Dublin. Making the most of the sunshine...

Cara Hodge
5 days ago
3 min read

UPDATED post: February 2026.

Thinking of an outdoor Spring family Photography session? Spring is a very busy time for a Dublin family photographer!

I for one can't wait for the sunshine! Children climbing trees, daisy lawns, spreading a blanket out on the grass, a longer day, Communion parties....

You can often find me in Blackrock, Stillorgan, Booterstown, Ballsbridge, Dunlaoghaire, Monkstown and Dalkey Village - but I travel all over Dublin for my family sessions.

My local sessions (45 mins) run through the year in Blackrock and Seapoint, making the most of seasonal colour! Otherwise I cover locations all over Dublin - and beyond!

I specialize in on location photos - outside, or in your own home and garden.

Below, family session at Seapoint Beach near Monkstown.

mum and dad holding daughter against cloudy sky and Martello tower in the background

little girl standing on a wall with mum and dad holding her hand

mum's hair blowing in the wind as she kisses her child at the beach

back of baby as mum holds him on a park bench

mum swinging baby daughter around in a park settings

With the long awaited sunshine, families really look forward to Spring time photos outside. This time of year even baby's and newborns can be photographed on blankets in the park!

Below, a family session I did in Herbert Park, Ballsbridge, Dublin for a family celebrating Eid. Although it was very sunny around midday we made the most of shade under a big tree!

little girl climbing tree with pink rim light in her hair — Fairy In The Tree

Below, a gentle moment with dad. Blankets are perfect for sitting family and child portraits.

dad brushing back daughter's hair from face under tree

As well as focusing on natural moments of interaction, I love to do traditional family portraits. These are the ones that a family can pass down for generations.

Below, mum, dad, son and daughter. I don't force families into awkward "fake"smiles.

Natural expressions win every time!

mum, dad, son and daughter beautifully dressed on a blanket under tree

I love to focus on natural movement and gesture. Below, I love the henna on the hands!

mum adjusting daughter's headband with henna hands

A tender moment with mum and her children in dappled light.

mum in abaya hugging her son and daughter on a blanket under tree in dappled light

Cara Hodge Photographer Dublin - My Signature Style

I focus on classic black & white family photos and soft, warm toned vintage inspired colour.

So, what is vintage inspired colour? It's colour that is reminiscent of the past with a nostalgic quality.

This is an aesthetic that was created by using the older, vintage cameras of the day, resulting in a timeless, slightly faded quality (think Polaroid but not quite as faded!).

To achieve this look colours are gently de-saturated, with blacks and whites either emphasized or softened depending on the light, selective sharpening of details, and adding warmth and rosy or peachy tint.

You can expect gentle colours rather than very rich and really bright colours!

Below mum and her baby in the garden at home in Blackrock.

mum lifting baby into the air sitting on a blanket in the garden at home.

Baby taking first steps outside across a daisy lawn also in a local park in Blackrock - i love the daisy lawn in Spring and the re-wilding. A favourite spot for relaxed Spring portraits with baby.

mum taking baby for first steps across a daisy lawn

Dublin Family Photography Sessions with Cara.

My Dublin family sessions last from 45 minutes to 2 hours and more. Often 45 minutes or 1 hour is plenty of time to capture a variety of different moments during a session, from semi posed portraits to totally unposed documentary family photography

A lot of families focus on documentary photos for family gatherings, parties and special celebrations.

My session information is available on my FAQ page. I have four main sessions: Essence, Siganture, Legacy and Documentary Day. All my sessions include the photo shoot and also a curated and edited gallery of images, 50-60.

There is no need to pick and choose your favourite photos from the gallery. It's important to me that you get the full story, from the most emotional moments to the tiniest details!

I also have vouchers available towards all sessions and a one hour photo shoot only voucher.

My turn around time is 1-2 weeks for you to get your gallery - with 10 days being the average.

As well as your digital collection complete with information about Dublin professional printers, I also offer Giclee pigment printing, framed prints, books, albums and mounted print boxing. The albums are professionally printed and handcrafted in Yorkshire, UK with Folio.