Bluebird Chic ambassador Meggan of Meggan Harrison Photography shares her tips for capturing those special moments of fatherhood.
Fathers; the providers, protectors, lovers, and the “fun” parent. These are just a few of the roles that fathers play in our lives. So when photographing fatherhood we want to bring out these characteristics that describe them best.
Fathers can easily become the main focus of our family photos, as mothers typically take on the role of the family photographer. I want to be able to give the momtographers out there a few tips and tricks to help you capture these special moments of fatherhood without feeling the need to have all the fancy equipment to achieve it.
TIP # 1 – CAPTURE FATHERS AT PLAY
My favorite time to snap pictures of my husband and kiddos is when they are playing. It is the most natural time to capture them. If you put to much pressure on the husband/fathers to take a picture they can get a little irritated or unwilling to let you take the picture. By waiting for the fun moments to happen rather than staging it, helps keep the pictures relaxed and original.
TIP # 2 – CAPTURE A FATHER’S STRENGTH
Dads often have their own quirky things they like to do with their kids, like tickling them or carrying their kiddos on their shoulders or tossing them up in the air. If you know this moment is about to happen, get ready. These are the little memories that will fade out over time, that you will want to remember. Once again, try not to force the situation, just let it happen on its own and the spontaneity of the moment will shine through.
Tip #3 – CAPTURE THE TENDER MOMENTS TOO
Dad’s can be a great source of comfort to our children. I find these moments pulling at my heartstrings, even more so in a picture. So what better time to whip out the camera and capture it. When I see these pictures I see so much love. Imagine 20 years from now your kids looking at that image you took and how they will feel seeing their father holding them or comforting them in a tough situation. These times can be hard to take the camera out on because you are soaking in the moment, but it’s definitely one you will not regret capturing.
TIP #4 – CAPTURE FATHERS IN THEIR ELEMENT
Last but not least, If there is a time where you feel you need to try to stage dad for a picture, I find it best putting them in a location or spot that they have a good amount of comfort in. So many times I hear “It’s not a real life pose, why do I have to do that?”. Well we as women know it’s the cuteness factor. So by putting them in a location that they have more comfort in will help take that tension down a bit. Who knows they may even come up with a fun pose or two.
These are just a few of my go-to tips that I use in my own life and during photo shoots. I hope this gives you a little more confidence when picking up the camera and capturing fatherhood in your own lives.
Hello! I’m Meggan, owner of Meggan Harrison Photography. I am a mother of 3 little kiddos. I am quite busy between having my business and my children so I like to keep my planner handy to stay organized. On the side I enjoy creating graphic or crafts. Visit me at http://megganharrisonphotography.com/
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