Pasadena Portrait Photographer {Father’s Day Photo Tips}

So, it’s that day of the year when father’s are celebrated, for just being themselves.  For being the big tickle monsters, for teaching how to throw and catch, for stepping into the tea party when asked, and for scaring the boogie man away.

What way’s can you capture his interactions with the little ones?  Maybe this is dad’s first father’s day, or maybe it’s his 12th.  Either way, capturing some special memories from this day is going to be key to remembering them.

Here are 3 tips for capturing some fun with dad this weekend.

• The Surprise Attack. – Tell dad you are taking a picture of just him.  Have him sit outside on the grass or on the floor in an open area inside. Then tell the kids to keep the secret that when you say 3 they are going to run from behind and jump on daddy.  The reactions from the kids, from keeping the secret, to surprising dad, and dad’s reaction are priceless.

• The Tickle Monster. – Have dad act very casual, then run after the kids trying to tickle them.  Or do it the other way around!  Kids love to have the power and be the ones tickling dad, especially when he plays along and falls over, and rolls around with screams of joy and laughter.

• The Quiet Moments. – This one is especially great if you have younger kids that can’t run and tickle or that don’t listen very well.  Set dad up in a nice spot and have him hold the little one on his lap in front of him, with the child facing him.  Have dad tell him what he hopes for the child as he/she grows, and how much joy they bring him.  Just capturing dad talking to his kids is a precious moment that needs to be documented.

• Bonus Tip: Make sure that wherever you are, the light is behind YOU, not dad.  That way the light will be coming in from the window, wrapping around you, and falling onto dad’s face, as opposed to making him a silhouette.  Before you start trying to take pics, move around with you phone or camera and do some test shots to see where the light is best.  If you’re outside, shady spots are better than the sunny spots so no one will need to squint.  🙂

Got more questions about how to capturing the beauty in your family?  Just email me at info@nicolaborland.com and we will add them to our upcoming Intro to Home Photography Series.   Look out for this one, coming by the end of summer.