Why Dads Make Every Photo Session More Awesome:
Celebrating Father’s Day In Photos
Dad, you make every situation better just by being there, and family photos are no exception! This Father’s Day, we want to help you see the magic YOU bring to every moment of our lives, whether it’s a professional photo session or dinnertime around the table. Some of the most special moments captured in my studio have been between fathers and their children. You can show up to your maternity, newborn and family photo sessions knowing that just being there and being yourself is all we need to get the perfect photos!
No fuss or muss!
Dad, You’re Important in Every Moment
You’ve heard this before:
“One second you’re twirling them around in a princess costume and next thing you know you’re walking them down the wedding aisle.”
Or how about this one:
“It feels like yesterday I taught them how to ride a bike. Now I’m teaching them how to drive a car.”
These big moments come and go so quickly. But I don’t need to tell you how fast your kids grow up. You’re already seeing it.
As a photographer, I can’t stop time and keep your children little forever – but I can promise you that you’ll have memories of each stage. Every new season brings a whole new level of excitement you’re going to love (even if it comes along with its challenges). When we capture each of these stages in photos, you can learn to see the greatness in it before it ends – whether it’s eating a meal together, or dropping your kid off at college. Having family photography helps you capture the moment and enjoy it to the fullest, knowing that later, it’s safely preserved in your family’s memories.
And here’s an inside perspective: Your kids will really want to have photos of you with them! These photos will become the memories they carry with them throughout their lives. Trust me, as a daughter myself and as a mother of four children, one of the most precious gifts you can give your children is the affirmation of how much you love them. Show them every day, in your actions, words, and in the family photos that hang on your walls.
The Father Effect:
Your kids’ lives are better every moment you are there with them. It’s called, “The Father Effect” which describes the benefits children experience when their fathers are actively involved and present in their lives. Just being there and being yourself is all your kids need to feel the benefits of having you as a Dad.
And if anyone knows how to make the most of the moment, whichever one you’re in right now, it’s you, Dad. You know how to turn boredom into magic. You can turn tears into laughter. Your Dad jokes are world-renowned. You help us all learn how to let go and have fun.
I love capturing your natural Dad-skills in photos. When you have family photographs of you with your children, they’ll grow up experiencing and seeing evidence of the unique bond you have with each other.
“Our session was so much fun and she captured every candid moment perfectly. We are beyond happy with our family photos and we can’t wait to receive our amazing album and wall portrait that Karen created for us! Thank you Karen from the bottom of our hearts for creating these beautiful memories we will cherish forever!”
- Daryl McHugh
Dad’s Superpower: Why Dads are Natural Memory-Makers
This is actual science! There’s a lot of research around the benefits of playfulness in fathers especially more active, energetic play like:
Chasing (“Here comes the tickle monster!”)
Racing (“First one to kiss mom wins!”)
Piggybacks
Pillow fights
Foot wrestling
Tossing kids in the air and catching them
Letting kids climb on them
These studies show that when men become fathers, they experience an increase in energy that can sustain this boisterous kind of play that kids need! Kids adore being hung upside down and thrown into the air, and it actually helps them form strong attachments with their fathers.
This more “wild and free” form of play is really important for children to learn basic lessons around fun, trust, risk-taking, expression, self-regulation, self-control and boundaries.
I think it’s this ability to play so enthusiastically with their kids that give Dad a superpower (especially at the Reflections of Life studio): a knack for turning regular old moments into hilarious, beautiful memories that your family can cherish forever.
“Somehow... every time, there are stunning photographs captured of our family and we are always so happy to have the memories and to earmark each year as our children grow. Thank you Karen for always doing your best work and always giving us a wonderful experience from booking our session all the way to the finished product. You are a true professional and a joy to work with.”
- Steve Augustine
What to Expect During a Photo Session at Reflections of Life Photography:
How do you feel about getting your photos taken?
My clients, male or female, experience a range of feelings about being in front of the camera – nervous, self-conscious, awkward, excited, calm, or hey, maybe you’ll even have an epiphany: “Man, I should have been a J-Crew model, I’m great at this!”
I just want you to know that I am comfortable with all of the above! Whether you’re feeling shy or confident, all you have to do is be yourself.
At Reflections of Life, I specialize in taking natural-looking photos – this means that helping you feel normal and natural is what I do best.
“Fantastic! My wife and I were really nervous prior to our session as we're really not photograph-people, but the experience was great. Better than we could have ever hoped for. Karen was excellent at putting us at ease and keeping our little one soothed and happy. She really is "The Baby Whisperer". The session didn't feel overly staged or unnatural. We felt very comfortable. We will definitely be returning for future photographs.”
- Gary Hodges (Witton)
All you have to do is show up [caffeinated, if applicable], wearing a pair of neutral-coloured pants.
From there I will take care of the rest:
I’ll pick out a neutral, comfortable shirt from my studio wardrobe for you to wear
I’ll get your family settled in the studio so you can all enjoy some candid moments playing with wooden blocks, snuggling in chairs, tickling each other with feathers or reading books together
You just have to play with your kids and let them make you smile! I’ll do the rest.
And don’t worry – I’ll help you adjust any poses if necessary!
My studio is kid-friendly, which means you and your kiddos will have lots of space to play without worrying
After the session, I’ll help you choose the best combination of photos for your walls and albums
Dads really love this part – I can do the photo installation at your house! That’s right … no measuring, leveling, having to redo it all a second time when you realize it’s all a bit off-center… I’ve been installing professional photo gallery walls for years so I can take the stress of that task off your plate
By the end of the session, you’ll have experienced meaningful, quality time with your whole family, which I will transform into your selection of premium photo heirlooms – wall art, gallery walls, and photo albums.
