(Without Begging or Bribing!)

Let’s be honest—when it comes to planning family photos, you’re probably the one driving the ship. You’ve been dreaming of updated portraits, you’ve picked out the cutest outfits, and you’ve already saved a Pinterest board full of poses. But then… cue the eye roll: your husband isn’t exactly jumping for joy at the idea.

Sound familiar?

You’re not alone. It’s super common for dads and husbands to feel hesitant (or straight-up resistant) to family photo sessions. But here’s the good news: with the right approach, you can absolutely get him on board—and maybe even enjoying it.

Let’s dive into a few tried-and-true tips to help your husband see the value in family photos, and show up with a smile (the real kind, not the “I’m-only-doing-this-because-you-made-me” kind).

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1. Share the Why, Not Just the When

Instead of launching into “We’re doing family pictures on the 12th at 5:00,” try sharing your heart first.

Say something like:

“I really want to capture this season with the kids. They’re changing so fast, and it would mean a lot to me to have photos of all of us together.”

When your husband understands that it’s not just about social media or matching outfits—it’s about your family’s story—he’ll be more likely to show up with intention.

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2. Address His Concerns (Without Judgment)

Some guys hesitate because they’ve had a bad experience before or just don’t feel comfortable in front of a camera. That’s totally valid!

You might hear:

• “I don’t know what to do with my hands.”

• “It’s going to take forever.”

• “I don’t want to look awkward.”

Let him know that your photographer (hey, that’s me!) will guide you every step of the way. The session will be relaxed, natural, and actually fun—no cheesy poses or stiff smiles required.

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3. Keep It Short and Sweet

One of the easiest ways to win him over? Keep the session manageable.

Let him know it won’t be an all-day event. Most family sessions are around 30–60 minutes—and we move quickly, especially when kids are involved.

(And bonus: shorter sessions often lead to more natural, joyful images!)

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4. Make It a Family Experience, Not Just a Photo Shoot

Frame the session as something fun and meaningful:

• “Let’s go grab ice cream afterward.”

• “We’ll dress up, hang out at the park, and let the kids be silly.”

• “It’s a chance to spend time as a family, not just pose for pictures.”

When the session feels like a memory-in-the-making instead of a chore, everyone enjoys it more—husbands included.

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5. Show Him What He’s Missing

Sometimes seeing is believing. Share a few examples of past sessions—especially ones that highlight dads snuggling their babies, tossing toddlers in the air, or laughing with their kids.

He might say, “Okay, that actually looks kind of sweet…”

Remind him: These are the photos your kids will treasure someday. They won’t care about the hair gel or the shirt—they’ll care that you were in the picture.

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6. Let Him Be Himself

You don’t need a perfect, polished version of your husband—you just need him. If he’s goofy, let him be goofy. If he’s more low-key, let him ease in.

The best photos happen when everyone is comfortable and authentic. Trust your photographer to guide the moments, and your husband might surprise you with how much he connects.

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7. Say Thank You (And Maybe Plan a Little Reward)

Everyone likes to feel appreciated. After the session, thank him for showing up and being present—even if he wasn’t totally excited at first.

And hey, if a post-session burger and beer or a date night is part of the plan? No one’s complaining.

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Final Thoughts: It’s About Love, Not Perfection

At the end of the day, your husband doesn’t have to love being in front of the camera. He just has to love you and your family enough to say yes to preserving the moments that matter.

So be gentle, share your heart, and trust the process. Because once he sees those finished photos—the way the kids look at him, the way he holds your hand, the way your family just is—he’ll get it.

And he’ll be so glad he showed up.

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Christin Coats Photography – Capturing the love, laughter, and legacy of your family (even the reluctant dads!)

www.christincoatsphotography.com

@christincoatsphotography