Happy [Nearly] Father’s Day!
It’s almost time for us to celebrate our favorite dads and grandpas and all the hard work they do throughout the year.
It’s a good time for families to get together and have fun. Best of all, it’s an opportunity to get everyone involved with some fun photo participation–even dad.
If you’re like me, you know capturing photos of the men in our lives can be just as challenging as capturing good photos of the kids. Dads are often camera shy, too busy to stop moving, and sometimes want to keep the spotlight on everyone else. Here are some of my tricks for enticing the dads and grandpas in your life to be more involved with family photos this Father’s Day. Trust me, it can be done. Even if you have to be a bit sneaky. 😉
Getting Dad Ready for Some Photo Participation
- Capture them in their element. Do you have an active dad who doesn’t like to sit still long enough for photos?Why not use the tricks I do for active toddlers–meet them where they are. Let them engage in their natural element and bring the rest of the family to them? For those dads who are particularly self-conscious, try letting
them do their own
thing; play with kids/grandkids, while you sneak candid shots in where you can. Don’t make it a big production to stage photos, just roll with the punches and let everyone do their thing. - Entice them with treats. You might think dads or grandpas would be above bribery, but in my experience, you’d be wrong. HA! Every dad has a treat they love most. Maybe it’s chocolate. Maybe it’s ice cream.
Heck, it might be golf! So, whatever it is, offer it up–then get Snap Happy before, during, or after you indulge together.That way, not only will you get some great images you may never have gotten before, but you’ll also have a laid back and relaxed atmosphere which encourages photo participation. Best of all, dad will feel obliged to sit still because he’s getting something fun in return. - Surround them. Get your family together and pile on the love for dad.
Sometimes, all you need is a little peer (or family!) pressure to get dads to stay put long enough to be photographed.
Have the kids pile on dad while he sits on the couch, get everyone together for a group hug, or sit around a summer bonfire.As a result, see if you can find fun and unique ways to get the men in your life to relax, have fun, and get photographed.
In Conclusion
In the end, dads really do want to be remembered and be included in family photos. Sometimes they just need a little
nudge to get them to participate. If you’re one of those lucky families where the men are happy getting photographed, that’s awesome! Most of all, the main idea is to have fun together and remember to capture a few shots of everyone while you’re together. Time travels so fast and before you know it, you’ll look back and wish you’d taken more photos.
Enjoy your Father’s Day, everyone!
About the Photographer and Author:
Julie Kubal is a child and family portrait artist and photographer serving Washington DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. She is passionate about creating warm and meaningful artwork through modern portraits and lifestyle photography at a location of your choice!