The ‘Dad Pose’ Hack: 7 Natural Ways to Include Fathers in Family Sessions

Most dads aren’t counting down the days until photo time. And that’s okay.

You’ve probably seen it happen. Moms are all in, glowing and styled to perfection, while dads show up slightly unsure where to stand, what to do with their hands, or how to look natural while holding a baby in one arm and a diaper bag in the other.

I’ve found a little magic trick I lovingly call The “Dad Pose” Hack. And spoiler alert: it’s not about stiff shoulders or “say cheese” smiles. It’s about giving dads something real to do and then watching the natural connection unfold from there. Because when dads aren’t “posing,” they’re actually present. And that’s where the good stuff lives.

7 Natural Ways to Include Fathers in Family Sessions

1. The “Walk and Talk”

Forget the stiff stance. I love starting with something as simple as a slow walk. Dad holding baby, baby giggling, mom walking beside them. It’s easy, it’s natural, and it gets everyone warmed up. Sometimes I’ll prompt him to tell a silly story or ask the kids a question mid-step. Cue: genuine smiles and movement that feels like you.

2. The “Lift and Laugh”

Yes, I ask dads to do the iconic baby toss, but only if they’re game. It works every single time. The little one lights up, Dad gets to show off those superhero arms, and suddenly the nerves disappear. It’s playful. It’s personal. And bonus: those in-the-air, mid-laugh shots? Gold.

3. The “Nose Nuzzle”

This one’s subtle but so powerful. I’ll guide dad to sit or stand with the baby tucked in and just gently lean his forehead down until they touch noses. That’s it. No smiling, no overthinking. Just stillness and connection. And it somehow captures every ounce of love without saying a word.

4. The “Wraparound”

Sometimes I’ll bring everyone in close, baby in the middle, dad with arms wrapped around from behind. Whether it’s a gentle squeeze or a soft kiss on the top of the head, these moments feel like a warm, safe hug. It’s the kind of photo that tells your child years from now, “You were always protected. Always loved.”

5. The “Tiny Details”

Here’s one of my favorite curveballs: I zoom in on dad’s hands. Holding a little newborn foot. Fixing a hairbow. Buttoning up a teeny sweater. These are the things he might not even realize he’s doing, but they matter. The quiet moments always do.

6. The “Team Snuggle”

Especially during in-home sessions, we’ll pile everyone on the couch or the bed, bare feet, messy blankets, and all. There’s often a moment where dad’s got one kid on his lap, another climbing over him, and a baby tucked into mom’s arms. And you know what? That’s the memory. The chaos is the beauty.

7. The “Do Your Thing”

No prompts. No pose. Just… let dad be dad. Playing peekaboo. Making up a silly voice. Helping with snacks or telling the oldest how proud he is. When I step back and give a little space, I usually catch the most beautiful moments, the kind no pose could create.

Including dads in family photos doesn’t have to mean posing them like models. It just means giving them a role that feels like them. The protector, the playmate, the quiet constant in the middle of it all.