The best Father's Day photoshoot ideas come from what dad already does with his kids: lifting them up, wrestling on the floor, reading the same book for the fortieth time. Book a studio session in early June, keep the outfits simple, and plan a mix of playful frames and a couple of classic portraits. Here is how to plan it, including what to do when dad is not a fan of cameras.
Pose ideas, playful and classic
Playful ideas that get real laughs
Most dads relax the moment the session turns into play. These are the setups to reach for first:
- The airplane. Dad lies on his back and holds a toddler up on his shins or arms. Low to the floor, lots of giggling, and shot from the side so you see both faces.
- The pile-on. Dad lies on the floor and the kids climb on top. Count to three, everyone collapses, someone laughs too hard.
- Shoulder ride. A classic for kids from about two up. Dad keeps both hands on their legs, and the photographer catches the moment the kid grabs his hair.
- Dad's shoes. A toddler standing in dad's sneakers or work boots, photographed from the knees down, then a wide shot of the whole silly scene.
- The tickle attack. No posing at all. Ask the kids to find the most ticklish spot on dad.
- Back to back. Older kids standing back to back with dad, "measuring" who is tallest. Teens love winning this one.
Classic portraits for the frame
Playful photos are the favorites, but somebody will want a framed portrait for the living room or grandma's shelf. Plan a few calm frames too.
- Dad seated, kids leaning on his shoulders, everyone looking at the camera.
- A baby's hand wrapped around dad's finger, photographed close.
- Each child alone with dad. Two minutes per kid is plenty, and these one-on-one photos often end up as the ones people keep.
- Dad and a teenager side by side, both with arms crossed, then the frame where they crack up.
Our post on family photo poses that look natural explains why prompts like "whisper something terrible in his ear" beat telling everyone where to put their hands.
Bring something that is his
Small personal items make a Father's Day session feel like your family and not a stock photo. A few ideas:
- His baseball glove and a ball for the kids to "catch".
- A guitar, if he plays (or even if he does not).
- His favorite cap or hat on the smallest kid's head.
- A tie he never wears, tied badly on a five-year-old.
- The book he reads at bedtime.
Many photographers supply the backdrop and accessories, so you only need to bring what is personal.
First Father's Day with a newborn
A first Father's Day photo with a new baby is special, and it needs a calm, careful approach. Dad sits or lies down for every hold, the baby stays wrapped and warm, and the photographer is always within reach. Close-ups of a tiny baby on dad's chest or cradled in his arms are simple and lovely. Nothing is held high or posed on props in a way that needs risk to work.
If the baby is only a few weeks old, read our guide to newborn photography in NYC for timing and what to expect.
What dad should wear
Many dads dread the outfit question more than the session. Keep it close to his normal clothes, just a bit sharper.
- Good options: a fitted solid tee, a henley, a button-down with rolled sleeves, a light knit, chinos or dark jeans.
- Colors that work: navy, olive, charcoal, white, denim blue.
- Skip: big logos, sports jerseys with huge numbers (unless that is the point), very thin stripes, and brand-new shirts with fold lines straight from the package.
Then dress the kids around him. One or two shared colors are enough. Matching is fine if it is funny on purpose, like everyone in the same plaid shirt.
When dad does not like photos
Plenty of dads are camera-shy. They worry about looking stiff, or they just hate the idea of "say cheese." A good photographer will:
- start with the kids and let dad warm up from the side.
- give him a job: hold the baby, chase the toddler, be the jungle gym. Busy people forget the camera.
- never ask anyone to hold a fake smile for long, and catch the candid moments in between, which is usually where the good photos come from.
- keep it moving, so nobody stands in one spot for minutes at a time.
There is more on this in our guide to family photos for camera-shy people.
Timing and the gift
Father's Day in the US is the third Sunday of June. Two ways to plan it:
- Photos ready for the day. Book the session in late May or the first days of June. Check the photographer's delivery time on their profile, so there is room to print one and put it in a frame.
- The session as the present. Book a date on or around Father's Day weekend, put the date and time in his card, and let the photos follow.
Booking pays online up front, but your card is only charged once the photographer accepts, so book early to get the date you want.
If grandpa can join, this is a natural time for three generations of dads in one frame. Our holiday photos with grandparents guide covers seating and pacing for older family members.
Which session fits
- A short mini session (20 to 30 minutes, one set): dad and one or two kids, quick and focused.
- A full family session (45 to 60 minutes, often two sets or backdrops): playful frames, classic portraits, the whole family, and time for each kid with dad.
- A longer group session: grandpa, uncles and cousins all together.
Lengths and prices vary by photographer, and profiles show the real figures.
Quick answers
Can we keep it a surprise from dad?
You can, but a short heads-up helps. Most dads are happier when they know to wear a clean shirt and leave time in the day.
Can we bring his guitar, glove or other things?
Yes. Personal items work well. Keep it to two or three so the session stays focused.
Is the floor play safe for toddlers?
Keep lifts low, keep dad's hands on the child, and stop anything a parent is not comfortable with. A good photographer will do the same.
Find a photographer
Choose a date in June and browse family photographers in NYC and Long Island. A full family session works for most families, and you can message the photographer about what you have planned.