Family Photoshoots in Dublin: Making It Easy (and Actually Fun) With Kids

Family photoshoots come with a different set of questions than couples sessions — mostly centred on one thing: how do you get good photos when there are kids involved who have no interest in posing? Here's how I approach it, and what tends to actually work.

Kid-Led, Not Posed

The families who end up with photos they actually love aren't the ones who got everyone to hold a perfect smile for ten seconds. They're the ones who let the session be led by what the kids are actually doing — running ahead, pointing at something, climbing on a wall. My approach is relaxed and low-pressure: I capture kids actually enjoying themselves rather than standing still for a formal portrait, and I build the session around how your family actually moves through a place together, not a fixed set of poses.

Timing Matters More With Kids

A session that runs into nap time or right before a meal is fighting an uphill battle no matter how good the light is. If you can, plan around your kids' natural rhythm rather than the 'best' time of day for photography. A well-fed, well-rested kid in flat afternoon light will photograph better than an overtired one at golden hour.

Where to Shoot With a Family

Howth works well for families who want space to roam — the cliff walk and harbour give kids room to explore rather than stand still, and there's plenty to look at and point to along the way. Dublin city centre is great for shorter windows, especially if you're combining the shoot with a day of sightseeing anyway. County Wicklow, about 45 minutes south, is a good option if your family wants open space and a slower pace, with wide landscapes that give kids room to run rather than a tight street to navigate.

What to Bring

Snacks, a favourite small toy or comfort object, and a change of layers — Dublin weather can shift quickly. If you have a specific outfit in mind for the family, comfortable clothing tends to photograph better than anything stiff or fussy that a kid will be tugging at within five minutes.

Meltdowns Happen — That's Fine

If a session includes a tired toddler having a moment, that's not a failed shoot. It's part of having kids, and it's usually over in a couple of minutes. I'd rather work around a real moment than force a fake smile — some of the most genuine family photos come right after the meltdown has passed and everyone relaxes again.

Ready to Book a Family Session?

Family portrait sessions are available alongside lifestyle photography bookings — you can see current options and book online directly.

Get in touch to plan your Dublin family photoshoot →

Tristan Pereña is a Dublin-based travel lifestyle and wedding photographer. He's been photographing couples and families visiting Dublin, Howth, and Wicklow since 2014. Clear pricing, easy booking, no fuss. adinfinitumphotography.com | @tristanperena