As a mom and a photographer, I think you could guess I love photos. I don’t just love taking photos, I love being in photos too. I have a terrible memory so I wish I could just freeze every moment I spend with friends and loved ones in a photographer to last forever. My husband… not as a big of a fan.


I know there are times I take way too many photos, I get the family selfie on nearly every outing or first day of swim class, etc. Being a photographer, I constantly want to hone my skill so you’ll often find me with camera in hand while we’re grilling out or I come across a tricky lighting situation I want to practice in. It can get on my husband’s nerves and for the most part, I get it. But I also hear other moms telling stories about how their other half just isn’t into the family portrait session, even when they’re wife isn’t as photo crazed as I am.


In honor of Father’s Day, here are a few ideas of how to get your husband to cooperate so your next photo session isn’t such a struggle:

Happy spotted cattle dog being held and hugged in golden evening sunlight.

Let Him Bring the Dog


They’re called man’s best friend for a reason and what better way to get your husband interested in taking photos than to bring his best bud along to the session. It can be difficult to dogs to settle down to have a photo taken, puppy energy is chaotic, but they’re still part of the family and should be included in the fun too!

Gentle moment as adult cradles sleeping newborn wearing blue striped outfit.

Have Him Wear Something He's Comfortable In


As with everyone in the family, photos turn out best when you feel free to move around and be yourself. There’s nothing worse than feeling like you’re wearing a straight jacket while trying to have genuine, authentic family moments captured on camera. Just give them some color or style parameters to follow so they fit in the scheme without dictating everything they’re wearing, down to their socks.

Tender moment shared between adult and baby in a cozy indoor setting.

Offer an Incentive


We all know incentives work for children and aren’t significant others just big kids under all that feigned maturity?! Therefore, bribe your hubby with an evening away to go on a golf outing with buddies or let him choose the movie that night after the kids go to bed. At the end of the day, remind him how much you love him and appreciate his cooperation in getting these moments captured.

Heartwarming outdoor portrait during a picnic on a blanket.

Trust Your Photographer


When you get to your photo session, roll with the punches, and trust your photographer. They want to get you all the very best shots of your family and typically have a plan of how to do that. Don’t bring your Pinterest board to the session and dictate each pose you want captured. This will slow the process down while your husband, and children for that matter, lose interest.

Ready to give that family photo session another shot now?! Let me know how these ideas worked when I see you on the other side of the lens!

Family portrait outdoors showing parent with two children in denim against sunny spring background.
Adult in white shirt tenderly holds sleeping newborn baby near bright window.
A heartwarming outdoor portrait with child perched atop parent's shoulders against garden backdrop.
Parent lifts smiling toddler high in the air during playful moment in green outdoor setting.
Adult and baby share joyful moment on brown leather couch with monstera plant in background.
Family relaxes together in woven egg chair with cushions during indoor photo session.
Parent holds two young children against white lattice backdrop in summer garden setting.
Parent and child pose with crossed arms under autumn tree wearing plaid shirts.
Loving family embrace on rocky shoreline during outdoor photo session.
Parent in plaid jacket embraces small child wearing pink coat during outdoor autumn moment.
Two people stand together on blue tarp in front of Christmas tree during winter season.
A tender moment of parent and child sharing a close embrace while wearing cozy winter sweaters outdoors.
A joyful piggyback ride outdoors as parent and child share laughter in a garden setting.
Playful moment in a grassy field as adult holds child upside down during outdoor fun.
Parent lifts small child wearing denim overalls during playful outdoor moment with autumn leaves on ground.
Family group sitting together on outdoor bench wearing matching sweaters in autumn setting.
Family playtime on a bed with a white dog joining in the fun.