# Johanna King Photography > Dublin Family Photographer & Educator --- ## Pages - [For Parents](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/for-parents/): Courses & Resources For Parents I care about you creating the same meaningful photographs for your family that I create... - [Headshots & Portraits Photographer Dublin](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/headshots-portraits-photographer-dublin/): When photographing your family (in the broad sense of the word), I am not just looking at taking beautiful images.... - [The First Weeks - You're in!](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/thank-you-the-first-weeks/): Yay! You’re one step closer to capturing this unique, beautiful blur. You’re signed up for The First Weeks series. Check... - [Year In The Life Memberships](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/membership/): Once you contact me to schedule a session, I’ll send you a link to complete the session agreement, model release,... - [2025-2 Family Sessions - Pricing](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/2025-family-sessions-guide/): Once you contact me to schedule a session, I’ll send you a link to complete the session agreement, model release,... - [Expired](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/expired/): This offer has now expired. Make sure to sign up to my newsletter through one of freebies. - [ISD - School Photos 2025](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/isd2025/): ISD School Photos 2025 Wednesday 7 May & Thursday 8 May A documentary family photographer is coming to the International... - [I want to stay!](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/i-want-to-stay/): You want to stay! That’s great to hear and I will therefore NOT delete you from my email list. Chat... - [2025 Events Pricing](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/2025-events-pricing/): Once you contact me to schedule a session, I’ll send you a link to complete the session agreement, model release,... - [Thank you for submitting your images for review!](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/thank-you-for-your-submission/): Thank you for trusting me with your images! I’ll be in touch as soon as I have recorded the review... - [2025 Family Sessions - Pricing](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/2025-family-sessions-pricing/): Once you contact me to schedule a session, I’ll send you a link to complete the session agreement, model release,... - [Mother's Day Mini-Sessions](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/mothers-day-motherhood-mini-sessions/): Mother’s Day Mini-Sessions You deserve to be seen, appreciated, and remembered in the moments that matter most. These 45-minute mini-sessions... - [Got it!](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/got-it/): Got it! Thank you for letting me know.Have a great summer! - [Thank You! You’re Almost There…](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/almost-there/): Thanks for signing up!I’m so glad you’re here. Every week, you’ll receive simple prompts to help you notice more and... - [2024 Birth Photography Pricing](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/2024-birth-pricing/): This content is password protected. To view it please enter your password below: Password: - [You're in!](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/thankyou/): You’re in Thank you, thank you! Check your inbox (and your Spam or Promotions folder, just in case) and then... - [[Gallery Example] Outdoor Lifestyle Maternity Photoshoot](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/outdoor-lifestyle-maternity-photoshoot/): Outdoor Lifestyle Maternity Photoshoot Dublin - [Thank You](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/thank-you/): Thank you for reaching out! As a small business owner and a mother, I deeply value every inquiry I receive.... - [Portfolio](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/portfolio/): Portfolio Welcome to my portfolio, where each image aims to tell a story, with a lot of love and a... - [Photographe Reportage Famille en Irlande](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/photographe-reportage-famille-irlande/): “Sometimes you will never know the value of something, until it becomes a memory.” ― Dr. Seuss I am Johanna... - [2024 Family Sessions - Pricing](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/2024-family-sessions-pricing/): Once you contact me to schedule a session, I’ll send you a link to complete the session agreement, model release,... - [Family History Portraits](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/grandparents-family-photos-dublin/): When photographing your family (in the broad sense of the word), I am not just looking at taking beautiful images.... - [Maternity Photographer](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/maternity-photographer-dublin/): When photographing your family (in the broad sense of the word), I am not just looking at taking beautiful images.... - [Children & Family Portraits](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/children-portraits-dublin/): When photographing your family (in the broad sense of the word), I am not just looking at taking beautiful images.... - [Vacation Photographer](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/vacation-photographer-dublin-ireland/): When photographing your family (in the broad sense of the word), I am not just looking at taking beautiful images.... - [Event Photographer](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/family-event-photographer/): When photographing your family (in the broad sense of the word), I am not just looking at taking beautiful images.... - [Documentary Brand Photographer](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/dublin-commercial-brand-photographer/): When photographing your family (in the broad sense of the word), I am not just looking at taking beautiful images.... - [Newborn Photographer](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/dublin-newborn-maternity-photographer/): When photographing your family (in the broad sense of the word), I am not just looking at taking beautiful images.... - [Sessions & Pricing](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/family-photos-packages/): Once you contact me to schedule a session, I’ll send you a link to complete the session agreement, model release,... - [Family videography sessions](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/family-video-sessions/): Dublin Family Videography / Family Films Let me create your children’s favourite movie (ever!) Family Videos to Capture their little... - [Personal Projects](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/personal-projects/): Personal Photography Projects by Johanna King Balance | A Photobook Santry Community Garden, Dublin. Nature has the power to ground... - [2023 Birth Photography Pricing](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/birth-photography/): This content is password protected. To view it please enter your password below: Password: - [Freebies](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/freebies/): Freebies Free downloads and photo challenges for parents who like to try something new and get their photographs printed. Coming... - [Education](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/education/): Photography Education Whether you’re a parent using a phone or an established photographer, there is something for you here. For... - [Mentoring for Photographers](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/education/mentoring-for-photographers/): It’s not about doing more.It’s about making it feel more like you. You’re not here for quick tips or visibility... - [Privacy Policy](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/privacy-policy/): PRIVACY POLICY Last updated December 14, 2024 This Privacy Notice for Johanna King Photography (‘we‘, ‘us‘, or ‘our‘), describes how... - [Cookie Policy](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/cookie-policy/): COOKIE POLICY Last updated December 14, 2024 This Cookie Policy explains how Johanna King Photography (“Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our“)... - [Contact](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/contact/): Interested in an unposed photo session? Start here. Whether you know exactly what you want or have a million questions,... - [About Johanna](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/about/): When I was around ten years old, I used to ask myself what I would do if the house suddenly... - [Family Photography](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/documentary-family-photography-dublin/): When photographing your family (in the broad sense of the word), I am not just looking at taking beautiful images.... - [Family Photographer Dublin](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/): Family photos that are unposed, unique, filled with love & a hint of mischief. My family photoshoots take place in... --- ## Posts - [The Photos You’ll Reach For When You Miss This Season](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/the-photos-youll-reach-for-when-you-miss-this-season/): Why the most meaningful family photos aren’t the ones you posed for You won’t know which moments mattered most... until... - [The Newborn Days Are a Blur, But You Want to Remember it All](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/the-newborn-days-are-a-blur-but-you-want-to-remember-it-all/): There’s a reason everyone says “it goes so fast.”Because it does. But in the moment, when you’re tired and your... - [When Is the Best Time to Schedule a Newborn Photoshoot?](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/best-time-schedule-newborn-photoshoot/): Top advice on when to schedule a newborn photoshoot. Capture the beauty of early days, or wait a little. - [Documentary Newborn Photography in Dublin: A Different Kind of Magic](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/documentary-newborn-photography-in-dublin-a-different-kind-of-magic/): Life with a newborn is a blur: the sleepless nights, the endless cuddles, the newness of everything. You’re high on... - [Dublin Summer Mini Sessions for Families: The Details + Why They’re Different](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/summer-capsule/): Introducing Summer Capsule Sessions: 1-hour weekday documentary shoots that capture your family as you really are (snacks, chaos, and love... - [How to Choose the Best Dublin Newborn Photographer for Your Family](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/posed-lifestyle-documentary-newborn-photography-style/): This article describes the main types of newborn photography and will allow you to understand the differences between posed, lifestyle... - [Best Places to Give Birth in Dublin (2025 Edition)](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/best-places-to-give-birth-in-dublin-2025-edition/): Choosing where to give birth can be an obvious decision for some and a very difficult one for others. Comparing... - [Ditch the Posing, Love the Memories: Dublin Family Photography at Home](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/ditch-the-posing-love-the-memories-dublin-family-photography-at-home/): Let’s be honest, the thought of ‘family photos’ can sometimes bring up images of forced smiles and uncomfortable stances. But... - [5 Easy Edits to Make Your iPhone or Android Photos Look Pro (and Print-Ready)](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/edit-phone-photos-for-print/): Editing photos consist in making some changes to the images once the photo has been taken, in order to improve... - [For Photographers: My Favourite Admin, Marketing & Business Tools](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/for-photographers-my-favourite-admin-marketing-business-tools/): When we start our photography business, we need to make a lot of decisions around softwares and business tools, whether... - [10 Days to More Meaningful Family Photos: A Free Video Series for Parents](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/10-days-to-more-meaningful-family-photos/): Are you craving more than just camera roll chaos? You’re not alone. As a documentary family photographer (and a mother... - [The Real Essentials: For the Breastfeeding Mum Who Might End Up Co-Sleeping](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/essentials-breastfeeding-cosleeping-mum/): There is nothing like the experience of trying to buy “all the things” when you’re in your third trimester. The... - [2024 Award-Winning Reportage Family Photos](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/2024-award-winning-reportage-family-photos/): Today I wanted to look back and showcase some special family photos and portraits that won awards in 2023. As... - [Why I simplified my online platforms and switched to Systeme.io (from Podia, Zapier & Mailerlite)](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/why-switch-to-systeme-io/): As a documentary family photographer who has grown into the online education space, I want to share my journey of... - [From Camera to Paper: A Masterclass for Photographers Ready To Tackle Their Personal Photos](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/from-camera-to-paper-masterclass-personal-photos-organising/): Ten years ago, I ordered a new 1TB hard drive online, thinking I had just solved all my photo storage... - [Toddler and Baby Groups in Dublin, Fingal and dlr Libraries](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/dublin-libraries-toddler-and-baby-groups/): In the last two years, our local library’s baby & toddler groups became one of our favourite outings. As a... - [No-Knead Sourdough Bread For Busy Parents (Irish Climate)](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/no-knead-sourdough-bread-for-busy-parents-ireland/): I have been making sourdough bread for five years. FIVE YEARS! Like many others, I started in 2020, during the... - [From Digital Clutter to Cherished Prints: A Simple Guide for Busy Parents](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/from-digital-clutter-to-cherished-prints-a-simple-guide-for-busy-parents/): When was the last time you printed a photo book for your family? Or even just a few small prints... - [10 Family-Friendly Hotels in Ireland Within 1.5 Hours of Dublin](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/10-family-friendly-hotels-in-ireland-1-5-hours-or-less-from-dublin/): Travelling with a pre-teen and a toddler is no small feat. As a parent of both, I’ve found that while... - [Tired of Phone Photos? How to Choose the Right Camera for Your Family](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/choose-right-camera-for-your-family/): Feeling overwhelmed by all the camera options out there? You’re not alone. While I can’t hand you a definitive "this... - [Online Course: Mastering Your Camera for Beautiful Family Photos](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/online-course-perfect-your-family-photos/): Do you own a big camera but feel like you're not getting the most out of it? You're not alone!... - [15 Playful and Relaxed Activities to Capture Candid Family Moments at Home](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/15-activities-home-family-photoshoot/): Are you feeling stressed about your upcoming family photo session? Take a deep breath - I’ve got you covered! The... - [Johanna King - Now an EP qualified European Photographer](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/johanna-king-now-an-ep-qualified-european-photographer/): New EP qualified European Photographers: Johanna King from Ireland among them. - [Home Newborn & Family Photoshoot With Same-Sex Parents | Dublin](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/home-newborn-photoshoot-same-sex-parents-dublin/): In the space of a year, I have photographed Ranae and Audrey's family three times. In the space of a... - [Photowalk, in partnership with Cuidiú](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/photowalk-in-partnership-with-cuidiu/): I have started hosting Photowalks, in partnership with Cuidiú and the Cuidiú Dublin North West Branch in particular. So far,... - [Online Course: Make Time Stand Still, Not Your Kids](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/online-course-make-time-stand-still-not-your-kids/): Make Time Stand Still, Not Your Kids is my signature online photography course designed exclusively for parents who want to... - [Photographing Toddlers: 10 Tips For More Interesting Images](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/photographing-toddlers-10-tips-for-more-interesting-images/): eep reading if you are at a loss on how to take photographs of an active toddler or would like... - [Summer Vacation Family Photoshoot | Howth & Ireland's Eye Coastal Tour](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/summer-vacation-family-photoshoot-howth/): I was honoured when Kerry asked me to photograph this reunion and they decided to hop on a boat with... - [2023 Award-Winning Family Photos](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/2023-award-winning-family-photos/): Today I wanted to look back and showcase some special family photos and portraits that won awards in 2023. As... - [Half-Day Summer Family Photography & Videography Session | Co. Meath](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/summer-family-photography-meath/): I don't like to play favourites, but if there's one summer family photo and video session that holds a special... - [The Invisible Mum: The Importance of Mothers Being in Family Photos](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/the-invisible-mum-the-importance-of-mothers-being-in-family-photos/): As a documentary family photographer in Dublin, Ireland, I’m here to talk about something that I know is important to... - [Best Photos of Kids at Weddings](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/best-photos-of-kids-at-weddings/): Kids at weddings are magic! They're full of mischief, don't care about the same things as adults do and don't... - [Advice For New Parents From Experienced Parents](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/advice-for-new-parents-from-experienced-parents/): I was inspired to reach out to an incredible group of seasoned parents for their invaluable insights and advice. In... - [Outdoor Family Photoshoot | Hill of Tara, Meath](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/hill-of-tara-outdoor-family-photoshoot-co-meath/): Documentary family photography is truly perfect for small children and babies as it doesn't require any posing: I just go... - [Why Documentary Family Photography is Perfect for Families with Neurodivergent Kids](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/why-documentary-family-photography-is-perfect-for-families-with-neurodivergent-kids/): As a documentary family photographer based in Dublin, Ireland, I've had the privilege of capturing countless families' memories and special... - [Navigating the World of Attachment Parenting: Tips and Insights for Parents](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/navigating-the-world-of-attachment-parenting-tips-and-insights-for-parents/): As a documentary family photographer in Dublin, I've had the opportunity to work with many families who practice attachment parenting.... - [10 Tips To Get the Most Out Of Your Big Camera (DSLR Or Mirrorless)](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/10-tips-to-get-the-most-out-of-your-big-camera-dslr-or-mirrorless/): A couple of weeks ago, I asked my audience on Instagram what they would most like help with, and someone... - [A Guide to the Exciting Third Trimester of Pregnancy](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/a-guide-to-the-exciting-third-trimester-of-pregnancy/): As a newborn photographer based in Dublin, Ireland, and a mom, I understand that the third trimester of pregnancy is... - [How Gentle Parenting Can Help You Raise Happy, Healthy Children](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/how-gentle-parenting-can-help-you-raise-happy-healthy-children/): Gentle parenting is a way of bringing up kids that focuses on empathy, respect, and understanding. It's based on the... - [The Joys of Documentary Newborn Photos](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/the-joys-of-documentary-newborn-photos/): As a documentary-style newborn photographer in Dublin, I have had the privilege of capturing some of the most intimate and... - [Here’s Why You’ll Love a Documentary-Style Newborn Photography Session at Home](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/documentary-home-newborn-photography-session/): As a documentary-style newborn photographer in Dublin, Ireland, I recommend that my clients consider doing a newborn session at home... - [Things for Families To Do In Dublin, Ireland](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/things-for-families-to-do-in-dublin-ireland/): Conveniently walkable, and known for being one of Europe’s friendliest cities, Dublin remains an attractive location for visitors and tourists... - [7 Reasons to Consider a Family Portrait Session at Home](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/home-family-portrait-session/): Don't let the cold or wet weather in Dublin stop you from capturing some quality family time. I love in-home... - [[Case Study] How Jen Narrowed Down Her Family Photos For Print](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/choosing-family-photos-for-print/): A lot of parents struggle with the overwhelming task of choosing which photos to print for a photobook or for... - [Here Is Why Documentary Family Photography Is So Meaningful](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/why-documentary-family-photography-is-meaningful/): Last October, I did a half-day documentary family photoshoot with Jen and her family of five. Since then, she has... - [Summer Family Photos In The Rain | Donabate](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/irish-summer-family-photos-in-the-rain/): This half-day-in-the-life family photo session took place during summer 2020, in Donabate. This family wanted part of their weekend morning... - [Hiring A Family Photographer Before Moving House: Check](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/moving-house-a-family-photoshoot-in-athy-co-kildare/): Embarking on a new chapter in life often means leaving behind cherished memories and moments, but with a documentary family... - [Real-life Family Photography With Baby - Portarlington, Co Laois](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/real-life-family-photography-with-baby-portarlington-co-laois/): Not only did I have the opportunity to photograph Jen and her family of 5 in Portarlington, Co Laois, but... - [Capture Authentic Moments with Day in the Life Family Photography](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/day-in-the-life-family-photography-ireland/): Welcome to a glimpse into the extraordinary beauty of everyday life captured through the lens of Day in the Life... - [8 Reasons To Opt For Documentary Family Photography](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/8-reasons-to-opt-for-documentary-family-photography/): Capture real moments with documentary family photography. No posing, just natural smiles and expressions in your comfortable setting. - [How To Photograph The Story of Your Family Vacation in Ireland](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/how-to-photograph-the-story-of-your-family-vacation-ireland/): Discover how to capture the full story of your family vacation, not just the usual postcards. Embrace shared moments, routines,... - [A Year in the Life of Our Garden: A Project on Seasons, Time and Changes](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/family-photography-award-series-garden-time/): I was hoping that focusing on what was WITHIN these walls would help take my attention away from their limitations.... - [Family Portraits With Grandparents | South Dublin](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/multi-generational-family-photos-south-dublin/): Join me for an inside look into a family documentary portrait session with grandparents. These sessions capture the connections among... - [30 Advent Traditions to Share with your Family this Christmas](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/30-family-advent-christmas-traditions/): You might already have your favourite family Advent & Christmas traditions that you share with your children every year. However,... - [Low Impact Living As A Family In Ireland, By Timi Nicholson, Zero Waste Speaker](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/low-impact-living-as-a-family-in-ireland/): I’m delighted to bring you a different kind of article today with an interview with one of Ireland’s top Zero... - [From Three to Four | Maternity & Newborn Photos in Portmarnock](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/baby-cara-portmarnock-maternity-newborn-photography/): In this blog post, I'm delighted to share the story of Baby Cara, beautifully documented during not one, but two... - [Why Even Professional Photographers Need To Hire Family Photographers](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/why-do-photographers-hire-other-photographers-for-family-sessions/): Picture this: you’re a parent and a professional photographer. You love taking photos of your family, but find it hard... - [Travel Family Photography | Hill of Tara, Ireland](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/travel-family-photography-ireland-hill-of-tara/): Today I am featuring a travel family photography session in Ireland. Follow along as I share the story of a... - [What To Wear To A Family Photoshoot With Me](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/what-to-wear-to-a-family-photoshoot/): The good news: there is no need to go shopping for new outfits unless that’s something that will bring you... - [Feature in Foto Koch's Schnappschuss Magazine Issue 63](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/feature-in-foto-kochs-schnappschuss-magazine-issue-63/): Today, I'm thrilled to share some exciting news: my feature in Foto Koch's Schnappschuss Magazine. WOW. This is pretty much... - [Réiltín | Daily Life of a Family Battling Cancer | Dublin, Ireland](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/ditl-a-family-battling-cancer-ireland/): One of the reasons behind building a sustainable business (besides paying the mortgage that is!) was to be able to... - [Intimate Wedding With Children | The K Club, Ireland](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/children-intimate-wedding-photographer-k-club-kildare/): Welcome to a blog post featuring images from a heartwarming wedding celebration at the K Club in Co. Kildare, Ireland.... - [Real Wedding With Children | Boyne Hill House, Ireland](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/real-wedding-with-children-boyne-hill-house-ireland/): August 2019: It was my 4th time photographing Majella and Finn, 2nd time for Col and Réiltín. Let’s just say... - [Home Birth Photographer in Dublin](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/home-birth-photographer-in-dublin/): Calling all mothers-to-be currently planning a home birth in Dublin! I’m so excited to announce that I am now offering... - [Photographing A Family Of Six With Teens | Dublin](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/photographing-a-family-of-six-with-teens-dublin/): In today's blog post, we embark on a journey to capture the vibrant energy and dynamic connections of a family... - [Coming Home | Fresh 48 Newborn Photography in Dublin](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/coming-home-fresh-48-newborn-photography-dublin/): A brand new baby. Two big sisters. A birth pool being used one last time before packing. Tandem nursing. An... - [Family & Newborn Photos At Home + Garden | Meath](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/family-newborn-photos-at-home-meath/): A house with a story. Surrounded by the remains of the family farm. Big trees. A red car. A dog.... - [Outdoor Family Photos in St Anne's Park, Dublin](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/outdoor-family-photoshoot-in-st-annes-park-dublin/): Some children are so theatrical! Comedians with expressions going from pure excitement to a sad clown in the space of... - [In-Home Pregnancy And Newborn Photoshoots With Siblings - Dublin](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/in-home-pregnancy-newborn-photoshoots-with-siblings-dublin/): As a documentary family photographer in Dublin, it was an absolute joy to capture the special moments of both a... - [Relaxed At Home Family Photos | Enniskerry, Wicklow](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/relaxed-at-home-family-photos-enniskerry-wicklow/): So, you know the way children love bubbles and running after them, but they like holding the bubble bottle even... - [Tired of Taking Blurry Photographs of Your Children?](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/tired-of-taking-blurry-photographs-of-your-children/): Your children aren’t cooperating when you ask them to sit down and smile at the camera, are they? I’ll tell... - [Outdoor Family Photography | Phoenix Park, Dublin](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/outdoor-summer-family-photoshoot-park/): We were in Phoenix park, taking a stroll around Farmleigh House when we saw a dog looking quite friendly. Oliver... - [Photos You Need To Take of Grandma + Grandpa This Year](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/photos-you-need-to-take-of-grandma-grandpa-this-year/): My grandfather passed away in November 2016. The last time I got to see him in person (rather than Skype)... - [Family Vacation Photography | Dublin & Howth](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/family-vacation-photography-dublin-howth/): When looking at photographs of their vacation, this family of five from New Jersey won’t just remember the beautiful Irish... - [Sisters: A Home Family Portrait Session in Dublin](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/home-family-portrait-session-dublin/): I knew Valentina and I were a perfect match when she explained that she had thousands of photographs of her... - [In-Home Maternity and Newborn Photography - Dublin](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/in-home-dublin-maternity-and-newborn-photography/): A maternity photo session isn’t just about