How to Choose the Perfect Photography Style for Your Family | Newborn Photographer Dublin
If you’re anything like me, I bet you've got a wall in your house dedicated to family photos, right?
The smiling faces on the wall serve as a constant reminder of what truly matters in life and work.
But have you ever wondered how to choose the right photographer and the right style to capture your family's unique spirit even better?
Although photographers frequently use jargon like "Lifestyle" and "Portrait," it can be hard to truly understand what types of images these terms will produce.
So, what does it all actually mean?
Classic Style also known as Portrait Photography
Just like you wouldn't wear a tuxedo to a beach party, some styles just work better with certain moods and moments.
First up, let's talk about the
Classic Style also known as Portrait Photography.
Classic Photography is timeless, a little more formal and almost always heavily posed. This style usually has a lot of emphasis on the pose, so you would expect to see more rules than creativity.
Picture your grandmother's vintage photo hanging on the wall - that's a perfect example of traditional portrait photography.
Generally this is the “debs photo.” You can clearly see everyone’s face and everyone is looking at the camera and smiling.
Candid Photography or Lifestyle Photography
Next,
we have Candid Photography or some call this Lifestyle Photography.
It’s all about capturing spontaneous moments - the giggles, the funny faces, the sudden burst of dancing in the living room.
Usually this is done on-location or in studio, but your photographer might use more casual prompts and poses in order to get laughs and reactions from those being photographed.
This style is perfect if your family loves a more casual look to their photos. You might not be able to see everyone’s faces and some people’s faces might look goofy, but that’s the point of candid photography!
It's less about perfection and more about authenticity.
Fine art photography
One you might not hear too often is Fine art photography. This is a style that emphasizes beauty, creativity, and artistic expression.
It's a genre of photography that's often compared to a fine painting or sculpture, with each image carefully composed and thoughtfully designed.
The photographer may use lighting techniques to create a certain mood or emotion, and the subjects may be posed in a way that highlights their form and beauty.
The goal of fine art photography is to create a work of art.
If you’re looking for a unique image to display, this style is perfect for you!
While it may not capture the spontaneous moments of candid photography, it offers a different kind of beauty and depth.
“Day-in-the-life” Photography
Finally, for those who love activities,
“Day-in-the-life” Photography could be your perfect match.
This style aims to capture real-life events or milestones or activities in a storytelling manner, often set in personal and outdoor spaces.
So if your family loves to hike, camp or picnic, lifestyle shots will catch those special moments.
With day-in-the-life photography, there is generally no posing or prompting at all. The photographer really is a fly on the wall while your family participates in an activity you all love doing together.
I particularly love day-in-the-life photography for families with toddlers because it’s so much more fun to do an activity they love than trying to ask them to sit still and smile for a more classic type of photography session.
Deciding on the best style for your family!
Now, here's the fun part: deciding on the best style for your family!
This isn't about choosing 'the best' style out there, but rather what's best for your family (and this might change depending on the season of life your family is in).
If your family is a lively bunch that's constantly on the move, candid or lifestyle photography might work best. For families that love tradition and formality, portrait photography could be the way to go.
But hey, who says you have to stick to one style? Now that you know the terms photographers use for these types of sessions, feel free to ask your photographer if they do these types of photography and if they’re willing to mix and match.
For example, I generally include both “classic” and “candid” in my portrait sessions because my clients like a mix of both.
The Styles of Photography I Offer at Linda Clarke Photography
When you’re choosing a photographer in Dublin for your baby or family, it’s so important to understand the style of photography they offer. Every photographer has a slightly different approach, and what suits one family might not be the best fit for another. My photography style is gentle, timeless and all about your baby, your bump, or your family — not props or distractions.
I’m Linda Clarke, a professional newborn and family photographer based in Newcastle, Co. Dublin, and I’ve been photographing babies, bumps, and families across Dublin, Wicklow, and Kildare for over 15 years. My work blends a few different styles, always with a baby-led and natural approach at the heart of it.
1. Natural Newborn Photography (Baby-Led + Relaxed Posing)
My newborn sessions are baby-led — meaning we go at your baby’s pace. I never force babies into positions they’re not comfortable in. Instead, I gently guide them into natural, curled-up poses that showcase their tiny features in the most beautiful, timeless way. I use soft, neutral tones to keep the focus where it should be — on your baby. This style is perfect if you're looking for natural newborn photography in Dublin that feels calm and classic.
Whether your baby is two weeks old or a little older, every first photo session is special. There’s no upper age limit on my newborn sessions — I’ll always work in a way that suits your baby’s age and stage.
2. Maternity Photography with Simplicity and Soul
Maternity photography is such a powerful way to celebrate your journey into motherhood. My pregnancy photoshoots are all about simplicity and connection — no flashy backdrops or awkward poses. Just you, your bump, and the quiet anticipation of what’s to come. I offer maternity photography in Dublin that focuses on soft light, clean lines, and a touch of styling using my studio wardrobe. It’s a calm, empowering experience and a beautiful way to capture this fleeting chapter.
3. Family Photography That Feels Like You
Whether you’re in the studio with your new baby or booking a family session with older children, my goal is to capture the real connections between you. I offer family photography in Dublin that blends relaxed portraiture with gently guided moments. I’ll give you just enough direction to help you feel comfortable in front of the camera, but never so much that the photos feel stiff or staged. I want you to see your family’s love, laughter, and closeness in your final gallery.
At the heart of everything I shoot is a deep respect for the people in front of my camera. Whether you’re trusting me with your newborn baby, celebrating your bump, or updating your family photos, I promise you’ll be in safe hands.
If you’re searching for a photographer near Dublin who will take the time to make you feel at ease — and create images that feel like you — I’d love to chat.
Since you made it all the way down here – check out some images from my Dublin Newborn Photography Studio, as you prepare for the arrival of you new baby!
Click here to see more of my Newborn Photoshoot info and pricing!
