A Portrait Session by the Blessington Lakes
On a warm and sunny day in May, I met Sienna and her family at the beautiful Tulfarris Hotel & Golf Resort to capture her First Holy Communion. The grounds stretch out beside the Blessington lakes, and it all felt very peaceful, a fitting setting for such a special occasion.
Starting With The Details
We began the session indoors, with portraits of Sienna on the staircase. Her dress had these delicate textures that caught the light beautifully. I made sure to photograph the finer details making up her entire outfit, from her lovely communion watch she was wearing to her pearl studded handbag.
After a few quiet moments focusing just on her, we gradually brought in her family. There is always something really nice about photographing these kinds of transitions, from the calm of a single portrait to the fuller energy of a family gathered together.
Exploring The Grounds
Once we stepped outside, the sun was high and bright. It was one of those clear days in May where the light is strong and sharp, casting bold shadows and creating space for contrast. While midday sun can be challenging, it also gave us something interesting to work with. The sharpness of the light brought out the texture of the landscape, the structure of Sienna’s dress, and the depth of the scenery around us.
We made our way to the top of the estate, where a massive oak tree offered just enough shade to soften the light. From there, the Blessington lakes stretched out in the distance, giving the portraits a calm and expansive backdrop. It was a nice quiet area away from the rest of the day’s busyness.
We spent some time capturing the more formal group shots, but also those small, in-between interactions that tell a deeper story, like the moment Sienna’s Mum gently fixed a button on the back of her dress. It was quiet, unposed, and full of care. Moments like these bring a real sense of connection into the images.
Moments That Stood Out
The session was a blend of considered portraits and in-between moments that made the day feel real.
Some of the details I focused on included:
- Sienna’s hands folded neatly as she stood at the staircase, eyes wide with quiet excitement
- The intricate details like the bow on the back of her communion dress, gently catching the afternoon light
- Candid shots of Sienna and her siblings playing in-between shots
- The overall calmness of the setting, which brought a light and unhurried feel to the portraits
- Sienna racing across the grass in her dress, the playful energy of those moments showing her childlike spirit underneath all the formality
- Group shots of the children in the golf buggy, a playful moment that also gave a real sense of the hotel grounds and setting
Letting Go and Enjoying the Day
Towards the end of the session, once the formal portraits were finished, Sienna was free to just enjoy herself. That shift in energy was lovely to witness. She ran across the grass with her dress flowing behind her, not barefoot but carefree, her smile wide and genuine. It was a reminder that although the day carried a sense of ceremony, she was still a child, full of energy and joy.
These final moments, where she played without a camera in mind, were some of my favourites. They brought a softness and freedom to the images that grounded the day in her true nature.
To Sienna and her family, thank you for inviting me to capture such a meaningful milestone. I hope these photographs always bring you back to the light, the laughter, and the beauty of that sunny day by the lakes.
If you are planning a family event and would like it documented in a natural, story-led way, I would love to hear from you.
