Frequently asked questions
Straight answers about booking a photoshoot in Ireland through Eriora: how requests and proposals work, what moves the price, what happens when the weather turns, and what you receive afterwards. Where the answer depends on the photographer you book, we say so and tell you what to check in your proposal. If your question is not here, send us a request and ask it there.
Booking & availability
How do I book a photoshoot through Eriora?
You send a free availability request with your date, place and type of shoot, and we check which suitable photographers are free. We then reply personally with a proposal that names the photographer, the package and the price. The booking is confirmed only when you accept that proposal.
Is the availability request free and without obligation?
Yes, the request is free and does not commit you to anything. It only asks us to check availability and prepare a proposal. You decide afterwards whether to accept it.
What should I include in my availability request?
Give the date (or a range of dates), the town or area you will be in, the type of shoot and how many people will be in the photos. Add anything that changes the plan: a surprise proposal, a preferred time such as sunset, a place you have in mind, or whether you will have a car. The more specific the request, the more precise the proposal.
How far in advance should I book a photographer in Ireland?
As early as your travel dates are fixed, especially for summer weekends, sunset slots and popular places such as Dublin, Galway, Killarney and the Cliffs of Moher. Independent photographers take a limited number of sessions per day, and the evening slots go first. Earlier requests simply leave more photographers to choose from.
Can I book a photoshoot at short notice?
You can always ask, and short-notice requests are sometimes possible. Whether a photographer is free depends on the date, the place and the time of day, so we cannot promise it in advance. Send the request with your exact dates and we will tell you what is available.
Can I request a specific photographer?
Yes, mention the photographer by name in your request if you have seen their profile on our photographers page. If they are free on your date, the proposal can name them. If not, we suggest other photographers whose work suits your shoot.
When is my booking confirmed?
Your booking is confirmed when you accept the proposal we send you. Until then nothing is reserved, and the proposal states what you need to do to accept it, including any payment terms. Check the date, time, meeting point and package before accepting.
Can I change the date or time after booking?
Contact us as soon as you know, and we will ask your photographer whether the new date or time works. Whether a change is free, and how late it can be made, depends on the terms in your proposal. Changes to a sunset slot in summer are the hardest to accommodate, so the earlier the better.
Pricing & payment
How much does a photoshoot in Ireland cost?
Sessions through Eriora start from €190 for a short express shoot and from €320 for a classic one-hour session. Proposal photography starts from €490, family sessions from €350, and any shoot at a scenic coastal or countryside location from €450. The full list of starting prices is on our pricing page.
Why are all prices shown as "from"?
Because each photographer sets their own package and price at or above the platform’s starting prices. The final figure depends on the photographer, the place, the date, the time of day, the duration and any add-ons. Your proposal states the exact price before you commit.
What makes a photoshoot more expensive?
The main factors are the duration, the location, the date and the add-ons. Weekends, sunset slots in high summer, long drives to the Atlantic coast, travel between several places, video, drone footage and an extra hour all raise the price above the starting figure. For a detailed breakdown, read what a photographer costs in Ireland.
Why do shoots on the west coast or in national parks cost more?
Sessions at scenic locations such as the Cliffs of Moher, Connemara, Dingle, Glendalough or the Ring of Kerry start from €450. The photographer often drives for an hour or more each way, the session usually runs longer, and the plan has to allow for wind and fast-changing weather. The scenic starting price reflects that extra time.
Are entry fees, parking or tickets included?
Usually not: your own entry tickets, car parks and any paid sites are your cost, and the photographer’s travel is either included in the package or listed separately in your proposal. The Cliffs of Moher visitor experience, for example, charges admission that includes parking, and prices change by season, so check them with the operator. Your proposal says exactly which travel costs are included.
How and when do I pay?
Payment terms are stated in your proposal, including the amount, the method and when it is due. They can differ between photographers and packages. Read them before accepting, and ask us if anything is unclear.
