Springing into Summer for a Family Photoshoot

Why Spring and Summer are a Good Time for Family Photos in Dublin (And Where to Take Them)

If you've been thinking about booking a family photography session, right now is a good time to do it. Spring has arrived in Dublin and summer is just around the corner and it’s a great time of year to photograph families. Here's why…

The Light is Everything

One of the biggest things that separates a good photo from a great one is light, and in spring and summer in Dublin we have it in abundance. Golden hour falls in the early evening, sometimes as late as 8pm or even later in June and July, which means we can schedule your session after school and after work. Everyone arrives relaxed, the kids have eaten, and we have all the time in the world. That combination makes such a difference to how a session feels and ultimately to the photos you walk away with.

Dublin is Fabulous This Time of Year

Dublin in spring and summer is genuinely one of the most beautiful places to photograph families and I have a few favourite spots that never let me down.

Marlay Park is versatile with its woodland paths, open green spaces and streams running through it. It works beautifully for every kind of family regardless of age or size. I particularly like the walled garden with its winding paths, flower beds and fountain.

St Enda's Park in Rathfarnham is a bit of a hidden gem. The walled gardens and woodlands create a wonderfully natural setting and there's a peacefulness to it that puts families at ease almost immediately. The lavender plants come up beautifully in the summer time.

Malahide Castle is one of my absolute favourites. The castle grounds give you something really special, that sense of history and grandeur alongside wide open green space, and it photographs beautifully in the long evening light of summer.

Dún Laoghaire is perfect for families who love being by the sea. The pier, the coastal paths and the light bouncing off Dublin Bay in the evening produce images that feel completely unique and a little bit windswept.

Phoenix Park needs no introduction. The sheer of it means we can always find a quiet beautiful spot well away from the crowds, and if we're lucky enough to come across the deer that's always a bonus for the kids.

Killiney Hill is a great option if you want something with a bit more drama to it. The coastal views and the wildflowers in spring make it a really memorable location for a session.

Why This Time of Year Works

The families who get the best photos aren't necessarily the ones who pose perfectly. They're the ones who feel comfortable and present and are actually enjoying themselves, and spring and summer naturally lend themselves to that. Kids run through grass and chase each other and stop to investigate things on the ground or look at squirrels. There's no rushing to get photos before we lose the light, and nobody is shivering in the cold. That ease comes through in the photos.

What to Wear

Soft light tones always work beautifully for spring and summer sessions. Muted shades like sage green, warm pinks or cream photograph really well and feel timeless rather than dated. Layers are worth considering in spring when the evenings can still carry a chill.

Very bright or neon colours and busy patterns tend to draw the eye away from the people in the photo which is the last thing you want, so when in doubt keep it simple and classic. With that said, a pop of yellow by the sea or a bright pink in a green park really bring a photo to life.

A Note on Booking

Evening slots in June and July tend to fill up quickly once people start making summer plans, and I keep my family sessions limited each month so that every family gets proper time and attention. If you've been considering booking, getting in touch now means you can choose your date and location rather than working around whatever is left.

Get in Touch

I'd love to hear about your family. Whether you have a toddler who won't sit still or a teenager who thinks the whole thing is mortifying, I promise we'll find a way to make it enjoyable and come home with photos you'll love.

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