A couple stands together in silhouette against a golden sunset reflecting on calm lake waters. Glendalough family photographer

 

Photographs with heart

 

Family session Guide

 

For families who hate posing, feel awkward in front of a camera, but still want photos that make you go:


“Ah here… look at us.”

 

A joyful figure in a navy blue dress plays in the water at the beach, creating a carefree moment. Family photographer dublin

 

If the thoughts of standing in a field pretending to be perfect makes you want to leg it,  relax. I’m not that type of photographer.


I’m here for the real stuff. The muddy knees, the big laughs, the meltdowns, the cuddles, the “DON’T LICK THAT” moments, all of it.


Think of this like meeting a  friend for a wander. I just happen to bring a camera… and occasionally suggest we stop in a pub.


No pressure. No weird posing. No “look at me and smile like you’re passing the NCT.”


Just you being yourselves  and me catching the magic of that.

 

Family photographer dublin irelanGroup of people standing and chatting in front of an ornate stone church doorway with arched wooden doors.
A couple shares an intimate moment on a bridge over Dublin's River Liffey at sunset. family photographer Dublin ireland

five star reviews!


It’s immediately clear from Deirdre’s portfolio that she’s an amazing photographer. From the moment she first replies to your inquiry, you’ll be able to tell that the amazingness transcends her art and is just part of the core of who she is.


My family and I recently traveled to Dublin and wanted to have photos to capture our family trip. Deirdre was so communicative and immensely helpful during the booking phase. I didn’t have any clear idea of exactly what I wanted - just a feeling. She went the extra mile to understand our group dynamics, hopes, and dreams by sending a questionnaire before the session (and she remembered all the details when we finally met!). Deirdre made perfect recommendations and took so much of the pressure off planning the session.


On the day we finally met, we were greeted with a hug and smiles all around. It felt as though we had known each other ages. Deirdre helped us loosen up by giving great cues. Some felt silly in the moment but made us laugh so much that the resulting images are pure gold. She truly captured all of the love and silliness of our group. She also led us all around Dublin (we walked so far!) and we got to see areas we may have otherwise missed. The session was so fun that it was an experience in and of itself!


I couldn’t recommend Deirdre more highly. She has so much warmth, heart, and talent and delivers stunning memories. We will definitely be re-booking with her the next time we’re in Ireland.


Elizabeth

BEctive abbey family photographer dublin
A group playfully tumbles and poses together on a grassy hillside during golden hour. Family photographer dublin

My Approach


I’m allergic to perfection.


If your child has a meltdown? Grand,  I’ll photograph it.


If your hair is blowing sideways? Gorgeous,  that’s Ireland being Ireland.


If your kid legs it into a puddle? Happy days, movement is class in photos.


I’m not here to stage mannequin vibes. I’m here to create photos that feel like life.


My sessions are:

80% craic

20% me saying “Ah that’s gorgeous, stay there one sec”

0% stress

You don’t need to perform. Just show up as you are.


 

About me

 

A joyful parent-child moment captured in sunlit winter park with warm glowing bokeh effect and matching outfits Ireland Family photographer

 

I’m Deirdre, a family photography fanatic, lover of emotional chaos, and fully qualified with a BA in Photography.


Awards? Yep. Published? Yep. Do I still love photographing muck, mayhem, and pure joy? Absolutely.


Available throughout Dublin, Meath and Ireland

 

Black and white photo collage showing romantic couples embracing and laughing together outdoors in natural Dublin Family photographer

 

"The best thing about a picture is that it never changes, even when the people in it do."

 

 

- Andy Warhol

 

A family sits together in a vibrant yellow wildflower meadow on a sunny summer day. Family photographer dublin

 

Process

 

Three friends in cozy sweaters laugh together while enjoying a moment at the beach during sunset. family photographer dublin
Step 01

We’ll have the chats over the phone,  proper chats.


You tell me:

Who’s who

Who’s wild

Who’s shy

Where you love to go as a family

And anything else you want me to know

We’ll pick the perfect time, the perfect spot, and make a rough plan that feels like a day out — not a mission.

Two seniors share a joyful moment together while walking outdoors on a city street. Family photographer dublin
Step 02

This is going to be the least stressful thing !

We’ll:

Walk

Explore

Mess

Laugh

Stop for chats

Capture the magic in the in-betweens

I’ll guide you gently, but nothing will ever feel staged or stiff. We don’t do mannequin energy here.

Basically: you be you. I’ll sort the rest.

Two toddlers sitting together in matching outfits while drinking from sippy cups. family photographer dublin
Step 03

Two weeks later: BOOM, your gallery arrives.

You get:

All the best edited images

A slideshow that absolutely wallops the heart

Online gallery

Access to professional printing labs

 

Locations

Pick a place that means something to you — or let me throw a few savage suggestions your way.

