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4 Seasons at Dundurn Castle – Family Photography Hamilton

When we moved to Waterdown from Toronto during the pandemic, I was excited to check out the various locations  that I have access to have sessions in. I have only seen them while in Toronto and since it was an hour drive away from us, we never really get to explore unless we are visiting the area intentionally. One of the locations that is very popular among photographers is the Dundurn Castle. If you are a photographer based in Hamilton, you have probably had a session here. 

As a new Hamilton Family Photographer, I knew I had to make sure I get to photograph families in this location. And in 2022, photograph the beautiful location I did. I photographed families there in all seasons – Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall. I fell in love with it. It is in the top list of my favourite locations to photograph no matter the season. You can never go wrong. I memorized the best light in any time of day. I brought newborns, family, extended family, and even did my own family sessions there with Lucy Tran. 

More than its architecture, the way the light works at any time of the day is the reason why it’s top of my list. Photographers can get very creative in so many ways. When I was still in the stage of getting to know Dundurn Castle, I would always come an hour early before my sessions to scout the spots that I think might work. I have experimented and enjoyed each season. I always look forward whenever a client chooses it as their location. 

Here are my favourite shots in each season at Dundurn Castle :

Winter – Family Photography Hamilton

Ontario winter is harsh. And whenever I think about outdoor sessions in the winter, I would automatically feel dreary. But when someone said snow session at Dundurn Castle, I actually felt excited. Dundurn Castle doesn’t rely on trees alone or nature. Dundurn Castle has stairs, columns, and the actual building. These are all part of its architecture that is unique to the location and that is unchanged through winter. We use these as backdrop and then some.

Spring – Family Photography Hamilton

Did you know that Dundurn Castle has lilacs all around? In late May/early June when it blooms, the scent just fills the air. It also acts as a good shade and perfect backdrop for some portraits. I also remember I shot there in the Spring, and the trees were so alive. There were some blooming petals (or whatever they call it) falling off trees. It was like leaves falling during autumn except the opposite because its colours were alive. I couldnt help but thank the Lord for thinking of all these tiny details for us to see and experience. 

Summer – Family Photography Hamilton

Morning light or sunset light are equally beautiful. Of course the morning light is more tolerable for families with young kids as they have an early bedtime and are not able to get to sunset time in the summer (which is like 11PM). It was summer when we did our extended family photos which inspired client bookings of their own extended family photos. I am sharing them some sessions here and peep the spots that will work best with a smaller family and a bigger one. 

Fall – Family Photography Hamilton

Okay imagine this, fallen crunchy leaves right at your feet while you sit by the stairs of the castle in between the columns. They make you feel big, and small at the same time. Another good thing when photographing at Dundurn Castle (aside from never running out of a beautiful spot to shoot in), is that you can take an approach where you are like touring your client. You basically start from the parking lot and you go around the castle. You let your families walk, and you stop at the spots that have the best light at that time of day. Then you all end back at the parking lot and the session concludes.

Bright and Airy – Hamilton Family Photographer

Hello there, Mama! I am so happy you reached this part of the post. I am Ericka Ana, the photographer behind Ericka Ana Photography. I am a full service motherhood photographer specializing in Newborn, Maternity and Family Photography. I service the Hamilton, Burlington, Mississauga, Ancaster and surrounding areas. My aim is to capture your happy, sentimental and joyful memories and make sure they live in your homes through printed photographs and framed wall pieces. Connect with me on Instagram!