Everything You Need to Know About an Outdoor Family Photoshoot in Dublin

So you're thinking about an outdoor family photoshoot. Maybe you've seen a gorgeous set of photos from a friend, or you've been meaning to do it for years and this is finally the year everyone is ready for it. Either way, you're now wondering where to go, what to wear, what to do if the weather is terrible, and whether your kids will actually cooperate for long enough to get a single decent photo. Let me answer all of this.

What is an Outdoor Family Photoshoot?

It's exactly what it sounds like - a photography session outdoors, usually in a park, woodland or coastal location, where I photograph your family as you actually are rather than as you think you're supposed to look in photographs. No studio backdrops and no forced smiles. Just your family in a beautiful location, doing what families do.

The outdoor environment does a lot of the work for us. Kids who won't sit still suddenly have somewhere to run. Toddlers who refuse to look at the camera get distracted by a duck or a squirrel. Dads who hate having their photo taken relax when there isn't a white wall staring back at them. Nature is a very good icebreaker.

When is the Best Time of Year for an Outdoor Family Photoshoot in Dublin?

Every season has something going for it, but a lot of families prefer when the weather is a touch warmer.

Spring is beautiful from around April onwards when everything starts to green up and the evenings get longer. Golden hour falls later and later as we move into summer, which means by June and July we can schedule sessions at 7pm or 8pm, after school, after work and after dinner. Autumn is stunning for colour, especially in the Dublin parks. And winter has a quiet, moody quality that works really well for certain families and certain galleries.

What About the Irish Weather?

Here's how I handle it. I keep a close eye on the forecast in the days before your session and if it's looking genuinely bad we'll reschedule. A bit of cloud is actually fine and often preferable to harsh direct sunlight which creates unflattering shadows. A light breeze adds movement and life to photos. What we want to avoid is heavy rain, but a little light drizzle is a-ok.

The rescheduling process is easy and I try to give you as much notice as possible so it doesn't disrupt your day too much.

Where Should We Go for an Outdoor Family Photoshoot in Dublin?

This is one of my favourite questions to answer because Dublin is genuinely spoiled for choice. Here are some of my go-to locations depending on what your family is like.

Marlay Park in Rathfarnham is my most versatile location. Woodland paths, a walled garden, open green space and streams running through it. It works for every age and every family dynamic and there are good cafes nearby for afterwards which always goes down well with kids.

St Enda's Park, also in Rathfarnham, is quieter and more tucked away. The lavender in summer is beautiful and the historic grounds give a really timeless feel to the images. Great for families who want something a little different.

Malahide Castle is one of my absolute favourites. The grounds are vast and the castle itself in the background adds something really special that you just can't replicate anywhere else.

Dún Laoghaire is perfect if your family loves the sea. The pier, the coastal paths, Teddy's ice cream if the kids need a bribe.

Phoenix Park is on a scale that means we can always find a quiet corner away from the crowds and the deer are always a bonus if they decide to make an appearance.

Killiney Hill is one for slightly older kids who don't mind a bit of a walk. The views from the top are dramatic and the wildflowers in spring are really beautiful. Its worth the climb that even small legs can handle.

What Should We Wear?

Keep it simple and coordinate rather than match. Nobody needs to be wearing identical outfits but if everyone is roughly in the same colour family the photos will feel cohesive without looking staged.

Neutral tones always work beautifully outdoors. Cream, sage green, warm white, soft denim, dusty pink. Avoid very bright colours or busy patterns as they draw the eye away from faces, which is the last thing you want. With that said, a pop of colour in the right location can be really lovely. A bright yellow jacket at the sea or a red coat in an autumn woodland works brilliantly.

Layers are always a good idea in Ireland regardless of what the forecast says, and comfortable shoes are non-negotiable. You'll be walking and potentially chasing children and you don't want to be doing that in new shoes or heels that are too high.

What if the Kids Won't Cooperate?

They won't, at least not all of the time, and that's fine. I've never met a family yet where everyone behaved perfectly for the whole session and those sessions tend to produce the most interesting galleries.

The trick is to give kids something to do rather than something to be. Tell them to run to that tree. Ask them to show me how fast they can go. Let them lead the way along the path. Kids who are moving and playing and genuinely having fun look a thousand times better in photos than kids who are standing very still trying to smile on demand.

I'll do the directing. Your only job is to show up, be yourselves and try not to worry too much about whether it's going perfectly. It very rarely looks perfect in the moment and nearly always looks beautiful in the gallery.

Can We Bring the Dog?

Yes, absolutely. A dog adds movement and joy and chaos to a session in the best possible way. Just make sure they're comfortable around strangers and that you have someone who can hold them when needed. Some of my favourite family shots involve a very enthusiastic dog.

How Long Does an Outdoor Family Photoshoot Take?

A full session is around an hour to an hour and a half outdoors. Unlike a newborn session at home there are fewer natural pauses so we tend to keep moving, but I always build in a little extra time so there's no rushing, especially if we need to wait for the light to do something beautiful or for a toddler to stop for a snack.

What Happens After?

I'll edit your full gallery and deliver it to a private online link, usually within two to three weeks of your session. From there you can download everything, share with family and browse at your own pace. I also offer prints, framed prints and albums if you'd like something for your walls, and I always think it's worth considering because photos that only ever live on a phone have a habit of getting lost.

How Do I Book an Outdoor Family Photoshoot in Dublin?

Get in touch through my contact page or drop me a WhatsApp and we can chat about dates, locations and what works best for your family. I cover Dublin and surrounding areas including Kildare and Wicklow and I'd love to hear from you.

Contact me here, or drop me a WhatsApp. Visit my Family Portfolio to see more.