You know those rare Irish mornings when the sun actually shows up—and stays? This was one of them. A midweek morning, not a cloud in the sky, and the light was just magic.
I met the loveliest family who had flown over from Las Vegas to soak up a bit of Irish countryside, and they wanted to capture some memories while they were here. So they booked me for a family shoot, and we headed to one of my favourite spots—Bective Abbey in County Meath.
Bective Abbey is just outside Navan and dates back to 1147. It was built by the Cistercian monks, and honestly, it still feels like stepping into a piece of history. With its winding staircases, old stone walls and open arches, it’s a peaceful little gem—and a seriously gorgeous backdrop for photos.
This shoot was extra special because the beautiful mam was pregnant with baby number two, so it was such a lovely time to press pause and capture this chapter before everything shifts again.
Now, most photographers might shy away from shooting in full midday sun—especially in Ireland where soft light is more the norm. But I actually love working with bright, bold light. It brings out all the contrast and drama, and I know how to work with it to get beautiful, flattering images.
One of the things I pride myself on as a family photographer in Ireland is being able to shoot in any light—rain or shine, golden hour or high noon—because real life doesn’t always wait for perfect conditions.
We spent the morning exploring the abbey ruins, chatting, laughing, and taking photos as we went. It felt so relaxed—more like hanging out with friends than a formal shoot. That’s always my aim: to make everyone feel comfortable so the moments captured are real and full of heart.
The bonus of doing the session midweek in the morning was that we had the place pretty much to ourselves. It made everything feel slower, calmer, and more personal. Plus, they had the rest of the day free to explore, eat, and enjoy without being worn out from a late shoot.
If you’re visiting Ireland, booking a vacation photographer in Ireland is such a lovely way to mark the experience. Whether you’re here for a family adventure or a once-in-a-lifetime trip, I’d love to help you remember it—not just how it looked, but how it felt.
I’m based in Dublin but I shoot all over the country, so if you’re after a family photographer in Dublin, a wedding photographer in Ireland, or just someone to document your story in a beautiful way, give me a shout!
Let’s make something meaningful together.
