This year I photographed the wedding of Pataire & John, but before the big day we met up for their engagement shoot in Killarney. No pressure. No posing madness. Just a walk, a chat, and a few photos to get comfortable in front of the camera.
We chose Killarney Golf Course, and honestly, it doesn’t get much better. Lakes stretching out in front of us, the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks sitting proudly in the background, and that soft Kerry winter light you only get when the weather finally gives you a break.
It had rained nonstop for what felt like weeks. Typical Kerry. But on the day itself, we had about 95% cloud cover with the sun bursting through whenever it felt like showing off. That kind of light is perfect for natural engagement photography in Killarney — soft, flattering, and full of atmosphere.
First Meeting Nerves (Totally Normal)
I know exactly what couples are thinking before an engagement shoot.
What do we do?
Will this be awkward?
Is this photographer going to make us do weird stuff?
That’s why I never start a shoot barking instructions. The first thing I do is calm the nerves. We walk. We talk. I ask normal questions — how ye met, what ye do, are ye excited for the wedding. In that short walk, the ice is already broken.
The first photos are always simple.
Walk this way. Arms around the waist. Every now and then, look at each other.
And here’s the magic part.
When you ask two people who are already a little nervous to look at each other, they laugh. Every time. It’s automatic. It’s human. And it’s real.
A quick bit of reassurance — “That was perfect, lads” — and suddenly they realise they’re doing it right. The truth is, there is no wrong way. You’re just bringing people back to being teenagers for a few minutes.
I’m not looking for perfection. If every image is perfect, it starts to look fake.
I’m looking for the clumsiness.
The awkwardness.
The nervous laughs.
The movement.
The fun.
Because that’s real.
If I wanted perfect, I’d stop the day, fix hands, correct posture, move hair, and pose every detail. But that’s not real life. And there are plenty of photographers doing exactly that.
What I want is that moment where you look at each other and laugh for no reason other than, “What are we like.”
Those are always the strongest photos.
The slightly awkward ones. The ones where something didn’t go exactly to plan. The moments where you’re half laughing, half unsure, and completely yourselves.
That’s where the story is.
And when you look back in years to come, it won’t be the perfectly posed image that hits you in the chest — it’ll be the one that reminds you how it actually felt in that moment.
Real Moments, Not Bossy Posing
Pataire and John were a little nervous at the start — like everyone is — but you’d never know it looking at the photos. What you see is real laughter, real connection, and genuine moments.
That only happens when you don’t come in all bossy.
I don’t stage life. I guide it.
We use light prompts to get things moving, then let the moments happen naturally. A joke here. A comment there. They laugh — I shoot that exact second.
They honestly do about 99% of the work themselves.
Within the first few minutes, you get a feel for how comfortable a couple is and how far you can gently push things. That’s the job — read the room, read the couple, and make them feel at ease straight away.
I always tell people:
“This is just walking and talking with a friend — the only difference is I’m holding a camera.”
That’s when the real photos happen.
Even that awkward “do we stand here looking at each other?” moment usually ends in laughter.
Engagement Photography in Killarney That Feels Like You
This is exactly how I approach engagement shoots in Killarney and across Kerry. Relaxed. Natural. No pressure. No forced poses.
Whether it’s Killarney Golf Course, the lakes, the mountains, or somewhere meaningful to you, the goal is always the same — photos that feel like you, not like a photoshoot.
If you’re planning a wedding in Killarney and thinking about engagement photos beforehand, this is how it works. Calm nerves. Real laughter. Honest moments.
And plenty of craic along the way.
Planning Your Own Killarney or Kerry Wedding?
If you’re dreaming of relaxed, natural wedding photos around Killarney, Kerry or anywhere across Munster, I’d love to hear from you. I specialise in documentary-style photography — real moments, no awkward posing, just honest storytelling.
You can explore more of my work here:
Kerry Wedding Photographer
Killarney Wedding Photographer
Or take a look at my wedding photography packages and availability:
View Wedding Photography Packages
When you’re ready, feel free to get in touch — I’m always happy to chat through plans, locations, or ideas:
Fun, relaxed photography for couples who just want to enjoy the day.
It’s all gently planned — naturally creating easy moments and snapping candids while you walk away.
Planning Your Wedding?
Couples often tell me they’re nervous about photos. These guides explain how things really work on the day.
What “Relaxed Wedding Photography” Actually Means
We’re Awkward — Can We Still Have Nice Wedding Photos?
What Actually Happens During Wedding Photos on the Day
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