taking pictures of a baby bump. It’s about preserving the memories and emotions... - [Being in the Moment VS Taking the Photograph](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/being-in-the-moment-vs-taking-the-photograph/): I wanted to talk about something I am personally working on right now, at home, when photographing my own family.... - [Home & Outdoor Natural Family Photos in Greystones](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/home-outdoor-natural-family-photos-in-greystones/): His coat still on, Adam (6) ran to the kitchen table and started shoving big spoonfuls of ice cream into... - [Mums, 8 Ways To Get In The Picture With And For Your Children](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/mums-8-ways-to-get-in-the-picture-with-and-for-your-children/): I’ve talked numerous times about the importance of being in photographs. For us (to travel back in time and FEEL... - [Bridal Designer | Personal Branding Business Photography in Dublin](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/bridal-designer-personal-branding-business-photography-dublin/): I went to Sarah's studio to photograph her at work. It was very soothing looking at her and I left... - [Brothers | Outdoor Family Photoshoot Killiney Hill](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/family-photoshoot-killiney-hill-dublin/): L and J are brothers. L is 5 and J is 2. Ciara and Dan love spending time with their... - [Breastfeeding and Down Syndrome - Ireland's National Breastfeeding Week 2017](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/national-breastfeeding-week-breastfeeding-syndrome/): This week is Ireland’s National Breastfeeding Week and today, I met with a group of mothers in Foam Café in... - [[Photographing with intent] The Importance of Being in the Moment](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/the-importance-of-being-in-the-moment/): Musings around anxiety, filling our time with "things to do" and the importance of being in the moment with our... - [6 Tips To Help You Choose the Right Newborn Photographer for You](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/how-to-choose-the-right-newborn-photographer-for-you/): Guide to choose the right newborn photographer. Understand posed, lifestyle and documentary styles to capture the perfect moment. - [A Sudden Weaning Story: How This Mother Had To Stop Breastfeeding For Medical Reasons](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/sudden-weaning-stop-breastfeeding-for-medical-reasons/): A few weeks ago, Majella was told by doctors that she had to start a new treatment. The medication isn't... - [Tandem Breastfeeding Triplets And A Toddler - Dublin](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/breastfeeding-triplets-and-a-toddler-in-tandems/): Let me introduce Cliona and Sue, two wives from Dublin, Ireland, and their inspiring family and breastfeeding journeys. Sue gave... - [Suvi & Rosie's Story: Breastfeeding a Child With Type 1 Diabetes - Dublin](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/breastfeeding-a-child-with-type-1-diabetes-dublin/): Last year, I photographed over 10 nursing mothers and their babies/toddlers as part of a Model Call on breastfeeding photography.... - [Mums, 8 Reasons Why You Should Exist In Photographs](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/mums-8-reasons-why-should-you-be-in-the-photos/): Today, I wanted to explore eight reasons why it's important for mums to be in front of the camera, celebrating... - [10 Tips To Cope With Sleep Deprivation](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/10-little-tips-and-tricks-which-helped-me-survive-sleep-deprivation/): Understand how to cope with sleep deprivation. Learn practical advice from a first-hand experience. - [Melanie - Outdoor Family & Maternity Photoshoot - Dublin](https://www.johannakingphotography.com/glasnevin-dublin-maternity-family-photoshoot/): Get ready for a wild adventure in the Dublin Botanical Gardens! This documentary maternity and family photoshoot turned into a... --- # # Detailed Content ## Pages - Published: 2025-07-11 - Modified: 2025-07-11 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/for-parents/ ### For Parents Courses & Resources For Parents I care about you creating the same meaningful photographs for your family that I create for my clients. Freebies --- - Published: 2025-06-17 - Modified: 2025-07-02 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/headshots-portraits-photographer-dublin/ ### Headshots & Portraits Photographer Dublin When photographing your family (in the broad sense of the word), I am not just looking at taking beautiful images. My main goal is for you to FEEL something when you see your gallery. I believe photography is a very important part of life because it will let us travel back in time and revisit those special moments of our lives. Natural HeADSHOT & PORTRAIT Photographer Dublin Authentic portrait sessionsfor women ready to be seen This is about being in the frame and still feeling like you Not for the algorithm. Not for the applause. For you. This is a space to pause.To be seen without performance.To let your portrait feel like a mirror, not a mask. PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY FOR WOMEN IN DUBLIN Inside Out Sessions Pause & Presence This session isn’t about looking confident.It’s about feeling free. The kind of freedom that lives in your laugh.In how you move when no one’s watching.In the quiet knowing that, for once,you don’t need to perform. You get to just be.And that gets to be enough. What if your photos felt like you? You’ve spent years shaping how you show up. Smiling when it’s expected.Choosing what feels “right” over what feels real.Looking “professional” because that’s what you've been told you need to do to succeed. Maybe you’re starting to feel the weight of it.Or maybe you already know: it’s time for something else. Because you’re no longer interested in photos that just look the part.You want images that feel honest.That reflect your presence, not just a role you play.The way people feel when they’re with you.The way you want to feel when you see yourself. Not polished.Not perfect.Just real. This session is a space for that. “It’s easier to accept myself now, with time and experience. But it’s still not always simple.That photo session really helped. I looked at the pictures and thought,‘That’s... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2025-06-10 - Modified: 2025-06-10 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/thank-you-the-first-weeks/ ### The First Weeks - You're in! Yay! You're one step closer to capturing this unique, beautiful blur. You’re signed up for The First Weeks series. Check your inbox for your welcome email and printable prompt checklist. Whether your baby is here or still on their way, the next three emails will help you: Be more present and visible in your family memories Let go of perfection and honour what’s already unfolding Decide if a documentary newborn session might be the right next step. Check your Inbox for a confirmation email with a link to access the checklist: "The First Weeks: A Newborn Photo Prompt Guide"! Didn’t get the email? Be sure to check your spam or promotions folder, just in case! Curious what these sessions actually look like? View my newborn photography portfolio → --- - Published: 2025-05-25 - Modified: 2025-07-09 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/membership/ ### Year In The Life Memberships Once you contact me to schedule a session, I’ll send you a link to complete the session agreement, model release, and client questionnaire forms all online, as well as an invoice for your session reservation fee. Once your forms are complete and your reservation fee payment is received, you are booked on my calendar! Year in the Life Membership One season. Multiple chapters. A story worth remembering. The Year in the Life Membership is a private offering for families who want more than a single moment frozen in time. It’s for those who feel how fast it’s going, and want something more meaningful than a highlight reel. What if you didn’t have to choose just one moment? Because this isn’t just about one day.It’s about capturing the rhythm of your real life, as it changes, deepens, and grows. Who is it for? First-year with a new baby Last year before school A year of change, growth, or transition Families who feel how fast it’s moving What's included in a membership? 2–4 short story sessions (2 hours each, relaxed + documentary) Full digital gallery from each session One year-end custom legacy album (curated across sessions) Two mini-duplicates (perfect for the children or the grandparents) Print/product credit No-brainer upgrades available (Half Day or Full Day sessions) Priority scheduling, reminders, and support Emotional ease, creative trust, and presence Membership Tiers It surprised me how quickly I have become converted to the idea of having our lives periodically documented as an important expenditure. I also think, where initially I had no idea of the cost of the product, that it is excellent value for money. Sharon I can’t recommend Johanna highly enough. We have had 5 documentary-style sessions with her and have 5 beautiful albums now, and many framed prints. Johanna has a lovely relaxed manner and is... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2025-05-16 - Modified: 2025-07-31 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/2025-family-sessions-guide/ ### 2025-2 Family Sessions - Pricing Once you contact me to schedule a session, I’ll send you a link to complete the session agreement, model release, and client questionnaire forms all online, as well as an invoice for your session reservation fee. Once your forms are complete and your reservation fee payment is received, you are booked on my calendar! This content is password protected. To view it please enter your password below: Password: --- - Published: 2025-03-19 - Modified: 2025-03-20 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/expired/ ### Expired This offer has now expired. Make sure to sign up to my newsletter through one of freebies. --- - Published: 2025-03-19 - Modified: 2025-03-20 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/isd2025/ ### ISD - School Photos 2025 ISD School Photos 2025 Wednesday 7 May & Thursday 8 May A documentary family photographer is coming to the International School of Dublin to take candid portraits of your children in school. No stiff poses, no forced smiles: just authentic portraits that reflect their personalities. How it Works Photos will be taken during the school day, capturing children as they are: learning, laughing, and playing. After the session, parents will receive an online gallery for each class to view and purchase their child’s portraits. The gallery will be open for 15 days only and the orders will be fulfilled automatically. Opting Out If you do not wish for your child to be photographed, please inform the school by Friday 2 April 2025. Pricing Note that print orders will be fulfilled and shipped automatically by the printing lab and a shipping fee of around €10 will apply. Digital Files (High Resolution) 5 Digital Files - €95 3 Digital Files - €60 1 Digital File - €25 Standard Photo Prints Medium prints (10x8" & 12x8") - €29 Small prints (6x4", 7x5" & 8x6") - €18 Foam Mounted Photo Prints Large prints (14x11") - €59 Medium prints (10x8" & 12x8") - €29 Framed Prints Wooden Frames start at €127 Edge Prints start at €97 Packages also available What to wear? There’s no dress code. Kids should feel comfortable and be themselves!However, if you’d like some guidance: Timeless choices: Solid colours, simple patterns, and classic styles tend to age well in photos. Avoid logos... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2025-02-13 - Modified: 2025-02-13 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/i-want-to-stay/ ### I want to stay! You want to stay! That's great to hear and I will therefore NOT delete you from my email list. Chat soon. Blog & Socials I share photography tips among other things on my blog and social media. Blog Articles Instagram Facebook Freebies Free downloads and photo challenges for parents who like to try something new and get their photographs printed. Check the freebies Work With Me Documentary family photography AND photography education for parents. Portfolio Sessions Info + Prices About Me Courses --- - Published: 2025-02-05 - Modified: 2025-02-18 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/2025-events-pricing/ ### 2025 Events Pricing Once you contact me to schedule a session, I’ll send you a link to complete the session agreement, model release, and client questionnaire forms all online, as well as an invoice for your session reservation fee. Once your forms are complete and your reservation fee payment is received, you are booked on my calendar! This content is password protected. To view it please enter your password below: Password: --- - Published: 2025-01-27 - Modified: 2025-01-27 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/thank-you-for-your-submission/ ### Thank you for submitting your images for review! Thank you for trusting me with your images! I'll be in touch as soon as I have recorded the review with a link to the video. It might be a good idea to add info@johannakingphotography.com to your Contacts to avoid my emails going into spam. Blog & Socials I share photography tips among other things on my blog and social media. Blog Articles Instagram Facebook More Freebies Free downloads and photo challenges for parents who like to try something new and get their photographs printed. Check the freebies Work With Me Documentary family photography AND photography education for parents. Portfolio Sessions Info + Prices About Me Courses --- - Published: 2025-01-21 - Modified: 2025-07-03 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/2025-family-sessions-pricing/ ### 2025 Family Sessions - Pricing Once you contact me to schedule a session, I’ll send you a link to complete the session agreement, model release, and client questionnaire forms all online, as well as an invoice for your session reservation fee. Once your forms are complete and your reservation fee payment is received, you are booked on my calendar! This content is password protected. To view it please enter your password below: Password: --- - Published: 2025-01-13 - Modified: 2025-03-04 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/mothers-day-motherhood-mini-sessions/ ### Mother's Day Mini-Sessions Mother's Day Mini-Sessions You deserve to be seen, appreciated, and remembered in the moments that matter most. These 45-minute mini-sessions offer a unique opportunity to step in front of the camera and celebrate the beautiful bond you share with your babies or children in a shorter, more accessible format. Terms and Conditions: Book before 30 March 2025.Session to take place before 30 June 2025. Limited to 5. This is my toddler and I, Johanna King, documentary family photographer based in Dublin. Whenever I have my own family photographed, my favourite images are often those where my love for my children shines through. Maybe it's because I worry they won't remember how much I loved them. I worry they'll only remember me saying "no" too often. I worry that the simple, everyday moments won't be vivid enough to imprint in their memory. That's why this image here, for example, is priceless to me, and I'd love to create similar images for you as well (although you don't have to breastfeed!). Let's Do It! “Johanna is a very gentle and easy photographer to work with, puts you at ease, and is wonderful with children. Very professional service and clear communication. She captured lovely shots that felt completely candid and natural at the time, but when viewed in print also show a clear attention to colour, style and detail that are the mark of a talented photographer.” Alison Motherhood & Breastfeeding Photoshoot in Dublin, Ireland What is a Motherhood Session? Motherhood Sessions aim... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2024-11-14 - Modified: 2025-06-26 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/got-it/ ### Got it! Got it! Thank you for letting me know.Have a great summer! --- - Published: 2024-10-19 - Modified: 2025-06-30 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/almost-there/ ### Thank You! You’re Almost There… Thanks for signing up!I’m so glad you’re here. Every week, you’ll receive simple prompts to help you notice more and remember better this summer. Nothing fancy. Just small nudges to capture the stuff that matters. In the meantime, to make sure they don't end up in Spam: Add info@johannakingphotography.com to your contacts And if you ever change your mind? Unsubscribing is one click away, no hard feelings. Blog & Socials I share photography tips among other things on my blog and social media. Blog Articles Instagram Facebook Learn from me Education for parents, free downloads and photo challenges for parents who like to try something new and get their photographs printed. Check the freebies Courses Work With Me Documentary family photography AND photography education for parents. Portfolio Sessions Info + Prices About Me --- - Published: 2024-05-01 - Modified: 2024-05-01 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/2024-birth-pricing/ ### 2024 Birth Photography Pricing This content is password protected. To view it please enter your password below: Password: --- - Published: 2024-04-16 - Modified: 2025-01-21 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/thankyou/ ### You're in! You're in Thank you, thank you! Check your inbox (and your Spam or Promotions folder, just in case) and then get started! Blog & Socials I share photography tips among other things on my blog and social media. Blog Articles Instagram Facebook More Freebies Free downloads and photo challenges for parents who like to try something new and get their photographs printed. Check the freebies Work With Me Documentary family photography AND photography education for parents. Portfolio Sessions Info + Prices About Me Courses --- - Published: 2024-03-16 - Modified: 2024-03-18 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/outdoor-lifestyle-maternity-photoshoot/ ### [Gallery Example] Outdoor Lifestyle Maternity Photoshoot Outdoor Lifestyle Maternity Photoshoot Dublin --- - Published: 2024-03-14 - Modified: 2025-06-30 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/thank-you/ ### Thank You Thank you for reaching out! As a small business owner and a mother, I deeply value every inquiry I receive. While I strive to respond promptly, it may take me up to 3 working days to reply. Your patience and understanding are truly appreciated. In the meantime, feel free to explore more about my freebies for parents and my blog. Wishing you a peaceful day filled with moments of joy and connection. Blog Articles No posts were found. --- - Published: 2024-02-06 - Modified: 2024-02-20 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/portfolio/ ### Portfolio Portfolio Welcome to my portfolio, where each image aims to tell a story, with a lot of love and a dash of humour. Dive in and enjoy the journey! (Click on the images to expand) About Johanna Info + Pricing Ready to inquire This gallery showcases photographs from all seasons of family life including maternity, newborn, real-life, vacations, family events, children portraits, and family history sessions. “As a journalist, I treasure photos that show people living everyday life, and I wanted that part of us captured. When I found Johanna’s website, I loved her shots. Her ability to tell a story with an artistic eye. I wanted to touch her photos. They’re visceral experiences.” Erin Vacation Family Photography Session in Meath, Ireland --- - Published: 2024-02-03 - Modified: 2025-06-17 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/photographe-reportage-famille-irlande/ ### Photographe Reportage Famille en Irlande “Sometimes you will never know the value of something, until it becomes a memory.” ― Dr. Seuss I am Johanna King and I am a Dublin based family and wedding photographer specialising in documentary photography, otherwise known as storytelling photography. Photographe Famille Reportage Documentaire à Dublin, Irlande et en France Des photos de famille capturées sur le vif, uniques, et avec une touche d'humour J'immortalise des moments du quotidiens et je raconte votre histoire dans un album photo qui vous fera sourire pour la vie. Avec plus de 10+ ans d'expérience, je suis une photographe Française installée en Irlande, spécialisée dans les reportages documentaires famille à la maison, en vadrouille et en vacances. Que vous soyez une famille Française expatriée en Irlande, ou en train de planifier votre voyage, ou souhaitez me faire venir chez vous, en France, envoyez-moi un petit email pour en discuter. Hello, je suis Johanna King, une photographe famille basée à Dublin, spécialisée dans les moments authentiques de la vie de famille. Française émigrée en Irlande depuis 2007, je parle couramment le Français et l'Anglais. En tant que mère de deux enfants, je comprends que le temps passe trop lentement une minute (est-ce déjà l'heure du coucher ?) et trop vite la suivante (où est passé mon bébé ?). J'adore documenter notre vie quotidienne, mais j'ai des difficulités à gérer la quantité de photos numériques et les imprimer dans des albums photos réguliers. J'aimerais aussi être SUR les photos avec mes enfants. Quand mon fils entoure spontanément ses petit bras autour de mon cou, je ne peux pas être celle qui prend la photo. Mais je peux photographier ces souvenirs pour vous. Je sais à quel point vous êtes occupés. Je sais combien vous aimez vos... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2024-02-02 - Modified: 2025-01-21 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/2024-family-sessions-pricing/ ### 2024 Family Sessions - Pricing Once you contact me to schedule a session, I’ll send you a link to complete the session agreement, model release, and client questionnaire forms all online, as well as an invoice for your session reservation fee. Once your forms are complete and your reservation fee payment is received, you are booked on my calendar! This content is password protected. To view it please enter your password below: Password: --- - Published: 2024-02-01 - Modified: 2025-07-01 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/grandparents-family-photos-dublin/ ### Family History Portraits When photographing your family (in the broad sense of the word), I am not just looking at taking beautiful images. My main goal is for you to FEEL something when you see your gallery. I believe photography is a very important part of life because it will let us travel back in time and revisit those special moments of our lives. At Home Grandparents & Family Portraits in Dublin Some of the most meaningful photographs your children will ever own This is your legacy... and theirs. Documenting your family history matters. And it starts with taking portraits of the older adults in your life. No matter how young they still are, don't wait. Include them in the photos with your kids, and don't forget their environment, which is a big part of their story. And if you want a professional to do it, while you can all relax and simply spend time together, then get in touch today. Why I care My grandfather passed away in November 2016. The last time I got to see him in person (rather than Skype) was in June 2015, during our first trip to France with our 3-month-old daughter. Here is one of the very last photographs I took of him, along with my grandmother and my daughter. Look at this small touch of his finger. First great-grandchild and first baby in the family in more than eighteen years. I often think of all the photographs I wish I had taken of him when it was still time. Photographs of him by himself. In his house. In his bee suit. In his beloved vegetable garden. Him in his office, or leaving to go wild boar hunting. There is no way to go back in time, so there is no point torturing myself about it, but the lesson I learnt from it drives me to make... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2024-02-01 - Modified: 2024-03-16 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/maternity-photographer-dublin/ ### Maternity Photographer When photographing your family (in the broad sense of the word), I am not just looking at taking beautiful images. My main goal is for you to FEEL something when you see your gallery. I believe photography is a very important part of life because it will let us travel back in time and revisit those special moments of our lives. Documentary Maternity Photographer in Dublin Beyond the bump: candid stories of pregnancy Marking the end of one era, the beginning of another. Documentary Maternity Photography goes beyond capturing the bump; it’s a visual tale of transformation and the sweet anticipation of a new chapter. As one season comes to an end, a beautiful transition unfolds. I can't begin to tell you how much I love this image with my daughter from my very own pregnancy photoshoot Back in 2022, my 7-year-old awaited the arrival of her baby brother with A LOT OF excitement. Every day, she would hug my belly (and even lie down on it). While she had us to herself for a long time, I still knew that there would be a time when she would hardly remember being a single child - and us forgetting how it felt to have just one! So it was super important to me that we had a photographer come into our home and document some everyday moments that may seem mundane, but were about to change. And yes, as you probably guessed, life has changed A LOT. She had to adjust and learn to share our time and attention. I can hardly remember being able to spend hours with her, just the two of us. I'm very grateful for these images and I love creating the same powerful ones for other families. Let's Do It! “Johanna came to our home to do both a pregnancy and a newborn photoshoot. She captured... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2024-01-31 - Modified: 2024-02-26 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/children-portraits-dublin/ ### Children & Family Portraits When photographing your family (in the broad sense of the word), I am not just looking at taking beautiful images. My main goal is for you to FEEL something when you see your gallery. I believe photography is a very important part of life because it will let us travel back in time and revisit those special moments of our lives. Candid Children Portraits in Dublin Through their eyes: soulful documentary portraits of children Watching children play is witnessing the purest form of joy, boundless imagination, and uninhibited creativity. Observing and photographing your children is one of my biggest joys. I do take portraits during all family photo sessions During family portrait sessions, I take environmental portraits of your children within their natural surroundings or familiar environments. Instead of traditional studio setups, this approach aims to showcase the subjects in places that hold personal meaning to them, such as their home, or a favorite park. While they play/eat/read or simply take a breath, I aim to capture the essence of your children. I won't pose them or direct them, but sometimes, there will be unprompted eye contact. These portraits can be a part of a regular real-life session or you can now book a children's portrait session where I solely focus on them. Inquire Today “I found Johanna to be excellent with the children. We have a very active 3 year old and she was extremely patient in trying to get good shots of him. He can be slow to warm up to new people but she managed to engage him and gain his trust. I found her very easy to relax around.” Melanie Maternity & Family Photoshoot in Glasnevin, Dublin Say goodbye to awkward poses and forced smiles. Let your children run wild and relax, knowing I will capture great family photos no matter what AND take care of the... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2024-01-31 - Modified: 2024-02-20 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/vacation-photographer-dublin-ireland/ ### Vacation Photographer When photographing your family (in the broad sense of the word), I am not just looking at taking beautiful images. My main goal is for you to FEEL something when you see your gallery. I believe photography is a very important part of life because it will let us travel back in time and revisit those special moments of our lives. Dublin Family Vacation Photographer Candid Ireland: capture your travelling memories Want to really soak in your vacation while visiting Ireland? Leave your camera/phone away for a time. Let me document the moments, the memories, the landscapes. I’ll be the one organising the photos into a collection that tells a story and you’ll get to be IN your photos too. What’s not to love? “Ireland will carve out a little piece of your heart during your visit. Be prepared to fly home and tell your friends: ‘We'll have to go back’.” Travelling to Dublin, Meath or Wicklow with your family? I’ll join you for 2h, a half-day or even a full day to capture your family, as you are, whatever you have planned. Family vacations are made of fun but also tiredness and tantrums and I believe these real moments should figure in your vacation photobook as well! Professional photography for your walls and your photobook collection. Of course, you will be taking hundreds (if not thousands) of photographs yourself, but I know how hard it is to get them organised and printed once you get back home. This is where I come in. Let me do all the work, so all you have to think about is being a part of the moment. Let's Do It! Originally from France, I have been calling Ireland my home since 2007. When I travel back "home", I concentrate on real moments of my children with their grandparents as well as little details such... