How Dads Anchor Us

We’ve become dear friends with this family, but I first met the dad and kids when we did the photo shoot.  I couldn’t help but notice how calm dad was in they way he interacted with the kids.  He wasn’t necessarily an introvert, but he had this anchoring energy about him.  Some dads are really quiet, others are super outgoing and playful.  This dad wasn’t either.  He didn’t need the spotlight.  He was kind.  And I could tell he loved his kids deeply (and they loved him).  I wanted to create a portrait that captured the story of how dad anchored them.

This is why I chose to focus on the daughter’s eyes.  I knew that if I focused on her and got close to both of them, dad’s face would be softened (not as focused or sharp).  That felt true to who he was in the family.  He didn’t need to be the focus.  He was content to just be there.  And his family drew strength from him.  Take a photo of dad like this by getting in close and focusing on your child’s eyes.

Remember, allowing soft focus and even blur with purpose often accentuates the emotion of the moment that much more.

Tacoma, WA