Let’s Talk About Dads: What They Can Expect from a Family Photo Session

Don’t Worry, Dads, This Won’t Be Weird

This one’s for the dads. (And for the moms quietly sending this link with a “pretty please just read it?” vibe.)

Let’s be honest: when it comes to family photos, dads are often... less than thrilled. You might be feeling skeptical. Or indifferent. Or straight-up dreading it. You’ve probably got a highlight reel of worst-case scenarios in your head — stiff posing, fake smiles, and an hour of feeling like a mannequin in khakis.

Deep breath. That’s not what this is.

I get it — the idea of being in front of the camera might not be your favorite way to spend an afternoon. But this isn’t about torturing you. It’s about spending time with your people, soaking up the chaos and sweetness of your actual life, and walking away with photos that will mean something to you down the road.

So let’s walk through what you can really expect.

You’re Not Stiff-Posing in a Field for an Hour. Promise.

Let’s bust the biggest myth first: I’m not lining anyone up like mannequins and making you fake smile for an hour. That’s not how I work, and that’s not what your family wants to remember.

Instead, think of your session more like playtime… with a camera quietly along for the ride. I’ll give you simple cues to help things unfold naturally, including a few of my favorite easy poses that never feel stiff or forced.

But most of what we’ll capture will happen in the in-between: when your toddler tackles you in the grass, when you instinctively scoop up your baby for a snuggle, when everyone bursts out laughing over some ridiculous inside joke.

I’m here to document connection, not perfection — because in lifestyle family photography, that connection is what truly matters. Dads get to move, play, chase, snuggle, and interact in ways that feel natural; no fake grins required. I’ll guide you gently, but most of the magic happens when you forget the camera is there.

And honestly? Those little, unscripted moments where you’re just being a dad are the ones that always end up being everyone’s favorites.

Want to see what that actually looks like? See a real family session filled with genuine moments here.

You Don’t Have to “Know What to Do” — That’s My Job

Let’s just go ahead and release the pressure now: you don’t have to do anything but show up. I don’t expect you to know what to do with your hands or how to pose. That’s my job.

I’ll guide you through the session — where to stand (or sit, or swing your kid upside down), what to do with your hands, and how to interact in a way that feels natural. Think: gentle prompts, lots of laughs, zero pressure.

And honestly, most dads are surprised by how relaxed it feels and leave the session saying, “That wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought it’d be.”

My job is to make things feel easy. I’ve worked with enough families to know how to read the room — whether your kids are wild, shy, or somewhere in between — and I’ll keep things moving so you’re never stuck wondering what to do next.

No modeling experience required. Just be there, be yourself, and I’ll take care of the rest.

Your Family Will Remember These Moments, And So Will You

Here’s the part that sneaks up on a lot of dads.

What starts as “okay, I’ll do this for my partner” often turns into something deeper. These photos? They’re not just for Instagram. They’re for your kids. For your grandkids someday. For the you who’ll look back and say, “Man, I remember when they were that little.”

You’re showing up for your family now, and they’ll carry that with them long after the photo session ends.

These images become the kind of thing your kids treasure. They’ll see the way you looked at them. How safe and loved they were in your arms. How present you were, even on the days when life felt chaotic and messy and loud. And it’s not just a nice idea — research shows that active, involved fatherhood has a lasting positive impact on kids’ emotional well-being and development.

Even if you’re not the sentimental type, trust me: you’ll be glad you were in the frame.

Real Talk: What to Actually Expect at Your Session

Let’s get into the nitty-gritty. Here’s what your session will actually look like:

• It’s short, sweet, and efficient — no hour-long photo marathons. (Discover how mini sessions can be a great option for your family here!)

• You won’t be frozen in one pose for 15 minutes straight. We keep it moving.

• Most of the time, you’ll be playing with your kids. That’s the “posing.”

• You’ll never hear me say “Say cheese!” We’re after the real stuff.

• I’m a photographer who gets it. I work with real families, not models.

And here’s the kicker: You might actually have fun. Stranger things have happened.

You Being There Matters (Even if You’re Not Thrilled About It)

If you’ve made it this far, let me just say, thanks for sticking with me.

I know this whole thing might feel a little outside your comfort zone. But I also know how much it means when dads show up. You being in these photos? It matters. Not just today, but in 10, 20, 30 years when your kids are grown and flipping through the memories.

I’ll make this as painless (and honestly, as enjoyable) as possible. No awkwardness. No pressure. Just your family, as they are, with you right in the middle of it.

Got questions, concerns, or just a healthy dose of eye-rolling? I can take it. The door’s open.