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2024-01-31 - Modified: 2025-07-01 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/family-event-photographer/ ### Event Photographer When photographing your family (in the broad sense of the word), I am not just looking at taking beautiful images. My main goal is for you to FEEL something when you see your gallery. I believe photography is a very important part of life because it will let us travel back in time and revisit those special moments of our lives. DOCUMENTARY EVENT PHOTOGRAPHER IN DUBLIN In-between momentsFunny momentsEmotional momentsDocumented with an artistic eye Capturing love, joy, and milestones: intimate family events I can document your small intimate family wedding, communion party, 1st or 90th birthday party, anniversary, christening, family barbecue, or beach party in Dublin or anywhere else in Ireland. Where there are people and love, there is a story to document. Hi, I'm Johanna King! As your family event photographer, I will use a documentary style and focus on capturing: Genuine emotions: Candid shots reflecting authentic joy, laughter, and love. Intimate moments: Tender interactions between family members that tell a unique story. Details and atmosphere: Capturing the ambiance, decor, and small details that set the scene. Unscripted moments: Natural, unposed interactions that reveal the true essence of the event. Connection and relationships: Showcasing the bonds between family members and friends. Expressions and reactions: Capturing the varied emotions throughout the event. Guest interactions: Candid shots of guests enjoying the event and engaging with each other. Let's Do It! “I only have a handful of pictures myself when I was young and always felt something was missing. My daughter's 1st Birthday was a big milestone and I wanted professional pictures where we were all included without having to pose for them. Johanna captured the moments beautifully and the smiles my daughter gave her speak volumes. We felt super at ease and she was part of the family on the day.” Melanie 1st Birthday Party Photography in Ashbourne, Ireland Are you a... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2024-01-30 - Modified: 2025-07-02 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/dublin-commercial-brand-photographer/ ### Documentary Brand Photographer When photographing your family (in the broad sense of the word), I am not just looking at taking beautiful images. My main goal is for you to FEEL something when you see your gallery. I believe photography is a very important part of life because it will let us travel back in time and revisit those special moments of our lives. Storytelling Brand & COMMERCIAL Photographer Dublin Real brand moments, gently guided and beautifully captured. You’ve outgrown the stock photos. Your work is real, tactile, sensory. Your brand deserves imagery that feels just as alive. Whether you're hand-crafting, healing, designing, teaching, or leading, this isn’t just about what you do, it’s about how it feels to work with you. That’s what I document: honest, powerful scenes of your process, your people, and the moments your clients never get to see, but feel in your brand. Let's chat Personal Branding Photos for Social Media & Website Content A library of images created for YOU, so you can concentrate on the things you love. The right photographs will help convert your audience into followers, subscribers, or clients. But creating new quality content can be both exhausting and overwhelming. It feels like a race that can never be won. Now, relax your shoulders and take a big breath... How about we create 60 images together for you to use any way you want? Imagine waking up tomorrow with a folder of 60 authentic and unique images on your laptop. That’s at least 3 months' worth of content! Let's Do It! “I usually hate having photos taken but I felt entirely at ease with Johanna. I’m normally really critical of how I look in photos but I haven’t done that at all with these photos. I am absolutely thrilled with the photos & delighted with the professionalism and quality of the service. Will use again... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2024-01-29 - Modified: 2025-07-01 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/dublin-newborn-maternity-photographer/ ### Newborn Photographer When photographing your family (in the broad sense of the word), I am not just looking at taking beautiful images. My main goal is for you to FEEL something when you see your gallery. I believe photography is a very important part of life because it will let us travel back in time and revisit those special moments of our lives. In-Home Newborn & Maternity Photographer Dublin It’s raw.It’s fleeting.It’s beautiful.It’s yours. Unposed. Unfiltered. Unforgettable. In-home documentary photography for the real, emotional, in-between moments: before, during, and after baby arrives. This isn’t about outfits or posing.It’s about your toddler hugging your bump.Your partner making tea while you feed the baby.The way your house actually looks in those early days.These are the quiet moments we forget, unless someone’s there to catch them. Baby skin, morning cuddles, the last weeks before everything changes.What feels ordinary now is the very thing you’ll want to remember. From your first baby to your last, every beginning is a story worth remembering My newborn and maternity sessions are baby-led, relaxed, and designed around your family. There’s no need to tidy (but if it makes you feel better, go for it). You don’t have to perform or pretend. You’re allowed to feel tired, messy, emotional, and still want to remember this season. Most sessions take place in your home, a familiar setting that’s perfect for newborn photos, maternity portraits, and honest family storytelling. Want to step outside? We can take your maternity or newborn photoshoot to the garden, your favourite beach, or anywhere close to home that matters to you. This style of in-home photography makes it easy to include siblings, grandparents, or even the family dog, and yes, you can absolutely stay in your pyjamas. You don’t need a perfect plan.You just need to say yes to remembering this season, as it really was. I think this... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2021-10-20 - Modified: 2025-07-09 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/family-photos-packages/ ### Sessions & Pricing Once you contact me to schedule a session, I’ll send you a link to complete the session agreement, model release, and client questionnaire forms all online, as well as an invoice for your session reservation fee. Once your forms are complete and your reservation fee payment is received, you are booked on my calendar! Family & Event Sessions Photos that feel like you.Honest, relaxed, and real, without posing or pretending. Whether we’re at home, on the beach, or in the middle of a celebration, these sessions are built to reflect your life as it actually feels, not how it “should” look. Why this matters You don’t need to pose.You don’t need to plan.You don’t need to be anything other than yourselves. This is about seeing your family as you are, and preserving that for your future selves to remember with warmth, laughter, and love. “I wanted to capture the ordinary, and that’s exactly what we got.” We had a wonderful experience working with Johanna. Posed photos aren’t my style, I really wanted to capture the routine of real family life, and that’s exactly what we got. The whole process was easy from start to finish. The session felt completely relaxed, nothing awkward or forced, and the final images are just perfect, something I’ll truly treasure. Hannah, family session Year in the Life Membership Documentary membership sessions for families who want to remember more. Because some stories are too rich for just one chapter. The Year in the Life Collection is my private membership for families who want more than a one-off session. It’s for the memory-keepers, the storytellers, the parents who look at their kids and think:“How is this already a different season?” It’s for the ones who know how fleeting this all is... and want their children to remember not just what life... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2021-06-09 - Modified: 2024-02-14 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/family-video-sessions/ ### Family videography sessions Dublin Family Videography / Family Films Let me create your children's favourite movie (ever!) Family Videos to Capture their little voices, their laughs and unique sayings. Photography is amazing and will remain my first love. But video? It’s like emotions are multiplied. They make you laugh or cry and children love watching themselves doing everyday stuff. My daughter’s favourite word when she watches hers is “Encore”! Family videos are unique to your family and I look forward to hearing what part of the day you’d most want to capture: from morning cuddles to after-school chaos or Sunday morning breakfast. Watch some Family Keepsake Film examples https://youtu.be/Kpsh4PFbI5s https://youtu.be/UIJFhGE1GU0 Get your own family movie New baby, morning routine, baking, play time or afternoon with the grandparents. There is no limit to what we can capture! Get in touch --- - Published: 2021-04-06 - Modified: 2024-02-02 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/personal-projects/ ### Personal Projects Personal Photography Projects by Johanna King Balance | A Photobook Santry Community Garden, Dublin. Nature has the power to ground human beings. I documented the garden over the course of a year as a means of nurturing my own artistic practice, and this book is our harvest. "Thank you so much for such a special piece of art. I was really moved by the images and the feeling of your book." Noel Find out more / Buy the book --- - Published: 2020-11-30 - Modified: 2024-02-03 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/birth-photography/ ### 2023 Birth Photography Pricing This content is password protected. To view it please enter your password below: Password: --- - Published: 2020-09-28 - Modified: 2024-10-20 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/freebies/ ### Freebies Freebies Free downloads and photo challenges for parents who like to try something new and get their photographs printed. Coming back soon! --- - Published: 2020-09-24 - Modified: 2025-07-11 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/education/ ### Education Photography Education Whether you're a parent using a phone or an established photographer, there is something for you here. For Photographers For Photographers --- - Published: 2019-12-04 - Modified: 2025-07-11 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/education/mentoring-for-photographers/ ### Mentoring for Photographers PHOTOGRAPHY EDUCATION, RESOURCES & MENTORING For photographers who care about their work, wherever they’re at. It’s not about doing more.It’s about making it feel more like you. You’re not here for quick tips or visibility hacks. You’re here because something in you is asking for a slower, more thoughtful kind of support. Maybe your work is strong, but your portfolio doesn’t reflect it.Maybe you’ve been waiting for clarity, and you’re starting to realise it won’t come from another scroll through Instagram. This is where we focus on what really matters: your voice, your confidence, your direction, and your photography.And we move at a pace that makes sense for your life, not the algorithm. Hi, I’m Johanna King, an award-winning Dublin family photographer focusing on the candid, unscripted, moments of life. I have 12+ years photographing families all across Ireland and I am also a mother of two One of the most important things I have done for my business early on is investing in education & mentoring at times when I felt I couldn't afford it. The thing is, it often is the very thing you cannot afford NOT to invest in. I can help you with a variety of subjects and if it is not listed below, feel free to get in touch and we'll schedule a short introductory call to see whether I am the right mentor for you. Get in touch! I also love sea swimming, chocolate, and travelling (without kids - shhhhh), but who doesn't? “Johanna... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2018-04-08 - Modified: 2024-12-14 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/privacy-policy/ ### Privacy Policy PRIVACY POLICYLast updated December 14, 2024This Privacy Notice for Johanna King Photography ('we', 'us', or 'our'), describes how and why we might access, collect, store, use, and/or share ('process') your personal information when you use our services ('Services'), including when you:Visit our website at https://courses.johannakingphotography.com, or any website of ours that links to this Privacy NoticeUse Photography Services, Resources and Online Courses. Professional photography services, online courses, and free resources to help families and individuals capture meaningful, everyday moments.Engage with us in other related ways, including any sales, marketing, or eventsQuestions or concerns? Reading this Privacy Notice will help you understand your privacy rights and choices. We are responsible for making decisions about how your personal information is processed. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our Services. If you still have any questions or concerns, please contact us at info@johannakingphotography.com.SUMMARY OF KEY POINTSThis summary provides key points from our Privacy Notice, but you can find out more details about any of these topics by clicking the link following each key point or by using our table of contents below to find the section you are looking for.What personal information do we process? When you visit, use, or navigate our Services, we may process personal information depending on how you interact with us and the Services, the choices you make, and the products and features you use. Learn more about personal information you disclose to us.Do we process any sensitive personal information? Some... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2018-02-06 - Modified: 2024-12-14 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/cookie-policy/ ### Cookie Policy COOKIE POLICYLast updated December 14, 2024This Cookie Policy explains how Johanna King Photography ("Company," "we," "us," and "our") uses cookies and similar technologies to recognize you when you visit our website at https://www.johannakingphotography.com ("Website"). It explains what these technologies are and why we use them, as well as your rights to control our use of them.In some cases we may use cookies to collect personal information, or that becomes personal information if we combine it with other information.What are cookies?Cookies are small data files that are placed on your computer or mobile device when you visit a website. Cookies are widely used by website owners in order to make their websites work, or to work more efficiently, as well as to provide reporting information.Cookies set by the website owner (in this case, Johanna King Photography) are called "first-party cookies." Cookies set by parties other than the website owner are called "third-party cookies." Third-party cookies enable third-party features or functionality to be provided on or through the website (e.g., advertising, interactive content, and analytics). The parties that set these third-party cookies can recognize your computer both when it visits the website in question and also when it visits certain other websites.Why do we use cookies?We use first- and third-party cookies for several reasons. Some cookies are required for technical reasons in order for our Website to operate, and we refer to these as "essential" or "strictly necessary" cookies. Other cookies also enable us to track and target the interests of our... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2017-01-08 - Modified: 2025-07-02 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/contact/ ### Contact Interested in an unposed photo session? Start here. Whether you know exactly what you want or have a million questions, just fill out the form below (it takes 1 minute), and we'll figure it out together. I'll get back to you within 92 hours with my full Pricing Guide. I can't wait to hear about your story. First Name: * Last Name: * Your Email: * Phone Number: Tell me about the session you're envisioning (who’s in it, location, date) and what matters most to you. Country you live in: * If you could teleport, where would you go? What attracted you to my work? May I ask how you found me?—Please choose an option—Search EngineFacebookInstagramCuidiúReferral from Friend or FamilyOnline AdPhysical AdEvent or FairPublicationReferring WebsiteWe know each otherOther I wish to subscribe to your mailing list and receive photography tips and special offers directly into my inbox. * Required fields If you’ve come this far, you must know that I’m Johanna and I am passionate about capturing special milestones, everyday life & vacations for families. I am based in Dublin, Ireland, but open to travel within Ireland for half-day or full-day sessions. I love to travel, so if you love my work and want to teleport me somewhere else, please please get in touch :) Want to reach out to me directly? Email: info@johannakingphotography.comPhone: +353 85 818 98 02 “I don’t like posed photos and prefer to be captured in my daily life, silly faces and everything, so hiring a... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2016-12-14 - Modified: 2025-07-01 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/about/ ### About Johanna When I was around ten years old, I used to ask myself what I would do if the house suddenly went on fire. I had it all figured out: I would get up from my bed (for some reason, I was always in my bedroom in this scenario), take all the photo albums on my shelf, open the window, throw them as far as possible and climb down after them (I was on the first floor but could easily drop down without breaking a leg). If I had time I would also save all my journals and letters, but they would always come second. Meet Johanna If I could pick two superpowers, I’d choose teleportation and the ability to stop time. Using my camera to keep memories alive is the closest I get to stopping time. I'm still working on the teleportation. What I would have saved from the fire A very practical plan from 10-year-old me. When I was around ten years old, I used to ask myself what I’d do if the house suddenly went on fire. I had it all figured out: I’d get up from my bed (for some reason, I was always in my bedroom in this scenario), grab all the photo albums on my shelf, open the window, throw them out as far as possible... and climb down after them. I was on the first floor, but I was confident I could drop down without breaking a leg. If I had time, I’d save my journals and letters too, but they always came second. Back then, I already understood what was replaceable and what wasn’t.Money could be earned again. Toys could be replaced.But the photographs of my childhood would be gone forever.They were my most valuable belongings, and a fire was my worst-case scenario. Thankfully, I never had to put my master plan into action.But that instinct stuck with me.And now, I help other families protect their stories, before they fade or disappear into the cloud. What working together actually feels like (It’s more relaxed than you think, even if your toddler skipped their nap.) My sessions aren’t... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2013-09-30 - Modified: 2025-07-08 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/documentary-family-photography-dublin/ ### Family Photography When photographing your family (in the broad sense of the word), I am not just looking at taking beautiful images. My main goal is for you to FEEL something when you see your gallery. I believe photography is a very important part of life because it will let us travel back in time and revisit those special moments of our lives. Real-Life Family Photography At Home & Outdoor Your family, your way:capturing the mundane & the magic. Let's create (and print) photos that truly capture your family's story. Pick a normal day and I'll capture your everyday.Pick an adventure, and I'll follow you (almost) anywhere. You get to be present and engaged with your family & I will photograph you just the way you are. Unposed. Unprompted. unobtrusive. The most precious moments happen when you let them unfold. No amount of posing or directing would have led me to capture the family photos on this page. No need to wrangle your kids into the car; professional natural family portraits can be captured from the comfort of your own home, but we can also meet at your favourite outdoor location, or both. If you're worrying about your children behaving during a family photoshoot, I'm the right photographer for you! (Hint: they don't have to.) I am an unobtrusive photographer focusing on candid, unscripted, moments, and even parents who don't like having their photo taken enjoy a family photoshoot with me. Inquire Now “No big effort, no grand gestures. Johanna captured so many little moments – the ones so normal and fleeting you barely even notice them happening.” Jen Half Day-In-The-Life Family Photos in Co. Laois, Ireland Say goodbye to awkward poses and forced smiles. Let your children run wild and relax, knowing I will capture great family photos no matter what AND take care of the printing side of things for you.... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2013-02-01 - Modified: 2025-07-11 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/ ### Family Photographer Dublin Family photos that are unposed, unique, filled with love & a hint of mischief. My family photoshoots take place in the comfort of your own home, or at your favourite outdoor location, where your children feel most comfortable. Based in Dublin, I travel to photograph families around Ireland. Documentary Family & Brand Photographer in Dublin, Ireland Photos that bottle up the magic. Let’s plan your session Documentary Family & Brand Photographer in Dublin, Ireland Photos that bottle up the magic. You don’t have to create the magic. I’ll show you it was always there. I photograph you where you’re most comfortable (whether that's home, on top of a mountain or at your favourite beach). No forced smiles, just natural, authentic moments, captured with an artistic eye. Quality photo albums & prints. The best part? Your photos won’t live on a hard drive. We’ll turn them into stunning prints and handcrafted albums, so you can enjoy these images together now & later. Behind-the-scene of a Real Life Session with a Documentary Newborn & Family Photographer What a session with me is like Have a look at this behind-the-scene videos to see how easy and relaxed a session with me is like. The proof that a family photoshoot doesn't have to be stressful. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VN_yVN7Iji8 Behind The Scenes of a Morning In The Life Family Photoshoot in Dublin “I want these photos to capture us as we are right now. Raising a toddler in the rough and tumble of living a life. All these small moments that matter but no one captures.” Erin Vacation Family Photoshoot at the Hill of Tara, Co. Meath “I couldn’t think of a better gift to myself or our family than the beautiful albums of photographs that Johanna made for us. They will be treasured always!”... [content truncated due to word limit] --- --- ## Posts - Published: 2025-07-11 - Modified: 2025-07-11 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/the-photos-youll-reach-for-when-you-miss-this-season/ - Categories: The Rest ### The Photos You’ll Reach For When You Miss This Season Why the most meaningful family photos aren’t the ones you posed for You won’t know which moments mattered most... until they’re already out of reach. And by then? It’s rarely the ones you posed for. It’s not the coordinated outfits on the beach. Or the birthday party with the balloon arch. It’s the soggy socks by the back door. The light falling across their eyelashes while they’re still. The mid-laugh blur. The mess that made the memory. This is the part you’ll want to come back to. When the house is quiet in a new kind of way. When their legs no longer dangle off the same chair. When you try to recall the exact way their curls stuck to their neck after swimming lessons... and it’s gone. These are the photos you’ll reach for. The ones that show you how it really felt. Not what you planned. Not what you made special. Just what was. Are phone photos enough to remember this season? You’ve likely taken hundreds of photos already this summer. Most of us have. But when everything lives on the phone (unsorted, unloved, unseen) we start to forget. Not just what the moment looked like. But what it meant. That’s why I believe in taking fewer, better photos. Not better because they’re technically perfect. But because they’re real. Intentional. And because they see you too. Open Creative Category The power of real-life family photography Natural family photography works better for camera-shy kids and emotionally overstretched parents, because... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2025-06-10 - Modified: 2025-06-10 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/the-newborn-days-are-a-blur-but-you-want-to-remember-it-all/ - Categories: The Rest ### The Newborn Days Are a Blur, But You Want to Remember it All There’s a reason everyone says “it goes so fast.”Because it does. But in the moment, when you’re tired and your hormones are fluctuating and you don't even remember what day it is, it doesn’t feel fast. It feels like a blur of feeds and cuddles and maybe crying (from one or all of you). And yet, even in the blur, something beautiful is happening.A special kind of magic. Not the curated Pinterest version.The real one. What if you could remember the right things? Not just what your baby looked like.But what life felt like in those early weeks. The endless chest naps.The nurturing of your family and friends.The uniqueness of your story, however it may feel. That’s what I want to help you capture:Not perfect photos.But memory triggers.The kind that bring you back. A gentle, no-pressure way to start I’ve created a free email series called The First Weeks, for parents (and parents-to-be) who want to remember this fleeting season without adding more pressure to their days. It’s short. It’s easy to read with one hand. It works whether your baby is here or arriving soon. You’ll also get a printable prompt checklist, something you can keep on the fridge, by the bed, or saved on your phone for the 3am feeds. It’s not a to-do list.It’s a nudge to notice. Whether it’s your first or Your fourth... ...these days will pass faster than you think.Let’s make sure you remember more than the blur. Sign up for The First Weeks... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2025-06-10 - Modified: 2025-06-10 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/best-time-schedule-newborn-photoshoot/ - Categories: Resources ### When Is the Best Time to Schedule a Newborn Photoshoot? Top advice on when to schedule a newborn photoshoot. Capture the beauty of early days, or wait a little. The newborn days are a blur, and that’s exactly why so many parents want to document them. If you're here wondering when is the best time to book a newborn session, the truth is... it depends. As a documentary newborn photographer in Dublin, I approach this question a little differently. It’s less about getting the “perfect pose” and more about preserving what life really looked and felt like in those early weeks. Let’s look at your options. The First Few Days (0–5 days) The first days after birth are sacred. They're raw, emotional, and often forgotten in a haze of feeding, sleeping, and figuring it all out. If you want to bottle the surreal, quiet newness, a Fresh 48 session (done within the first 48 hours) or a home newborn session within the first 5 days can be incredibly powerful. These photos aren’t just about your baby.They’re about what it felt like to welcome them home. Whether it's your toddler meeting their new sibling, your partner making you lunch while you're holding a sleeping baby, or the first bath, these are once-in-a-lifetime moments. Birth is such a powerful moment in a parent's life. The hours and days following birth are very special too and filled with "first times". Imagine capturing the first time your older children meet their baby sister or brother. Or when you bring your baby home from the hospital. Maybe you'd love to capture the moment your dog (or cat!) is sniffing the head of this new... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2025-06-06 - Modified: 2025-06-10 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/documentary-newborn-photography-in-dublin-a-different-kind-of-magic/ - Categories: The Rest ### Documentary Newborn Photography in Dublin: A Different Kind of Magic Life with a newborn is a blur: the sleepless nights, the endless cuddles, the newness of everything. You’re high on oxytocin (and caffeine), and even though you’re exhausted, you know this time is flying by. There is often a feeling of grief there too, which isn't fair when you’ve just welcomed new life, but it’s completely normal. That’s why so many parents start looking for a newborn photographer, hoping to freeze this fleeting chapter before embracing the next one. But here’s the truth: newborn photography doesn’t have to follow one formula. If you’re drawn to real-life moments over staged setups, if what matters most is remembering how this chapter felt, documentary newborn photography might be the right fit for you. It’s a way of telling your family’s story as it’s unfolding. No props. No poses. Just connection, emotion, and the tiny details you’ll wish you could hold onto forever. And when that story is captured in your home, whether it’s your forever space or simply your “for now”, it becomes even more meaningful. If you're in Dublin, you're in luck: there's an award-winning documentary newborn photographer ready to capture the magic of your baby's first weeks. Hi, that's me, in case you missed it. Still unsure what style fits you best? I’ve written a full breakdown of the different types of newborn photography available in Dublin, you can read it here and see what feels most like you. What is documentary newborn photography? Documentary newborn photography isn’t about props or... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2025-05-25 - Modified: 2025-06-10 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/summer-capsule/ - Categories: The Rest ### Dublin Summer Mini Sessions for Families: The Details + Why They’re Different Introducing Summer Capsule Sessions: 1-hour weekday documentary shoots that capture your family as you really are (snacks, chaos, and love included). This is for the parent who keeps saying: "I just want one photo where we’re all in it.""I don’t want to forget this version of them.""I’ve been meaning to book, I just haven’t yet." But the house is messy. You’re not camera-ready. And time?It’s running faster than ever. This is your pause button. Not a photoshoot: a memory capsule. Most family photos are about pretending. This isn’t. This is about preserving the real stuff:The morning hair. The belly laughs.The way your child reaches for your hand without thinking. You won’t pose. You won’t “smile for the camera.”You’ll live. I’ll document. And together we’ll bottle up a story that matters. The Summer Capsule Session A weekday-only, 1-hour documentary session for families who want their everyday to be remembered, before it’s gone. What You Get: 1 hour of honest, relaxed photography at home or a favourite nearby spot 3 high-resolution digital files (option to upgrade to the full gallery) A softcover storybook with 28 printed pages of your family’s right-now magic €50 credit for extra pages, wall art, or duplicate books Travel within 15km of Dublin Airport included Only available weekdays in July, August, and September Investment: €825 - all-inclusive Note: Most of my "taster sessions" clients come back for a longer session the next season. This is where their story begins, not where it ends. This is for you if:... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2025-05-20 - Modified: 2025-06-10 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/posed-lifestyle-documentary-newborn-photography-style/ - Categories: Resources ### How to Choose the Best Dublin Newborn Photographer for Your Family This article describes the main types of newborn photography and will allow you to understand the differences between posed, lifestyle and documentary baby photos and, more importantly, will allow you to know which one is right for your family when it's time to hire a newborn or family photographer – read on for more info! When you're welcoming a new baby into your family, hiring a newborn photographer to bottle up those fleeting first weeks is a truly worthwhile investment. But with so many talented newborn photographers in Dublin, how do you choose the best professional for your family's unique needs and preferences? Maybe, when you think of a newborn photoshoot, an image immediately springs to mind: a tiny sleeping baby, artfully posed in a basket, swaddled in a delicate wrap, or surrounded by meaningful props. This, however, is just one of many approaches to newborn photography. As a newborn photographer myself, based right here in Dublin, I've had the honour of working with countless families, and while I specialise in natural, unscripted moments, I understand that every family has a different vision for their baby's first photographs. This article will explore the main styles of newborn photography – posed, lifestyle, and documentary – to help you understand the differences and, more importantly, empower you to make an informed decision when it's time to hire the perfect newborn photographer for your family. Read on for more info! Intro Differences Between Posed, Lifestyle and Documentary Newborn Photography Posed Newborn Photography Info Posed Newborn Photography Safety Lifestyle Newborn Photography Info Documentary Newborn Photography Info How To Find Newborn Baby Photographers Newborn Baby Photography Styles Summary Styles of Newborn Photography While newborn photography can be posed & involve props, there are other styles of newborn photography that will suit some parents more. From those using magical or Christmas... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2025-05-13 - Modified: 2025-06-09 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/best-places-to-give-birth-in-dublin-2025-edition/ - Categories: The Rest ### Best Places to Give Birth in Dublin (2025 Edition) Choosing where to give birth can be an obvious decision for some and a very difficult one for others. Comparing one hospital against an other can be difficult, and when we are expecting our first baby, we may not know the most important questions to ask our GP. I am Johanna King, a documentary newborn & family photographer based in Dublin, but I am writing this blog post from the perspective of a mother-of-two, hoping to help expecting parents choose the right place of birth for them. I remember the very first appointment of my first pregnancy as if it was yesterday. I hadn't done my research beforehand so I had no idea what to expect. It went really really fast and when my doctor asked "Which hospital do you want me to refer you to?" I had no idea how to answer this question. I knew the Rotunda Hospital was the closest so it just seemed like the right choice and I never gave it a second thought. For my second and third pregnancy, I knew better, and I opted for the Rotunda for one specific reason: the Domino Scheme (cared for by community midwives). You will likely choose to base your choice on a different factor, and I will try to list all of the important factors (as well as some less important ones). While this article will focus on places to give birth in Dublin (Ireland), most of the advice can be applied anywhere in the world.... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2025-05-06 - Modified: 2025-05-06 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/ditch-the-posing-love-the-memories-dublin-family-photography-at-home/ - Categories: The Rest ### Ditch the Posing, Love the Memories: Dublin Family Photography at Home Let's be honest, the thought of 'family photos' can sometimes bring up images of forced smiles and uncomfortable stances. But here's the most important thing to know about working with me (and maybe I should say it more often!): a documentary family session is all about saying goodbye to awkward poses and finally enjoying the process. I'm here to capture the real stuff: the little things you'll cherish forever, the moments unfolding naturally in your home that you might not even realise are so precious right now. As a documentary family photographer and a mum of two (a spirited ten-year-old and a whirlwind of a two-and-a-half-year-old, so I get it!), I specialise in capturing both the quiet cuddles and the joyful chaos that make up the beautiful reality of family life. Forget stiff poses and forced smiles. Whether we're documenting the everyday magic unfolding within the walls of your Dublin home or exploring your family's favourite outdoor adventures, my approach is all about helping you freeze these precious moments in a way that feels completely effortless and authentically you. So, what does a relaxed, unposed family photoshoot actually look like? Let's take a peek at a summer family session right here in Dublin to give you a better idea... I have photographed this family 4 times now: for a maternity session, a newborn session, and two documentary family sessions. They all took place at home, or their local (favourite) park. During their sessions, they've: Made breakfast Ate their breakfast Danced... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2025-04-16 - Modified: 2025-06-10 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/edit-phone-photos-for-print/ - Categories: The Rest ### 5 Easy Edits to Make Your iPhone or Android Photos Look Pro (and Print-Ready) Editing photos consist in making some changes to the images once the photo has been taken, in order to improve it. (But if we go overboard, editing doesn't always improve an image!) Thanks to editing apps, or the default gallery app on your phone (or computer), you can adjust brightness, contrast, cropping, colours among other things. You can also apply ready-made presets, that combine several edits (and usually change the colours to a certain, less natural, "style"). Before I give you a link to 5 quick edits you can do to make your photos better for print, we need to ask some important questions. Do we need to edit each photo before printing? Learning to do simple edits manually can help you make your photos look more vibrant, less dull or highlight your subject better. But, does it mean you have to edit every single photo you wish to print? As a professional photographer, I pretty much edit every single photo I take... except for my phone photos. What?! Why? When you take a photo with your phone or camera, it usually saves as a JPEG, a ready-to-use file format that’s been edited and compressed automatically by your device. So my phone photos are usually "good enough as they are" and I'm spending enough time editing my other photos. (This being said, if there was a photograph I really valued that could be improved with editing, I would definitely do it.) So most of your phone photos don't need editing,... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2025-03-26 - Modified: 2025-05-27 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/for-photographers-my-favourite-admin-marketing-business-tools/ - Categories: The Rest ### For Photographers: My Favourite Admin, Marketing & Business Tools When we start our photography business, we need to make a lot of decisions around softwares and business tools, whether it is to help our Admin, Editing or Marketing. And I know that photographers - and small business owners in general - like to see what others are using. So here is a complete list of my current business tools (some of them are newer additions, and some I have used for years). Note: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission (or credit) if you make a purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I've personally used and genuinely believe in. Pixieset: Client Online Galleries Pixieset has evolved a lot over the years and added a Studio Manager, a Website Builder on top of an improved Store experience for its online galleries. I am very happy with their system and pricing structure, and have not found ShootProof or Pic-Time to work as well for my needs. Get $20 off your first bill on Pixieset with this link: https://pixieset.com/ref/V1pjmTBwz8 Metricool: Social Media Manager / Scheduler Having tried other schedulers before but never sticking to one, I was pleasantly surprised when a friend suggested Metricool. I found it to have everything I could hope for, and to be very user-friendly. You can not only schedule Instagram & Facebook posts, but also YouTube, Pinterest, BlueSky, LinkedIn etc. On top of its scheduling feature, Metricool also... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2025-03-25 - Modified: 2025-06-10 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/10-days-to-more-meaningful-family-photos/ - Categories: The Rest ### 10 Days to More Meaningful Family Photos: A Free Video Series for Parents Are you craving more than just camera roll chaos? You’re not alone. As a documentary family photographer (and a mother of two), I know how fast life moves, and how easy it is to feel like the magic is slipping through your fingers. That’s why I created a 10-part video series for parents who want to take more meaningful, story-rich photos of their children, photos that feel like real life, not a highlight reel. These short, digestible videos were first shared on Instagram and Facebook as reels, but I wanted to make sure they had a more permanent home. So now, you can watch the full series right here, or on my YouTube channel. No pressure. No perfection. Just real-life tips to help you: Take better, more emotional photos of your children (even on your phone) Include yourself in the frame Capture everyday beauty as it’s unfolding Print your favourite moments, not just scroll past them Start watching: 10 days to more meaningful family photos What do you want your kids to remember? https://youtu.be/taZR2ITdAvU?si=fNFb-fZa-jJr0MKO The importance of telling stories https://youtu.be/APsv8HNTvKw?si=rHn9ChnVbTfJR4qw Here is why details matter https://youtu.be/3dCBUp6jYnU?si=dxvlRmWnXQcOaJn- Including yourself (parent) in photos https://youtu.be/yKb0KQ0o_Bk?si=oetYli1TJ81o0uZZ The importance of context https://youtu.be/olXeBPQhNhM?si=okx3HtegognCfEM_ Did you say “candid”? https://youtu.be/T48-hEgnxN4?si=DtTsNU-bbGllcyOs Being more intentional https://youtu.be/qjpP_76_FIs?si=0Aq7jkeE9xiHI8RK Forget about perfection https://youtu.be/Le-Ohljvwiw?si=bHTuVZ8IoKf4AR94 You’re gonna miss moments https://youtu.be/UdVdvw4_rQU?si=Qo7eqrFSpqOGcrLa Printing these photos https://youtu.be/gOoqByxmQy4?si=4nlZ0mkU8Jx4USHU I hope you've enjoyed this series. I'd love to hear which of these tips was your favourite or resonated most with you. My goal is to help you learn something new... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2025-03-18 - Modified: 2025-06-10 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/essentials-breastfeeding-cosleeping-mum/ - Categories: The Rest ### The Real Essentials: For the Breastfeeding Mum Who Might End Up Co-Sleeping There is nothing like the experience of trying to buy "all the things" when you're in your third trimester. The birth is getting closer, we start feeling a sense of urgency (or panic), but don't want to get stuff that will gather dust in the corner of the room. To me, it felt like I needed to see into the future, but I couldn't get past the next day. It doesn't matter whether it's your 1st or 6th child, your brain is probably getting a little overwhelmed by all the recommendations from friends, social media, and Google. I did think of covering all the essentials for a new baby, but there is no such thing as a "one fits-all" list when it comes to babies. While our second baby never took a soother, we found it very useful with our first. You will have people tell you: "You absolutely need this" or "You won't need that, it's a waste of money", but at the end of the day, everyone parents slightly differently, especially when it comes to feeding and sleep. So I've decided to concentrate on "all the things" you might need or think you might need if you're planning to breastfeed (and might end up co-sleeping whether you plan to or not). And remember: at the end of the day, I don't know your specific needs. YOU know better. (And it's OK to get something and not use it. Pass it to another new mum.) The breastfeeding essentials: products... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2025-03-06 - Modified: 2025-03-06 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/2024-award-winning-reportage-family-photos/ - Categories: Featured ### 2024 Award-Winning Reportage Family Photos Today I wanted to look back and showcase some special family photos and portraits that won awards in 2023. As a documentary family photographer, winning awards isn't just about getting recognition (which is also welcome), it's about showing the world the magic of everyday life through my lens. The yearly IPPVA gala is coming up this weekend, and I am a finalist in the Reportage category this time around. This means I could receive the title of "Reportage Photographer of The Year 2025,", BUT the other finalists are amazing and have even won Gold awards, so I'll be attending the gala without any expectations and cheering on my photographer friends who are also finalists. (Some AMAZING work awarded last year, honestly, Ireland is lucky to have all of these talented photographers.) IPPVA Awards "The Irish Professional Photographer & Videographer of the Year Awards is the flagship event of the IPPVA calendar. The Irish Professional Photographer and Videographer Awards run annually and are the showcase awards for our industry. Judged based on criteria of technical excellence, impact and creativity, the IPPVA awards have a crediblity that few other photography or videography awards in Ireland carry. Our awards are judged anonymously by qualified and experienced panels of Irish and international judges, and only images that meet the highest standards can obtain an IPPVA award. As such, an IPPVA award is a mark of excellence for any individual piece of work, or a body of work." https://ippva.com/awards Awarded in the Commercial Category I am delighted with this award in the 2024 IPPVA Awards for the Commercial category taken during a documentary commercial photography shoot with Sue Kelly from EquiSense. The two photographs below were taken at the Hill of Tara during an outdoor family photoshoot in November. Totally unposed, I worked... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2025-02-27 - Modified: 2025-03-07 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/why-switch-to-systeme-io/ - Categories: The Rest ### Why I simplified my online platforms and switched to Systeme.io (from Podia, Zapier & Mailerlite) As a documentary family photographer who has grown into the online education space, I want to share my journey of switching from Podia, Zapier and MailerLite to Systeme.io. Whether you're just starting your online business or looking to improve your existing systems, I think you'll find my experience helpful. (Quick heads up - the links in this post are affiliate links. If you end up giving Systeme.io a try, I'd be super grateful if you used them! It helps support my business at no extra cost to you.) The messy reality of using multiple platforms Let me paint you a picture of my previous setup. I was using Podia for my course platform and MailerLite's free plan for my email marketing. Sounds simple enough, right? Well, not quite. I had to use Zapier to connect these platforms, and let me tell you - it wasn't exactly smooth sailing. The integration was finicky at best, and there was always this awkward situation with student subscriptions. Sometimes people would end up on my mailing list without explicitly agreeing to it (yikes!), which made me uncomfortable from a privacy standpoint. Why I needed a change As a photographer sending weekly newsletters and running an online course business, I needed something that could handle both worlds without breaking the bank. When Podia changed their pricing to charge extra for email features, I knew it was time to explore other options. Here's the thing - when I first started this side of my business, I... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2025-02-21 - Modified: 2025-02-21 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/from-camera-to-paper-masterclass-personal-photos-organising/ - Categories: The Rest ### From Camera to Paper: A Masterclass for Photographers Ready To Tackle Their Personal Photos Ten years ago, I ordered a new 1TB hard drive online, thinking I had just solved all my photo storage problems. My daughter had just been born, and I was determined to create beautiful photo albums of her childhood, just like the ones my parents made for me. How naive I was. What followed was a journey that many of you will recognise: phones full of photos, a growing collection of hard drives, and that constant worry about losing precious memories. As a parent with a camera (or three), I felt overwhelmed by the pressure to capture everything, organise everything, share with family members and print the best. Those yearly photo books I dreamed of making? They joined the endless list of "someday" projects. That's why I'm excited to announce my upcoming masterclass: "From Camera to Paper": a practical approach to managing your family photos that I've developed over five years of trying different things and finally finding what works. This isn't about catching up, it's about moving forward Here's what took me years to accept: you can't catch up with your backlog overnight, and that's completely okay. You don't need another perfect system that looks great on paper but falls apart in real life. You need a workflow that fits with being a parent photographer: multiple cameras, not much time, and a real desire to preserve memories without feeling stressed about it all the time. What makes this masterclass different? In this live session, I'll share the exact workflow... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2025-02-20 - Modified: 2025-02-27 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/dublin-libraries-toddler-and-baby-groups/ - Categories: Resources ### Toddler and Baby Groups in Dublin, Fingal and dlr Libraries In the last two years, our local library’s baby & toddler groups became one of our favourite outings. As a documentary baby & family photographer, I love seeing how these sessions bring out the most natural smiles and interactions in little ones. It is short and sweet (45 minutes) and just the right length for my toddler’s attention span, and ideally timed before his nap. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other parents while giving him a chance to interact with other babies/toddlers (and reluctantly learn that not everything is his). Dublin is full of brilliant libraries, and some have truly amazing children’s areas, newly renovated spaces that feel like little havens for little ones. But beyond the books, many also host free baby and toddler groups, offering a mix of stories, songs, and play time in a cosy, welcoming space. If you’re looking for a local group to try, here’s a list of Dublin, Fingal & dlr libraries with baby and toddler sessions worth checking out. Full disclosure: I have only tried the Ballymun Library groups. Baby & toddler clubs often only run during school term (and not on Bank Holidays), but it's worth checking with your local library for confirmation. North Dublin Libraries Baby & Toddler Groups Dublin 9 - Ballymun Library This is our local library, so it had to be first! The children and adult sections are separated and both my children enjoy spending time there, outside of the groups as well. Baby Book Club... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2025-02-06 - Modified: 2025-03-18 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/no-knead-sourdough-bread-for-busy-parents-ireland/ - Categories: The Rest ### No-Knead Sourdough Bread For Busy Parents (Irish Climate) I have been making sourdough bread for five years. FIVE YEARS! Like many others, I started in 2020, during the first lockdown and I never stopped. Don't worry, I won’t make you scroll through a long blog post before sharing the process and recipe I use. I’m not a food blogger, just a photographer and mother passing along something wonderful. I still wanted to give you a little bit of context: I am French and I've been making this bread for 5 years because the taste & the texture reminds me of the best breads from the best French bakeries AND the smell reminds me of a bread my grandmother used to buy. I had been making bread with instant yeast for years and was fairly happy with it. BUT once I tried homemade sourdough bread, there was no coming back. The texture & taste aren't comparable. I had friends who made sourdough bread and couldn't quite wrap my head around the Mother Dough: this living thing that grew and used bacteria and yeast in the flour and air around us. When I looked into it during the first Covid lockdown, I got pretty overwhelmed by all the resources online and all the steps recommended. I don't think I would have tried it if I didn't have all this time stuck at home. BUT, fast forward a few weeks and some trial and error, I adjusted the recipes found on the Internet to make it work for me and my... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2025-02-01 - Modified: 2025-02-01 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/from-digital-clutter-to-cherished-prints-a-simple-guide-for-busy-parents/ - Categories: The Rest ### From Digital Clutter to Cherished Prints: A Simple Guide for Busy Parents When was the last time you printed a photo book for your family? Or even just a few small prints to flip through together? If you had to think about it, you’re not alone. Our digital cameras (whether it’s our phones or high-end DSLRs) have made it easier than ever to document family life. Every milestone, every funny expression, every little moment is just a quick snap away. And that’s incredible! But here’s the downside: the thousands of photos we take can quickly become overwhelming. We capture everything, but too often, they remain in our phones or scattered across cloud storage, never making it into our hands. We tell ourselves we’ll get around to printing them... but that to-do list just keeps growing. The good news? You don’t need to overhaul your entire system to start enjoying printed photos again. With a few simple habits, you can turn your digital memories into tangible keepsakes, without stress or overwhelm. Why Printed Photos Still Matter Scrolling through digital albums is convenient, but printed photos create a different kind of magic. Here’s why they still matter: Tangible memories: Kids love flipping through albums, pointing at baby pictures, and hearing the stories behind them. A sense of belonging: Seeing their own faces displayed in the home reinforces a child’s sense of identity and importance in the family. An opportunity to slow down: It's much harder to take your time looking at a photo on a screen and appreciate it fully. In print, we can... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2025-01-25 - Modified: 2025-05-12 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/10-family-friendly-hotels-in-ireland-1-5-hours-or-less-from-dublin/ - Categories: The Rest ### 10 Family-Friendly Hotels in Ireland Within 1.5 Hours of Dublin Travelling with a pre-teen and a toddler is no small feat. As a parent of both, I’ve found that while ‘family-friendly’ accommodations are relatively easy to come by, finding a hotel (or self-catering home) that’s truly toddler-friendly feels like searching for a unicorn. Between the energy of a toddler who loves to explore (or destroy!) and the specific needs of a pre-teen who wants their own kind of fun, planning a getaway can feel overwhelming. In this post, I’m sharing a list of family-friendly hotels in Ireland within 1h30 of Dublin. While I’ve personally stayed at only two of these hotels, the others have been highly recommended by other parents. For us, both times we chose to go for two nights during that little gap between New Year’s and school starting back—a much-needed breath of fresh air before diving into the busyness of the year ahead. Your family’s needs might differ, but for us, the must-haves included: A pool to entertain the kids, Access to nature (I needed the walks!), Within our budget (which obviously differs for everyone). In January 2024, we stayed at Druid’s Glen Hotel because it was just a short drive from Dublin: perfect for our then-18-month-old, who didn’t handle car rides well. It was also the only hotel we found that ticked all the boxes and had the added bonus of a kids' playroom (a rare find!). Fast forward to January 2025, and we opted for Bloomfield House Hotel. By this point, our toddler was old... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2025-01-14 - Modified: 2025-01-14 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/choose-right-camera-for-your-family/ - Categories: Resources ### Tired of Phone Photos? How to Choose the Right Camera for Your Family Feeling overwhelmed by all the camera options out there? You’re not alone. While I can’t hand you a definitive "this is the camera for you" answer, I can help you figure out what really matters to you, so you can make the best choice, or even realise that the camera you already have might be just fine. Feeling overwhelmed by all the camera options out there? You’re not alone. One of the most common questions I get from parents (both during and after my course Make Time Stand Still, Not Your Kids) is, "What camera should I buy if I’m tired of using my phone?" While I can’t give you a definitive "this is the camera for you" answer, I can help you figure out what really matters to you so you can make the best choice or even realise that the camera you already have might be just fine. Let me start with a little confession: When I bought my first “big” camera, I was 20 years old, child-free, and had all the time in the world to fall down endless rabbit holes of camera forums and comparison sites. Fast forward to now: I’m juggling work, parenting, and everything else, and I know how impossible that level of research can feel. If that’s where you are, I get it. That’s why I want to make this process easier for you. Is Your Phone Camera Good Enough? Before diving into the world of cameras, let’s address a question you might already be asking: Do I even need a dedicated camera when phone cameras take such good photos? It’s true, phone cameras these days are incredible. They’ve gotten so good that they’ve practically wiped out the entry-level compact camera market. I recently went searching for a decent (but under €150) compact camera for my daughter and discovered that... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2025-01-09 - Modified: 2025-01-09 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/online-course-perfect-your-family-photos/ - Categories: Resources ### Online Course: Mastering Your Camera for Beautiful Family Photos Do you own a big camera but feel like you're not getting the most out of it? You're not alone! Many of us buy a DSLR or Mirrorless camera to take better photos of our kids but struggle with the technical side of things. That's where my '10 Weeks Online Photography Course for Parents' comes in. Do you own a big camera but feel like you're not getting the most out of it? You're not alone! Many of us buy a DSLR or Mirrorless camera to take better photos of our kids but struggle with the technical side of things. That's where my '10 Weeks Online Photography Course for Parents' comes in. This self-paced online course is designed to help parents like you unlock the full potential of your DSLR or mirrorless camera. We'll cover everything from the basics to more advanced techniques, so you can confidently capture those precious family moments. Get ready to level up your photography skills and create memories that last a lifetime! Course Overview You will learn how it all works (theory of the exposure triangle), how to use these settings with intent, and how to use composition to tell the story YOU want to tell. Benefits of the Course In 10 weeks, you will gain confidence in using your camera, capturing beautiful family memories, and creating meaningful photo albums. This is the second course that I have taken with Johanna, and I feel that I have grown so much in my practice since I started the first one. Johanna's courses are very well-structured and easy to understand, as well as comprehensive and professional. Now that the course is over, I really feel like I know my camera better and that I take better pictures, thanks to Johanna and her work. Oryann Course Format and Schedule 4 modules, spread over 10... