Planning a trip to Ireland and want to book a Dublin photographer? Keep scrolling to check out my tips for finding affordable Dublin photographers for your next Ireland vacation!
This post about tips for finding affordable Dublin photographers was written by family travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
When my friend Keryn invited me to explore Ireland with her, my first question to her was, “Should we book a photo shoot?”
I’m not joking. It’s seriously one of my favorite things to do when I travel because it’s really hard to get “nice” photos of myself.
Keep scrolling to see what happened during our Dublin photo shoot and how you can replicate the experience!
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Why I Booked a Dublin Photo Shoot
This was my first trip to Ireland and I knew I’d want cute photos of myself exploring the city. While my friend Keryn is an awesome travel photographer, I also wanted to get a few photos of us together and I hate relying on strangers to take them.
Plus, I figured this would be a great way to chat with someone who lives in Ireland and can show us some cool places in Dublin. Photographers also know the best backdrops and how to avoid getting random people in the shots!
Why You Should Hire a Dublin Vacation Photographer Through Flytographer
1. SECRET INSIDER TIPS
We always love chatting with local photographers because they usually know great places to eat, explore, or shop.
We chatted with our photographer Tetiana about parenthood, fun day trips, and learned insider tips about zipping around Dublin.
2. POSING HELP
Our photographer Tetiana was great at coming up with great ideas like timing it just right to sit in the middle of the street without any cars in the background!
She also helped us with friend photos where we posed in front of colorful pubs or with cool buildings in the background. I appreciated getting some clear direction on where to look or what to do with my hands.
3. CAN LEAVE YOUR GEAR AT HOME
I used to always bring my camera and bulky bag everywhere we went and it was a total pain.
It’s nice to not worry about it and trust someone else to get all the good shots while we can just take in the sights. That’s a big perk of a professional Dublin photoshoot.
4. THEY ARE FUN + EASY!
Our photographer Tetiana encouraged me to walk on my tippy toes since I was wearing sneakers in my photos and it totally changed my posture and had me laughing when I got off balance.
My friend Keryn and I had a blast fake laughing with each other (which always turned into genuine laughter) and feeling like magazine models.
5. HASSLE-FREE BOOKING
Booking a local photographer through Flytographer really doesn’t get much easier than filling out a simple form. If the professional photographer you requested isn’t available, they will contact others.
Using Flytographer is the easiest way to find cool photographers in Dublin.
Top Dublin Photography Spots
Must-See Dublin
We booked this route because it is postcard-perfect Dublin, and it’s one of the most popular Dublin photo routes.
We started off near City Hall and Dublin Castle. And then we made our way to the Temple Bar area which is full of colorful pubs including the iconic Temple Bar.
Ha’penny Bridge & the Temple Bar District
This is the most popular Dublin route with Flytographer. You’ll explore the funky pubs of Dublin’s iconic Temple Bar district via the scenic Ha’Penny Bridge.
If you book a longer session, you can even visit the colorful and charming Dame Lane.
Dublin Castle
If you want to capture historic Dublin, take a step back in time at the medieval Dublin Castle. Throughout the years it’s been a defensive fortification, the royal residence, Dublin’s city administration, courts of justice, and now, it hosts events.
How to Book Affordable Dublin Photographers
Over the years, we’ve worked with numerous vacation photographers, but Flytographer has consistently stood out for creating some of the most unforgettable moments.
In essence, Flytographer serves as a one-stop vacation photography portal, allowing you to connect with photographers in virtually any part of the world, including Dublin.
Their presence is exceptionally strong in Europe, boasting a ton of photographers across the continent. Find the best prices here.
Flytographer streamlines the process of choosing the ideal Dublin family photographer. Their platform enables you to explore the photographers’ unique styles, discover their favorite hidden photo spots, and peruse their online portfolios before committing to a booking.
Flytographer’s reservation process is straightforward and swift—simply select your desired dates with a single click. Try it out HERE.
Following your selection, Flytographer will verify availability on your behalf, eliminating any potential stress about choosing an available date or time. They will then return to you with more details on what options would suit them best!
What I love most about Flytographer is that they are FAST! We sometimes receive our photos before the end of our trip! I love looking at them on our flight home.
What to Wear for Your Dublin Photo Shoot
Of course, you can totally wear whatever you want for your Dublin photos. But, I know some people like to get ideas, so I’m listing a few options to add to your Dublin packing list to make your photos look cohesive.
