By the time my husband and I got married, he more or less HATED taking photos. He hated how long it took, and we fell into a routine of him hearing one shutter and saying, “are we done yet?” Literally, picture a miserable child on a road trip, that was my husband taking photos. almost 7 years into marriage and a baby later, and I have unlocked the secret to hassle-free photos with Dads. If you are reading this thinking, “who are these Dads? My S.O. always cooperates for photos.” Just move it along my friend and do not brag to the rest of us, or judge us, please. This is for the person whose partner is rotten when the camera comes out. 😬 Do I think it is a little ridiculous I have to write this post about getting grown men to cooperate with photos? Yes. But this is my truth and I am living it. LOL
Before you keep reading, I will spoil one extra secret. Honestly? Just being a Dad helps. Cute photo with me? Huge pain in the ass. Cute photo with our daughter? Possible. 😂 It’s that different kind of love, I guess. You feel me? Now, read on for the the real secrets!
Plan like a Dad
This is a multi-faceted tip. When I say plan like a Dad, I mean two things. One, I mean think of an activity that you could photograph that would actually be really fun for all (and if you don’t feel like planning, ask!). Two, I mean KISS (an old acronym for keep it simple, stupid). Keep whatever you plan to photograph short and sweet. If you are booking a photographer, look for someone who does mini sessions. Speaking very generally here, most people honestly have the same attention span as kids do when it comes to photoshoots. I think we (anyone reading this post looking for answers) can last longer for photos because we are the ones with the vision in our head AND we know the value of a photograph and memories documented (especially those of us who run on no sleep that can’t actually form memories, lol). When you are dreaming up that photo, think fun, short, and sweet.
Remember that some people just feel awkward or uncomfortable in front of the camera. It is much easier to be engaged and “doing” something while having your photo taken. Pick a good time of day for photos. Your people need to be well-rested and fed, trust me. Everyone should also feel comfortable and confident when the camera is whipped out. Read this post on how to prepare your children for photos, because it all applies to grown men, too. 😂 For engaging photo prompting ideas, click here!
Be intentional
If you take your phone or camera out anytime your spouse is doing something adorable, and make them stop and say “cheese!” for a hundred photos–you’ll get nowhere fast. You and I both know that they should appreciate all the memories you have captured, but, we also know that they just don’t–yet! Instead of the “drop-what-your-doing-and-smile” technique, try being really intentional with your camera. By that, I mean, really observe what is happening in front of you, and participate in it. Pay attention to what is in your frame, and look at the light before you jump in (for my ultimate phone photo guide, click here!). Look for those magical candid moments.
The less obtrusive you make your camera on a daily basis, the less of a big deal it will be. I actually teach the same tip for working with children. The first dozen times you bust out the camera, it may be a huge distraction. But the less attention you call to it and the more often they see it out and about (without it bothering them), the less of a big deal it will be. Just remember to of course respect the boundaries people set about having their photo taken. For more on what I mean my taking intentional photos, read this and this!)
Live the photos
Okay this is kind of the same tip again but it is THAT important. Plus, I have an extra thought. I actually learned some of this from my husband. When it was time for newborn photos, I was stressed. I wanted great photos but worried he wouldn’t cooperate. So I put on my big girl pants and just told him, “I am really worried about this.” I wanted a stress-free photoshoot and I couldn’t understand why he acted immaturely during photoshoots. His response? “I just think the way we take photos sometimes is fake. It is always too staged. I just want photos that look like our actual life.” So, that’s what we planned. It’s been pretty smooth sailing since. I just had to let go of a few expectations and meet him in the middle. If you follow the last two keys, you’re well on your way to living your photos. Ask for a quick look at the camera when the moment feels right, without interrupting play or special moments. Otherwise try to observe, enjoy the moment, and capture candids when possible, adding in fun prompts when needed.
Wish you could capture these moments on your big-girl camera?
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