Do I need to pay a deposit?
Some photographers ask for a deposit to hold the date and some ask for payment in full in advance. Whether a deposit applies, and how much, is set out in your proposal. Nothing is charged for sending an availability request.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellation terms are set per booking and stated in your proposal, so check them before you accept. Typically they say until when you can cancel without charge and what applies after that. If you think your plans may change, ask about the terms before booking.
Proposals
How does a surprise proposal photoshoot work?
You agree the place, the time and a signal with the photographer in advance, and they wait nearby looking like any other visitor. When you kneel, they photograph the moment and then usually continue with relaxed couple portraits. Proposal photography starts from €490.
How does the photographer stay hidden during a proposal?
They take position before you arrive, typically with a longer lens a little distance away, and behave like a tourist photographing the view. You agree an exact spot and a signal, such as stopping at a particular bench, wall or bend in the path. After the question, they walk over and introduce themselves.
What if my partner suspects something?
Give them an ordinary reason to be at the spot at that hour, such as a cliff walk before dinner, a pub lunch nearby or a planned day trip. Avoid over-dressing for the cover story, and keep messages with us and the photographer on your own phone. The photographer can adapt if you arrive late or approach from a different side.
Can the proposal be filmed as well as photographed?
Yes, proposal photo and video starts from €750 and adds footage of the moment and the time around it. Whether it is filmed by the same photographer or a second person depends on the package in your proposal. Mention video in your request so we only suggest photographers who offer it.
Where are good places to propose in Ireland?
Good proposal spots combine a view, a clear place to kneel and some privacy at your chosen hour. The cliff paths at the Cliffs of Moher and Howth, the lakes at Glendalough, Ross Castle and the lakeshore in Killarney and the coast around Dingle are common choices. Our guide to proposal locations in Ireland compares them spot by spot.
What happens right after the proposal?
Most proposal sessions continue with portraits of the two of you, since the remaining time is part of the package. The photographer suggests a few nearby spots and helps you relax after the moment. If you prefer a shorter session, say so when planning.
What if the weather is bad on the day of my proposal?
Talk to the photographer about a back-up plan when booking: a second date, a sheltered spot, or a later time the same day. Irish showers often pass within the hour, so waiting is sometimes enough. For a full plan, see our Ireland proposal photography guide.
The session
How long does a photoshoot last?
It depends on the package: an express session is about 30 minutes, a classic one about 60 minutes, and premium, honeymoon and scenic sessions around 90 minutes. Multi-location sessions, photo tours, elopements and full-day coverage last from about 2.5 hours up to a full day. The duration is stated in your proposal.
Where do we meet the photographer?
You agree a precise meeting point before the day, usually a hotel entrance, a landmark or a car park near the first spot. On the west coast it is often a named lay-by or visitor centre, because many places have no street address. The meeting point and time are confirmed with your booking.
What should we wear for a photoshoot in Ireland?
Wear clothes you feel comfortable in, in solid or softly patterned colours that suit each other rather than match exactly. Deep greens, creams, rust and navy sit well against Irish landscapes. Bring a warm layer and a coat you would not mind being photographed in, because it is often windy on the coast even in summer, and choose shoes that can handle wet grass and gravel paths.
We are not used to posing. Is that a problem?
No. Most clients are not models, and the photographer guides you with simple prompts such as walking, turning towards each other or looking at the view. The first minutes are for getting comfortable, and the photos usually improve as you relax.
Can we bring children or a dog?
Yes, mention everyone who will be in the photos, including pets, in your request. For young children, a short session at a time of day that fits their routine works better than a long one. Some sites and national-park trails ask for dogs to be kept on a lead, so check the rules for your location.
What happens if we arrive late?
Let the photographer know as soon as you can. Sessions usually end at the agreed time because photographers often have other bookings, so arriving late can shorten your session. Country roads are narrow and slow, so allow more driving time than a map suggests.