Comfort is Key
Whether you’re strolling along the river or posing by the city’s iconic landmarks, comfortable footwear is essential.
The cobblestones are uneven and sometimes loose, so I don’t recommend heels. Flat shoes or sandals are perfect.
Layer Up
Dublin’s weather can be unpredictable, and it’s not uncommon for a sunny day to suddenly turn chilly or rainy. Layer your clothing so you can adjust throughout the day.
I’m glad that we packed our rain jackets because there was a threat of rain. And we wore waterproof footwear.
Classic and Timeless
You can’t go wrong with classic styles and neutral colors, especially in a city as timeless as Dublin.
Neutral palettes include whites, greys, browns, and blues.
Your photos will have a timeless quality to them, and your outfits won’t distract from the beautiful city backdrop.
Pop of Color
Dublin is known for its bursts of color, from shops to vibrant pubs. Don’t be afraid to incorporate some color into your wardrobe to reflect the city’s lively character.
I knew we’d be taking photos in front of the bright red Temple Bar, so I chose to wear a green dress to contrast the pub color.
My friend also brought a bright yellow hat that we switched off using.
Accessorize
Hats, scarves, a bouquet, or a shawl can add a touch of Irish charm to your photos. You can grab some items at local shops.
7 Tips for Getting Awesome Dublin Family Pictures Every Time
1. Bring an Adapter for Hair Tools
If you usually use a flat iron or curling iron to do your hair, make sure your hair tools are dual voltage AND bring an adapter with you.
I also suggest bringing hair spray and products to help with flyaways. Even though it’s not really humid in Dublin, the weather can be a bit misty sometimes and your curls might fall out quicker than you expect.
2. You’ll Want to do Full Makeup
There’s something about doing photos that can make your face look a bit washed out. That’s why I always suggest that people do full makeup (or at least lipstick) even if they don’t normally wear it.
It’s an easy way to look put-together and you’ll probably look more like yourself in the photos.
3. Think About Your Outfits
Dublin is a fun destination so you can really show off your unique personalities. Or you can do something more neutral. Either way, you’ll want to think about what to wear as you are packing.
If you have the suitcase space, pack one outfit for warm weather and one for cooler weather so you have some options.
4. Figure Out the Best Time of Day for You
Usually I recommend that people aim for an early morning shoot whenever possible. That’s because the lighting is great and there are usually a lot less people out and about.
Evening time is also a popular choice because you can take advantage of Golden Hour lighting. But, you might also have to wait longer for crowds to move out of your shot.
We ended up doing our shoot at 10:30 a.m. and we were able to time it to avoid people in the background. Plus, it gave us lots of time in the morning to get ready and have breakfast.
5. Choose Your Route Carefully
Take a look at all the photo shoot route options to see which one has the type of backgrounds you have in mind.
We really wanted photos with historic buildings as well as colorful pubs. I love photos that really emphasize the destination.
6. Add an Incentive For Your Kids
If you’re doing a Dublin family photo shoot, I highly recommend promising your kids ice cream or a cute sheep stuffed animal or candy or something.
I know that doing family photos isn’t always super fun for kids (and we do them a LOT) so I like to reward my kids for humoring me.
7. Think About Props and Outfit Changes
My friend was super smart and she wore jeans and a tank top. Then, she brought a bag with 4-5 different tops and a few hats so she was able to swap her look effortlessly.
This is a really smart idea if you’re doing a solo shoot or one with just adults. It’s a bit tough if you’re doing a family shoot, though.
But if you have your kids with you, they can hold props like Irish flags or Leprechaun toys or wear fun hats.
How to Hire a Dublin Photographer Wrap-Up
Finding a professional photographer in Dublin doesn’t need to be a daunting task.
With a ton of talented local photographers at your fingertips, you can effortlessly capture the magic of your Dublin trip in the heart of the city center and beyond.
Trusting in a local’s expertise not only gives you access to the best photo spots in Dublin but also a unique, insider’s perspective on this vibrant city.
Remember, booking professional photographers should be a hassle-free experience, allowing you to focus on creating and preserving precious memories. Check the latest rates and availability.
As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words, so why not ensure your photographs narrate the most enchanting story of your Dublin adventure?
Looking for more Dublin travel content? Check out 13 Delightful Dublin Travel Tips for First Timers, 12 Best Day Trips From Dublin by Train, 10 Best Dublin Hotels for Families Worth Booking, and How To Plan a Trip to Ireland: Step-by-Step Guide!
