Natural family photography at home — Dollymount / St Anne’s Park
It was one of those classic winter Dublin days: grey skies, a little rain — the kind of weather that makes you want to stay cozy inside. For this family of five, that was no problem at all. With three young children, their home in Dollymount was the perfect place to keep them busy with their favorite toys, family activities and daily routines. Natural family photography at home is all about a relaxed approach: no stiff posing, just real fun.
Many families worry that a rainy day or cloudy skies will make their session less special. But the truth is, some of the most meaningful and fun moments happen right at home. There’s no pressure to keep little ones still for posed pictures, no stress about the weather or packing bags, and no need to travel anywhere. Just real life, cute connections, and a space where everyone feels comfortable.
A relaxed start: storytime & everyday moments
Every in-home session starts with a bit of settling in. Some children warm up immediately, while others need a little time to feel at ease with the camera around. That’s completely normal, and it’s why I always begin with a calm, familiar activity where everyone can engage and forget I’m even here.
For this session, we started with something simple: storytime (a favorite of mine).
All five of them gathered on the couch, flipping through a favorite book. This is why I love prompts of daily activities! It was a moment that happens in their home all the time, and that’s exactly what made it so special. Capturing these everyday routines means they’ll have memories of what life truly looked like at this stage: tiny hands turning pages, warm cuddles, and the way their youngest looked out the window at the rain while listening to his mom reading the story. This is what natural family photography at home is all about, you being you, kids being free to be themselves.
Once everyone was comfortable, we transitioned into something a bit more interactive. I always encourage families to incorporate a part of their daily routine into their session because these small moments are the ones that will feel the most nostalgic years later.
For this family, that meant preparing their lunchboxes together. The children eagerly picked out their favorite snacks, chatting and laughing as they packed. Lots (and I mean LOTS) of candies were involved, and we had the best time! These simple moments like parents helping little hands zip up bags, siblings sneaking an extra treat… are the ones that feel the most personal.
Balancing calm & energy in a session
A great family session balances both quiet, intimate moments and bursts of fun. Once we had captured the calm and connection of storytime and snack prep, it was time to bring in the energy. Everyone had time to ease into the photos and was ready for more action!
We started with some quick parent-child portraits. Often, when families think about booking a session, they imagine full-group photos. But I always take time to capture smaller moments—just mom and the kids, then just dad and the kids. These one-on-one interactions are just as important, and they often end up being some of the parents’ favorite images. I also took a few cute, romantic couple photos of the parents, because I know once you have kids, you get fewer of those shots!
Then came the part the kids had been waiting for: a pillow fight! If there’s one thing I know about photographing young children, it’s that movement brings out the most genuine smiles. There’s something about the freedom to jump, play, and be as wild as they need. That makes a session feel less like a photoshoot and more like a fun family memory in the making.
The kids took turns launching pillows at each other, collapsing into giggles as they dodged and counterattacked. These are the kinds of moments that make documentary photography so special. It’s not about perfection, it’s about joy, chaos, and real interactions. Just kids being kids: loud and carefree.
Winding down: cuddles & colors
After all that excitement, we slowed things down again. A great session follows the natural rhythm of family life, with active play balanced with quieter moments.
The children gathered around the kitchen table for some coloring, their little hands busy with crayons and paper. This final activity gave them a chance to relax, and it gave me the opportunity to capture those small details. That look of deep focus, tiny fingers gripping crayons, and Papa watching lovingly from nearby.
Before wrapping up, I suggested one last group moment. We gathered everyone onto the parents’ bed, and what started as a quick family portrait quickly turned into tickles, cuddles, and laughter. These final shots were full of love and connection, the perfect way to end the session.
Why in-home sessions work so well for families
Many parents worry about how their children will behave during a session. Will they sit still? Will they cooperate? But the beauty of an in-home session is that none of that matters, really. Instead of asking kids to pose, we let them be themselves. If they need a break, they can take one. If they want to run and play, we embrace it.
Is your home sweet home tiny? I’m happy to say it’s fine. You make it work everyday, right? Then we will make it work for your photo session.
Natural family photography at home is about more than just pictures. It’s about capturing the feeling of home, the essence of your everyday life, and the real connections that make your family unique. This is the safe haven you have built for yourself. This is were your kids grow up and connect with you.
Home is an incredible backdrop for childhood keepsakes. Read more about why home is great for a family photoshoot.
Thinking about an in-home family photo session in Dublin?
If you love the idea of capturing your family’s real moments in a relaxed, natural way, I’d love to help. Let’s create images that reflect the love, chaos, and beauty of your everyday life—right in the comfort of your home. Check out my family sessions info and get in touch!
