Making Memories Matter: Helping Men Feel Comfortable in Maternity and Newborn Photos

Many men seem to have an aversion to being photographed, often shying away from the camera or refusing to participate in photoshoots. This reluctance can become particularly challenging when it comes to capturing special moments like maternity photos or newborn baby pictures. Understanding the reasons behind this hesitation can help in finding ways to make your man feel more comfortable and engaged in these important life events.

Why Do Some Men Avoid Photos?

• Self-Consciousness – Many men feel uncomfortable about their appearance in photos. They may worry about how they look, whether their expressions seem forced, or if they appear awkward. No one likes ‘forced fun’.

• Lack of Control – Some men dislike the idea of being posed or directed, feeling that they have little control over how they are represented in photos.

• Disinterest – Unlike us women, who may see photos as sentimental keepsakes, some men may not attach the same emotional value to pictures and thus don’t prioritise them in the same way.

• Past Bad Photos – If your man has had unflattering pictures taken in the past, he may be hesitant to go through the experience again.

• Societal Norms – Some men grow up believing that caring too much about appearance or participating in photoshoots is vain or unmasculine.

• Impatience – Photoshoots, especially staged ones, can take time, and some might see it as a tedious activity rather than an enjoyable experience.

Let’s take it easy and make it enjoyable.

Understanding these reasons is the first step in addressing them. Here are some practical ways I like to encourage Husbands, partner’s and new Dad’s to get in front of the camera:

1. Emphasize the Emotional Significance – My sessions always start with an informal chat, easing gently into it all with conversations that help him see that these moments are about more than just looking good. These pictures will serve as cherished memories for years to come, for both the parents and the child.

2. Keep It Casual and Natural – Instead of formal or heavily posed photos, there’s always a focus on candid shots, with relaxed settings where he feels more at ease. Not looking directly into the lens is always a winner too.

3. Let Him Have Some Control – Talking to your partner before the day to plan things together is important, allowing him to choose the location, outfit, so he feels involved in the process rather than just an unwilling participant.

4. Show Examples of Great Photos – Sometimes seeing examples of other fathers in maternity or newborn photos can inspire confidence and make him realise how meaningful the experience is.

5. Make It Fun – My mantra has always been that the experience is my priority and the photographs come as a lovely extra. The photoshoot should be an enjoyable experience by incorporating elements he feels comfortable with, such as music, humor, or a setting where he feels at ease. His hobby and interests can always be included into the session, giving him something to do rather than be left on the sidelines, fancy a surf?

6. Encourage Small Steps – If your partner is hesitant, we will start with a few informal pictures rather than a full photoshoot. Gradually, he may become more comfortable with the idea, the camera and me.

7. Remind Him of the Legacy He’s Creating – These photos aren’t just for today but for the future. One day, your child will cherish these pictures as a reminder of the love and joy of their earliest days. Including prompts which don’t included the kids finally allows for some intimacy with you, your relationship and connection is certainly worth celebrating.

Final Thoughts

While some men may naturally shy away from the camera, it’s possible to help them see the value in capturing special moments with their partner and child. By making the experience comfortable, fun, and meaningful, you can turn their hesitation into enthusiasm, ensuring that these beautiful milestones are preserved forever.

Celebrating Creativity

Celebrating Creativity: Why Our Art Is Enough

I am a creative, and I am proud. It’s all I’ve ever known. From sketching endless drawings in my childhood bedroom to earning a Fine Art degree, creativity has shaped every step of my journey. I spent years teaching Art and Photography, eventually leading a faculty as Head of Creative Arts and Technology. And yet, even now, in my seventh year as a newborn and motherhood photographer, I catch myself making excuses for not being good at Maths or English in school.

Just this morning, I heard another creative do the same. While working out at the gym, I noticed a strong, confident woman lifting heavy weights beside me. Inspired by her strength, I turned and said, “Oh, aren’t you a tattooist?” She immediately responded—not by owning her talent, but by excusing her poor maths skills and saying she liked to draw instead.

It struck me: Why do we do this? Why do we feel the need to justify our creativity by downplaying our academic strengths? Why isn’t being an artist, a maker, or a visionary enough?

I could blame society, the education system, or the way success is often measured in grades and test scores. But the truth is, I loved school. I just loved drawing and taking photographs more. And that should have been enough.

Creativity is not a consolation prize for those who don’t excel in traditional academics. It is intelligence in its own right—an ability to see the world differently, to express emotion, to capture fleeting moments, and to bring ideas to life. It takes courage to create, to share your vision with the world, to pursue a path that doesn’t always come with clear steps or guarantees.

So today, I’m choosing to celebrate what I do. I am an artist. I tell stories through my lens. I create something out of nothing. I see beauty in the details. And that is more than enough.

To all the creatives out there: Stop apologising. Stop justifying. What you do is important. What you create matters. And the world needs more of it.