Couple Photo Shoot

L&S - Proposal Photography by Jan

If it isn’t clear by my numerous Ballycotton blog posts, Ballycotton is one of my favourite spots for a photo shoot! And this shoot was a very special one that has to top the list. It was stressful, secretive, blustering but incredibly emotional and beautiful as well. This was such a complex situation.

Liz and Steph were visiting from America and it was Liz’s plan to propose to her partner, Steph, in Ireland. Their friend Katrina was with them for a short part of the journey, and under the guise of being a hobby photographer and friend of Katrina’s, I was able to tag along to Ballycotton to shoot this special proposal.

I met them in Ballycotton, pretending to see an old friend I hadn’t seen in years and meeting two friendly people. The picturesque coastal town would provide the perfect backdrop for what was to be an unforgettable moment in Liz and Steph’s lives.

We made our hellos and I eventually let them down to the rocky beach next to the harbour with the famous lighthouse in the background. The anticipation in the air was palpable. From Liz anyway. I took a couple of shots of the couple, capturing their genuine smiles and the love between them. And then gave Liz the nod to do her thing. Liz, barely able to contain her excitement and eager for her moment, got down on one knee and proposed to the very surprised Steph. She said yes!

Now freed from the constraints of the "hobby photographer", I was able to fully embrace my role as their engagement photographer. Much to Steph’s shock!

I guided them to different spots along Ballycotton, capturing the beauty of the moment as the sun was setting. It was a blustery and wild evening, with such soft lighting. It was gorgeous. This isn’t usually the time of day I would photograph but I love the feeling and the vibe of these photos. And Steph’s lovely ginger hair is such a beautiful contrast to the cloudy and stormy sky.

Another successful proposal done!

LGBTQIA+ Friendly Photographer

I also want to take this opportunity to say that in my eyes, love is love, and it should be celebrated. Throughout my career as a photographer, I've been approached by LGBTQIA+ couples who seem concerned that I might not photograph them. I'm a big supporter of LGBTQIA+ rights and want everyone I photograph to feel comfortable and safe, no matter who they are or what they're family setup might be.

So if you’re looking for a photographer who is willing to create that safe space, say hi to me here!

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!

Christina and Sean - Honeymoon Shoot at Blarney Castle by Jan

I treated Christina and Sean to a honeymoon couple shoot at the gorgeous Blarney Castle and Gardens, one of my favourite places to do a couple shoot. Why? Besides the iconic Blarney castle, the gardens also offer so many sweet nooks for special and happy vacation couple photos. It’s also a hop, skip and jump away from the docking point for cruise ships in Cobh. So obviously that’s where we went for Christina and Sean’s honeymoon shoot.

Christina and Sean came from America on a cruise, stopping at Cork for just one short day; so I was determined to make sure they saw the best bits the city has to offer.

Honeymoon Love

After some photos around Blarney Castle, we had to spend some time at Blarney House for the sheer fairy tale factor the house has to offer. And then – to the gardens!

The gardens are a beautiful array of different types of plant life; some of it classical Irish fare, and some corners seeming almost tropical; all of it dense and lush with trees that dwarfed the couple. It’s really just nature showing off.

Christina and Sean had actually been married for a while already before finally getting this opportunity to go on their honeymoon, but they seem just as happy and delighted with each other as if they’d just walked down the aisle.

They took much delight in the poison garden. Some of the plants are so deadly that they’re found in medieval cages. The garden boasts Lily of the Valley, which featured in Breaking Bad, as well as Woflsbane from Harry Potter. There are also less severe plants among them, like tobacco, tea and rhubarb.

The Witch of Blarney is said to come alive and cause mayhem after dark, but luckily the gardens close at 6 so no one need fear. And then there’s the Blarney Stone, which must be kissed for the gift of eloquence and persuasiveness.

We also checked out the wishing steps, which promise to grant your wish within the year if you are able to walk down and back up them with your eyes closed while thinking of your wish.

Of course, Ireland will have its way, and the day started out chilly, before moving on to drizzly and damp. But there’s nothing a cute umbrella won’t fix! The canopies of trees also shielded us from the showers. By the end of the shoot, the rain had left us and we were boiling hot and we headed back to the castle for some pics in the sun.

After the shoot I took them around the town, stopping for lunch at The Muskerry Arms Bar where they serve some traditional Irish food; I had the cabbage, ham and potatoes – mmm!

If you would like to book me as your couple photographer at a beautiful location like Blarney Castle, feel free to say hi and contact me here. I am also available for wedding photography.