Rob Lamb is a photographer based in Cork, Ireland. He has been taking prize-winning photographs for over 20 years and has had his work published in local and national newspapers, in books and on the web. He originally developed the business using a unique talent in family portraiture based on his work documenting the development of his own three children.
A network of contacts and referrals in Cork lead to Commercial work, including event coverage, personal profile images (headshots) and product photography, and the business has expanded to cater for the needs of a wide range of clients.
In 2010 the business needed a more visible, ‘bricks and mortar’ footing and he opened ‘The Gallery’ in Ardfallen Estate. The Gallery created a great vibe and the business flourished there for 7 years. But the building in Ardfallen Estate badly needed work and became unusable so in 2017 Rob Lamb Photography moved to Enterprise House in the Marina Commercial Park. A smaller office, with some space for product photography and headshots, but facility to use larger spaces when needed. By far the majority of our work is done on location these days so the location, parking and access is perfect.
Originally trained as an engineer, he has married his creative eye to his technical excellence and attention to detail to produce a unique style of portraiture and photographic production.
Rob maintains a blog on this site to showcase his recent work, highlight seasonal promotions and provide news of what he’s been up to around Cork city and county.
And after 15 years in business, that original photo is looking a bit dated:
A Different Approach to Family Portraits
Most people think of family portraits as being either very formal studio portraits or a quick snap in the back garden.
Rob’s approach to portrait photography brings the quality of a studio to the relaxed environment of a family snap. He believes that families, and in particular young families, look their best in a familiar environment: somewhere where they feel relaxed.
Being relaxed is the key to natural photographs so Rob provides a professional photography service that will come to you.
Many sessions take place in the family home. Most people are surprised well their home works for a photoshoot. Good light and soft, deep backgrounds give the portraits a very intimate feel while maintaing a context for the picture.
However some kids just like to be free and we’re spoilt with some wonderful local parks and woods. Outdoor sessions are always great fun and are a great chance to get some fantastic pictures of families playing together.
There are plenty of examples of how Rob uses our surroundings to make beautiful portraits in the Gallery Pages.
Weddings
Rob applies this approach to all his work and in particular it suits weddings where the couple want beautiful, natural, fuss-free images to remember their special day. Rob can provide tailored packages to suit each couple: everything from full coverage (preparation, arrival, ceremony, formals, bride and groom portraits and the reception) to a short low-key session for a more intimate occassion.
Each wedding is different and it is important that the photographs bring out the spirit of the occassion. Rob takes the time to discuss the details of your wedding and understand how you have made the day your own so he can create a lasting memory for you for years to come.
What to expect from a family session
A session will normally take around an hour – but the booking will be made to allow some flexibility with the timing depending on the dynamic of the group. Rob normally lets younger children settle and get used to him taking pictures at first. That means starting with some candid photographs of them playing before moving to some more semi-formal portraits.
Getting a good family group can be a real challenge when young children are involved. Rob will decide the best time during the session to try and pull everyone together.
If you have some specific shots in mind, or you’ve seen something you like elsewhere then do please mention it before the session. It’s often a good place to start and Rob can develop the session from there.
Seeing Your Photographs
After the session, you’ll be invited back to the office for a viewing session to review your images and select images to create different products to suit your budget. Viewing sessions normally take place about a week after your Portrait Session but it will be booked at your convienience.
Rob will work through all the images from your session and get them ready for your viewing. A full range of images will be selected, edited and corrected prior to the viewing.
As well as Framed and Unframed Prints, a range of Albums and Storyboard products are on display in the Gallery.
The viewing session is your chance to go through the images and discuss options for displaying them to their full. It’s useful to come to the viewing with an idea of what space is available for your images at home and who else in your family you’d like to give prints to as gifts.
Timing
When we agree a booking you should consider timing carefully. It’s most important that you are relaxed, unflustered and able to enjoy the session. If you have young kids, consider what time of day they are usually best at – espeically if they routinely nap during the day.
Location
Think about where you’d like to be photographed. Ideally it would be somewhere outside but that’s not always possible – especially in Ireland – so most indoor situations also work well. In most cases, all that’s needed is a sofa.
What to wear
It’s best to wear plain clothes without a logo or any distinctive markings unless they have a special meaning to you. Logos can be distracting and cause photos to become ‘dated’. To get the most from your session you should feel comfortable and relaxed.
A more comprehensive Guide to Photo Sessions has been added to the blog site.
Click here to go to the Photo Session Guide
Above all we want you to be happy with the entire experience. If there’s anything you’d like to talk through with Rob before or after the session we’re always happy to get your feedback.