Capturing Fatherhood Authentically In Photos
As Father’s Day rolls around yet again, it's time for many to reflect on the journey of parenthood or, in this instance, fatherhood. Whether you're planning on giving him a photograph as a gift this year or you just want to make this year extra special by grabbing a candid memento, 'capturing the moment' might not be as easy as first thought.
But dads are notoriously difficult to photograph. Dads are famously camera-shy. When asked to pose for the camera, you can often feel all of their muscles stiffen up as the anxiousness creeps out into their smile. What you're left with is a photo that doesn't reflect the person any more than their work website's headshot.
Thus, when trying to capture fatherhood, authenticity is difficult to achieve, even from the most photogenic of fathers. So how do you go about it?
Forget the Photograph and Start Focusing on the Moment Instead
The reason dad photos are so stiff and cheesy is that they're all staged. You've nagged your other half to pose in front of the camera with the kids, and eventually, they've relented. The result? Cheesy grins and fake poses. Not what you're looking for at all.
That's why you, as the photographer, have got to focus on the moment, not the photograph. You want to capture your better half in their natural environment, such as playing sports with the kids or reading them a bedtime story. THAT's where the magic happens.
For that reason, don't even think about the camera or the photograph initially, just let a moment develop naturally. Sure, have your camera on standby, but don't force situations for the sake of potentially grabbing great photographs.
Where you'll really capture fatherhood authentically is in the seemingly mundane. Whether it's kicking a soccer ball around in the back yard with his little lady toddlers or explaining mortgages to his twenty-year-old son, these are real-life moments that perfectly capture the essence of fatherhood.
Set Your Camera Up Ready for Action
As mentioned, while it's essential not to force moments upon dads, it is vital to be prepared for when they do happen. Firstly, that means having your camera on standby, ready to go, with the correct settings so you can just point and shoot. Remember, you don't want to distract dad or the children from the moment, so your window is literally seconds.
The first thing to remember is that your subjects are likely going to be on the move in one way or another. Bearing in that in mind, you're going to need to remind yourself of the basics of action photography.
Whether you're using a high-end smartphone or a DLSR, you need to turn on any available image stabilization technology as your likely to be on the move yourself to take your photograph. Likewise, make sure the camera is in burst mode so that you give yourself multiple opportunities to capture fast-moving subjects and facial expressions.
Next, turn off your flash, and hold your camera lower on your body (about hip height). Stay as far away as is practicable using a zoom lens or go for a wide-angle setting if you're still quite close to make up for not aiming carefully.
It's Not Always About the Kids
While fatherhood revolves around bringing up children, they don't always have to form part of your photograph to capture its essence authentically. In that regard, think about his interests and hobbies as a starting point.
Both you and your kids will still look fondly on a picture of him cheering on his favorite sports team. Or what a picture of him reading a book on a sun lounger while on a family vacation? These moments are all quintessential fatherhood activities that don't involve children.
Once again, to capture these moments, you are going to have to be stealthy. As soon as he becomes aware of your camera, he will either clam up or strike a goofy pose that will make you laugh but won't encapsulate what you're looking for.
The best way to achieve this outcome is to take photographs out of his line of sight. Start by taking photos from behind or to the side of his field of vision. Another way you can grab an authentic snap is by using crowds to your advantage. You could blend with a group of guests as you snap him mid-conversation at a family friend's BBQ, for example.
How you approach taking photographs undetected is up to you, but the moment you catch him off guard is the precise moment when you'll authentically capture fatherhood. It will be trickier than your usual photography projects, but all of that extra legwork will undoubtedly become worth it when you nail that perfect fatherhood image.
Images via Dreamstime Stock Photos