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Welcome to Barbara McCarthy Photos, portrait and outdoor photographer

Hi, I’m Barbara McCarthy — a Dublin-based portrait, commercial, and outdoor photographer with over a decade of experience capturing real moments, incredible landscapes, and unforgettable stories through a photojournalistic lens.

Photography is my passport to connection — whether I’m documenting a quiet walk with my daughter, mountain climbing across the Nevada desert for Burning Man, I never go anywhere without my camera- whether it's a walk to the park with my daughter, or a cross country trip to Burning Man with her. I love travel, outdoor adventure sports and of course- taking photos. I’ve photographed the Queen, glaciers, black mambas, families and presidents.

I’m rarely seen without my camera in hand, and I bring that same spirit of adventure, curiosity, and authenticity to every session.

Over the years, my work has featured internationally in outlets such as Al Jazeera, The Irish Times, The Sunday Times, The Sunday Independent, and The Sydney Morning Herald, while my clients range from entrepreneurs and families to charities, tourism destinations, and global commercial brands.

At the heart of what I do is a deep love for Ireland — its wild landscapes, vibrant culture, and hidden corners. I’m passionate about showing visitors the true magic of Ireland, capturing their journeys not just as posed portraits, but as living, breathing memories full of laughter, wonder, and connection.

Whether you’re a family making lifelong memories, a travel company seeking authentic imagery, or an adventurer looking for a photoshoot atop a mountain or along a windswept coastline, I’m here to help.
Through partnerships with local businesses and adventure companies, I can offer you unique opportunities to explore and experience Ireland — and document it all with beautiful, timeless photography.

👉 Book your session today and bring home more than photos — take home a story you’ll relive forever.

🌿 I work across Ireland, Europe, and beyond — and I’m always up for the next adventure.

📧 Contact me at barbaramccarthyphotos@gmail.com or call/text +353 89 219 5385 for quotes, availability, and custom adventure packages.
✨ Join my mailing list to hear about special offers and curated experiences!

WHY HIRE ME?

Why not? To begin with I’m fun and easy going and make people feel comfortable, no matter what the situation. I focus on portrait, commercial and outdoor photography and my photos are very natural, but everyone looks great. When you look at my work on this site, you can see how I work with natural light as well as studio lights to create a very recognisable documentary style. I don’t do Kitsch, over processing or bad quality. I take pride in my work and go above and beyond to create the perfect image. As you can by this site, I don’t cut any corners.

How I Work: Your Photography Experience

When you hire me, you’re not just hiring a photographer — you're investing in a seamless and professional experience. I arrive at least 30 minutes early (or more, depending on the shoot) to set up the lighting and position myself. Before we begin, we’ll discuss exactly what you want from the shoot — whether it’s corporate headshots, commercial work, or something more personal.

As a photographer, personality matters. It’s essential to be able to work with a diverse range of clients, which is why I prioritize connection and understanding. Over the years, I’ve photographed everyone from the Queen to a homeless individual, from CEOs to movie stars, children to people with special needs. These experiences have taught me one thing: humility and empathy are key to capturing truly great images. To get a shot that resonates, you need to understand the human condition. That’s what I bring to every session.

How It Works:

Being in front of a camera can feel unnatural for many people. Smiling on command and feeling exposed can be uncomfortable — but that’s where I come in. I specialize in making people feel at ease, no matter how camera-shy they may be. After all, photos are priceless. They are a historical record of a moment that can never be replicated, so it’s important to make every shot count.

The Process:

Before the session, we’ll discuss a few important details:

Location: Where do you want the shoot to take place?
Styling/Wardrobe: Will you need styling advice or assistance?
Preparation: What should you bring with you to the shoot?
Time & Participants: How much time do you have? Who will be photographed?
Purpose: Is the session for professional use, private memories, or editorial?
Prints & Wall Art: Do you want physical prints or wall art?
Image Count: How many images do you need?
Media: Do you need my media contacts for sharing images?

The Session:

Every session is unique — that’s the beauty of photography. Whether we’re in a studio, on the beach, in the mountains, every shoot has its own vibe. The length of the session can vary from 10 minutes for a quick headshot to a full day or night. I aim to capture your essence, making the process relaxed and enjoyable.

After the Shoot:

Typically, I deliver your edited images within 48 hours. You can choose how many images you want to order, and I ensure they’re polished and ready for any purpose — whether for personal use, marketing, or media. Please note that I do not send RAW files to clients, as I retain the rights to the images for advertising and promotion.

For more details, including my terms and conditions, feel free to contact me directly.

Let’s Get Started

I’m excited to work with you and capture the moments that matter most to you. Whether it's a corporate shoot, a personal portrait, or an adventurous outdoor session, I promise to make your photography experience smooth, enjoyable, and unforgettable.

📞 Contact Me: +353 89 219 5385
📧 Email: barbaramccarthyphotos@gmail.com

Why Choose Me?