You’ve probably heard it before: “Oh, dads don’t enjoy family photo sessions.”
It’s those phrases that get thrown around so often it starts to sound like fact. But here’s the thing – it’s just not true.
Sure, there are dads who roll their eyes at the idea of matching outfits and standing in a field being told to “smile!” for an hour (honestly, it’s not for me either). But when family photos are done differently, in a way that actually feels comfortable and real, dads not only enjoy the experience, they often end up being the ones who treasure the photos the most.
Why this myth exists
The stereotype of reluctant dads often comes from the way family photography has traditionally been set up. Dressing up in stiff clothes, being told to smile at the camera, standing in a field at golden hour – it’s not surprising some dads would rather stay home.
For many men, the thought of posing, performing, or putting on a fake smile feels uncomfortable. To be fair most people I know hate posing for photos!
But family photography doesn’t have to look like that. Not with me.
What makes dads actually enjoy family photo sessions
Here’s how my sessions usually go: no posing, no performing, and no pressure. Instead, we spend a couple of hours doing things your family already loves. That could mean:
- a kickabout in the garden
- hanging out on the beach
- feeding the ducks at the park
I’m just there with my camera, capturing it as it unfolds. Real smiles, real laughs, and yes — even the occasional tantrum. Because let’s be honest: when you’re not in the middle of it, those moments are funny too.
Dads in the picture (literally and figuratively)
Here’s something you might not expect: about half of my family sessions are booked by dads. Sometimes it’s a gift for their partner, but often it’s because they genuinely want those memories of life with their kids.
And I love that. Gone are the days when dads were expected to hang back, disconnected from daily family life. The dads I photograph are hands-on, playful, tender, and very much present. Seeing that shift – and capturing it – is honestly one of the best parts of my job.
Some of my favourite images are of dads reading bedtime stories, giving piggyback rides, or just cuddling on the sofa with their children. Those moments matter. And they’re just as worthy of being photographed as the big milestones.
Why it matters
So much of the conversation around family photography speaks directly to mums. That makes sense — mums often carry the mental load of organising family life. But I believe it’s important to include dads in both the photos and the process. They are just as much a part of the fabric of family life, and the memories deserve to reflect that.
The bottom line
So no, dads don’t need bribing or coaxing into enjoying family photos. They just need a different approach – one that doesn’t ask them to pose or perform, but simply to be themselves with the people they love most.
And that’s what I do: create space for families to be together, so I can capture the joy, chaos, humour, and connection that makes your family your family.
So do dads enjoy family photo sessions? Absolutely. And if you’d like to see what that could look like for your own family, I’d love to chat.
