How to Get Dads On Board With Family Photos (Lehigh Valley Summer Guide)

If you’re a Lehigh Valley family thinking about booking summer photos, you’re probably excited… but maybe one person in the house is less than thrilled.
Yep, we’re talking about Dad this time!

Listen, it’s completely normal. Most dads don’t wake up saying, “I can’t wait for a photoshoot!” But when you approach it right, they not only participate… they end up loving the experience and the photos that come out of it.

Here’s how to make it easy, stress-free, and even fun for him! I do wear the badge of honor that Dads walk away saying “This was fun” very often!

Pick a Photographer Who Values Comfort Over Perfection

One of the biggest reasons dads resist photos is because they feel awkward or overly posed.
When you book with a photographer who focuses on:

• natural interaction
• simple direction
• quick, kid-led posing
• genuine moments rather than stiff smiles

…Dad instantly relaxes.

(Many Lehigh Valley families tell me their partner walked away saying, “That was actually fun.”)

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Keep It Short, Sweet, and Summer-Friendly

Summer in the Lehigh Valley means:

• golden sunsets
• warm evenings
• outdoor spots with room to move
• relaxed, unhurried pacing

Choosing a 45 min-1 hour session feels way more manageable for Dad than a long, drawn-out shoot.

Pro tip: Sunset sessions around Bethlehem, Easton, or Allentown give the best light and the most relaxed vibe.

Let Him Dress Comfortably (Yes… Really)

He doesn’t need a button-up he hates. Clean, comfortable, well-fitting basics photograph incredibly well:

• a soft neutral tee
• chinos
• simple sneakers
• linen shirt for summer
• earth-toned polos

When Dad feels good in what he’s wearing, the energy is totally different.

Share the “Why” we are doing photos, Not Just the Date

Most dads don’t resist because they don’t care… they resist because they don’t understand how meaningful these photos really are.

Tell him:

• “These aren’t just photos—they’re memories the kids will have forever.”
• “I want us to remember this exact season with them.”
• “This matters to me.”

Once he knows the heart behind it, he’ll show up differently.

Let Him See Real Moments From Past Sessions

Show him:

• dads tossing kids in the air
• laughing
• doing piggyback rides
• holding tiny hands
• candid shots instead of stiff portraits

When he sees that the photos aren’t “stand still and smile,” he realizes the session is basically playing with the kids while someone captures the moment. And that my friend, that is where the true magic with dads is made! No stiff posing here!!

Prepare the Kids, Because That Helps Dad Too

When kids are:

• fed
• napped
• hydrated
• dressed beforehand

…it creates a stress-free environment that makes Dad feel like he’s not stepping into chaos. A smooth start = a relaxed partner! I know from my personal experience of planning a photoshoot, if those things do not happen the most stress I am. Involving your partner will truly help mom out emmensely!

Give Him a Heads-Up That It’ll Be Fun + Fast

Let him know:

• he won’t be posing for an hour
• he doesn’t have to fake smile
• the photographer will guide everything
• some of the best photos come from just being with the kids

This takes the pressure off completely.

After the Session, Show Him What His Presence Created

The moment dads see the gallery, everything clicks.

He sees:

• the way the kids look at him
• the joy he brings out of them
• how much these photos will mean in 20 years

And suddenly he’s asking,
“When’s the next session?”

Ready to Book Your Lehigh Valley Summer Family Session?

Dads may drag their feet… but they always leave saying:

“That wasn’t bad at all.”
“Wow, these are amazing.”
“I’m glad we did this.”

Summer is the perfect season for relaxed, playful outdoor photos in the Lehigh Valley—Bethlehem, Easton, Allentown, Nazareth & beyond.

Booking is now open, and dates fill quickly once school lets out.

✨ Click here to reserve your summer family session while spots are open. BOOK IT HERE!