BEACHES


Portmarnock

Bettystown

Mornington

Malahide

Dollymount

Howth coast


PARKS & FORESTS


Saint Anne’s Park

Newbridge House

Dun Na Rí Forest Park

Erica’s Fairy Forest

Tara Hill

Kingscourt Park

Lough Ramor


OLD RUINS & EPIC HISTORY


Fore Abbey

Bective Abbey

Loughcrew


CITY ADVENTURES


Dublin laneways

Georgian streets

Temple Bar

A sequence of photos showing a surprised emotional reaction while opening a special gift or letter. family photographer dublin


At home sessions


Pure comfort. Pure chaos. Pure honesty.

Your home is the heart of your story.

Think:

Jumping on beds

Playing games

Baking

Reading stories

Real life as it happens

No pressure to clean. I’m photographing life, not selling kitchens.

WHAT TO WEAR (ZERO PRESSURE EDITION)


Here’s the gospel truth:

Wear whatever the hell you feel good in.

But if you want tips:

Don’t match,  coordinate.

Earthy tones look class.

Avoid big logos (unless you’re sponsored by Lidl).

Fit > baggy.

Comfort is king, queen and the whole royal family.

And don’t bring clothes you’ll cry over if they get dirty. They will get dirty.

A family shares joyful laughter together during an autumn outdoor photoshoot in a forest setting. Family photographer dublin
A tender moment shared between parent and child amidst tall grass on a sunny day. Family photographer Dublin
A person and two husky dogs play together in a green grassy field on an autumn day. Family photographer Dublin

What to bring


Snacks (priority)

Water

Wellies (Ireland.)

Wipes + small towel

Bubbles or small toys

A cosy blanket

Your dog,  if they’re sound

A collection of black and white photos showing people with umbrellas walking outdoors in moody weather Dublin Family photographer

Weather guide


Light rain? Gorgeous.

Wind? Stunning movement.

Clouds? Chef’s kiss.

Storms? We reschedule unless you fancy a full moody Viking vibe.

I’ll keep an eye on the forecast — like a mother watching her young fella cross the road.

TIMING



Outdoor sessions = golden hour. Trust me, it’s magic.


At-home sessions = late morning when the light hits right.


We’ll schedule around nap chaos, snack chaos, and general life chaos.

Senior couple sitting together on a bench in a park during autumn enjoying a tender moment. Family photographer Dublin

Events


Up to 3 hours

Entire gallery (200+)to download for self printing.

A slideshow to music

Includes travel within Dublin, Cavan & Meath

*Excluding Weddings & Elopements.

 

€1,200

 

A dramatic rainbow arches over a coastal landscape with rolling hills and scattered clouds in the sky. Family photographer Dublin

Classic




Up to 90 min session


All edited digital images (80+) to download

A slideshow to music   


Includes travel within Dublin, Cavan & Meath



 

€650

 

A joyful moment captured in a series of photos showing playful expressions through stone archways. Family photographer Dublin

Short Story

 


Half an Hour Session


25 edited digital images


Option to upgrade to full gallery


Best suited to a single nearby outdoor location or in home session.




Includes travel within Dublin, Cavan & Meath

 

 

€475

 

A series of joyful moments captured between parent and child playing together outdoors against a landscape. Family photographer dublin
A scenic coastal view with a person in a white dress walking along the cliffside against a bright blue sky. Family photographer dublin i

five star reviews!


Deirdre is an incredible photographer! I adore her work and as a photographer myself with so many photographers to choose from to photograph my own family, Deirdre was the clear choice for me.


Not only did I know I could place my trust 100% in her ability but she brought warmth and ease to the session. She's a joy to be around and immediately makes everyone feel at ease.


The photos brought tears to all our eyes. She captured us so perfectly. My only issue is wanting to print every single image!!


Deirdre, thank you for taking some really important moments and capturing them beyond my wildest dreams!


We'll be booking again without any shadow of a doubt!!


Lyn

Gold text logo design for Irish Professional Photographer and Videographer Awards 2024 category winner badge. wedding photographer dublin
A couple poses with award banners at a photography exhibition showing mounted prints and displays.
A joyful figure in a pink sweater and mint tutu skirt dances playfully by a misty mountain lake. Family photographer dublin Ireland
A joyful child wearing a cozy pink winter coat smiles brightly against a blurred brown background.Family photographer Dublin Ireland

five star reviews!


We found Deirdre online and decided to take a chance. Honestly we couldn't have been happier with how everything turned out. The photos are stunning, we were blown away.


You see stand out shots on photographers websites but never really think that's what you'll get, it's just for the lucky few. Our shoot returned so many stand outs, we couldn't believe it!


And it wasn't just the results, the day itself was so much fun. Deirdre is so personable, the time flew by and everyone was so relaxed in her company. She's a total pro and I would recommend her to anyone.


S & C

Family walking together on a beach at sunset with reflections in the wet sand. Family PHOTOGRAPHER Dublin

FINAL NOTE


You don’t need perfect hair. You don’t need perfect kids. You don’t need to pretend.


You just show up as your wild, wonderful, messy selves.


I’ll do the rest, capturing your story exactly as it is, exactly as you’ll want to remember it.


Love, chaos, and a bit of muck on the knees , that’s where the magic lives.