What Makes A Memorable Photo of a Father? Professional Photographers of America asked members to share memories of their favorite photo of a father – often the least photographed member of the family
It’s nearly Father’s Day – and what about that picture of dad? He is often the least photographed, and yet photos of him evoke incredible memories. Do yourself a favor this Father’s Day and take a picture of dad—by himself, with you and the family, it’s a photo you won’t regret.
Professional Photographers of America knows the importance of a photo of dad, so organization leadership asked their membership to give some perspective on father-centered photos. The answers are wonderfully candid and reminiscent of why they are so important. We hope you share them with others as we think about this Father’s Day.
– When you think of that iconic picture of your father, what do you see?
· The photo I think of the most is one of him smiling and looking so dapper in his Army uniform walking down the street in Sydney while on leave during World War II. My dad always was a dresser and it showed even in his uniform.
· When I was little I carried around a photo of my father everywhere I went, it was his senior portrait, it was in black and white and it was wallet sized.
· I thought he was the handsomest guy on the planet and I ‘d study the photo for hours. I loved his expression and his shiny cheeks and slicked back shiny hair.
· Looking at the photo now it reminds me of Frankie Avalon- it looks just like him! I think it just really froze that place in time, when you are about to graduate from high school as a young man and you have your whole world ahead of you, anything is possible! You can see the glow of optimism and excitement for the future in his expression. This is also about the time he met my mother, maybe that glow was love!
– What is your favorite picture of your father?
· Probably any one of dozens of photos of my dad sitting next to my mom holding her hand. Right up to his death, my dad was always holding mom’s hand. All the time. It’s who he was. He loved my mom and told her so many, many times a day. There is that one photo of him sitting on the sofa next to mom, smiling and holding her hand. It is iconic of who my dad was.
· My favorite photo of my dad is another school photo – I think he looks to be about 7 or 8, he is adorable – so sweet and innocent. The year would have been about 1956. He doesn’t talk a whole lot about his childhood so it makes me daydream about what he must have been like at that age. Specifically I imagine him running home from school and since he grew up on a farm, doing his chores and then playing in the woods. I’ve never known my dad to be carefree so I like to imagine him that way. Skinned knees and dirty fingernails and all!
· My favorite portrait of my dad is him in his Army uniform. He has this 50’s look about him, and a side grin. I feel so proud of him and what he has accomplished in life. I like looking at it and thinking his whole life is in front of him, at the point of this picture he has no idea that some day he will be adopting a young boy that he will end up meaning the world to.
– What is your favorite picture of you and your dad?
· The photo of my dad and me in his backyard one lazy summer afternoon. It was just the memory of that day and how special it was to be there spending time with him. That photo may not look so special to the casual viewer but because of the day and the memories of that day, it’s very special to me.
· I love a photo of my dad holding me as an infant. He looks like a baby himself. He also looks really skinny and really tired. He worked three jobs when I was a baby. He must have been scared and overwhelmed and had a tremendous amount of responsibility as a young man in his mid twenties. I am proud of him and grateful for all he has done for me and the sacrifices he has made when I look at that photo.
– Do you think there are enough photos of dad’s with their kids – or do they generally get slighted?
· Sadly, I believe most kids have more photos with mom than with dad. Moms love taking pictures of their kids and especially with their kids. Dads often are just not as interested. It’s a shame, as most kids will later regret not having more photos with their dads.
· I think back when I was younger, dads may have gotten slighted a bit but now I think the ratio is more equal, I see so many photos of dads in my Facebook and Instagram feed. Photo technology is more accessible to everyone now; it’s not just uncles and dads taking the pictures anymore!
· It’s a fact: PPA says that Father’s Day photos are the least requested of all holiday events. As a full service retail studio…. Father’s Day is probably the lowest session we are asked for…. and maybe it’s just as much my fault. We advertise for Mother’s Day so why not Father’s Day … looks like its time for a change
-In your opinion, what makes a great photo of a “dad” in general?
· I think a great photo of a dad should show the love a dad has for his family especially his children. Holding them, laughing with them, interacting with them, not posed, but freely expressing their personality.
· Unguarded photos, photos that show dad’s being light and enjoying the moment with their families or doing something they love. Photos free of worried or distracted expressions.
· What makes a great photo of a dad…that’s easy …any photos that lights up my memory …makes me see it again, like it’s real, they way I felt, the way things smelled…. where and when …that is what makes a great photo of dads.
About PPA
Professional Photographers of America (PPA) is the largest international non-profit association created by professional photographers, for professional photographers. Almost as long-lived as photography itself, PPA has roots that date back to 1869. It assists more than 27,500 members through protection, education and resources for their continued success. See how PPA helps photographers be more at PPA.com/BeMore. <https://www.ppa.com/
