Over the years, I’ve had the honor of photographing so many families, and one of my favorite things to encourage is getting dads involved in these first photos. There’s just something incredibly touching and real about those dad moments: gentle, unfiltered, and absolutely worth capturing. 

When we think of newborn photography, we often picture mom cradling the baby or siblings gathered around in wonder. But dads bring such a unique energy to these sessions. The gentle way they hold their tiny newborn, the quiet strength they radiate, and the protective love they show can be absolutely heart-melting. Fathers have their own way of bonding with their babies, and it’s incredible to see that connection right from the beginning! These photos are beautiful keepsakes that dads often cherish because they get to see themselves as they are in those early moments: perhaps a bit nervous, but fully in love and invested.

I know that sometimes dads can feel a bit camera-shy or unsure of what to do in a newborn session. My goal is always to create a relaxed atmosphere where dads feel comfortable just being themselves. I remind them that these are moments they’ll cherish forever, even if they feel a bit out of their element, or if family photos are something they dread. 

I always guide them through poses and encourage them to interact with their newborn as if I weren’t even there. This approach brings out natural, genuine emotions. Sometimes I’ll start with a few simple poses and then give dad a few moments alone with the baby while I step back. That’s often when the real magic happens: when dad thinks no one is watching, and he’s just there, lost in the moment with his little one!

Years down the road, these photos will be reminders of those early days: their baby’s tiny size, the feeling of holding them close, and the beginning of their journey together. I often hear from dads that they didn’t realize how much the photos would mean to them until they saw the final images. Newborn sessions aren’t just for moms; they’re a chance to create memories for the whole family, especially dads. Thanks for reading, and here’s to capturing all the sweet, messy, and unforgettable moments of new parenthood, dads included!