The Tree - Regional Park Family Photographer
I have my go-to locations that I enjoy photographing at. Some of which have served me for a very long time, but at the same time, I want to keep things fresh so I’m always keeping an eye out for new spots. I love the outdoors and am always out and about somewhere, so sometimes, like this time, I stumble upon something really photogenic.
I was walking through the Ballincollig Regional Park, taking all the tiny trails that snake through it. At first I was distraught to see that my favourite tree in the park, an oak tree, had lost one of it’s big branches. It’s a sad sight and I worried for the health of the tree in the future (and still do). But after a while, I realized it might have just become a perfect spot for family and baby shoots.
The Tree in Question
Why is this my favourite tree in the entire Regional Park? I love the field it is in, and how knurled and aged the tree is. In a light-hearted way, it gives me such ‘Huckleberry Finn’ vibes. A place I would have met all my friends at when we were young. Where we would eat our sandwiches leaning against it’s rough bark. “Meet you at the tree!” could only mean this specific tree. It’s THE tree.
Now that the branch had fallen, it would be the perfect, wild bench for a shoot. It would have a practical seating option while still oozing this beautiful, natural aesthetic because it doesn’t have a man-made bench.
I found a couple of brave families who were willing to give this new location a go without any example photos from previous shoots. The tree itself became a focal point in about 30-50% of the photos, so that we would still have a nice balance of more active and standing shots, and showing off the park’s other beautiful spots. Like the photo below. I love how the green just envelops the whole family.
Soon after these shoots were done, a maintenance crew came in, chopped the fallen branch in slices and took it away bit by bit.
I’d like to think that these families are lucky to have a totally unique set of photos at a location that can never be replicated again!
Google Reviews
Both families were amazing and wrote me these two lovely 5-star Google reviews:
“Jan was a great choice for our newborn photos.
He chose the perfect location, was very friendly and patient.
The photos are great, and we are more than happy.
Thanks Jan!”
-Adrian
“Jan did a family photoshoot for us and we cannot recommend him highly enough!
He really took the time to make us feel comfortable, esp as our 2-year old was feeling very shy and nervous at first.
The photos came out so well, I absolutely love them.
Thanks Jan!”
-Anita
What 2027 Holds
I’m still unsure if I will return to this specific part of the park. I would love to keep it going and make it work but I do also like the idea that it was essentially just a once off for 2026 and to retire it. It wouldn’t be the first location I have only offered for a single year, like this one or this one.
For next year, I already have a few ideas of what that special location could be. But I’ll take the winter to really decide on it. Just like I unveiled this location for 2026. But it definitely won’t be the last time you’ll find me at the Ballincollig Regional Park.
In the meantime you are more than welcome to contact me here to check out my family and baby packages or have a look down below at more photos.
Talk to you soon!
More Photos