“Karen was phenomenal. She brought out the best in me and my family. Her sway with my newborn was even more touching...She is professional, detailed and literally the best at what she does. You won’t regret using her service.”
- Archie Eastwood-Abana (Sekyi)
Photography with Dad in Every Stage:
Are you getting more comfortable with the idea of being in front of the camera now?
Are you already getting that “Proud-Dad” feeling at the thought of bringing your top-notch family photos to your desk at work?
Good! And here’s another thing I can guarantee you – with 15 years of experience in family photography, I know how to make Dads feel comfortable at every stage of their children’s life.
Here’s How:
Maternity Photo Sessions: When your wife is pregnant, I want to help you feel connected to your child before he or she arrives. Your wife has been experiencing all the physical realities of pregnancy, and I know you’ve also been doing your best to support her. The late-night snack runs, the foot massages, walking the dog when her backs hurt … you’ve already got this Dad-thing figured out! When you come in for a photo session, I want you to see that the things you’re doing already matter. You’ll have fun kissing your wife’s tummy, feeling your baby kick, maybe singing to them or reading to them, and making your wife laugh – after all, one of the best things we can show our kids is how much fun we can have together as their parents.
Newborn Photo Sessions: I’m a big advocate of caring for new mothers and rallying around them with the love and support they need during this time. But Dad, I haven’t forgotten you! I know that although your wife is going through a lot, so are you. Sometimes it can even feel helpless when there are certain things you just can’t do … you couldn’t carry the baby for your partner, or have the baby for your partner, and now you can’t nurse the baby in the middle of the night when they wake up hungry. I know you want to help so badly. And here is how: you can hold your wife and baby and let them feel safe and loved in your arms. You can rock your baby to sleep while Mom puts her feet up for a moment. You guys can count Baby’s fingers and toes for the seventh time because it’s just so much fun. These make for the perfect newborn photos to help your child know how much you loved them from the very start.
Baby Milestone Photo Sessions: The months are passing and your baby is changing quickly! Now that your infant is moving, crawling, babbling and maybe even taking their first steps you have a whole new world of fun available to you! At the studio, I’ll set you up with the perfect opportunities to start developing your own unique relationship with your baby. Maybe it’s playing Superheroes. Or building block towers. Or reading books together. Every dad has his own interests and personality he wants to share with his children, and I want to help you find yours, and express it in photos.
Growing Family Photo Sessions: Maybe now you’ve introduced more babies into your growing family! You’ve learned how each child needs something different from you – and yet, each child also just needs your presence. You can see this when they all wait at the window for you to come home. They think you’re the coolest person alive. You’ve gotten to teach them some “firsts” – riding a bike, skipping rocks, how to fish, maybe even how to tie a tie. One day, you’ll teach them how to mow the lawn, and how to treat girlfriends, and how to be treated by boyfriends … but before that time comes, let’s capture this moment, just as you are.
“She made us laugh and feel comfortable and at peace throughout the entire process. She captured really sweet moments of tenderness between our family and that was exactly what we had hoped for.”
- Tim Droppert
Is it Worth the Investment?
My clients would say a resounding yes!
Like one of my clients, Victor:
“During the session, Karen made us feel completely relaxed and at ease. We couldn't be happier with Karen's work. All the photos are so stunning and she captured the moment perfectly….We are so thrilled with the end result and we are so proud to show all our friends and families the beautiful photos.” -Victor Low
Here is what your investment includes:
Session planning appointment in the studio:
Wardrobe for the whole family
Professional hair & makeup for mama
One photography session
Up to 60 images to choose from
One in-person image reveal appointment
Custom artwork design and installation
As a photographer and business owner, my clients' experience is just as important to me as the final products I deliver. This is why I’ve designed a service that makes photography enjoyable for everyone involved.
Your investment results in fun and stress-free family photography you can be proud of!
The Pandemic Dad:
Social workers and researchers are showing that there have been some fundamental shifts in parenting, particularly in the roles of fatherhood, throughout the pandemic.
Every family had its own unique challenges to work through during the pandemic. I want to take a moment to acknowledge your role in helping us all get from one day to the next.
You were asked to rearrange the life you’d been living to make this lockdown work.
We saw you taking the kids to the park on your lunch break. We saw you doing laundry in between phone calls. We saw how happy it made you to take dance breaks with us, and how patient you were when a child spontaneously appeared in your Zoom call. And if you had to go back into work, we loved the notes you left behind, the FaceTime calls you had with your family, and that you said how much you missed us when you got home.
Whether you’re a working dad, a stay-at-home dad, a work-from-home dad or a dad who is doing his best to balance work and family through changing seasons, we think you’re all wonderful.
The pandemic has changed us all, and Dad, we love this new look on you.
Let’s capture it in family photos.
Conclusion:
Family photos are an important opportunity for fathers to make lasting memories with their children. When you have these photos in albums on your coffee table, art on your walls, photos on your cell phone background, you’ll have living reminders that every stage of your family’s growth has been important – because they’ve all made you into the dad you are today.
And we LOVE that guy.
Want to shop the studio wardrobe?
Hi there, I'm Karen! I am obsessed with newborn baby yawns, giggling kids, and jumpsuits. I'm a mama of four who understands the busyness of everyday life. I've learned to love and enjoy it through lifestyle photography. I know what it’s like to look back on my children’s first years and feel like they flew by so quickly. I don’t want any other mamas to forget what their baby’s little fingers and toes looked like all curled up. My hope is that I can help you create albums and prints to serve as physical reminders of these sweet times throughout your baby’s early years. Contact me for info.
