Moms and Dads

An Easy Guide For Dads: How to Take Nice Photos

by Kevyn Gohu
March 31, 2023

When moms or daughters need a helping hand for a perfect photo, it’s up to dad to swoop in and save the day.

Dads are familiar with how moms and daughters love taking photos. While staying out of the photo-taking business makes sense in not trying to mess things up, it also takes longer because they’ll need to take at least 100 shots before they’re finally happy with one. From slimming them down in photos to getting the perfect light, here are some tips for dads to be the family’s token photographer.

how to take photos for parents — Photo by PNW Production

1. Use the golden hour to your advantage.

Every photographer has a rule that the golden hour is the best time to take photos. Depending on where you are, there could be a one-hour difference but, it’s usually 3 to 5 PM. Moms and daughters are always looking for the best light that requires little to no makeup. Nothing better than looking natural and with #nofilter.

2. Work the angles especially when there are stairs and a wall.

Angles are everything, especially for moms and daughters who are trying to post something on their social media. Working their angles doesn’t mean just tilting the camera but also focusing on the parts of their body they are proud of while drawing attention away from their flaws. Taking a photo from the feet going up makes a short person look tall or even taking a photo with a person leaning against the wall can make them look thinner.

3. Rule of Three

Science has a “Rule of 3” where you take three shots of the same pose to rule out any changes. But it’s always good to add an extra wacky or casual shot because everyone isn’t stiff. Natural shots tell a more detailed story than just a formal shot of everyone sitting down and smiling like a bunch of dolls on a shelf.

4. Familiarize yourself with the terms.

There’s no need to be an amazing photographer. By familiarizing yourself with the basic photography terms, it’ll be easier for you to take the shots your daughters and wives want. Here are some terms they might use:

Live Focus – This blurs the background and focuses on what’s at the center of the photo.
Reel – It’s a short video usually ranging from 15 seconds to 1 minute.
TikTok – Named after the app, a Tiktok video ranges from 1 to 2 minutes of people doing something. Usually, it’s dancing.
Panorama – A photo that focuses more on the landscape or the area than the people.
Photobomber – These are things or people that nobody wants in their photos. Also known as random people or things that just insert themselves in the photo.

5. Allow a little more creativity.

Sometimes, the shots our daughters and wives want may be a little unorthodox. And while they’re excited about it, it’s up to dads to either rein them in a little or find them a space where it works. Museums may be fun but people can get carried away so it might be up to dad to tell them that some items shouldn’t be touched. After all, if the items are old — the reason why they survived for so long is that people handle them with gloves.

A father taking a photo of him and his son — Photo by Tuấn Kiệt Jr.

Most of all: don’t forget to have fun!

Photography is one of the ways that mothers and daughters bond but, dads can join in the fun, too! Sometimes, it may feel silly at first since many dads were taught to be the strong, silent type. But there’s nothing wrong with them letting loose a little, especially when taking photos. After all, dads will want memories with their families of their own as well.