If you landed here, chances are you would love it if your partner was involved in a family photo session, but for some reason they are not so enthusiastic.

      Below, I will offer you a couple of tips that might help you understand their reasons, and maybe show them that a lifestyle family photo session can actually be fun!

      Ask them why?

      Each person will have a different reason why they don’t want to be in a family photo session. My first suggestion is to ask them their opinions and truly listen to them. Below, you’ll find some tips according to the most common reasoning when it comes to not participate in a photo session.

      They love family photos but just feel the whole experience is awkward?

      These persons are the easiest to convince, they are actually halfway there, they just need a gentle nudge.

      You can say that lifestyle photos are different, that there’s no staring for ages at the camera and the whole experience is really enjoyable (show them some examples)

      You can also assure them you’ll be able to choose the location together. If they are still feeling a bit unsure or nervous, explain that your home and/or back garden will work perfectly fine!

      They can’t picture themselves in front of a camera. They say they are goofy, it's cheesy and it feels ridiculous.

      I include myself in this category, but would be easily persuaded if you said to me that all I had to do is play with the children.

      You can also suggest that they set up an activity that your partner loves to do with your kids – a pancake day, skipping rope, play tennis, anything that involves interaction will do. This will help them and the kids feel less self-conscious and the resulting photos will be supernatural and gorgeous.

      They would rather be somewhere else, e.g., watching a game or having fun with the kids in a park!

      I completely understand this feeling because many people still have that idea of an old-fashioned family photo session, where you have to stare at the camera for one hour and smile while worrying if your kids will behave. This would make anyone feel stressed out and couldn’t be less enjoyable.

      A lifestyle photo session is complete the opposite though. It truly feels like a family fun day out, and you can tell your partner that the photo session will take place at the location they most enjoy to be with their kids.

      They don’t see the point of dressing up on their day off?

      Many people will actually think about this, but won’t say it is the reason they don’t want to participate in a family photo session, so make sure that you mention that a jeans + tee + a coat if needed look absolutely fine and appropriate for a lifestyle family session! Casual or smart, both can work as long as you are all comfortable!

      If none of those work, make sure you mention that your kids will love to see their parents on the photos once they are grown-ups!

      This is actually so true. Your kids will thank you so much for having these memories captured – so will you! These photos become a family heirloom and they will often help them form memories that they will cherish for life.

      Good luck – I’d love to hear from you and your journey trying to gently convince your partner to participate in a family photo session. If you want more ideas, get in touch!