Kai's Doljabi - Cork Family Photographer /  by Jan

Certain photo shoots are funny little windows into someone else’s lives or cultures. This was one of them. Having never been to South Korea or knowing too much about Korean culture, I got to be a part of this interesting tradition. I was invited to photograph little Kai’s doljabi.

For those unfamiliar with the ritual, Doljabi is a Korean tradition where a one-year-old child is placed in front of a carefully selected array of objects. The item the child chooses is believed to symbolise their potential future path. For example, a pencil speaks to academic success, while a stethoscope could indicate a career in medicine, and money suggests a prosperous future.

Little Kai’s mother, Yingyu, was passionate about preserving this meaningful cultural tradition. And Yingyu’s parents were there to bear witness to Kai’s choice.

We had the ceremony at Fitzgerald; a beautiful backdrop for the intimate family event, placing the special ceremony in nature. As you can tell by all of my photo shoots, I love photographing outdoors in the lush, green nature.

Dad’s delighted

Following in his dad’s footstep, Kai chose the paintbrush

When the crucial moment arrived for Kai to make his choice, he picked the paintbrush – an artist’s choice. His animator father was most delighted with this outcome, proud to have his baby following his footsteps.

Kai’s grandfather tried so hard to convince him to take the money, possibly altering his future but Kai remained resolute in his decision to be focused on his artistry instead. Haha!

Kai didn’t show the slightest interest in grandad’s €€€!

This doljabi was more than just a photoshoot - it was a celebration of culture, family, and potential. Each carefully chosen object represented not just a potential career path, but a hope, a dream for little Kai's future. The way Yingyu and John embraced this tradition while allowing their son the freedom to make his own choice was beautiful to witness and capture.

I love the diversity humanity has to offer and I love having the opportunity to capture the moments that make it special. I celebrate the things that make us different because that’s what makes us human. So from different cultures and traditions to different orientations and preferences, I’m here to embrace them all, as long as love is at the centre.

If you would like to book me for your special family event, say hi to me here!

Emmett and Sinead - Kinsale Wedding Photographer /  by Jan

I photograph a lot of weddings by myself, but more and more so, I’m photographing them with my wife Nic. Nic studied photography at Crawford College of Art & Design, so her shots are great as well and combine well with my own. Working alongside each other means we're able to capture multiple perspectives throughout the day but also that we have a nice mix of viewpoints as we go.

Garretstown Couple Shoot

Plus, it’s always helpful having a female photographer there for the more intimate shots when the bride is getting into her dress, or to have her keep an eye out for hair bobbles around the wrists during the couple shoot (women, I have learnt your pain!), while I look out for phones and keys in the pants pockets.

Emmet and Sinead's wedding in Kinsale offered plenty of opportunities for interesting shots on this gorgeously sunny morning. Each location was carefully picked as it meant something special to the couple themselves. But more of that later.

Pre-Ceremony Wedding Photos

The day started out with the usual, going over to meet the bridal party for the shots of them getting ready, having their make up applied, last minute champagne and having fun. Emmett was a sweetheart and send his future wife a bouquet of flowers that morning with a very cute card attached. I wanted to marry Emmett now!

“Emmett was a sweetheart and send his future wife a bouquet of flowers that morning with a very cute card attached.”

This is where we threw the whole day up side down. No more tradition here! Emmet and Sinead opted for a first look and couple portraits before the ceremony, not after! This is something I would definitely do again. Getting these shots done early means pristine outfits, relaxed couples, and a better time for the rest of the day as the couple can just relax after the ceremony and enjoy the company of your friends and family. I like that.

For the first look we set up on a little cliff that juts out between Garretstown and Garrylucas beach, with Emmet looking out to the ocean waiting for Sinead. We captured this beautiful moment of her coming down, her dress blowing in the wind. Sinead just looked great!

Garylucas First Look and Couple Shoot

The couple brought their camper van to the shoot, reflecting their love of travel and outdoor life. After those shots, we then went down to Garretstown beach, which looked epic that day. So empty, the tide was out so the beach seemed huge and it just made for some amazing photos that I was very happy with. Emmet was a natural in front of the camera, enjoying the attention, though occasionally we had to remind him to tone down his enthusiasm! Haha! But nonetheless his happiness was infectious.

St. John the Baptist Church hosted the ceremony. From a photographer's perspective, it's an ideal venue - light walls and plenty of natural light make for clear, crisp shots.

St. John the Baptist Church - Wedding Ceremony

The reception at Man Friday restaurant offered excellent views over Kinsale harbour. A highlight was Sinead's mother performing "I Loved Her First" - a genuine, heartfelt moment that makes wedding photography special.

It was a beautiful day, filled with all the joy that these occasions elicit. And I know Emmet and Sinead will enjoy their new life together and look back on this day as the start of something precious.

Man Friday - Wedding Reception

If you would like to book me, or us two, for your wedding, say hi to me here! I’d love to hear from you!

Erin and Charlie - Blackrock Castle Wedding Photographer /  by Jan

Erin and Charlie’s wedding day was a big day. With a crazy and wild reception at The Angler’s, a venue I’m almost a regular at, this day started off however in unfamiliar territories. For this stunning wedding, I found myself at the Blackrock Castle Observatory – a new venue for me. The castle itself is, of course, such icon of Cork that it even features as the city’s coat of arms. Now that makes this location truly special to be at such a historically important site!

A Wild Afterparty

Dancing and partying at The Angler’s.

Starting off the wedding, Erin and Charlie paid tribute to their own history with a table dedicated to the loves that weren’t with us anymore. Wedding pictures surrounded by roses and candles made a beautiful gesture to past romances in the families.

And family always plays such a pivotal role on a wedding day – as a photographer I get to capture these moments. Even just a brother adjusting the jacket of a groom and doing last minute checks carries a special kind of emotion.

A few more shots of the family and friends and the bride arrived in a fancy wedding car – this luxurious entrance was a last minute surprise from the bride’s friends and it certainly added an extra bit of extravagance to the occasion. Although with its classic vintage style it blended in beautifully with the muted greens and rustic décor of the wedding. We had to come back to it later on in the day for the couple photos.

Blackrock Castle Observatory Wedding Ceremony

Some traditions look great on camera, and one of these is the confetti toss (remember, throw the confetti up!). It always captures the joy of the newly married couple as they realise that this is the start of their new life together.

After the ceremony we took the group photos of friends and family, followed by the couple shoot. With an all-access pass we were able to go to the roof and all sorts of other corners of the castle that usually aren’t accessible to the public. I love that about my job!

Blackrock Castle Observatory Wedding Couple Photo Shoot

5-star Google Review

“Jannik photographed our wedding on the 3rd May 2024 and we cannot thank him enough for being so accommodating and easy going, everyone was so complimentary of him and we were all blown away by how easy he made everything. The photos were beyond incredible, and every single one showed the spirit of the day. Jannik is an absolute gentleman who goes above and beyond to capture even the smallest details, thank you again Jan you are a star! 🌟”
— Erin

With these gorgeous couple photos done, the wedding then entered the next chapter; the reception. The reception was being held at The Angler’s, a familiar place for me to photograph at. I have photographed full weddings there, 2nd wedding days, receptions, family reunions and birthdays there. It’s an amazing spot for it and I am always able to come back with some gorgeous photos!

Wedding Reception and Afterparty at The Angler’s

If you would like to book me for your wedding, I only have one spot left for next year but I am taking bookings for 2026 as well. You can say hi to me here!