Weather & seasons
What happens if it rains on the day of the shoot?
You and the photographer decide together whether to shoot as planned, move to a covered spot, change the time or reschedule. Light rain and soft grey skies often photograph beautifully in Ireland, and showers tend to pass quickly, but heavy rain or storms usually mean moving the session. The rescheduling terms are set out in your proposal.
Who decides whether to reschedule because of the weather?
The photographer checks the forecast and advises you, usually the day before and again on the morning of the shoot. The terms in your proposal state how weather changes are handled, for example whether a new date is offered without charge. On cliffs and exposed headlands, safety in strong wind always comes first.
Is it safe to have a photoshoot on the cliffs?
Yes, as long as you stay on the official paths and behind the barriers and follow the photographer’s directions. Cliff edges in Ireland can be undercut and slippery, and gusts can be sudden. Photographers who work on the coast choose spots where the view is strong without standing near the edge.
What is the best time of year for a photoshoot in Ireland?
Late spring to early autumn gives the longest days, from about 17 hours of daylight in Dublin in June, and the greenest landscapes. Autumn brings warm colour and softer light, while winter is quiet but has only about 7.5 hours of daylight in December. Our guide to the best time for a photoshoot in Ireland compares the seasons and times of day.
When is golden hour in Ireland?
It moves a lot with the season, because Ireland is far north. In June the sun sets in Dublin after 21:30 and later still on the west coast, so a sunset session can start around 20:30. In December it sets before 16:30, and the warm light comes in the early afternoon. The photographer plans the start time around sunset on your exact date.
Can we have a photoshoot in winter?
Yes, and winter has advantages: quieter landmarks, low sun all day and dramatic skies over the Atlantic. Days are short and it can be cold and windy, so sessions are planned around the midday and early-afternoon light. Bring warm layers and waterproof shoes.
Locations & travel
Where in Ireland can I book a photoshoot?
Eriora covers cities, towns and scenic destinations across Ireland, from Dublin, Cork and Galway to Killarney, Kilkenny and Westport, plus the Cliffs of Moher, Connemara and the Ring of Kerry. You can see every destination on our locations page. If your place is not listed, ask anyway in your request.
Can the photographer meet us at our hotel or castle?
Yes, starting at your hotel is common, especially if it has gardens, a lake or a castle setting worth photographing. Many hotels and castle estates have their own rules about professional photography on their grounds, so ask them first. Mention the hotel in your request so the photographer can plan the route.
Can we visit several places in one session?
Yes, a multi-location session covers two or more places in about 2.5 hours and starts from €690. For longer itineraries, a photo tour with travel between places starts from €950. The time spent driving is part of the session, so nearby places give you more time in front of the camera.
Do we need a car?
In Dublin, Cork, Galway and the other cities, no: spots can be reached on foot, by DART, Luas or taxi. For the west coast, Connemara, Kerry and Wicklow, a car or a driver makes the session much easier, because public transport to many viewpoints is limited. Tell us in your request how you will be travelling.
Do we pay for the photographer’s travel?
Travel to the meeting point is either included in the package or shown separately in your proposal. For remote locations a long drive is usually part of the price. You see the full price before you accept.
Do we need a permit to take photos in public places?
For a private photoshoot in ordinary public places such as streets, parks, beaches and public paths, a permit is not usually needed. Private estates, castles, abbeys, college grounds, visitor centres and hotels set their own rules and may require permission or a fee. The photographer knows the usual practice locally, but if you have a specific site in mind, check with that site directly.
Can the photographer use a drone?
Some photographers offer drone photos or video as an add-on, where the rules and the location allow it. In Ireland drones are regulated by the Irish Aviation Authority under EU rules, and many places, including national parks and some heritage sites, restrict or ban flights. Mention drone footage in your request, and the photographer will check what is possible at your location.
Photos & delivery
How many photos will we receive?