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2024-12-31 - Modified: 2025-01-01 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/15-activities-home-family-photoshoot/ - Categories: Resources ### 15 Playful and Relaxed Activities to Capture Candid Family Moments at Home Are you feeling stressed about your upcoming family photo session? Take a deep breath - I’ve got you covered! The most important thing is to be relaxed and have fun with your family. Your photographer has the expertise to capture those magical moments and turn them into beautiful portraits. To inspire your creativity, I’ve compiled a list of ideas for your in-home family photo shoot. Let's create something beautiful together! Does the thought of a family photo session at home feel a bit overwhelming? I get it! But the beauty of in-home photography is capturing your family as you really are: no need for perfectly clean houses, matching outfits, or everyone on their best behaviour. Instead of worrying about what to do, think about the little things your family already loves doing together. These are the moments that make your family your family, and they’re perfect for creating relaxed, meaningful photos. To help you plan, I’ve put together a list of 15 playful and simple activities that work great for in-home sessions. Whether it’s baking cookies or building a blanket fort, these ideas will capture the real, candid connections that matter most. 1. Play Games Who doesn’t love a good game? Board games, hide-and-seek, or jigsaw puzzles can be the perfect way to get the family together, laughing, and interacting. These activities create a relaxed atmosphere and lead to genuine moments full of smiles and connection. Now, let’s be honest, you might also capture that perfect moment of your child’s “sore loser” face when they don’t win. It’s all part of the real family experience! These are the moments that show your family’s true colours, competitive streaks and all. 2. Bake Some Treats Bake cookies, pancakes, cupcakes, or anything your family loves to eat (bonus if there’s chocolate involved). Nothing like a little flour on your face and a sweet treat at the end to create some wonderful memories. And... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2024-06-13 - Modified: 2024-06-13 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/johanna-king-now-an-ep-qualified-european-photographer/ - Categories: Featured ### Johanna King - Now an EP qualified European Photographer New EP qualified European Photographers: Johanna King from Ireland among them. The jury of the EP qualification of the Federation of European Professional Photographers finished the judging of the 54th EP qualification session at the end of May 2024. The European Photographer (EP) qualification is an entry-level qualification that aims to recognise competence and a professional standard for those who earn their lives as Professional Photographers. Even at EP level, technical skill, composition and artistic expression is required. The application process for EP is different from the more advanced QEP and MQEP qualifications. For EP you can apply online with a set of 12 images. The panel must contain 12 images of a single photographic specialisation, or 6 images of a single photographic specialisation and 6 of any other. The EP judging is performed online. With a panel of 3 qualified judges, to qualify a candidate requires a simple majority. This time 10 EP applications were submitted, 8 out of which were successful.One of the new EPs is Johanna King from Ireland. Johanna King is a documentary family newborn and family photographer based in Dublin, Ireland and a member of the Irish Professional Photographers Association – IPPVA. Judges’ comment on the panel: Great series of children's portraits full of emotion and a certain level of humour. The variety of compositions is also very good with some close-ups of faces to inclusive family groups. A very good panel, capturing great moments of life, shot on the right moment, with good light, etc... Well done. Results & Awarded Portfolios The EP N.54 official... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2024-05-14 - Modified: 2024-07-29 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/home-newborn-photoshoot-same-sex-parents-dublin/ - Categories: Real Families ### Home Newborn & Family Photoshoot With Same-Sex Parents | Dublin In the space of a year, I have photographed Ranae and Audrey's family three times. In the space of a year, they went through a heartbreaking miscarriage, followed by a difficult pregnancy and the beautiful arrival of their son Ali. It was an honour to witness their family grow from four to five, to see their girls play, giggle and look at their baby brother adoringly. Newborn days go so fast and it is always a special experience for me to be a part of these precious moments. In the space of a year, I have photographed Ranae and Audrey's family three times. In the space of a year, they went through a heartbreaking miscarriage, followed by a difficult pregnancy and the beautiful arrival of their son Ali. It was an honour to witness their family grow from four to five, to see their girls play, giggle and look at their baby brother adoringly. Newborn days go so fast and it is always a special experience for me to be a part of these precious moments. For this blog post, I chose to ask Ranae a few questions so she could tell you what the experience felt like to her, in her own words. Ranae is a Dublin-based writer, speaker, celebrant, activist and marketer. Here is a quote from her website. "I’m a very proud same-sex parent to two young daughters with my wife Audrey. We conceived through Reciprocal IVF and I had the honour of carrying both pregnancies. I am an advocate for equal rights for children of LGBTQ+ parents in Ireland. I firmly believe that all families deserve respect and recognition, no matter how they were created. I’m the CEO and co-founder of Equality for Children, an Irish non profit that fights for equality for children born to LGBTQ+ families in Ireland. I write for many national publications and also speak regularly at events." Ranae Von Meding You can also find Ranae on Instagram. Can you share your initial thoughts or apprehensions about having a documentary... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2024-05-13 - Modified: 2024-05-13 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/photowalk-in-partnership-with-cuidiu/ - Categories: Resources ### Photowalk, in partnership with Cuidiú I have started hosting Photowalks, in partnership with Cuidiú and the Cuidiú Dublin North West Branch in particular. So far, we have chosen the Botanical Gardens as a location but are open to go somewhere else. Last year, I did a poll and asked you, my audience, if you would be interested in a photowalk and the answer was YES. So I have started hosting Photowalks, in partnership with Cuidiú and the Cuidiú Dublin North West Branch in particular (Facebook | Instagram). So far, we have chosen the Botanical Gardens as a location but are open to try different locations in the future, in partnership with other Cuidiú branches. When is the next photowalk? Meet me this coming FRIDAY 17th MAY, at 10am at the Botanical Gardens in Dublin for a 90 minutes photowalk. We will meet near the back entrance of the reception/coffee shop - car park side. (Google Map) Don't know what Cuidiú is? Cuidiú is a parent-to-parent voluntary support charity. The event is FREE for Cuidiú Members and we ask for a small contribution to non-Cuidiú Members (set at €5). The membership is only €25 per year. 100% of the contribution goes to Cuidiú. What is a photowalk? Definition: A photowalk is an event where a group of people, often photography enthusiasts, come together to explore an area or location while taking photographs. This photowalk is for parents with or without their babies/toddlers in buggies. It's a relaxed and enjoyable experience, perfect for connecting with other parents and sharing tips about photographing our families. As we leisurely make our way through the gardens, you'll have the chance to practice taking photos. I don’t do a big talk or demonstration but I'm right there... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2024-05-02 - Modified: 2025-02-26 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/online-course-make-time-stand-still-not-your-kids/ - Categories: Resources ### Online Course: Make Time Stand Still, Not Your Kids Make Time Stand Still, Not Your Kids is my signature online photography course designed exclusively for parents who want to freeze their precious family moments AND do something with them. Make Time Stand Still, Not Your Kids is my signature online photography course designed exclusively for parents who want to freeze their precious family moments AND do something with them. Suitable to all levels whether you are using a Camera or a Phone. This is the perfect course for parents wanting to get better at taking candid photographs of their children and family life, with their phone or camera. It is a beginner's course built for parents who don't have any specific knowledge in photography as well as parents who are further along in their journey. Why learn from me? As a parent myself, I understand the fleeting nature of childhood and the desire to preserve every laugh, every hug, and every milestone. BUT, I also know that we must leave the camera aside and be present with our children. I also realise that if we never print any of these photographs, they could never be seen again. In this course, I'll guide you through some soul-searching, practical tips and questions such as "How can I balance being a parent with taking photographs of candid moments?" My goal is to help you capture authentic images of your family that will be meaningful to YOU (and them) AND to get them organised and displayed so that your children can enjoy them for years to come. ENROL NOW Module 1 - Creating Photographs that are Meaningful to YOU Let's find out what matters to you! In this module, I will guide you... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2024-04-24 - Modified: 2024-12-17 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/photographing-toddlers-10-tips-for-more-interesting-images/ - Categories: Resources ### Photographing Toddlers: 10 Tips For More Interesting Images eep reading if you are at a loss on how to take photographs of an active toddler or would like to create more interesting photographs of small children. I have also created a cheat sheet that you can download easily at the bottom of this article and either print or keep on your phone for reference. I find photographing toddlers incredibly fun and rewarding. I will go as far as saying that older babies and toddlers are my favourites to photograph. The fact that they don't follow directions can be a challenge if you are trying to take traditional posed portraits of your children. Yet, it is precisely for this reason that I adore toddlers so much. Keep reading if you are at a loss on how to take photographs of an active toddler or would like to create more interesting photographs of small children. I have also created a cheat sheet that you can download easily at the bottom of this article and either print or keep on your phone for reference. The Secret? Taking Candid Photos of Toddlers Don't feel like every photo needs to be a perfectly posed portrait. Some of the most memorable shots come from capturing the everyday moments and routines of toddlerhood, such as mealtime messes or bath-time splashes. Candid moments with toddlers are 100 times better than anything you or I could plan. The magic happens in the unexpected. They're unapologetically themselves, often too engrossed in exploring the world around them to pay attention to the camera. Capturing their genuine moments requires patience, creativity, and a willingness to embrace the chaos that comes with this stage of childhood. Here are my most used tips to take better photos of your toddlers and small children with a phone or a camera: 1. Let them get used to the camera Parents... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2024-04-11 - Modified: 2024-04-11 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/summer-vacation-family-photoshoot-howth/ - Categories: Real Families ### Summer Vacation Family Photoshoot | Howth & Ireland's Eye Coastal Tour I was honoured when Kerry asked me to photograph this reunion and they decided to hop on a boat with Ireland's Eye Ferries to enjoy the beautiful scenery and be together. This family photoshoot was a special session for Kerry and her family, as they were all meeting up for the first time post-covid. 2020 and 2021 were very difficult for family members living in separate countries and couldn't see each other for a very long time. I was honoured when Kerry asked me to photograph this reunion and they decided to hop on a boat with Ireland's Eye Ferries to enjoy the beautiful scenery and be together. Are you planning on visiting Howth soon as a family? Whether you are planning to hop on a boat or not, you may be interested in being fully present in the moment while a photographer captures these memories for you. If that is the case, have a look at my sessions & packages, find out more about me and get in touch! --- - Published: 2024-04-08 - Modified: 2024-04-08 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/2023-award-winning-family-photos/ - Categories: Featured ### 2023 Award-Winning Family Photos Today I wanted to look back and showcase some special family photos and portraits that won awards in 2023. As a documentary family photographer, winning awards isn't just about getting recognition (which is also welcome), it's about showing the world the magic of everyday life through my lens. Today I wanted to look back and showcase some special family photos and portraits that won awards in 2023. As a documentary family photographer, winning awards isn't just about getting recognition (which is also welcome), it's about showing the world the magic of everyday life through my lens. So, grab a cuppa, settle in, and let's relive some family moments frozen in time - genuine, authentic moments from client sessions and my own family. IPPVA Awards "The Irish Professional Photographer & Videographer of the Year Awards is the flagship event of the IPPVA calendar. The Irish Professional Photographer and Videographer Awards run annually and are the showcase awards for our industry. Judged based on criteria of technical excellence, impact and creativity, the IPPVA awards have a crediblity that few other photography or videography awards in Ireland carry. Our awards are judged anonymously by qualified and experienced panels of Irish and international judges, and only images that meet the highest standards can obtain an IPPVA award. As such, an IPPVA award is a mark of excellence for any individual piece of work, or a body of work." https://ippva.com/awards Environmental Portrait Category I am super proud of this award in the Summer Round of the 2023 IPPVA Awards for the Environmental Portrait category. I thrive to capture children's personalities and natural expressions and I was drawn to this little one during their family session in Howth. Doesn't she look fierce and beautiful? Environmental Portrait Category Environmental Portrait Category This photo was taken... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2024-04-03 - Modified: 2024-04-03 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/summer-family-photography-meath/ - Categories: Real Families ### Half-Day Summer Family Photography & Videography Session | Co. Meath I don't like to play favourites, but if there's one summer family photo and video session that holds a special place in my heart, it's this one in Meath with a family of four. We all laughed so much. I can still remember the feeling of the sun, the flowers, the giggles and R's little toddler voice. I don't like to play favourites, but if there's one summer family photo and video session that holds a special place in my heart, it's this one in Meath with a family of four. We all laughed so much. I can still remember the feeling of the sun, the flowers, the giggles and R's little toddler voice. I have now photographed this family five times, starting when their oldest was a baby and Majella had to wean suddenly for medical reasons, followed by family & newborn photos at home and a family wedding. We are due a new session soon, as children never stop growing and changing. Documentary family sessions capture a wide range of moments emotions (the longer the session, the wider the range) If you watch the video in full, you will see that normal children have tantrums during documentary family photography sessions and it's OK!! That's what makes these memories so precious – the raw, unfiltered moments that capture the essence of family. What makes this session even more meaningful is the backdrop of their ancestral family home, where generations have made cherished memories. It's a reminder that the simplest moments often hold the most significance. What better way to spend an afternoon than eating ice-creams and whizzing around the garden on the tractor while dad pushes you around with a sweeping brush? Summer Childhood Memories in Ireland: A Family Keepsake Film https://youtu.be/Kpsh4PFbI5s "It's AMAZING. I cried and laughed.""You captured the fun of the day.""Their little voices...""It's... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2024-04-02 - Modified: 2025-02-21 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/the-invisible-mum-the-importance-of-mothers-being-in-family-photos/ - Categories: Resources ### The Invisible Mum: The Importance of Mothers Being in Family Photos As a documentary family photographer in Dublin, Ireland, I'm here to talk about something that I know is important to all the mums out there. Have you ever heard a mum say, "I'm never in any pictures" or "I'm always the one behind the camera"? I hear it all the time, and it's a shame because mums are often the family members who are least photographed. I believe there are two reasons for this. First, mums typically hold the primary responsibility for serving as the family's memory keeper. They're often the ones with the camera, preserving those memories at birthday parties, family vacations, sporting events, and even simple everyday moments. Because of this, they're often noticeably absent from photographs documenting such events. The second reason is that some mothers don't want to be photographed because they dislike their appearance. Mums are known for being hard on themselves and trying to avoid the camera. This could be because of their own feelings about their weight, wrinkles, hair, or other insecurities. But let me tell you, there are so many good reasons to get over your fears and try to get in front of the camera. Here are a few of the most important ones: First of all, you have more value than you realize. Mums often put themselves last. Every week, in dozens of ways, they give up sleep, sanity, and time for their kids. They may sometimes feel bad about spending money or time on themselves, but they don't think... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2024-03-25 - Modified: 2024-03-25 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/best-photos-of-kids-at-weddings/ - Categories: Real Events ### Best Photos of Kids at Weddings Kids at weddings are magic! They're full of mischief, don't care about the same things as adults do and don't pretend to care. If they are bored, they look bored and for a photographer, it's a lot of fun capturing these funny moments as well as all the joy they bring to the day. Kids at weddings are magic! They're full of mischief, don't care about the same things as adults and don't pretend to care. If they are bored, they look bored and for a photographer, it's a lot of fun capturing these funny moments along with all the joy they bring to the day. Here are some of my best photos of children at weddings - some of them having been awarded by the IPPVA. I hope they make you smile! While I don't call myself a wedding photographer, as a documentary family photographer, I love documenting family events, including weddings with children. So if you are a parent getting married and you like a photojournalistic photography style, don't hesitate to inquire about your wedding date. Favourite Wedding Photos With Kids at Boyne Hill House, Ireland Favourite Wedding Photos With Kids at The Millhouse, Slane, Co. Meath Small Intimate Wedding With Children at the K Club, Co. Kildare I have taken my favourite wedding photos on that day. With only six adults and two children, I had plenty of time to capture the expressions, personalities and funny moments involving the little ones as well as their grown-ups. It isn't straightforward to elope to a foreign country with a toddler and a small child, so this couple chose to elope in Ireland, and I'm glad they did! If your special day is all about celebrating with family and children, let me be there to capture the small and big moments. From the laughter... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2024-02-20 - Modified: 2024-12-16 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/advice-for-new-parents-from-experienced-parents/ - Categories: Resources ### Advice For New Parents From Experienced Parents I was inspired to reach out to an incredible group of seasoned parents for their invaluable insights and advice. In this blog post, I'm excited to share their collective wisdom, gathered from real-life experiences and honest reflections. As a mother of two and a documentary family photographer, I've had the privilege of witnessing the beautiful and chaotic journey of parenthood firsthand. From capturing moments of anticipation during maternity sessions to documenting growing families, I've had the honour of sharing in the joys and challenges that come with welcoming a new life into the world. Alongside my role behind the camera, I've also found myself in candid conversations with expectant parents, seeking guidance as they prepare to embark on their own journey of parenthood. Knowing the wealth of experience within the parenting community, I reached out to an incredible group of parents for their insights and advice. From sleepless nights to moments of pure joy, these parents have navigated the highs and lows of parenthood with authenticity, resilience, and a touch of humour. I asked them: "What piece of advice would you give a first-time parent now that you're on the other side?" Or "What piece of advice do you wish you had heard before having your first baby?" In this blog post, I'm sharing their honest answers. Whether you're awaiting the arrival of your first child or navigating parenthood's unpredictable journey with multiple little ones in tow, I hope you'll find comfort, encouragement, and perhaps a few 'aha' moments as you read through the nuggets of wisdom shared by these experienced parents. After all, there's no shortage of lessons to be learned. Article Contents: Trust Your Instincts Sleep & Attachment Parenting You can’t spoil a baby "This... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2024-01-19 - Modified: 2024-02-17 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/hill-of-tara-outdoor-family-photoshoot-co-meath/ - Categories: Real Families ### Outdoor Family Photoshoot | Hill of Tara, Meath Documentary family photography is truly perfect for small children and babies as it doesn't require any posing: I just go with the flow and capture the joy, the tender moments, the connections, and everything in between. Documentary family photography is truly perfect for small children and babies as it doesn't require any posing: I just go with the flow and capture the joy, the tender moments, the connections, and everything in between. For this family, it meant capturing some tears, a spectacular fall, and wet little legs lost in the long grass, along with a lot of cuteness and love. Both boys fell asleep in the car on the way back and I couldn't believe how long and gorgeous their eyelashes were. How amazing is it to have The Hill of Tara at your doorstep! What a breath of fresh air for this family of four. If you're curious to learn more about how we can capture your family's moments amidst Ireland's beauty, or if you're ready to plan your own session, check out more details about family photography sessions or just reach out to me directly. --- - Published: 2023-09-19 - Modified: 2024-02-18 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/why-documentary-family-photography-is-perfect-for-families-with-neurodivergent-kids/ - Categories: Resources ### Why Documentary Family Photography is Perfect for Families with Neurodivergent Kids As a documentary family photographer based in Dublin, Ireland, I've had the privilege of capturing countless families' memories and special moments. One thing that I've noticed is that families with children who are neurodivergent greatly benefit from documentary family photography. If you have a child with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and/or sensory processing challenges, you know that they don't always respond well to traditional photography sessions. Documentary family photography can be a great way to capture beautiful photos of your child without the pressure of a traditional photoshoot! Let's dive into why this is the case. As a documentary family photographer based in Dublin, Ireland, I've had the privilege of capturing countless families' memories and special moments. One thing that I've noticed is that families with children who are neurodivergent greatly benefit from documentary family photography. If you have a child with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and/or sensory processing challenges, you know that they don't always respond well to traditional photography sessions. Documentary family photography can be a great way to capture beautiful photos of your child without the pressure of a traditional photoshoot! Let's dive into why this is the case: Relaxed in their own space Your child will likely be more relaxed in their own space. They will feel more comfortable in their own home and surroundings, which means they can relax and enjoy the photo shoot much more than they would if it were taking place somewhere unfamiliar or uncomfortable for them. You can also use your own toys and props from home to help make your documentary family photography session even more special for your child! There are many reasons why it is important for your child to feel comfortable in their own environment, but one of the most important is how this helps the photographer capture authentic photos. Your child will be able to act naturally during their photo session because they know where everything is and what's expected of them when someone takes pictures of them at home or school. No pressure on your child The documentary family photography experience... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2023-09-12 - Modified: 2024-02-18 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/navigating-the-world-of-attachment-parenting-tips-and-insights-for-parents/ - Categories: Resources ### Navigating the World of Attachment Parenting: Tips and Insights for Parents As a documentary family photographer in Dublin, I've had the opportunity to work with many families who practice attachment parenting. Attachment parenting is an approach that emphasizes forming a strong emotional bond between parents and children through practices like co-sleeping, babywearing, and breastfeeding. Let’s discuss those in more detail... As a documentary family photographer in Dublin, I've had the opportunity to work with many families who practice attachment parenting. Attachment parenting is an approach that emphasizes forming a strong emotional bond between parents and children through practices like co-sleeping, babywearing, and breastfeeding. Let’s discuss those in more detail: One of the most important aspects of attachment parenting is the concept of "responsive parenting." This means that parents are attuned to their child's needs and respond to them promptly and lovingly. For infants, this may mean responding to their cries with comfort and care. As children grow older, it may involve validating their emotions, listening actively, and helping them develop problem-solving skills. Another key feature of attachment parenting is co-sleeping. This practice involves parents sleeping in the same bed or room as their infant or young child. Co-sleeping can help infants feel more secure, reduce stress levels, and promote bonding between parents and children. However, it's important to practice co-sleeping safely, such as by ensuring a safe sleeping environment, avoiding alcohol or drugs, and following recommended guidelines for sleep positioning. Babywearing is another common practice in attachment parenting. This involves carrying an infant or young child in a carrier or sling, keeping them close to the parent's body. Babywearing can be helpful for parents who want to keep their child close while being able to move around and accomplish other tasks. Babywearing can also promote bonding, reduce stress levels, and help regulate the child's emotions. Breastfeeding is another important practice... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2023-07-03 - Modified: 2024-12-16 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/10-tips-to-get-the-most-out-of-your-big-camera-dslr-or-mirrorless/ - Categories: Resources ### 10 Tips To Get the Most Out Of Your Big Camera (DSLR Or Mirrorless) A couple of weeks ago, I asked my audience on Instagram what they would most like help with, and someone asked for "help to get the most out of my proper camera". As it happens, I had a lot of tips, so I decided to create a blog AND a photo challenge with 30 prompts to go with it. When I was running my in-person beginners' photography workshops, I got to see what was stopping my students from using their DSLRs, and I hope these tips will help you get the most out of your big/proper/DSLR/mirrorless camera. #1 Take the camera out of the bag This first tip might sound obvious but is probably the most important one. The reason we use our phones so much is because they are accessible to us very quickly. When you see a moment you would like to capture but the camera is hidden away in a corner, you will not be using it / get familiar with it. If you have small children, you will have to find a spot that isn’t too accessible. #2 Keep the battery charged ... and the charger somewhere easy to access. Similar to tip #1, this might seem obvious, but it’s also one of the main reasons people don’t use their DSLRs. #3 Practice downloading photos Unloading images from your “proper” camera onto your laptop may seem daunting. If you practice downloading and organising your images onto your computer and have a system that works for you,... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2023-05-30 - Modified: 2024-02-18 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/a-guide-to-the-exciting-third-trimester-of-pregnancy/ - Categories: Resources - Tags: guide, Maternity, Pregnancy ### A Guide to the Exciting Third Trimester of Pregnancy As a newborn photographer based in Dublin, Ireland, and a mom, I understand that the third trimester of pregnancy is an incredibly special time filled with excitement and anticipation as your due date approaches. However, it can also be a time of significant physical and emotional changes as your body adapts to the pregnancy and readies itself for childbirth. Here's what you should expect during the third trimester and how you can best prepare for the final weeks of your pregnancy. As a newborn photographer based in Dublin, Ireland, and a mom, I understand that the third trimester of pregnancy is an incredibly special time filled with excitement and anticipation as your due date approaches. However, it can also be a time of significant physical and emotional changes as your body adapts to the pregnancy and readies itself for childbirth. Here's what you should expect during the third trimester and how you can best prepare for the final weeks of your pregnancy. Physical Changes It's important to understand the physical changes that pregnant women undergo during their third trimester. During this time, the body undergoes significant changes as the baby continues to grow. The uterus will expand, putting pressure on the diaphragm and other organs, resulting in an increase in shortness of breath, heartburn, and abdominal discomfort. Additionally, the joints and ligaments will become looser in preparation for delivery, leading to more backache and pelvic pain. Personally, walking and targeted exercises were recommended by my physio and really helped me with the pain. Braxton Hicks contractions may also become more frequent as the due date approaches and hydration and rest are crucial to managing discomfort. Skin elasticity may increase due to pregnancy hormones, leading to stretch marks on the abdomen, breasts, buttocks, and thighs. Keeping the skin moisturized and using a special lotion designed to prevent stretch marks can be helpful, if not magical. Finally, the baby will continue to grow and develop, with their lungs and brain maturing. As the... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2023-04-28 - Modified: 2024-02-18 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/how-gentle-parenting-can-help-you-raise-happy-healthy-children/ - Categories: Resources ### How Gentle Parenting Can Help You Raise Happy, Healthy Children Gentle parenting is a way of bringing up kids that focuses on empathy, respect, and understanding. It's based on the belief that kids can learn and grow without harsh punishments or rewards. Gentle parenting emphasizes the importance of connection, communication, and cooperation between parents and kids. Gentle parenting is a way of bringing up kids that focuses on empathy, respect, and understanding. It's based on the belief that kids can learn and grow without harsh punishments or rewards. Gentle parenting emphasizes the importance of connection, communication, and cooperation between parents and kids. There are loads of benefits to gentle parenting. For kids, gentle parenting can lead to: Increased self-esteem: Kids who are raised with gentle parenting often have a strong sense of self-worth. They know that they are loved and accepted for who they are, and they feel confident in their abilities. Improved emotional regulation: Gentle parenting helps kids learn how to manage their emotions in a healthy way. They learn to identify their emotions, understand why they are feeling them, and express them in a safe and appropriate way. Stronger relationships: Gentle parenting builds strong bonds between parents and kids. Kids who feel loved and supported by their parents are more likely to be close to them and to trust them. Increased empathy: Gentle parenting teaches kids about empathy and compassion. They learn to understand the feelings of others and to treat them with kindness and respect. For parents, gentle parenting can lead to: Less stress: Gentle parenting can help parents to feel more calm and in control. It can also help to reduce conflict between parents and kids. Increased happiness: Parents who practice gentle parenting often report feeling happier and more satisfied with their parenting. Stronger relationships: Gentle parenting can also help to strengthen... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2023-04-27 - Modified: 2024-03-20 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/the-joys-of-documentary-newborn-photos/ - Categories: Resources ### The Joys of Documentary Newborn Photos As a documentary-style newborn photographer in Dublin, I have had the privilege of capturing some of the most intimate and heartwarming moments in the lives of new parents and their babies. In this blog post, I want to explain why I believe a documentary-style newborn session is the best way to capture the beauty and magic of this incredibly special time. First, let's define what I mean by "documentary-style". Rather than posing your baby in a studio with props and artificial lighting, I aim to capture natural, candid moments between you and your baby in your own home environment. My goal is to tell a story through my images, showing the real and authentic moments of your daily life with your new little one. So why choose a documentary-style newborn session over a more traditional posed session? Here are just a few reasons: It's more relaxed and natural The first few weeks of your baby's life can be incredibly stressful and overwhelming, especially for first-time parents. The last thing you want is to have to pack up your newborn and head to a studio, trying to keep them calm and content in an unfamiliar environment. With a documentary-style session, you don't need to worry about any of that. I come to you, and we work around your schedule and your baby's needs. You can stay in your own home, in your own comfortable surroundings, and just focus on being with your baby. I will capture the natural moments that happen... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2023-03-23 - Modified: 2024-02-18 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/documentary-home-newborn-photography-session/ - Categories: Resources ### Here’s Why You’ll Love a Documentary-Style Newborn Photography Session at Home As a documentary-style newborn photographer in Dublin, Ireland, I recommend that my clients consider doing a newborn session at home within the first few days after childbirth. These sessions (sometimes called 'Fresh 48') are a type of documentary-style newborn photography that takes place during those first days when you are getting to know each other and settling in at home. The photos capture the raw emotions and intimacy of those first experiences with your newborn, and they are a wonderful way to remember, as time is so fleeting with a new baby. As a documentary-style newborn photographer in Dublin, Ireland, I recommend that my clients consider doing a newborn session at home within the first few days after childbirth. These sessions (sometimes called 'Fresh 48') are a type of documentary-style newborn photography that takes place during those first days when you are getting to know each other and settling in at home. The photos capture the raw emotions and intimacy of those first experiences with your newborn, and they are a wonderful way to remember, as time is so fleeting with a new baby. Here are some reasons why I believe my clients should do a documentary-style newborn session: The First Few Days are Magical There is something truly magical about those first few days with a newborn. Everything is new and exciting, and there is an overwhelming sense of joy and awe that you have created this little one. This type of session allows me to capture these special moments like no other type of photography. The emotions that are captured during this time are authentic and raw, and they are really unique to those first days with your newborn. Preserve the Memories The early days of a newborn's life go by in a blur. Between feedings, diaper changes, and trying to catch some sleep, it can be difficult to fully appreciate and remember everything that is happening. Taking photos during this time allows my clients to capture those moments forever, so they can look back on them and remember exactly... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2023-03-17 - Modified: 2024-02-18 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/things-for-families-to-do-in-dublin-ireland/ - Categories: Resources ### Things for Families To Do In Dublin, Ireland Conveniently walkable, and known for being one of Europe’s friendliest cities, Dublin remains an attractive location for visitors and tourists from around the globe. Although it is perhaps best known for Guinness and pub culture, this charming Irish city offers lots of opportunities for family-friendly fun. The city of Dublin is the capital of Ireland and has a fascinating history as well as present-day charm. Conveniently walkable, and known for being one of Europe’s friendliest cities, Dublin remains an attractive location for visitors and tourists from around the globe. Although it is perhaps best known for Guinness and pub culture, this lively Irish city offers lots of opportunities for family-friendly fun. Dublin Beaches & Cliff Walks Located right on the east coast of Ireland, it is no secret that Dublin is home to some of the most amazing beaches and cliff walks. Be sure to block off a day in your travel itinerary to search for sea shells on a sandy Dublin beach or to go on a Cliff Walk. Will you be brave enough to go for a cold water sea swim? Most are even accessible by public transport. Dublin Mountains Be sure to set aside time for a walk or hike through the trails of Dublin’s mountains. The tranquility of nature and breathtaking views are guaranteed to make you want to extend your trip to beautiful Dublin. Fairy Trails Consider a family adventure walking the paths of one of Dublin's many Fairy Trails. These quaint trails provide a magical atmosphere with tiny fairy houses and gardens and all sorts of fantastical displays that children will fall in love with. National Botanic Gardens Boasting a beautiful display of over 17,000 different species of plants, Dublin’s National Botanic Gardens will not disappoint. The warm greenhouses are... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2023-02-09 - Modified: 2024-03-20 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/home-family-portrait-session/ - Categories: Resources ### 7 Reasons to Consider a Family Portrait Session at Home Don't let the cold or wet weather in Dublin stop you from capturing some quality family time. I love in-home family portrait sessions! They're so comfy, and you and your loved ones can be yourselves, which leads to real and beautiful expressions. These shoots are perfect if you all love hanging out at home doing things like baking, reading, doing crafts, and playing games. Don't let the cold or wet weather in Dublin stop you from capturing some quality family time. I love in-home family portrait sessions! They're so comfy, and you and your loved ones can be yourselves, which leads to real and beautiful expressions. These shoots are perfect if you all love hanging out at home doing things like baking, reading, doing crafts, and playing games. Documentary photography is a cool way to remember important moments in your family's life and to document the everyday. A home session is the best way to keep it chill, authentic, and comfy for everyone. What is an in-home family session? In-home family photoshoots are just relaxed family photos taken right in your own home. They're all about capturing your everyday life, the things you do, and how you interact with each other instead of just posing for the camera. We will work together to make a loose plan for the shoot and keep it fun for the whole family. These family photos will also showcase your home, which is a huge part of your life story since it's where you're raising your kids and making memories with them. How it works No need to stress about looking too put together or having a spotless home. Just wear what feels comfy and cozy. And don't worry about your kids being on their best behavior. Plan on having some fun together as a family! How about baking cookies, playing board games, or even tossing a ball in... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2022-06-20 - Modified: 2025-03-24 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/choosing-family-photos-for-print/ - Categories: Resources ### [Case Study] How Jen Narrowed Down Her Family Photos For Print A lot of parents struggle with the overwhelming task of choosing which photos to print for a photobook or for their walls. Whether they are looking at all of the personal photos sitting on their phone, or whether they hired a photographer (and received digital files only), the task often seems impossible. While a photobook can include a large number of photos, we need to be a lot more decisive when it comes to framed prints on our walls. How do you pick one cute photo over another? How do you keep some sort of balance between each child? What should be the most important factors? Let's hear Jen Ryan from The Scenic Route By Jen talk about HOW she made decisions went it came to selecting photographs from our session together, and I'll end the article with a few of my own tips. Written by Jen in early 2022. 1. Our Day-In-The-Life Family Photoshoot We had the pleasure of working with Johanna in October last year to take part in a Day In Our Life photoshoot. To say I was thrilled with the chance to do this would be an understatement! Ok - hands up - I’m a huge fan of photography anyway, having done two similar shoots previously with our two sons. But now that our daughter is here, six months old at the time, I was delighted to have a shoot with her in it, our little family complete. Why do I love these shoots so much?... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2022-05-18 - Modified: 2025-03-24 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/why-documentary-family-photography-is-meaningful/ - Categories: Resources ### Here Is Why Documentary Family Photography Is So Meaningful Last October, I did a half-day documentary family photoshoot with Jen and her family of five. Since then, she has been sharing some of her favourite photos from the session on her Instagram account along with the reasons they mean so much to her. Jen is absolutely amazing with words so I've been wanting to publish some of her posts for a while now. Sometimes, we get so busy being a parent and doing all of the things, that we forget (or don't have time) to slow down and take it in. I believe that photographs allow us to revisit times we may have not realised were important and precious at the time. Photos with ME in them, being a mum "How many of us here are the main family photographer - avoiding the other side of the lens because we hate seeing ourselves in them or we’re wearing some old t-shirt not worthy of a photo or we have no makeup on?? Me too. With the boys turning 7 & 5 recently it reminded me again just how fast the time whizzes by. Do I want them looking back at family photos with me missing? Do they care what my hair looks like or if I’m wearing some thrown-together thing? No. So when we got the chance to work with the lovely Johanna, I jumped at the chance! Johanna came to the house for a Day In The Life shoot - just capturing us on a normal day doing... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2022-02-17 - Modified: 2024-02-17 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/irish-summer-family-photos-in-the-rain/ - Categories: Real Families ### Summer Family Photos In The Rain | Donabate This half-day-in-the-life family photo session took place during summer 2020, in Donabate. This family wanted part of their weekend morning routine captured with their three children. Their weekend mornings usually included making pancakes together, some fun play, and a family walk in their local park when the kids got bored... We did just that. And here is one of my favourite photos from this session. It just happened to start raining just as we got to the park. And thankfully, unless rain is absolutely torrential, it doesn't stop families from going out or a photographer taking photos. It can even be fun! What if rain is forecasted on the day of your photo session? This is something I will discuss with you on the phone ahead of time. Some families want to capture everyday memories and will adjust their activities to the weather in the way they would on a "normal" day. If it's torrential or very stormy, they will probably stay indoors. If it's drizzly and the kids are bored, they'll get ready for their usual walk and embrace the puddle jumping. If it's a showery day, they might wait for the break and I'll follow. Some families have their heart set on an outdoor location that mean something to them. It's not just about the location but about the memories attached to it and these memories aren't compatible with rain. In this case, we try to have an alternative date in mind. Want to see more photos of... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2021-12-21 - Modified: 2024-02-18 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/moving-house-a-family-photoshoot-in-athy-co-kildare/ - Categories: Real Families ### Hiring A Family Photographer Before Moving House: Check Embarking on a new chapter in life often means leaving behind cherished memories and moments, but with a documentary family photoshoot, those memories can be preserved forever. As this family prepares to move out of their beloved home in Ireland and begin a new adventure in Germany, capturing the essence of their everyday life has never been more meaningful. Embarking on a new chapter in life often means leaving behind cherished memories and moments, but with a documentary family photoshoot, those memories can be preserved forever. As this family prepares to move out of their beloved home in Ireland and begin a new adventure in Germany, capturing the essence of their everyday life has never been more meaningful. Hiring a photographer before a move or major renovations isn't just about documenting the physical space; it's about capturing the laughter, love, and unique moments that make a house a home. And remember, you don't need to live in your forever home to hire a photographer – every chapter of life is worth celebrating and preserving. They opted to do the first part of the session at home, surrounded by packing boxes, and then head over to their favourite spot at the Curragh. While the photoshoot in itself wasn't any different from a family session where the family isn't moving, the photographs will have a very different meaning to the family. I personally don't remember anything from the first two apartments my parents lived in, and they didn't take many photos because these were short stays. I have a curious nature and I would LOVE to see what my first homes looked like. So, don't wait for your "forever" home to hire a photographer, and take plenty of photographs of family life within the different rooms, especially if you're going to leave (or renovate) soon. We were moving house & country,... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2021-11-10 - Modified: 2024-02-23 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/real-life-family-photography-with-baby-portarlington-co-laois/ - Categories: Real Families, Resources - Tags: baby, dogs, family, home, laois, photography, photoshoot ### Real-life Family Photography With Baby - Portarlington, Co Laois Not only did I have the opportunity to photograph Jen and her family of 5 in Portarlington, Co Laois, but I also got to ask her a few questions before and after the photoshoot to help you decide whether a real-life family photography session is the right choice for you. I can tell you a hundred times how great these sessions are and how relaxed the photo shoot will be, that the photos will turn out amazing and that all you have to do is "be yourself". But I know that nothing beats hearing someone else talking about it. Someone who were in FRONT of the camera and not behind it, because, Johanna let's be honest, it's not the same at all :D Jen has also shared some insights and behind-the-scenes in her IG Stories and grouped them in a highlight, and yes, I'll put a direct link right here. When I arrived, the boys were watching a bit of TV on the couch. What are parents biggest concerns before a documentary family photography session? Some of the biggest concerns from parents (and especially mums) when it comes to having documentary family photos taken in their homes are: Feeling awkward "acting normal" with a photographer in their home. Their house not being "picture-perfect". Not knowing what to do together. Their children not behaving or acting out. How they feel about themselves / their appearances. Let's hear what Jen has to say about some of these concerns while also enjoying photographs... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2021-10-21 - Modified: 2024-02-18 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/day-in-the-life-family-photography-ireland/ - Categories: Real Families ### Capture Authentic Moments with Day in the Life Family Photography Welcome to a glimpse into the extraordinary beauty of everyday life captured through the lens of Day in the Life family photography. In this article, we embark on a journey through the heartwarming moments, genuine connections, and cherished memories that unfold in the unscripted moments of family life. Welcome to a glimpse into the extraordinary beauty of everyday life captured through the lens of Day in the Life family photography. In this article, we embark on a journey through the heartwarming moments, genuine connections, and cherished memories that unfold in the unscripted moments of family life. Meet the B family, an Irish/Swiss family who recently embarked on a new adventure in Switzerland. From the laughter of children playing to the quiet moments shared between loved ones, Day in the Life photography offers a unique perspective on the richness of family bonds. Join me as we explore the magic of these authentic storytelling sessions, celebrating the beauty found in the ordinary moments that make life truly extraordinary. What is day in the life family photography? Day in the life family photography can also be called "documentary family photography" or "family photojournalism" or shortened to "DITL". You may find that each photographer using these terms will have their own vision and processes, but in general, it means capturing real-life moments without directing or posing. Most of my work is documentary family photography and I will spend between 2h and 10h with a family and capture whatever happens during that time. You might choose to hire me for a normal day, with no specific plans, and let things unfold. Or you might choose a special day/activity. Head over here to read more about my sessions and packages. How long does a day in the life photo session last? My most popular... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2021-09-17 - Modified: 2024-02-18 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/8-reasons-to-opt-for-documentary-family-photography/ - Categories: Resources ### 8 Reasons To Opt For Documentary Family Photography Capture real moments with documentary family photography. No posing, just natural smiles and expressions in your comfortable setting. Welcome to our exploration of documentary family photography. In this article, discover eight reasons why it's become a popular choice for capturing life's moments. From its authentic portrayal of family dynamics to its timeless appeal, find out why this approach might be ideal for your family. 1. You feel awkward posing for photos “I wanted to get photos of all the family that were good quality, but I feel like trying to get kids to sit in a studio, behave and look like themselves never really works." Annie And even in a natural setting, it can be difficult to relax when a photographer is trying hard to make you laugh to get natural images. It can feel a little 'fake' to some people. (Me!) During a documentary family photography session, kids are allowed to be kids and parents don't feel awkward. They can take a break, drink coffee, eat, parent, sleep, laugh or cry. I was worried that it would be stressful to have a photographer in the house with such a new baby but she was totally unobtrusive, and so good at developing a rapport with us and with the children, that it wasn’t stressful at all. Our photo shoot was totally relaxed. Margaret 2. You want natural photos of yourself, with your family, in the moment Parents (and especially mothers) are often absent from their family photos. They do want their children to have a reminder of them AND for these photographs to be representative of who they... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2021-05-07 - Modified: 2025-04-05 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/how-to-photograph-the-story-of-your-family-vacation-ireland/ - Categories: Resources - Tags: vacation, vacations ### How To Photograph The Story of Your Family Vacation in Ireland Discover how to capture the full story of your family vacation, not just the usual postcards. Embrace shared moments, routines, and uniqueness. When we travel somewhere new for a family vacation (in Ireland or anywhere in the world), we tend to photograph the new, shiny things. When travelling with children, we are also going to take photographs of them in different locations to record where we have been, what we have done, what we saw. However, we might come back home with an SD Card full of postcard photographs, that will act as reminders but will be missing some important ingredients. Capture the full story of your family vacation, not just the postcard version Let's imagine you are coming to Ireland for your family vacation. Your family vacation in Ireland will likely involve beautiful landscapes, music, rain, sunshine, rainbows, sheep, Guinness, great food, friendly people, sea, and mountains. Your camera (or phone) will naturally be directed at all of these things that you can't find at home. If you're travelling somewhere else, I'll let you use your imagination :D While it's totally normal to take lots of photos of the landscapes, landmarks, new foods, streets and all the wonderful places you will come across, it's important not to come back with 100% of the photographs being an advertisement for Tourism Ireland. No matter where you go, your vacation can never be reduced to a postcard. A family vacation is an experience You are not "watching" your vacation, you are living it. YOU are going to visit Ireland. You, as in: people, with unique personalities and relationships. Not two families will experience the... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2021-03-09 - Modified: 2024-02-18 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/family-photography-award-series-garden-time/ - Categories: Personal Stories ### A Year in the Life of Our Garden: A Project on Seasons, Time and Changes I was hoping that focusing on what was WITHIN these walls would help take my attention away from their limitations. Instead, I made a conscious effort to focus and notice the beauty. I was hoping that focusing on what was WITHIN these walls would help take my attention away from their limitations. Instead, I made a conscious effort to focus and notice the beauty. Johanna This Is Reportage: Family Story Award in Collection 3 In early 2020, before Covid and the first lockdown, I started photographing our back garden from the exact same angle and composition. Back then, the goal for me was to capture the passing of time and the changes that would take place as the months went by. We had buried some new flower bulbs in the soil that winter and my focus was very much to show the growth of nature. How things look the same and yet are very different. The underlying goal for me was also to start appreciating our small city garden. Growing up in the French countryside, I did find the restricted view quite challenging at times. It did feel somewhat like being locked, constrained, limited. The walls being grey didn't help! I was hoping that focusing on what was WITHIN these walls would help take my attention away from their limitations. Instead, I made a conscious effort to focus and notice the beauty. Most of the beauty of nature is so small that you can hardly see it with the naked eye. You need to look closely. Actually, properly look. Little did I know that a few weeks later, we would spending so much time at home and in the garden. And I... