5 Tips to Help Dads Rock a Family Session

I’ve seen a lot of posts that focus on helping moms prepare for photography sessions. I totally get it, in most cases (but not always) it’s mom who hires the photographer, schedules the session, coordinates outfits, etc. It can be a lot of work! However, when it comes down to the day of the session dads get nervous too and are often shy in front of the camera. So I’m here to give some tips for the dads out there so they can rock their photo session and help make it an awesome experience resulting in gorgeous images!

Tip #1

1. Try to take as much stress off of your partner as possible on the day of the session. Make sure that you leave plenty of extra time to get everyone ready. Start getting ready earlier than you think is necessary so that you aren’t rushed getting out the door. Maybe take over getting the kids dressed so mom has lots of time to focus on getting herself ready in peace. For my own family photos, I like to go get my hair done so I leave my husband to get the kids dressed while I’m gone. You can also help pack snacks, extra clothes, and any other accessories that you’ll want to bring to the session.

Tip #2

2. Bring a positive attitude and commit to quality time. A family session is a wonderful opportunity to create some beautiful memories with your kids and partner. If you’re acting disinterested or pouting this will probably rub off on your kids and negatively affect the end results, so have fun with it! Maybe you can play DJ and pick some good pump-up music to play in the car or at the session. Anything to help get kids excited is great!

Tip #3

3. Focus your attention on your family, not the camera. I know it’s generally everyone’s instinct to look at the camera a lot, but you really only need to do that when instructed by your photographer. I always make sure to tell clients when to look at me so we can get a few shots smiling at the camera, but otherwise I want your images to showcase your family & the love you have for each other. So, focus on your family!

Tip #4

4. Be affectionate with your partner. I know a lot of guys feel awkward with PDA (public displays of affection) so it may even be helpful to ask your partner how affectionate they’d like to be in your photos. Some clients want super snuggly and lovey photos, and some aren’t into that which is totally okay! Even if you’re not big into kissing on camera you can still make sure to hug and put your arms around your family as often as possible. A good rule of thumb is to make sure you’re all touching each other in any photos where you’re instructed to be close together (which will be most of the time in sessions with me). I know a lot of moms like me really love when their husbands do little forehead kisses or other affectionate displays in family sessions, so go for it!

Tip #5

5. Play and do be afraid to show your silly side! So many of my favorite family images are super goofy and playful. Remember that these are photos that your kids will probably show to their kids and their kids and on and on, so you want them to think back and remember how much fun their dad was! I almost always give dads a workout in session having them put kids on their shoulders, throw them up in the air, flip them upside down. Whatever you have to do to get those genuine giggles and belly laughs, do it and make sure you SMILE!