When Is the Best Time of Year for Family Photos in Dublin?
One of the questions I’m asked a lot is: when is the best time of year to book family photos in Dublin?
The answer is that there really isn’t one perfect season. Dublin looks completely different throughout the year, and every season brings something lovely to a family photoshoot.
The best time for your family will depend on the kind of photographs you love, the ages of your children and, realistically, how you feel about the Irish weather!
Here’s what you can expect throughout the year.
Spring Family Photos in Dublin
Spring is one of my favourite times for outdoor family photos.
The days are getting longer, everything starts turning green again and parks around Dublin begin to come back to life after winter.
It’s also a great option if you want plenty of colour and greenery without the busier feel of summer.
Spring weather in Ireland can obviously be unpredictable, but that doesn’t mean you need a perfectly sunny day for beautiful photographs. In fact, softer overcast light can be incredibly flattering for family photos.
Locations such as Phoenix Park, St Anne’s Park and Newbridge House can be gorgeous at this time of year.
Summer Family Photos
Summer gives us those lovely long evenings, which can be perfect for relaxed family sessions.
The biggest advantage is the extra daylight. We can often photograph later in the evening when locations are quieter and the light is softer.
If you have older children who can manage a later bedtime, a summer evening session can be really beautiful.
For younger children, however, I’ll always work around when they are happiest rather than insisting on photographing at the technically “perfect” time.
Beaches are particularly lovely during the summer months. Bull Island is one of my favourite Dublin locations when families want something relaxed, natural and a little bit wild.
And despite what Instagram might suggest, we definitely don’t need blazing sunshine. A slightly cloudy Dublin evening can actually give us beautiful soft light.
Autumn Family Photos in Dublin
If you love warm colours, autumn is hard to beat.
From around September into October, Dublin’s parks start changing into gorgeous shades of green, gold and orange.
Autumn photographs also have a slightly cosier feel. Layers, knits and boots photograph beautifully and can add lots of texture without everyone needing to dress exactly the same.
It’s also a really popular time for families who want updated photographs before Christmas.
The only downside?
Autumn weekends can book up quickly, particularly once we get into October. If you know you would like an autumn session, it’s worth getting in touch a little earlier.
What About Winter?
Winter probably isn’t the first season people think of when planning outdoor family photographs, but it can still work beautifully.
Bare trees, winter coats and soft light can create a completely different look.
The main thing to remember is that we have much less daylight, so sessions need to happen earlier in the day.
If your children feel the cold easily, though, I would probably recommend waiting for slightly warmer weather. Happy, comfortable kids will always matter more than getting photographs at a particular time of year!
So, What Is the Best Month for Family Photos in Dublin?
If I had to choose?
Late spring and early autumn are probably the easiest all-round options.
May and June usually give us plenty of greenery and longer days, while September and early October can give us beautiful colours without it being too cold.
But I honestly don’t believe you need to wait for the “perfect” month.
Some of my favourite family photographs have been taken on cloudy days, windy beaches and during sessions where the weather looked far from perfect beforehand.
The most important thing is choosing a time that works for your family.
What Time of Day Is Best?
The time of day can actually matter more than the month.
Whenever possible, I avoid the strongest midday sunshine and photograph when the light is softer.
That might mean later in the afternoon or evening during summer and earlier in the day as we move towards winter.
But when there are small children involved, their routine always comes first.
There’s very little point scheduling a beautiful sunset session at 8pm if your toddler normally goes to bed at 7!
We’ll choose a time that gives us lovely light and gives your children the best chance of enjoying themselves.
Don’t Wait for the Perfect Time
It’s very easy to keep putting family photographs off.
Maybe you’re waiting until the children are a little older, until someone loses a tooth, until everyone has the right outfits or until the weather forecast looks perfect.
But families change incredibly quickly.
The missing teeth, toddler cuddles, wild hair and little personalities are usually the things that end up meaning the most.
My family sessions are relaxed and focused on connection rather than everyone sitting perfectly and smiling at the camera.
There will always be a few photographs looking at the camera, but there will also be plenty of movement, playing, cuddling and simply letting your family be themselves.
If you’re thinking about booking a family photoshoot in Dublin, you can get in touch and I’ll help you choose the season, location and time that will work best for your family.
