Let the Sunshine In - Engagement Couple Shoot West Cork /  by Jan

It was so fitting that we had such amazing weather on this couples shoot. There was just so much to celebrate with this photo shoot! Not only was it an engagement shoot, with Jonathan and Megan already planning their wedding, but it was also to celebrate their pregnancy. So many new chapters! Which made it incredibly fitting to have this amazing sun shine down upon us and gift us with these amazing sunset couple photos (with the sun symbolizing new life and positivity).

The two also knocked it out of the park with their outfits wearing fully white in this natural environment, and with this golden sun, really made them pop out so naturally and elegantly! I send all of my couples a PDF with my clothing advice for these photo shoots, and either Megan really took my advice to heart or they’re just naturally elegant! Either way, they did a great job with their outfits.

Gougane Barra sometimes feels like a bit of a trek to get to but I’m always happy when I’ve made the long journey (in time, if not in mileage) as it’s such a treat to photograph in. With just a short skip away from Glengarriff and Skibbereen, it is one of West Cork’s, not so secret, treasures! With the forest in one section and the gorgeous St Finbarr’s Oratory on it’s little “island” in the lough, there are so many amazing spots to discover and photograph in. And a little surprise that always astonishes people, is that the oratory is unlocked and free for visitors to enter.

St. Finbarr’s Oratory

Gougane Barra’s gorgeous attraction.

A lot of couples and families that I take to Gougane Barra are from overseas, so I’m lucky enough to show tourists this gorgeous scenery. I remember the first time I came here, and just like everyone else, I was amazed by all of the gorgeous moss growing everywhere. I don’t know why it’s so much more impressive than the tall trees, but for some reason it always grabs everyone’s attention. Ireland is just so green and lush!

If you are looking to do a vacation couples shoot in Ireland, you can contact me here to schedule a photo shoot. We can do a couples shoot in Gougane Barra, or, I do also have a few new locations planned for 2024!

70th Birthday at FOTA Island Golf Club Cork /  by Jan

Birthdays are always special occasions and a great opportunity to invite your favourite people and have a big party. Having said that, some birthdays are bigger than others, and in my experience as a photographer, the 70th birthday always seems to be the most celebrated!

Yvonne's 70th birthday party took place at the illustrious FOTA Island Golf Club, just outside Cork city. With the event room placed right next to the lovely greenery and on the edge of the golf course, it wasn’t just a lovely venue but also a blast to photograph. The place was buzzing with more than 100 guests. It was a mix of family and friends, all ready to celebrate Yvonne’s big day. And you could tell she was having a great time, running around welcoming each group of guests that were arriving and introducing everyone to each other. This made capturing the event a breeze!

It’s magic!

As part of the entertainment of this evening, there was also a magician roaming around, delighting the guests with fun magic tricks. People were laughing and freaking out in equal measure by these party tricks. As you can tell by their reactions, it got a great reaction!

Yvonne was also absolutely delighted with her presents, being gifted several art pieces from local artists. It's always so much fun to see someone really enjoying their special day.

Now, let's talk decorations; from a wall full of donuts calling your name, fancy cocktails flowing, and the name "Yvonne" was shining in mirrored letters. Plus, there was a photo backdrop where guests could snap selfies with funky sunglasses and hats, or have me do a photo shoot with them.

I moved through the crowd, capturing all of these lovely, candid moments of laughter, cheers, and the occasional gasp of amazement from the magician, it was a blast to be a part of this birthday party.

Yvonne's turning 70, but you wouldn't know it from the energy in those photos. Here's to keeping the party going!

Vacation Family Photo Shoot at Irish Castle /  by Jan

Ireland is the vacation spot for so many tourists, and besides the Guinness and the fun culture, it’s not hard to see why. We have so much history in Ireland! Almost 600 years after initially being built by the Lord of Muscry, the Blarney Castle now serves as the perfect family vacation photo shoot location. What a turnaround!

I always enjoy photographing this gorgeous Irish castle, not just because of it’s imposing beauty but also because the gardens that surround it are so varied. They make for such a fun location to do these family vacation shoots at. I think the photos really reflect that fun! Exploring the grounds together with mom or playing with dad, this is fun day out!

We even added a couple shoot for parents, Patrick and Kristin. Much to the amusement of little Charlotte and Victoria who were giggling away during the couple photo shoot.

The Blarney Castle is of course famous for visitors kissing the Blarney Stone, but in my opinion, no trip is complete without visiting the witch in the wooded area. She is thankfully not a real person, during the day at least. She is now entombed in the Witch’s Stone, next to her kitchen. Visitors leave behind coins for her. For good luck and to keep her at bay. We, of course, obliged as well!

The Witch’s Stone

Make sure to leave some coins to keep her at bay!

These historic castles in Ireland are such a beautiful location for a family photo shoot or a castle couple shoot like this proposal shoot I did at the Blarney Castle as well.

If you’re visiting Ireland or if you’re a local and want to do something similar, feel free to contact me here. Or for something different, feel free to have a look at my wedding photography in Ireland here.