Joe McCourt is a Derry-based family specialist who creates relaxed, natural family portraits. Calm with children and great craic on shoots—perfect for cake smash and 1st communion sessions.
If you want family photos that feel genuine, relaxed and full of personality, Joseph Gerard Photography in Derry is built for you. Joe McCourt specialises in family photography and has a warm, easygoing approach that helps even the shyest members of the family relax. Born and raised in Derry and a father of four himself, Joe knows how to work with babies, toddlers and teenagers — capturing the small, unscripted moments that become treasured keepsakes. Joe's approach is rooted in storytelling and connection. He blends candid, documentary-style shots with tasteful portraiture to build a full, authentic record of your family at this moment in time. Whether you prefer an outdoor session in one of Derry’s parks, a cosy in-home shoot, studio-style portraits, or a fun cake smash for a first birthday, Joe brings patience, humour and calm energy to every session. He prides himself on making sessions enjoyable — a bit of craic, a few laughs and lots of encouragement — so children feel at ease and parents can enjoy being present. Working with Joe is straightforward and friendly. From your first enquiry he listens to what matters most to your family — favourite locations, meaningful props, and any special moments you want to preserve, like 1st communion portraits or cake smash celebrations. On the day he guides poses gently, looks for natural light and candid interactions, and adapts to the pace of babies and children so the session never feels rushed. The result is a gallery of images that look and feel like your family: relaxed, lively and true to who you are. As a local Derry photographer, Joe knows the best spots for seasonal, location-based shoots and how to make the most of natural light in each setting. His personal journey into photography began documenting his own children, and that honest passion still shapes every shoot he does. If you’re after professional family portraits that prioritize emotion and memory over forced poses, Joseph Gerard Photography offers a friendly, specialist service in Derry that makes capturing your family’s story simple and enjoyable.