Every June, the same collective panic sets in: What do you actually get for the dad who claims he doesn’t want anything? Tools? Another wallet? This year, I want to help you solve that Father’s Day gift dilemma with something that keeps on giving.
The truth is, parents are notoriously missing from the family archives. They are usually the ones capturing the candid moments on their phones, meaning they rarely get to be part of the memory. Whether you are celebrating a first-time father, an experienced grandpa, a foster dad, a stepdad, or a dedicated dog dad, I believe every single one of them deserves to be documented with the kids (and fur-babies) they love.
As a family photographer in Los Angeles, my mission is to make sure this gift doesn’t feel like a chore for him. We don’t do stiff, awkward posing. Instead, we plan a fun day out with the kids and I just happen to bring my camera along to capture the magic.
Chill West LA Locations Where Dad Can Just Relax
The secret to getting genuine smiles from dad and the kids is choosing a location where everyone can naturally let their guard down. I love focusing on the beautiful West Side of Los Angeles for these sessions, taking advantage of the gorgeous early summer weather before the high late-summer temperatures settle in.
Here are a few of my favorite, problem-solving scenarios for a Father’s Day shoot:
A Barefoot Beach Day: Let’s head down to the sand in Santa Monica, Venice, or the South Bay. Let the kids splash in the tide, build a sandcastle with dad, and just run around. The movement keeps things fun and completely low-pressure.
A Family Picnic at the Park: Grab a blanket, some snacks, and a football or frisbee. A park session in Culver City or Playa Vista gives kids of all ages something active to do, ensuring the photos feel like an actual fun memory rather than a forced photo op.
An LA Urban Stroll: If your family vibe is more modern, a casual walk through an outdoor plaza or a quiet Westside neighborhood with an ice cream stop is a fantastic way to keep dad completely in his comfort zone.
By booking your session with me in June or July, you also beat the frantic rush of the fall portrait season. Plus, parts of the Westside are still relatively green, making it a gorgeous window for outdoor imagery before the summer heat really kicks in.
Solving the Wardrobe Dilemma: What Should Dad Wear?
The number one thing that stresses dads out about photos? Stiff clothes. Good news: because this is a casual summer session, we are throwing out the heavy sweaters and rigid jeans.
I always tell my clients to aim for a relaxed, effortlessly cool look. Think breathable shorts or lightweight chinos paired with an open linen button-down shirt. For footwear, keep it practical for the location—clean, classic tennis shoes or quality leather sandals work perfectly. If he feels physically comfortable, he’s going to look incredible. I can help you coordinate the kids in matching lightweight fabrics (like soft cotton rompers or breathable tees) in a complementary, neutral color palette so everyone looks cohesive but not overly matched.
This Father’s Day, let’s skip the generic gifts. Give him an experience where he gets to just play with his kids, laugh, and walk away with polished, natural images that celebrate the amazing job he is doing.
Ready to give the ultimate Father’s Day gift? Reach out to book your summer session today, and let’s start planning a fun, relaxed day out for your family!