The number depends on the package: as a guide, an express session typically includes around 20 edited photos, a classic session around 40 and a 90-minute session around 60. Longer sessions and full days include more. The exact number is stated in your proposal.
When will we receive our photos?
The delivery time is stated in your proposal and agreed before you book. It varies between photographers and with the length of the session and the season. If you need a few photos quickly, for example to share an engagement, ask whether a small preview selection is possible.
How are the photos delivered?
Photos are usually delivered digitally, often as a private online gallery or a download link, in high resolution. The exact format and how long the gallery stays online depend on the photographer. Download and back up your photos once you receive them.
Are the photos edited?
Yes, the photos you receive are selected and edited by the photographer, typically with colour and exposure corrections in their own style. Heavy retouching, such as changing body shape or removing people from the background, is not usually included. If you need it, ask before booking.
Can we get the unedited or RAW files?
Usually not: most photographers deliver only their selected, edited photos, since the editing is part of their work. Some offer additional unedited files on request. If this matters to you, ask before accepting the proposal.
Can we buy more photos or order prints and albums?
Many photographers offer extra photos, prints or albums, but it depends on the individual photographer. Ask in your request or after the session. Prices for extras are set by the photographer.
Photographers
Who are the photographers on Eriora?
They are independent professional photographers who work in Ireland. Each one sets their own package and price at or above the platform’s starting prices. You can browse their profiles, portfolios and languages before you book.
How are photographers selected?
Every photographer is reviewed before joining Eriora. We look at their portfolio, their experience with the type of session, the languages they speak, their knowledge of the places they work in and their reliability. Only photographers who meet these criteria are suggested in proposals.
Which languages do the photographers speak?
All of them work in English. Some photographers also speak other languages, and these are shown on each profile. If you need a particular language, say so in your request and we will take it into account.
Can I see a photographer’s work before booking?
Yes, each photographer’s profile shows examples of their work. Your proposal names the photographer, so you can look at their portfolio before deciding. If you want to see a particular kind of session, such as proposals or families, ask us.
Does the photographer know the location?
Local knowledge is one of the criteria photographers are reviewed on, and we suggest photographers who work in the area of your shoot. They know where the light falls at your time of day, where the coach tours stop and which paths are sheltered from the wind. If you have a specific spot in mind, tell them in advance.
I am a photographer. How can I join Eriora?
You can apply through the page for photographers. We review your portfolio, experience, languages, local knowledge and reliability. Photographers who join set their own packages and prices at or above the platform’s starting prices.
Privacy & image rights
Who owns the copyright to our photos?
The copyright usually stays with the photographer, and you receive the right to use the photos for personal purposes. The exact scope of that use is set out in the photographer’s terms. If you need something wider, discuss it before booking.
Can we share our photos on social media?
Yes, sharing your photos privately and on your personal social media is normally part of personal use. Many photographers appreciate a credit, but check their terms for any conditions. Avoid applying filters that change the edit if the photographer is credited.
Will the photographer use our photos in their portfolio?
Some photographers like to show selected photos in their portfolio or on social media, but this should be agreed with you. If you prefer your photos to stay private, say so in your request or before accepting the proposal. This is especially relevant for surprise proposals and families with children.
Can we use the photos for business or advertising?
Commercial use, such as advertising, a company website or paid promotion, usually needs a separate licence from the photographer. If you plan any business use, state it in your request. The licence terms are then set out in your proposal.
What happens to the personal details in my request?
We use your details to check availability, prepare your proposal and pass on to your photographer what they need to carry out the session. For a surprise proposal, tell us how you want to be contacted so nothing reaches your partner.
Will strangers appear in the background of our photos?
At popular places such as Temple Bar or the Cliffs of Moher it is not always possible to avoid other people entirely, but photographers choose angles, times and positions to keep backgrounds clean. Early mornings and late summer evenings are the quietest times at well-known spots. Removing people in editing is not usually included, so ask if it matters to you.

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