bringing the dads on board for family photos
I honestly don’t blame dads for being a little hesitant to book in family photos.
Most of them are probably still traumatised from other shoots that they’ve had where it’s been a bit stiff, a bit uncomfortable, and even though the photos are beautiful, the process might not be every person’s cup of tea.
So what can you do when you REALLY want family photos but the adult male in the family is not jumping on board with enthusiasm?
Try and make it less about the actual photos, and more about spending some time together as a family away from the everyday pressures, about making memories and enjoying each others’ company.
You can tell them that outdoor sessions are super relaxed, and that they can hang off to the side when they’re not in the photos (and they don’t have to be in ALL of the photos).
Explain that the process doesn’t have to bit stiff, and if you don’t want a looking at the camera photo, you don’t even have to have one. All you really need to do is be together and make some fun!
Give them the opportunity to help choose the location and activity - with some of my sessions I’m really flexible with where and what we do, so you can make it your own and make it something that everyone will enjoy!
And honestly, it’s never as bad as they think it’s going to be!
Take Kane, below, as an example. I first started taking their family photos in 2018, and partner Kaitlyn was worried that I wouldn’t get him to smile at all.
Fast forward to their 5th shoot with me early in 2024 and we have lots of smiles and connection with his family, he gets involved and he knows it’s not going to be a horrible experience (I still wouldn’t say it’s his favourite past time though 🤪).
And if after all of those things, they’re still not on board, then it’s okay for them to not be involved, and for you to still go ahead and organise family photos with just you and your kids.
You will never regret the photos you had taken, but you will kick yourself if you miss the opportunity to before your kids grow up a little more than they are now.
And don’t forget I now offer Pop Up Mama Minis as well, so if you just want a few photos with your babies and you’re happy to book them in with short notice (under a week in most cases), make sure you’re join the Facebook group to find out about opportunities when they come up! 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