It usually starts with a nudge.
Mom mentions family photos—maybe for the holidays, maybe because the kids are growing too fast—and Dad gives a polite smile, already picturing a long afternoon of forced grins and itchy shirts. The kids? They’re somewhere between excited and hyped on snacks, spinning in circles while Mom’s trying to fix someone’s collar.
I’ve seen this scene play out more times than I can count. And I get it. Family photo sessions can feel like a production. But what if I told you they don’t have to?
Because here’s the truth: the best sessions—the ones that leave families saying, “Wow, that was actually fun”—aren’t about perfect poses or matching outfits. They’re about pressing pause on the chaos of everyday life and just being together. No distractions. No phones. Just real moments with the people who matter most.
It’s in these slow, in-between moments—the tickle fights, the shoulder rides, the quiet way your partner looks at your children—that the good stuff happens. These are the images that last. The ones your kids will pull out years from now to remember how deeply they were loved.
As a Pittsburgh family photographer, I’ve had the honor of capturing families just like yours—messy, joyful, and real. And yes, I’ve worked with plenty of dads who showed up unsure… only to walk away surprised by how much they enjoyed it.
This blog isn’t just about getting through your photo session—it’s about reframing the whole experience. About seeing it for what it really is: a chance to slow down, be present, and document a chapter of your family’s story you’ll never get back.
Let’s make it fun. Let’s make it real. And yes—let’s make it dad-approved.
1. Set the Vibe: Relaxed, Not Rigid
The biggest misconception about family photography? That it’s all about posing. In reality, I focus on connection over perfection. Your session isn’t a photoshoot—it’s a chance to laugh, play, and just be together.
That shift in mindset makes all the difference. Dads don’t need to force a smile or hold a pose for 20 minutes. I guide your family with gentle prompts (think games, movement, and real interaction), so everyone feels more like they’re hanging out than being “on.”
2. Keep It Moving
Yes, sessions last 1–2 hours—but don’t worry, it won’t feel like it.
We’re not standing around posing the whole time. We move, play, explore, and keep the energy up. Think of it as quality time with your favorite people—just with a camera tagging along.
There’s room to breathe, space to relax, and plenty of breaks for snacks, snuggles, and the occasional toddler meltdown. It’s laid-back, low-pressure, and (dare we say?) even fun.
3. Make It a Family Outing
Want to make photos feel less like an “appointment” and more like a day out? Choose a session location that your family actually enjoys—a favorite park, the riverside, or even your own backyard.
After your session, plan something fun—ice cream, pizza, or a stop at the playground. When there’s a treat or activity to look forward to, it changes the energy completely (and gives everyone something to smile about).
Bonus: I’m happy to suggest Pittsburgh’s best photo spots with great post-session eats nearby!
4. Skip the Matching Outfits
Gone are the days of everyone wearing khakis and white shirts. When families feel comfortable in what they’re wearing, it shows in the photos.
For dads, that means clothes that feel like them—just elevated a bit. A soft Henley, a well-fitted button-down, or a cozy sweater in earthy tones always photographs beautifully. If he’s not into dressing up, don’t force it. Real confidence looks better than any outfit.
(Pro tip: I offer wardrobe guidance with every session, so no one’s left guessing what to wear.)
5. Trust the Photographer (That’s Me!)
Most of the time, dads just want to know what to do—where to stand, where to look, how to hold the baby without feeling awkward. I totally get that, and I provide gentle, easy direction throughout the session so no one feels lost or unsure.
You don’t have to perform or “be photogenic.” You just have to show up, enjoy your family, and let me do the rest.
6. Focus on What Really Matters
Photos aren’t just about what you look like. They’re about how this moment feels.
Someday, your kids will flip through these photos and see how much their dad loved them—not just in the perfect poses, but in the way he threw them in the air, tickled their toes, or carried them on his shoulders.
And that’s what makes family photos meaningful. You’re not just making memories—you’re preserving your legacy.
7. Bring the Humor, Not the Pressure
One of the best parts of photographing families is the goofy stuff. Dads often bring the energy that gets everyone laughing. So instead of worrying about looking perfect, bring your dad jokes. Make faces. Chase the kids. Tickle your partner.
The best photos often come from the in-between moments. That’s where real connection lives.
8. Remember: You’re in the Frame for Them
Most of the time, moms are the memory-keepers. They’re the ones behind the camera. But one day, your kids will want to look back and see you too.
Even if you’re not totally comfortable in front of the lens, remember this: these photos aren’t just for now—they’re for your kids when they’re older. They’ll want to remember how you held them, how you looked at them, and how it felt to be loved by you.
Final Thoughts: It’s Not About the Photos—It’s About the Moment
At the end of the day, family photography isn’t about getting everyone to smile at the same time. It’s about capturing what’s real—the connection, the chaos, the love that lives in the little things. It’s about pressing pause in a life that moves way too fast.
One day, your kids won’t remember what they were wearing or whether they sat still for the camera. But they willremember how it felt to be wrapped up in your arms. They’ll remember the warmth, the laughter, the way you looked at them like they were your whole world.
So to the dads out there—don’t worry about posing. Don’t stress about doing it “right.” Just be there. Be yourself. Love your people out loud.
And I’ll be there to make sure those moments don’t fade.
Let's tell your story!
Let’s make magic—with real laughs, real love, and real moments. Click “Get in Touch” to inquire about session availability in the Pittsburgh area or check out my family photography portfolio for more inspiration.
