When He Acts Like the Toddler During Photo Sessions (Family Photo Tips for Dad)

He Hates Photos—But They Aren’t Just for Her

We’ve all been there. You’ve booked the family photo session, coordinated the outfits, and packed backup snacks for the toddler. You’re feeling good—until your partner looks at you with that: please don’t make me do this face. Suddenly, you’re convincing a grown man that smiling for 45 minutes won’t, in fact, ruin his weekend (*sigh*). Meanwhile, your kiddo is doing great—so great, in fact, that you start to realize he might not be the one needing a pep talk.

Let’s be honest: sometimes it’s the partners who act more like a child during family photos. (I said what I said!)

Why Some Dads (or Partners) Dread Photo Day

It’s not that they don’t love their family—it’s that they feel silly and don't want it to show. They don’t know what to do with their hands. They’re not sure how to wrangle the kids without sounding like a jerk-dad. Men put a lot of pressure on themselves during photo sessions, a lot of them think their awkwardness equals weakness (I know, I rolled my eyes too when it was mansplained to me LOL)

And honestly, I get it. Being in front of a camera can feel really vulnerable. There’s a reason so many of us prefer to stay behind the lens or not there at all. But here’s the thing: these photos aren’t about perfect smiles or matching outfits. They’re about preserving a real, brief, chapter of life. Sometimes the dads need more tips for tackling family photo day. Read on for my best advice!

When the Baby Behaves Better Than He Does

I’ve seen it all. The toddler sprinting in circles, the family dog sitting proudly like it’s his big debut… and dad, standing there with that “how much longer is this going to take?” expression.

It’s fine. Really. Most sessions start this way. But somewhere between the tickle fights, the whispered jokes, and the inevitable dog photobomb, something shifts. He relaxes. The laughter becomes real. And before you know it, the guy who swore he “hates photos” is actually having fun.

That’s the magic of finding the right photographer—someone who doesn’t just pose you but helps you be you. I can’t count how many dads have told me after a session, “Okay… that was actually fun.” (Truly the highest compliment.) Because at the end of the day, it’s not about perfect poses—it’s about the little moments that remind you why you wanted these photos in the first place.

Tips to Help Dad Survive Family Photos

Let’s make photo day a little easier on everyone:

• Keep it short and sweet. A good session doesn’t have to last forever. The best moments usually happen within the first 30 minutes anyway.

• Pick a relaxed location. Think: park strolls, backyard cuddles, or beach walks—less “posed,” more “you.” Choose the location together: knowing that he gets to contribute will shift his mindset A LOT!

• Don’t over-coach. Sometimes too much direction from you actually adds pressure to perform. Let your photographer guide the flow.

• Add small incentives. Coffee stop after? Sweet treat? Favorite takeout for dinner? Bribing adults works just as well as bribing children LOL!

• Get ready prior to photo day. A lot of success at photo sessions is usually because you're preparing well in advance. I wrote a whole other blog with tips to prepare every family member, in the days leading up to picture-day. Read it here.

The Heart of It All

At the end of the day, the photos aren’t just for you. They’re not even just for him.

They’re for the little ones who will one day look back and see how deeply they were loved. They’re for the moments you’ll wish you could revisit—the giggles, the way your baby fit perfectly in your arms, the way the dog kept photobombing every other shot. These photos are for your family story, exactly as it is.

So even when your partner rolls his eyes or drags his feet a little, know that it’s still worth it. Someday, your kids will see those photos and know that both of you showed up—with love, with laughter, and with each other.

Ready to Actually Enjoy a Photo Session?

If this sounds a little too familiar, I promise—it doesn’t have to be a battle. With the right photographer, it can actually be… dare I say it… fun.

I specialize in capturing those real, relaxed, love-soaked moments for families who want photos that feel like them. If that sounds like your kind of session, reach out here — I’d love to chat about creating something your whole crew (yes, even dad) will enjoy.