Spokane Lifestyle Photographer: What to do if dad is grumpy about photo shoot?
Spokane Dad caresses his wife’s pregnant belly at maternity photo shoot.
Thankfully, I don’t encounter grumpy dads too often at my photoshoots. I believe this is because I work hard to attract clients with very strong family bonds. My families are usually lovey, cuddly and affectionate. I do on occasion get asked how I would handle dads who are not so thrilled to have their photos taken, and this is how I handle it.
If it is prior to the session and a wife is concerned that her husband may not be so excited, I recommend having a heart to heart conversation with her husband. Sit down after the kids have gone to bed and look your husband in his eyes, and tell him how important the photos are to you and why. We’re not just out taking cheesy pictures to put on our Christmas cards. We’re documenting a fleeting moment in time where out kids are only this age once. Capturing the family dynamic and making a memory. Talk to him about our why.
Photos are an investment, an expensive one. I know some dads aren’t thrilled about the investment, but quality photos are important. I usually recommend that families save up for their once a year family photo session to get updated photos of everyone in the family and document the season of life. Saving up and ear marking the money for the photos ahead of time, over a period of time makes the expense seem less burdensome. Those dollars have been given a name, and this often makes dads feel better about the investment.
The next step is on me, and that is during the photoshoot. I work hard to make sure every family member feels welcomed. I am intentional about starting a conversation with dad to make him feel more at ease with me. Cameras make people nervous and I think that’s natural. It is very vulnerable allowing another person to take your photo, and I’m sensitive to that. Many men do not like to feel vulnerable in that way. One of the best remedies for that is to have dad play with the kids, this is the beauty of lifestyle photography.
I think another reason dads don’t love having photos done is that they may be self conscious. I’m always careful with my posing to make dad look broad and strong in all the right ways. I keep posing loose so that there is a level of freedom of movement, which usually makes dad less nervous.
A grumpy dad can really mess up a photoshoot, honestly it’s one of the biggest things that can go wrong. I highly recommend having a conversation with dad prior to if he isn’t a fan of photos. I think most dads think of traditional family photography which is stiff and uncomfortable when they are approached about family photos. I keep my photoshoots light and fun to help combat that. My poses look and feel natural, which helps dad to relax. Usually at the end of my sessions dads are commenting on how it wasn’t as bad as they thought and they actually really had fun doing the pictures.
The dad in this photo was not a grumpy dad, he enjoys having photos taken with his family and is a huge part of why this family has successful photoshoots.
I’m always happy to discuss concerns dad may have about photos. Even if it’s something he’s self conscious about. Please just reach out, I want everyone to feel comfortable and welcome, because I believe family photos matter so much. Everyone deserves to have their family documented.