Embarking into the adventure of fatherhood could feel a little unnatural when it comes to holding and comforting a baby. Then throw in posing for photos with your new little!?! It can be a bit daunting, to say the least. I want to share a family’s experience that just came in recently to help guide new dads on feeling natural and comfortable while their baby is posing for photos.
I can’t help but think about sweet baby Holly’s dad during her session. Upon settling into the studio, mom took the reins with the baby like a pro. Holding and snuggling Holly capturing the most precious moments of mom and baby. Dad was up next! He was very stiff – giving me the deer in the headlights look when I ask them to copy my example of holding the baby. I started off with him in a pose that emphasizes his strength and masculinity by posing his baby girl outstretched in his arms gazing upon her. He then brought her up to his nose without me even prompting him and I clicked away. You could clearly see he was doing what just felt natural and I was excited to capture that special moment between the two of them considering he was joking about how she was like a little football! Next, we positioned Holly on his chest and I asked him to look down at her sleeping. He looked down and instinctually gave her a sweet kiss on her head. Talk about our hearts melting!
Dads, do what feels natural to you and I promise that will show in your photos like baby Holly’s dads did!
My number one goal in any session is to make everyone including the baby feel the most comfortable they can be. You may think coming into a session will feel very robotic as it may not be as natural as it is for mom to hold their new baby. My best piece of advice is; one second you are gazing into your new baby’s eyes and the next moment you are teaching them to ride a bike and then drive a car. So, embrace any awkward feelings you have about posing with a baby as I can assure you that your son or daughter will really want photos of you with them, and in the end, these will be some of the most enduring moments to reflect back on!
