CARA HODGE PHOTOGRAPHY/
Christmas 2025
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Below, you'll find answers to some of the most common inquiries, such as wardrobe tips so your family can look and feel their best in the photos. If you don't see your question answered here, feel free to reach out.
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As well as family, child and baby sessions, I love to photograph loved up couples and small weddings.
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WHAT TIME WILL THE SESSION BE?
The best time to do a family session is 1-2 hours before golden hour, end of day or morning. At this time, the light is golden without being too intense. However, I make the most of light through the day. I do sessions through the week and the weekends.
If it's midday on a special occasion, birthday, graduation, baptism or communion, I'll look for shade.
At home natural newborn session? Usually 10 am is a popular choice when small children are more awake - but I am flexible and will make the most of natural light sources.
WHAT ABOUT THE WEATHER?
Sunny days are great, but cloudy days can produce beautiful pictures too. I check the weather conditions the week before scheduling an outdoor session. If it's unpredictable, we can reschedule. I usually can move sessions around the weekend we have scheduled if needed.
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WHAT ABOUT THE LOCATION?
I do family sessions in outdoor locations, venues, or your own home and garden. I usually see how I can make best use of any environment. Perhaps there is a cherry blossom tree in bloom, or berries on a holly which might make a good backdrop... If it's your own home, I will find the best areas for natural light.
WILL IT BE POSE, POSE, POSE?
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I love timeless family portraits as well as natural, unscripted documentary style family photography. Portraits can be as simple as sitting in a chair for a moment with your child on your lap. Or your family squeezed close together in a frame. I shoot quite quickly to capture micro expressions and keep up a flow of natural movements and expressions. There are a few games and tricks I can use to get families and children interacting naturally. Usually families tell me they've had a lot of fun on the sessions!
GAH! WHAT TO WEAR?
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I do give out wardrobe tips (What to wear?). Being comfortable is most important. Perfectly matching is not needed, but complimentary colours can work well across a family. The colours of nature, such as green, blue, brown can work really well on outdoor family sessions, as well as classic tones - navy, grey, white and black.
Earth tones can give a rich warmth to family pictures. Think brown, coppers, rusts, mustard, khaki. These colours are perfect for newborn at home sessions also, adding an earthy, cozy feel.
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Bright colours can be beautiful and popular for parties and celebrations. Just introduce a pop of the same colour here and there, so the eye is drawn equally to everyone in the frame - not just grandpa Joe in his fave orange jumper!
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Denim is very versatile and can be dressed up and down. Textures can be beautiful in family photos too - suede, leather, fur, sheepskin, wool - bring out the classic Aarans! Classic patterns such as stripes and checks are lovely, but it's best to avoid busy patterns and slogan T-shirts
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Wardrobe changes can be as swift as swapping a coat, hat or shawl in an outdoor location. Or including a blanket to sit on for some seated pictures.
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A natural newborn Dublin photo shoot? Nothing wrong with PJ's or very laid back clothes you might normally wear around the home. No need for fancy makeup, either as Photoshop can smooth uneven skin easily.
NEWBORN PHOTO SHOOT
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I specialise in natural at home newborn portraits, and documentary style newborn sessions. Two weeks after birth is a perfect time for a newborn session, as babies are still all curled up then.
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​Although when it comes to newborns, the time that feels right, is the right time - babies are always our precious babies, even when they are not in nappies anymore...
If it's a newborn at home, I will check out all the window light, and other available light sources. Open blinds and curtains wide to let in the light!
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​As well as white and pastels, I always think newborns look gorgeous in earthy tones, brown, copper and rust, adding a cozy, warm feel to in home sessions.
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​If there are other siblings and family members, including the furry ones, I can include them too. I love to photograph pets in any situation!
WHAT ABOUT PROPS?
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All kinds of props can be included, as simple as a favourite hat, or a bunch of flowers to hold if it's a couples session...Blankets are useful for sitting portraits on outdoor family photo shoots. Blankets may also be handy for indoor family sessions, draped across a sofa or bed as a textured backdrop. If your child has favorite toys, they can be included. However, don't worry if you don't have much time to prepare, the best moments are usually the unscripted ones.
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AND AFTER YOUR FAMILY OR NEWBORN SESSION?
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For an hour session, I select the best 50-60 pictures for your gallery. I edit them in classic black & white and gentle, warm colour tones for a timeless, vintage inspired feel. All pictures are hand edited and retouched for blemishes on skin, clothes and small background elements.
About 1-2 weeks after the photo shoot, I send you the password protected gallery so you can view your pictures. Weddings can take a little longer but I try and have a fast turnaround.
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My sessions all include an edited, curated gallery - no need to pick and choose favourites. In addition, I also supply gallery quality Giclee printing, hand crafted albums, books and mounted print boxes.
I look forward to chatting if you have more to ask!
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