“My Husband Hates Having His Picture Taken.”
If I had to guess the second most common thing I hear from expecting moms, it would probably be this:
“I’m excited… I just have to convince my husband to come.”
Usually it’s followed by a smile.
Sometimes a laugh.
Almost always with the reassurance,
“He really doesn’t like pictures.”
I always smile when I hear that.
Because after photographing families for years, I’ve learned something interesting.
The dads who are the most reluctant at the beginning of a newborn session often become the most emotional by the end.
Sarah Moment
I’ve had dads arrive convinced they’d be done in ten minutes.
Then halfway through the session I look over…
They’re rocking the baby.
Completely unaware I’m taking pictures.
Those usually become Mom’s favorite portraits.
You’re Not Coming for Me
If you’re reading this as a dad…
Let me tell you something.
You’re not coming to a newborn session for me.
You’re not even coming for your wife.
You’re coming for someone who hasn’t yet learned how much these photographs are going to mean.
Your baby.
Someday they’ll want to know what those first days looked like.
Who held them.
Who smiled at them.
Who couldn’t stop staring at their tiny face.
You’re helping create that story.
You Don’t Have to Know What You’re Doing
One of the biggest fears dads have is that they’ll feel awkward.
“What do I do with my hands?”
“Where do I look?”
“What if I smile weird?”
Good news…
You don’t have to know any of that.
I’ll guide you through everything.
Most of the time, I’ll simply ask you to hold your baby.
The rest happens naturally.
Because nobody has to teach a father how to look at his newborn.
Sarah Says
“I’ve never had a dad leave a newborn session and say, ‘I wish we hadn’t done that.’
I’ve had plenty leave saying, ‘That was actually a lot easier than I expected.’”
The Best Pictures Aren’t Posed
One thing I’ve noticed over the years is that dads usually relax about halfway through the session.
At first they’re standing back a little.
Watching.
Taking everything in.
Then something changes.
They’re handed their baby.
The room gets quiet.
Without thinking, they begin gently rocking back and forth.
Sometimes they kiss the top of baby’s head.
Sometimes they just stare.
That’s usually when I quietly pick up the camera.
Those photographs aren’t posed.
They’re real.
They’re often the ones Mom chooses for the wall.
You Don’t Need to Smile at the Camera
This surprises a lot of dads.
Some of my favorite portraits happen when you’re not looking at me at all.
Instead…
You’re looking at your baby.
You’re looking at your wife.
You’re laughing because your newborn just made an adorable little face.
Those genuine moments tell a much better story than everyone looking perfectly at the camera.
Your Baby Will Notice Someday
Right now your newborn won’t remember this day.
But someday…
They’ll grow up.
They’ll pull an album off the shelf.
They’ll point to a photograph and say,
“Dad… is that really me?”
And you’ll smile.
Because you’ll remember exactly how tiny they were.
These photographs aren’t really for today.
They’re for all the tomorrows.
The Tough Guys Usually Melt First
Over the years, I’ve had more conversations like this than I can count.
Mom whispers before the session,
“He’s only doing this because I made him.”
Then halfway through…
Dad is the one asking,
“Can we get one more with me holding her?”
Babies have a funny way of changing priorities.
It’s one of my favorite things to witness.
Don’t Worry About What You’re Wearing
Simple always photographs best.
A neutral Henley.
A sweater.
A plain button-up.
Even a solid T-shirt.
You don’t need a new wardrobe.
You just need to show up.
Your baby won’t remember your shirt.
They’ll remember your arms.
Your Wife Wants You There
This isn’t just about photographs.
Your wife wants to remember this season with you.
She wants your children to see how loved they were from the very beginning.
She wants to remember the way you looked at your newborn when nobody else was watching.
That’s a gift.
One that becomes more valuable every year.
Why These Pictures Matter
One day your little baby will become a teenager.
Then an adult.
One day they’ll hold their own baby.
And these photographs will become part of your family’s history.
Not because they’re perfect.
Because they exist.
That’s why I believe so strongly in printing photographs.
Albums get opened.
Wall portraits get walked past every single day.
Hard drives get forgotten.
Your story deserves better than a folder on a computer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do dads really need to be in newborn photos?
Absolutely. Your child will treasure those photographs someday.
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What if I feel awkward?
Almost every dad says that at first. I’ll guide you through everything.
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Do I have to smile?
No. Looking naturally at your baby often creates the most meaningful portraits.
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What should dads wear?
Simple neutral clothing photographs beautifully.
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How long will I need to be there?
Most dads are surprised by how relaxed newborn sessions feel. You’re welcome for the entire session, but your involvement is primarily during family portraits.
Ready to Preserve Your Family’s Story?
Years from now, your baby won’t remember the sleepless nights or how nervous you felt walking into the studio.
They’ll remember the photographs.
The way you held them.
The way your family began.
If you’re expecting and looking for a relaxed newborn experience in Bonsall, Fallbrook, Vista, Oceanside, Carlsbad, Temecula, Camp Pendleton, Valley Center, or anywhere throughout North County San Diego, I’d be honored to help you preserve this chapter.
I promise…
We’ll make it easier than Dad thinks.