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2020-12-01 - Modified: 2025-07-19 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/multi-generational-family-photos-south-dublin/ - Categories: Real Families - Tags: generations, grandparents ### Family Portraits With Grandparents | South Dublin Join me for an inside look into a family documentary portrait session with grandparents. These sessions capture the connections among generations, including grandparents, aunts, and uncles. From genuine laughter to tender moments, we preserve the unique essence of your family in every frame. In this blog post, we share a morning with three generations spending time at home, in their garden and at their local park. Family hugs, laughs, picking raspberries (& noses), taking over the local playground, and finishing with lunch, tea, and newspapers (I LOVE this photo so much). These photos make me so happy and the best compliments come from Joanna (my client, not me!) herself. She said they all "found working with me easy & unobtrusive and love how natural everyone looks in the photos." In conclusion, documentary family portraits with grandparents offer an invaluable opportunity to capture the essence of your family's love and connection in a timeless and authentic manner. If you're inspired by the moments shared in this blog post and eager to create your own cherished memories, I invite you to take the next step. Visit my pricing page to explore package options tailored to suit your family's needs, or simply reach out to me directly to discuss scheduling your very own family portrait session. Together, let's preserve the beauty of your family's story for generations to come. I can't wait to hear from you. --- - Published: 2020-11-18 - Modified: 2024-12-16 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/30-family-advent-christmas-traditions/ - Categories: Real Families - Tags: christmas, christmas traditions ### 30 Advent Traditions to Share with your Family this Christmas You might already have your favourite family Advent & Christmas traditions that you share with your children every year. However, if you are like me and would like to start some new traditions with your little one(s), this could be a great source of inspiration. Some of those traditions are from Ireland, others are from Germany or France. Some were transmitted from the previous generations and others were made up for and by the children. Events & Wonderment Go to a Christmas show/concert Go to a Christmas storytelling at the library Get some tickets for a carousel Go to a Christmas Market Go to the Panto Go to see Santa Go into town to see the Christmas Lights (walk or drive) Go food shopping together Baking & Tasting Bake Gingerbread cookies and cakes Bake and decorate Christmas cookies Bake Mince Pies Bake the Christmas pudding or cake Making mulled wine/cider/apple juice Eat Christmas pasta, or rather Christmas tree-shaped pasta Crafts & Decorations Picking the Christmas tree together and putting it up Setting up a Christmas Crib Making and putting up paper Christmas Decorations Making & Painting salt dough Christmas Decorations (handprint, stars...) Making an advent calendar Making and sending Christmas Cards Making an Advent Wreath Christmas Spirit at Home Watching Christmas movies Wearing Christmas jumpers Wearing Matching Pyjamas Lighting the Advent candles Cosy advent Sundays with hot chocolate, stories, cookies and candles Christmas music and singing/dancing together Write the letter to Santa Acts of Kindness I don't have a specific... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2020-10-11 - Modified: 2024-02-27 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/low-impact-living-as-a-family-in-ireland/ - Categories: Resources ### Low Impact Living As A Family In Ireland, By Timi Nicholson, Zero Waste Speaker I'm delighted to bring you a different kind of article today with an interview with one of Ireland's top Zero Waste speakers, Timi Nicholson. If you don't follow her already on Instagram at @timi.nicholson, go and do that now! I photographed Timi and her two children last year, for this article, and I hope you enjoy taking a peek at what low impact living looks like for them. As Timi says, there is no "one solution fits all", but if you are interested in making some changes, just take that first step, and then a second one, and so on... Enjoy the article, and let us know what resonated most with you in the comments! Timi's journey & the steps she took to lower her family's impact on the environment It all started when our first child was born, and we were sick of our black bins full of dirty and smelly nappies. We were looking for an alternative solution and found cloth nappies. Within a few months, we transitioned to using reusable nappies full-time, and in this process, we learned a lot about how our way of living is not very kind to the environment and to all who live in it, including us. From my academic background, I was very much aware of the issue of waste but never really connected the dots that my actions can have an impact. We thought the future would have the solutions, and there is nothing we can or need to do.... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2020-09-08 - Modified: 2024-02-18 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/baby-cara-portmarnock-maternity-newborn-photography/ - Categories: Real Families - Tags: Babies, baby, Maternity, Newborn, Newborns, Pregnancy ### From Three to Four | Maternity & Newborn Photos in Portmarnock In this blog post, I'm delighted to share the story of Baby Cara, beautifully documented during not one, but two photography sessions in Portmarnock: one maternity session and one newborn/baby session. In this blog post, I'm delighted to share the story of Baby Cara, beautifully documented during not one, but two photography sessions in Portmarnock: one maternity session and one newborn/baby session. From the anticipation of pregnancy to the joyous arrival of a new life, each moment is a precious chapter in the story of growing families. Join me as we explore the beauty, love, and connection woven throughout these special sessions, celebrating the miracle of new beginnings and the timeless bond between parent and child. For their maternity session, this family chose to capture some everyday moments as a family of three, right before welcoming a new baby at home. That was in January 2019 just as the sun went down. Transitioning from a family of three to a family of four It's a pretty big milestone for any family, and rather than focus on the "baby bump", documentary maternity photography will capture what life felt like before the baby arrived. No matter what, things are going to change. And even when it's for a very happy occasion, there can also be some concerns when facing that change. It's true for a couple expecting their firstborn, or a family of three adding a new sibling to the equation... It's normal to worry a little, wonder how different the relationship will be, and if you're still going to have enough time to connect like before. From what I've seen during my clients' photo sessions, the transition for an older sibling can... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2020-07-05 - Modified: 2024-02-18 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/why-do-photographers-hire-other-photographers-for-family-sessions/ - Categories: Real Families ### Why Even Professional Photographers Need To Hire Family Photographers Picture this: you're a parent and a professional photographer. You love taking photos of your family, but find it hard to put down the camera and just enjoy the moment. You're probably missing from all of the photos. Maybe you find it hard to get them organised and edited. Or you struggle to get the photographs printed. That's where hiring an other professional family photographer can help. Even if you take beautiful photos every day, having someone else behind the lens lets you focus on being part of the memories instead of trying to capture them. And the relief of knowing someone else is going to do all the culling/editing/designing and printing is priceless! The family photo session I am going to showcase in this article is the perfect example. This mum of two is also a professional wedding photographer and: Uses her phone 90% of the time for family photos while the good camera is packed for the next client. Spend a lot of time on the computer to edit weddings and just can't add personal photos to the list. The only printed photos around the house have been gifted by family & friends. She is rarely (if ever) in the photographs with her girls. 5 Reasons Why Even Professional Photographers Need To Hire Family Photographers Being in the Pictures: Pros are usually the ones taking the photos, so they're often missing from family photos. Hiring a photographer means they can actually be in the photos for a change.... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2020-07-01 - Modified: 2024-02-18 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/travel-family-photography-ireland-hill-of-tara/ - Categories: Real Families - Tags: vacation, vacations ### Travel Family Photography | Hill of Tara, Ireland Today I am featuring a travel family photography session in Ireland. Follow along as I share the story of a family of three from the USA, documenting their adventures at Bellinter House and the Hill of Tara. Erin, the mother - and a journalist - crafted an inquiry that had me looking forward to our time together. From her first email, she spoke my language: I’m a journalist and your work reminds me of all my photog friends. You capture life as it happens. Living in the United States and of Irish descent, Erin wanted to surprise her husband with a family photography session while they were visiting Ireland again. 6 years ago, Sean proposed to Erin on the Hill of Tara, so it was only natural to return there with their son Jack. We want our little boy to see the place we got engaged. I suggested that we start the session at Bellinter's house where they were staying, in their bedroom. First of all, it's a beautiful location and most importantly, photographs taken in a vacation accommodation (with all the "mess" we bring with us when we travel with a small one) would bring them right back to their vacation later on. Erin LOVED the idea. It’s all these small moments that matter but no one captures. I want these photos to capture us as we are right now. Raising a toddler in the rough and tumble of living a life. Then, we went together to the Hill... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2020-06-29 - Modified: 2024-02-18 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/what-to-wear-to-a-family-photoshoot/ - Categories: Resources ### What To Wear To A Family Photoshoot With Me The good news: there is no need to go shopping for new outfits unless that's something that will bring you joy! If you've followed my work for a bit, you must have realised that I don't want stress to be a part of the whole experience. Here are a few tips I have put together if you're not sure of what to wear on the day of your session. Decide what to wear on the day This is not for everyone, I know, but you can just get dressed on the day the same way you would usually dress, and that's it. How more stress-free can it be? Also, if your child loves to live half-naked, then why not let him/her? Remember that the photographs from the session are for you to enjoy. Be Yourself If you'd like to be a little more prepared, then pick outfits that will allow you to be yourself and feel like yourself. Dress nice, but don’t get so “dressed up” that you are uncomfortable. Let your clothes reflect your family's personality and style while keeping in mind your interactions and family bond is really the focus of the session. Something that makes you feel great Try picking clothing that makes you feel good! If you are usually critical about your appearance and struggle with the way you look in photographs, then definitely try to pick something flattering that will boost your confidence and help you relax. Wear colours you like You will be looking... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2020-06-16 - Modified: 2024-02-18 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/feature-in-foto-kochs-schnappschuss-magazine-issue-63/ - Categories: Featured ### Feature in Foto Koch's Schnappschuss Magazine Issue 63 Today, I'm thrilled to share some exciting news: my feature in Foto Koch's Schnappschuss Magazine. WOW. This is pretty much a dream come true. Today, I'm thrilled to share some exciting news: my feature in Foto Koch's Schnappschuss Magazine. WOW. This is pretty much a dream come true. A few months back, Foto Koch asked if I would like to be featured in the next issue of the Schnappschuss mag, focusing on "Moments". "We are always looking for artists and photographers with a passion for what they do and interesting projects that we think should be shared with the world, trying to fill our pages with inspiring new work." At first, I was like: "Why me?" and felt a little guilty for stealing the limelight from my German documentary family photographer friends then I just said, "Yes please, what do you need from me?" Today I received a printed copy and there are no words to explain how it feels. The quality of the paper is beautiful and I love the layout too! Thankfully, they did the translation work as my German is a "little" rusty. If you can read German, you can check my words on the PDF version here: https://www.fotokoch.de/schnappschuss --- - Published: 2020-01-31 - Modified: 2024-02-15 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/ditl-a-family-battling-cancer-ireland/ - Categories: Real Families ### Réiltín | Daily Life of a Family Battling Cancer | Dublin, Ireland One of the reasons behind building a sustainable business (besides paying the mortgage that is!) was to be able to give back to my community and gift photographs to families who may not be able to afford it, or, in this case, who wouldn't think of hiring a photographer during such a difficult time in their lives. Back in January 2018, Réiltín was diagnosed with Leukemia. In July 2018, I visited their family home. Réiltín had a tube called "Freddy" that her strong amazing mama used for her intravenous chemo while her equally amazing daddy held her gently. She also had a toy called "Chemo duck" and was fed through a tube. The previous 6 months had been like hell for this family. Yet, during this session, what most touched me was the love they all had for each other. The singing. Réiltín's big sister's serious dance moves. Réiltín's smiles. This is what Ciara said, back then, when sharing the images with her friends & family: The day Johanna came, we did some really abnormal things. We gave our daughter intravenous chemo and we fed her through a tube. But this is our normal and this is how we care for Réiltín. Johanna managed to capture our day so beautifully and more importantly, she captured the simple things that we will never take for granted... our children's smiles.Ciara in July 2018. Today, before publishing these images, I asked Ciara how she felt about the images now: It's fabulous to look... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2020-01-16 - Modified: 2024-02-18 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/children-intimate-wedding-photographer-k-club-kildare/ - Categories: Real Events ### Intimate Wedding With Children | The K Club, Ireland Welcome to a blog post featuring images from a heartwarming wedding celebration at the K Club in Co. Kildare, Ireland. As an intimate wedding photographer, I had the privilege of capturing the special moments shared between two parents, their two children, and four grandparents on this beautiful day. Eloping in Ireland when you live in Ireland is possible, and much more practical when you have two young children. These parents knew their children would never pose long enough for a photo, so choosing to hire a documentary wedding photographer was on the top of their list, and I was really glad to be the one. Having photographs of your children dancing to Baby Shark and eating popcorn during the ceremony sounds like a great alternative to bribing them for pictures, doesn't it? Full disclosure: bribing with juice DID happen for one formal family photo. I loved how the family of four got ready together in their hotel suite, the groom being the one fastening the buttons of his future wife's wedding dress, after changing their toddler's nappy. Said toddler was then watching tractor videos on a phone while they finished getting dressed. The grandparents' arrival made the day super special and I know everyone will cherish the memories for a long long time. Wedding Gallery By showcasing a full gallery (not just the "best" shots), I am hoping to help you visualise what your wedding gallery could look like if you hire me. As we come to the end of... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2019-11-27 - Modified: 2024-02-18 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/real-wedding-with-children-boyne-hill-house-ireland/ - Categories: Real Events ### Real Wedding With Children | Boyne Hill House, Ireland August 2019: It was my 4th time photographing Majella and Finn, 2nd time for Col and Réiltín. Let's just say that everyone was pretty much relaxed in front of my camera that day. And what a day that was. I felt so welcome by both of their families and friends. As usual, Maj rocked the sequins slippers, and the glitter (and everything else)! Award-Winning Images From This Wedding Awarded by the IPPVA in the Documentary Wedding Category in 2020 Wedding Gallery Because wedding photography isn't only about award-winning photos, here is a wide range of moments from this wedding so you can imagine what your own gallery could look like. Venue: Boyne Hill HouseHair: Lou Merryweather HairMakeup: Mary Ellen Darby Make-up ArtistDress: Maggie Sottero Designs from Love Ellie Bridal BoutiqueFlowers: Aster FlowersBand: DELOREANProsecco Van: The Prosecco Van IrelandCelebrant: Emer DillonCake: Thelma Burke & Roisin McArdleCeremony Music: Trudy Maguire If you're planning your own wedding with children in Ireland and want to ensure every moment is beautifully documented, I'd love to hear from you. Explore my event photography packages and get in touch to discuss how we can create lasting memories together. Let's make your wedding a day you'll never forget. --- - Published: 2019-11-20 - Modified: 2024-02-15 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/home-birth-photographer-in-dublin/ - Categories: Real Families ### Home Birth Photographer in Dublin Calling all mothers-to-be currently planning a home birth in Dublin! I'm so excited to announce that I am now offering birth photography services. One of the reasons I stopped booking weddings this year was to allow birth photography in my life, so this is very exciting! I can only photograph home births for now as Irish maternity hospitals don't allow photographers just yet. Hopefully, we can approach them as a collective in the future, as it would mean a lot more births could be photographed. Fill out your details on my contact form and the first thing we would do is get on a video call to discuss your birth plan and detailed pricing. If I cannot photograph your birth (too far away, or not available), I may be able to recommend another photographer, so it is always worth getting in touch. --- - Published: 2019-06-28 - Modified: 2024-02-18 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/photographing-a-family-of-six-with-teens-dublin/ - Categories: Real Families ### Photographing A Family Of Six With Teens | Dublin In today's blog post, we embark on a journey to capture the vibrant energy and dynamic connections of a family of six, with teens, in Dublin. In today's blog post, we embark on a journey to capture the vibrant energy and dynamic connections of a family of six, with teens, in Dublin. Join me as I showcase this session, filled with laughter, love, and candid moments that truly encapsulate the spirit of this wonderful family. From football to faces covered in Nutella, their home was the perfect setting for this unforgettable photoshoot. Summer Evening Family Photoshoots Why not schedule your session in the evening during the summer months? Summer evening family photography sessions are perfect for busy families. Weekends don't suit everyone and weekday evenings might be the only time of the week when everyone is in or around the house at the same time. These photographs were taken in 90 minutes one sunny September evening. If I remember right, some of the boys had soccer training afterward and C. the older son, cycled back from high school just as I arrived. Real Family Photoshoot Gallery Because family photography isn't just about getting the "perfect shots," sharing a full gallery can give you a better idea of what a similar documentary photoshoot would be like for your family. Yes, these are Christmas crackers that the twins are playing with. Don't ask! Isn't the light gorgeous though? Summer evenings offer the perfect backdrop for family sessions. Interested in capturing your family's story during these golden hours? Reach out to schedule your session today and let's create unforgettable memories together!" --- - Published: 2019-06-03 - Modified: 2024-02-22 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/coming-home-fresh-48-newborn-photography-dublin/ - Categories: Real Families - Tags: breastfeeding, nursing ### Coming Home | Fresh 48 Newborn Photography in Dublin A brand new baby. Two big sisters. A birth pool being used one last time before packing. Tandem nursing. An Indian takeaway. In 2018, I was supposed to photography Susy's homebirth, but it wasn't meant to be. Baby D was born through an emergency C-Section in the maternity hospital. As a newly trained GentleBirth Instructor and Doula herself, Susy knew that birth didn't always go according to plan and that it was best for her and her baby's health. Her midwife and doula also gave her great support. Yet, I know it's been hard for Susy, and I know that many mothers struggle when their birth doesn't turn out the way they hoped, whether it was traumatic or not. I want to send a big virtual hug to all of them. It's ok to feel sad, depressed, and guilty, even if your baby is healthy. And if the down feelings don't go away, don't feel like you can't ask for help. You're not alone. I hope that these images somewhat help Susy appreciate those blurry post-birth days. --- - Published: 2019-05-24 - Modified: 2024-02-23 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/family-newborn-photos-at-home-meath/ - Categories: Real Families - Tags: breastfeeding, dads, family, fathers, nursing, why ### Family & Newborn Photos At Home + Garden | Meath A house with a story. Surrounded by the remains of the family farm. Big trees. A red car. A dog. An expressive boy with blond hair. A new baby smiling in her sleep. And flowers everywhere cared for my Majella (I brought back my own bouquet that day). Majella and Finn are not strangers to my camera, as you can see in this article from 2017 about Majella having to wean for medical reasons. A year and a half later, she was breastfeeding Finn's baby sister, Reiltín, and I couldn't have been happier to photograph her family again, with Dad this time. Documentary family photography is perfect for reluctant dads Truth be told, I don't think Colin was very keen on having his photo taken at first (some dads are a little reluctant at first), but the documentary style of photography is PERFECT for reluctant fathers. They can wear their favourite t-shirt, be their normal self, and just spend quality time with their family. On the day, when they realise I'm not asking them to look and smile at the camera, I can see them visually relax and enjoy the experience. Dads, it's as important to be in your children's photos as it is for mums! Whether you're ready to jump or not, get in touch today to discuss your own documentary family session. --- - Published: 2019-05-19 - Modified: 2024-02-18 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/outdoor-family-photoshoot-in-st-annes-park-dublin/ - Categories: Real Families - Tags: breastfeeding, nursing ### Outdoor Family Photos in St Anne's Park, Dublin Some children are so theatrical! Comedians with expressions going from pure excitement to a sad clown in the space of 2 seconds. This is Reia in a nutshell. I could photograph her all day without being bored for one second, and I'm pretty sure her parents are not bored with her. Let's see if her baby brother follows the same path :) I am totally in love with our photos and can't stop smiling when I look at them. They make me feel so happy.I love the documentary style of your photography and how relaxed it was. All the photographs are so genuine because we were totally relaxed and able to be ourselves. Lisa Thank you, Lisa, for putting into words what this meant to you. See the printed images at the end of this blog post. St Anne's Park Outdoor Family Photos - Gallery About St Anne's Park St. Anne's Park is located between Raheny and Clontarf, suburbs on the north side of Dublin, Ireland. It is a popular green space covering 240 acres. It features scenic walking paths, beautiful gardens, and historic landmarks like the Clock Tower. Whether you're looking for a leisurely stroll or a family picnic spot, this park offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city. St Anne's Park in Clontarf is the weekend destination of this family so it made perfect sense to have this family's photoshoot there. For your own photo session, think of places that mean something to you and... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2019-03-24 - Modified: 2024-02-17 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/in-home-pregnancy-newborn-photoshoots-with-siblings-dublin/ - Categories: Real Families - Tags: Babies, baby, Maternity, Newborn, Newborns, Pregnancy ### In-Home Pregnancy And Newborn Photoshoots With Siblings - Dublin As a documentary family photographer in Dublin, it was an absolute joy to capture the special moments of both a maternity and a newborn photoshoot for a wonderful family in Ranelagh. As a documentary family photographer in Dublin, it was an absolute joy to capture the special moments of both a maternity and a newborn photoshoot for a wonderful family in Ranelagh. With a bustling household including a toddler, a teenager, a furry feline companion, and even a loving grandma, each moment was filled with warmth and laughter. One of the highlights for me was creating a before-and-after photo where the couple sat on the same couch during both sessions, capturing the natural progression of their journey without any posing or planning. Family & Pregnancy Photoshoot Newborn Family Photoshoot - A few months later Documenting the journey from maternity to newborn stages for this family was a privilege, highlighting the beauty of everyday moments and the love shared within their home. If you're seeking to preserve your own family's unique story in a natural and authentic way, I'd be honored to capture those memories for you. Contact me today to schedule your own documentary family photo session, and let's create timeless photographs that you'll treasure for years to come. --- - Published: 2019-03-01 - Modified: 2024-02-22 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/relaxed-at-home-family-photos-enniskerry-wicklow/ - Categories: Real Families ### Relaxed At Home Family Photos | Enniskerry, Wicklow So, you know the way children love bubbles and running after them, but they like holding the bubble bottle even more and end up pouring the whole thing on the ground? Does that ring a bell? Well, little Gaby wanted to hold that bottle and he didn't give up, from his 20-months-old-self he kept saying "I hold it. I hold it." Daddy gave it to him, and not even 2 seconds later, the whole content was poured onto the ground. It didn't give me much time to capture him chasing the bubbles. Spending 4h with this family, nearly 2 years after their maternity & family photoshoot, meant I really got to capture the two brothers' personalities. Now, I'm curious. Would you start potty training your 3-year-old two days before a photo session? Probably not! When I photograph families for the second or third time, they're so relaxed, they don't even worry about this type of thing. "Whatever happens, happens." They don't feel the pressure to "perform" and let their children do their normal things: pick up bubbly snails, cover themselves with food, and have a tantrum. They know that "real" is what they'll want to remember. Ready to document your family's story in Wicklow or Dublin? Contact me today to schedule your session and capture memories that will last a lifetime. --- - Published: 2019-01-24 - Modified: 2024-12-16 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/tired-of-taking-blurry-photographs-of-your-children/ - Categories: Resources ### Tired of Taking Blurry Photographs of Your Children? Your children aren't cooperating when you ask them to sit down and smile at the camera, are they? I'll tell you a secret... None of them are! Taking a (sharp) portrait of children looking and smiling at the camera is REALLY HARD. The more children you have, the harder it gets. Bribes work quite well, but even then, I'm not sure how natural their smiles are. The next option you have is to take photographs of your children while they're on the move. Playing, jumping on the bed, and running after each other. BUT. Every single one of them is a blur. Even when they're not moving that much, it's a real struggle to get a sharp photograph. WHY? iPhone photo taken by my husband Why Are Your Photographs Blurry? First of all, there are 2 types of blur: Out-of-focus blur (the focus of the photograph isn't on your subject) and Motion blur (which is usually what happens when photographing children). If you are struggling with focusing on your subject (whether on the phone or DSLR), you need to practice this skill. If you're struggling with Motion blur, keep reading... There are a few factors that will contribute to the quality and sharpness of a photograph: Light Movement of the subject (children & pets especially) Movement of the photographer Quality of the camera (phone, DSLR...) Camera settings (The exposure triangle = ISO, aperture and shutter speed) Let's consider the worst-case scenario: you are trying to photograph a moving child in... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2019-01-02 - Modified: 2024-02-19 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/outdoor-summer-family-photoshoot-park/ - Categories: Real Families ### Outdoor Family Photography | Phoenix Park, Dublin We were in Phoenix park, taking a stroll around Farmleigh House when we saw a dog looking quite friendly. Oliver and the girls chatted to the owner and got closer... which resulted in a little someone getting licked on the nose. She wasn't very impressed... Her face still makes me laugh 6 months later. When Catherine first got in touch last spring, she explained that a photoshoot with her girls had been on her to-do list for ages, but she never got around to organising it. This is the reality of so many families. Not knowing where to start, how to find the right photographer and more urgent life "stuff" getting in the way. I'm so glad I came recommended to her and she finally got photographs of her family on her walls. We spent 4 hours together in the park: picnic, getting icecreams (always a big hit), hugging trees, eating cake (look at Oliver sneaking a big mouthful of it behind the girls' backs), throwing and collecting gravel as well as sending a little girl flying into the air. I was gifted with so many natural expressions from the two sisters. Her parents agreed it was really the best way to capture their personalities. This would have been a lot harder in a more traditional studio setup and a lot less relaxed. Would you like to document a family adventure or some everyday moments? Check my portfolio page or contact me today to discuss your vision and create memories... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2018-12-19 - Modified: 2024-12-16 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/photos-you-need-to-take-of-grandma-grandpa-this-year/ - Categories: Resources - Tags: generations, grandparents ### Photos You Need To Take of Grandma + Grandpa This Year My grandfather passed away in November 2016. The last time I got to see him in person (rather than Skype) was in June 2015, during our first trip to France with our 3-months-old daughter. Below is one of the very last photographs I took of him, along with my grandmother and my daughter. Look at this small touch of his finger. First great-grandchild and first baby in the family in more than eighteen years. Beautiful. During that trip, I made sure to capture every little bit of connection between my daughter and my family members. She was the attraction so there was A LOT to shoot. I know she will be thankful for those photographs one day and I am grateful he was able to meet her at least once. This being said, I often think of all the photographs I wish I took of him when it was still time. Photographs of him by himself. In his house. In his bee suit. In his beloved vegetable garden. Him in his office, or leaving to go wild boar hunting. There is no way to go back in time, so there is no point torturing myself about it, but the lesson I learnt from it drives me to make photographs of the other grandparents in my life while I still can. Meaningful photographs that go beyond the surface and the "let's all look at the camera and smile" portraits. I also hope this lesson will serve YOU to make similar photographs... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2018-11-13 - Modified: 2024-02-19 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/family-vacation-photography-dublin-howth/ - Categories: Real Families - Tags: vacation, vacations ### Family Vacation Photography | Dublin & Howth When looking at photographs of their vacation, this family of five from New Jersey won't just remember the beautiful Irish landscapes or the colourful pubs of Temple Bar. No. They will remember little faces covered in sugar from the cronuts they bought at Temple Bar Market, the seagulls they fed by the Liffey after missing the train for Howth, the seals, the crazy guys jumping from the rocks in Howth (and one falling sideways), the wrestler star "Edge" passing by The Cliff Stop café (while the kids were holding a plastic figurine of said Wrestler - missing a leg. What are the chances, right?) and the lovely musicians initiating them to guitar and ukulele. Do you know what I love most about my style of photography? How the best photographs come from the unplanned moments. All I have to do is stay open to the unexpected, the mundane, the simple moments and connections, observe and capture it. Thank you again Lexi for hiring me to capture this special family vacation for you! Find out more about vacation photography or inquire today about the dates of your stay! --- - Published: 2018-08-24 - Modified: 2024-02-19 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/home-family-portrait-session-dublin/ - Categories: Real Families ### Sisters: A Home Family Portrait Session in Dublin I knew Valentina and I were a perfect match when she explained that she had thousands of photographs of her daughters stuck on the cloud and none on her walls. She was overwhelmed by the whole thing and didn't have a clue where to start, or even how to retrieve them from iCloud. She wanted a photographer who would take care of everything for her: from taking the photographs that represented her family’s personality to delivering ready-to-hang products she could start enjoying straight away. (We could call them "ready-to-enjoy"!) I am always super excited when I realise that a client is not only connected with my work but also with the fact that I care about printed products. I know how hard it is for parents to find the time (and energy) to regularly make a selection of images from the thousands that were taken, decide what to do with them and finally get them printed. Do you know how I know that? Because I struggle with it too! I do wish sometimes that someone else would come over and sort my personal photos out for me, or help me with every step until I get to actually print (and see!) the photographs that make me happy. Valentina’s family had relocated to Dublin recently and she wanted her girls to be captured right now, at the stage they were in, and before she started working and life got crazy once again. It was the day after a snow storm and... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2018-07-30 - Modified: 2024-02-19 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/in-home-dublin-maternity-and-newborn-photography/ - Categories: Real Families - Tags: Babies, baby, Maternity, Newborn, Newborns, Pregnancy ### In-Home Maternity and Newborn Photography - Dublin A maternity photo session isn't just about taking pictures of a baby bump. It's about preserving the memories and emotions of pregnancy and the anticipation of starting a family. Rich and Neasa, expecting their first child, wanted to capture these special moments to look back on in the future. Home Is Often The Perfect Location For Maternity & Newborn Photography The two sessions took place in their home in Dublin: which is where they spent most of their time. This is where they brought their baby home and where she will grow up (at least for a few years). I believe "home" is the best location for a newborn session and even family sessions: it helps hugely in bringing back memories to life. 7 days after the birth, they were still both spending a lot of time looking at their baby, in awe that they were able to create such a beautiful creature. New fathers are also in awe of their partner, and it was really sweet watching Rich taking care of Neasa: making tea, preparing lunch, and looking at her with so much love. (Not to say that he wasn't already doing this before, he was!) They chose to combine photographs from both sessions on a medium framed storyboard which now hangs in their kitchen, which means they see it every single day. Interested in In-Home Maternity and Newborn Photography in Dublin? Take the first step, get in touch, and ask for more information. --- - Published: 2018-04-04 - Modified: 2024-12-16 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/being-in-the-moment-vs-taking-the-photograph/ - Categories: Resources ### Being in the Moment VS Taking the Photograph I wanted to talk about something I am personally working on right now, at home, when photographing my own family. Documenting everything = digital clutter overload It is so easy, especially when photographing “everyday life” to fall into the trap of wanting to photograph everything. The result is daunting: thousands and thousands of photographs waiting to be sorted through, narrow down a handful of them per month, and print them. This very task is hard enough when we have 200 photographs to choose from, but I regularly have 1000. I printed 500 photographs from the first 6 months of my daughter’s life, and if I keep going at this rate, I will have to buy a bigger house with a room just to store the albums. Keeping the images in digital form only is not an option either. I’ve lost hard drives before, and even if I am careful with backing up my photographs in multiple locations, I often wonder what would happen if I disappeared (I hate saying the word). Who will go through my hard drives to find the photographs? Will they know where to look? Will they ever look at them? The conclusion is simple: I’m better off having 15 photographs printed every year (or even 1) than having 3000 photographs on my hard drive. Now, obviously, I’d love to be somewhere in the middle. My ideal is: to capture all the important moments for her and me, print a manageable amount every year, maybe do a... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2018-03-07 - Modified: 2024-02-19 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/home-outdoor-natural-family-photos-in-greystones/ - Categories: Real Families ### Home & Outdoor Natural Family Photos in Greystones His coat still on, Adam (6) ran to the kitchen table and started shoving big spoonfuls of ice cream into his mouth. It wasn’t long before his and Max’s face were covered with chocolate. Toppings are the best part of Mooch frozen yogurts they told me. They were definitely gone first! Stopping for ice cream after a long walk on the Greystones seafront is a tradition for the family (summer or winter!) and me following them around was a great way to capture ordinary moments and the silliness, love, and happiness that fill them. You see, Noel and Niamh had realised that there were no photos of Max (3) in the house and knew his white-blond hair might not last forever. They looked for an alternative to traditional studio photos and their Google search led them to me :) “I love the stage my two boys are in right now” is something I hear a lot of my clients say to explain why they’d like to get professional photographs done right now. The relationship. The connections. The craziness mixed with fun. Have a look at a selection of this afternoon in their lives, and if you’d like ordinary moments with your family through my lens, contact me here. See the beauty in your family's ordinary moments Take the first step, get in touch and ask for more information :) --- - Published: 2018-02-14 - Modified: 2025-02-21 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/mums-8-ways-to-get-in-the-picture-with-and-for-your-children/ - Categories: Resources ### Mums, 8 Ways To Get In The Picture With And For Your Children I've talked numerous times about the importance of being in photographs. For us (to travel back in time and FEEL what it was like) and for them (so that one day, when they look for photographs of us, they find more than just 2-3). Today I'm not going to talk about all the reasons why I think it's important for mums to be in their family photos, and I'm not going to talk about letting go of perfection. Today I want to give you practical ways to make it happen (and give you a few links at the end of the article to explore further). Mums & Moms, here are 8 practical ways for you to be present in your family photos for your children. 1. Selfies I don't do many selfies as I'm often disappointed with the quality afterwards. Older phones "front" cameras are of much lesser quality than the back ones. However, my new phone has the same megapixels front and back so I might do a few more in the future. Selfies are great for mum & baby cuddly photos I found that selfies were THE only way to get in the frame when I was on my own with a newborn baby. While it would have been better to get that same photo with a proper camera, it was not only impractical but I wouldn't have been able to do so without risking her life (holding a 2,5kg over/near her head). I have some selfies that... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2017-10-19 - Modified: 2024-02-25 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/bridal-designer-personal-branding-business-photography-dublin/ - Categories: Real Businesses ### Bridal Designer | Personal Branding Business Photography in Dublin I went to Sarah's studio to photograph her at work. It was very soothing looking at her and I left inspired! Hopefully the video and photographs will give you a glimpse of what it felt like to be there. When I met with Sarah for the first time, I was immediately drawn to the way she spoke about creating dresses (= with passion). It has to be said, I am not a great craft-person so I always admire people who are and can create beautiful things with their own hands. Sarah is one of them and she can also draw amazing sketches to help her brides visualise what their dream wedding dress will look like. I went to her studio to photograph her at work. It was very soothing looking at her and I left inspired! Hopefully the video and photographs will give you a glimpse of what it felt like to be there. https://vimeo.com/241206862 Sarah, how long have you been creating wedding dresses? How did it all start? As a little girl, I would happily spend hours cutting, sewing and creating anything I could get my hands on. I was a determined young lady and knew that designing dresses was my ultimate dream.Out of that dream came Sarah Foy Couture. Having spent my time training and gaining experience in the fashion business, my love of gowns and creating one-off pieces never left me. So 12 years ago I made the leap and started to create for a selection of brides. What is your favourite step of the creation process? There are two parts of the whole process that I just love. The first meeting with a client is great. I sit down with them ask tonnes of questions... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2017-10-17 - Modified: 2024-02-16 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/family-photoshoot-killiney-hill-dublin/ - Categories: Real Families ### Brothers | Outdoor Family Photoshoot Killiney Hill L and J are brothers. L is 5 and J is 2. Ciara and Dan love spending time with their two boys as they're starting to interact and play more with each other. They also love being outside in nature and Killiney Hill is one of their favourite places to go as a family. It meant a lot to them to have an outdoor family photoshoot to capture the feeling of this season in their lives before the boys grew out of this particular phase. Killiney Hill is a beautiful location for family photography in South Dublin If Killiney hill is local to you and somewhere you like to spend time as a family, then it may be perfect for your family photoshoot. Killiney Hill Playground After playing on swings and slides in the playground, the family went for a walk through the forest. The boys know very well that at the end of the path, there is a very good chance they will get an ice cream... On the way, they pick up sticks and hit the nettles with them. L climbs trees and J just keeps on running. Killiney Hill Park I just love how they started relaxing after 45 minutes - 1 hour. Their personalities started to show when it was time to share their ice cream with Daddy or ask Mammy to buy cakes in the shop. Killiney Hill Tearooms Here are more of my favourites of the day. Yes, I know, most of them include... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2017-10-07 - Modified: 2025-03-06 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/national-breastfeeding-week-breastfeeding-syndrome/ - Categories: Resources - Tags: breastfeeding, nursing ### Breastfeeding and Down Syndrome - Ireland's National Breastfeeding Week 2017 This week is Ireland's National Breastfeeding Week and today, I met with a group of mothers in Foam Café in Dublin to take photographs. The two things these mothers have in common are breastfeeding their children with Down Syndrome and wanting to tell the world (or at least Ireland) that it can be done, even when their babies go through surgeries. They all have, to some degree, met with medical professionals who didn't fully believe breastfeeding a baby with Down Syndrome could be successful, and while it might be challenging at times, it's important to let new mothers know that they are not alone and that they are not crazy for wanting to breastfeed their baby. Breastfeeding Babies With Down Syndrome Can Be Easy With The Right Support For many babies with Down Syndrome, the breastfeeding journey is straightforward, once the mother gets support to learn breastfeeding positions that support the baby to have a stronger latch and suckle. The initial days in the hospital and the information received before birth play a crucial role. It's paramount for parents to receive the right support and guidance during this sensitive time. With proper assistance, families can navigate the unique challenges and joys of breastfeeding their newborn with Down Syndrome. From establishing a strong bond to providing essential nourishment, breastfeeding holds immense significance in nurturing the growth and development of these special babies. Through compassionate support and access to accurate information, parents can embark on their breastfeeding journey with confidence and empowerment,... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2017-09-28 - Modified: 2024-12-16 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/the-importance-of-being-in-the-moment/ - Categories: Personal Stories, Resources ### [Photographing with intent] The Importance of Being in the Moment Musings around anxiety, filling our time with "things to do" and the importance of being in the moment with our children. You may agree with me when I say that today's world is a little bit crazy. We are bombarded with information all the time, and our overall concentration is suffering from it. It's often that I will catch myself picking up my phone while I am waiting for something to load on my computer. It feels like I'm multitasking efficiently but really, I'm only wasting time. I always try not to use my computer or phone when I am with my daughter because it always ends in tears. She can sense that my attention has entirely been absorbed by whatever is on the screen, and I can't blame her, I've felt it too when other people start using their phones while we're chatting or having a meal. It kind of feels like we enter a different dimension, doesn't it? Anyway, this article isn't about the effects of technology (good or bad). There are plenty of articles out there on the subject. I just wanted to share some personal thoughts on sleep deprivation, being in the moment, and capturing that feeling. Last weekend, I was on my own with my daughter for 4 days. Two years ago, the prospect of spending so much time with her alone would have freaked me out. Sleep deprivation does this to you. I have always been a relaxed person but at that point, anxiety would literally take over my body every morning, just thinking of going through the day ahead. (I wrote about it last... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2017-04-18 - Modified: 2024-02-19 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/how-to-choose-the-right-newborn-photographer-for-you/ - Categories: Resources ### 6 Tips To Help You Choose the Right Newborn Photographer for You Guide to choose the right newborn photographer. Understand posed, lifestyle and documentary styles to capture the perfect moment. If you are reading this, you might be pregnant or you just had a baby (congratulations!) and you would like to hire a professional photographer to capture this beautiful little creature and help you freeze a moment in time. You might not know where to start and how to go about picking one. The following tips should help you do just that! 1. Style: posed, lifestyle or documentary newborn photography There are three main styles of newborn & baby photography: posed, lifestyle, and documentary. This is very important that you start by picking which style you are drawn to as it will save you a lot of time in searching the perfect photographer. My style is documentary (no posing or directions) with the option of some lightly directed portraits at the end of the session (for a family portrait or to maximize the light on your baby). I will not be the right photographer for somebody looking for pictures of their baby wrapped and posed on different blankets and using props. There is nothing wrong with this style of photography and some photographers are amazing at it. If you are drawn to posed newborn photography, look for a photographer who has plenty of experience and will focus on making you and your baby comfortable as well as capturing beautiful photos. Unfortunately, some amateur photographers do not follow basic safety rules and it is well worth paying for a real professional. Within this style of photography, you might also find different... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2017-03-21 - Modified: 2024-02-24 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/sudden-weaning-stop-breastfeeding-for-medical-reasons/ - Categories: Real Families - Tags: breastfeeding, nursing ### A Sudden Weaning Story: How This Mother Had To Stop Breastfeeding For Medical Reasons A few weeks ago, Majella was told by doctors that she had to start a new treatment. The medication isn't compatible with breastfeeding which meant she had to suddenly wean Finn after nursing him for a year. A few weeks ago, Majella was told by doctors that she had to start a new treatment. The medication isn't compatible with breastfeeding which meant she had to suddenly wean Finn after nursing him for a year. We arranged for an "emergency" breastfeeding photo session to capture one of Majella and Finn's last feeds, six months after the first session we did together. She has kindly agreed to answer a few questions about this emotional experience in case it helps a mother somewhere going through something similar. Feel free to tell us your own story in the comments. Majella, even though it had been in the back of your head for a long time, I know it was difficult for you to hear from the doctors that you had to stop nursing Finn as soon as possible. Was the medical staff understanding of your reaction? Did they offer any support? Honestly... not really!!! Sadly the initial reaction from most of them was 'You're still feeding?!' I was even told by one medical professional that after a year it was really only for the mother! Needless to say, I corrected that statement! I think the majority of them were really only considering the physical act of feeding, not appreciating that breastfeeding is as much about physical sustenance as emotional connection. One year is a beautiful breastfeeding journey but I know you wanted to let him self-wean in his own time. How did you come to terms with the decision in such... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2017-02-16 - Modified: 2024-02-19 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/breastfeeding-triplets-and-a-toddler-in-tandems/ - Categories: Real Families - Tags: breastfeeding, nursing ### Tandem Breastfeeding Triplets And A Toddler - Dublin Let me introduce Cliona and Sue, two wives from Dublin, Ireland, and their inspiring family and breastfeeding journeys. Sue gave birth to triplets at 31 weeks and the early days in NICU were really difficult as she had to pump around the clock for the triplets who couldn't latch on yet. Once Sue had established breastfeeding, Cliona started to help out with feeds. Sue was still doing most of the feeds (which means constant rotations with 3 babies), but Cliona helped out when she could. "Being able to feed all 4 children has been an amazing experience," says Cliona in this great article on the Breastfeeding Twins and Triplets UK Facebook Page. "My wife does 99% of the hard work, but I feel so grateful that I am able to contribute that last 1%." Cliona's breastfeeding journey with Aoife didn't have an easy start either. After unsuccessfully trying to breastfeed her in the first few days, she started formula-feeding her baby girl. She was never happy with the decision and got upset whenever she saw anyone breastfeeding their baby. A long journey followed, involving expressing around the clock and snipping a tongue-tie. Relactation is possible but requires time and patience: yet, by the time she was 12 weeks Aoife was exclusively breastfed. If you want to read Cliona's full story, read this article from the Irish Times: "From bottle to breastfeeding: a hard journey to contentment". Cliona had warned me that their house was crazy, but whenever I was there,... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2017-01-25 - Modified: 2024-02-17 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/breastfeeding-a-child-with-type-1-diabetes-dublin/ - Categories: Real Families - Tags: breastfeeding, nursing ### Suvi & Rosie's Story: Breastfeeding a Child With Type 1 Diabetes - Dublin Last year, I photographed over 10 nursing mothers and their babies/toddlers as part of a Model Call on breastfeeding photography. This project reinforced to me how meaningful my work can be. I am providing mothers, and families with more than just photographs. By capturing their bond, freezing a moment in time, I am giving them the power to relive their emotions years from now. For some of the mothers I worked with, the experience was made even more powerful because of health issues. "Type 1 diabetes shouldn't stop you doing anything, especially the most natural thing in the world, feeding your baby. With support and preparation, anything is possible." Suvi Rosie was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at just 5 months old What I was most impressed with during this photo session is how much Rosie’s type 1 diabetes is part of their life. Suvi constantly checks her daughter’s sugar level either on her watch, her phone or Rosie’s insulin pump. It’s like second nature to Suvi. As she said herself, Rosie is her first child and she doesn’t know any different. It’s part of their daily life. To me (and probably to a lot of mums), she is a hero! Breastfeeding has been very important for Suvi both before the diagnosis, and after. This is why she wanted professional photographs of her and her nursing little girl. “Breastfeeding has meant a lot to me. When my daughter was admitted to ICU on diagnosis, we were in the woods for... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2017-01-10 - Modified: 2024-02-23 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/mums-8-reasons-why-should-you-be-in-the-photos/ - Categories: Personal Stories, Resources ### Mums, 8 Reasons Why You Should Exist In Photographs Today, I wanted to explore eight reasons why it's important for mums to be in front of the camera, celebrating their role in family memories. In today's digital age, mums often find themselves taking pictures instead of being in them. So today, I wanted to explore eight reasons why it's important for mums to be in front of the camera, celebrating their role in family memories. 1. If you don't do it for you, do it for them Imagine your child looking through a family album ten years from now, only to find no trace of you in the photos. Now, picture your child looking at a photo of you looking at them with a smile on your face and love in your eyes. Which situation do you think will make them feel loved and as part of a family? 2. You don't have anything to lose Think of it like trying on a dress in a store. Just because you take a picture with yourself in it doesn't mean you have to print it on a big canvas, hang it in your living room, and see it every day. You might cherish a photo of you holding your tiny baby or playing with your child, but if not, it's okay not to print or buy it. 3. Angles are a powerful way to shift the focus My job as a professional photographer is to use different angles and crops so that you end up loving a photo with you in it. I want you to fall in love with a portrait capturing your relationship with your baby or child, even if we can't see... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2016-08-01 - Modified: 2024-02-25 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/10-little-tips-and-tricks-which-helped-me-survive-sleep-deprivation/ - Categories: Personal Stories, Resources ### 10 Tips To Cope With Sleep Deprivation Understand how to cope with sleep deprivation. Learn practical advice from a first-hand experience. I first wrote this article back in 2016, when I was in the midst of sleep deprivation with my first baby. While all the books recommended to me were trying to "fix" the sleep issue, I eventually decided to accept that my baby wasn't going to "sleep through the night" anytime soon and to focus on improving my quality of life instead. So here are 10 tips I wrote back in 2016 when my daughter was about 9 month-old. We're now in 2024 and I have an 18-month-old and he doesn't "sleep through the night" either and I'm not sleep-deprived. The difference is that we cosleep and so I haven't had to use any of these tips. Bedsharing wasn't something I wanted to do with my daughter, but I know now that life would have been very different if I had. Anyway, you can only do your best with what you know, and in 2015, I didn't have the same knowledge and I was a different person than I am now. I hope this article can help someone, out there, going through sleep-deprivation and not looking for advice on how to make her baby sleep better. If this is you, please take care of yourself. Sleep deprivation is really really awful and can lead to feeling very down. If that is the case, speak to your partner, a trusted friend, your mental health team or your GP. Let's Start With 4 Things That Didn't Help Maybe you know someone who... [content truncated due to word limit] --- - Published: 2015-07-12 - Modified: 2024-02-17 - URL: https://www.johannakingphotography.com/glasnevin-dublin-maternity-family-photoshoot/ - Categories: Real Families - Tags: Maternity, Pregnancy ### Melanie - Outdoor Family & Maternity Photoshoot - Dublin Get ready for a wild adventure in the Dublin Botanical Gardens! This documentary maternity and family photoshoot turned into a hilarious chase as a spirited toddler took over the scene. Join the laughter and candid moments – where chaos meets nature, and I capture it all! Get ready for a cute adventure with this family. This documentary maternity and family photoshoot turned into a hilarious chase as a spirited toddler took over the scene. Join the laughter and candid moments – where chaos meets nature, and I capture it all! Melanie and I met through our local Cuidiu group. When we met, she was also a Gentle Birth instructor (before embracing her love for colourful children's clothes and founding RainbowKidsBoutique). Pregnant with her third and last baby, she asked me for a maternity photoshoot with her family to immortalise this precious transition in a Dublin park that is local to her. Here is what Melanie said about the experience: We had a family 'bump' shoot with Johanna recently. I found Johanna to be excellent with the children. We have a very active 3 year old and she was extremely patient in trying to get good shots of him. He can be slow to warm up to new people but she managed to engage him and gain his trust. I found her very easy to relax around. I'm delighted with the results of the shoot - the photographs were taken outdoors and there's a very natural feel to them. I think she really captured the excitement of this period for us, with a new baby on the way. Thank you so much, Johanna, we will treasure the photos. Melanie I like the energy, love, and happiness that transpire from the images. If you are pregnant and would... [content truncated due to word limit] --- ---