How to get your husband on board for family photos | Spokane Newborn & Family Photographer

How to get your husband on-board for family photos | Spokane Newborn & Family Photographer

Believe it or not, there's a ton of dads who love having family pictures taken. I meet them all the time. Most dads and husbands don’t grumble at the photos themselves, it’s more about how it’s handled and what’s expected of him. Half of the families who hire me, it’s dad who reaches out first so I have some experience on this topic. While photos aren’t going to be every dad’s favorite thing, I do think there's a couple of things that help dad enjoy the process more and be willing to take annual family photos.

1. He wants to look like himself in the photos.

For one, the results need to be good, he wants pictures of him with his kids and with his wife and to look GOOD in the pictures. He doesn't want his skin airbrushed to look like a doll. He wants to look strong and flattered.

2. He wants to have a say in the photographer.

He needs to be comfortable with your photographer. Having pictures taken is incredibly personal and vulnerable and I think many of us forget that since cameras are everywhere these days. Many men have a hard time with vulnerability in our culture. Professional photos take that vulnerability to the next level, so let dad have a say in who you hire and have him follow the tog to make sure he connects and likes the work too.

3. Set a budget and plan for it.

After looking through a handful of photographers and choosing the best one, add a line item to your family budget and figure out what the best way is to plan for the photos financially.

My clients who are worried about budget typically get on my email list and book with me during my Black Friday sale a year in advance. That’s when I offer the best deal on session rates, then it’s only half of the session price down to save your spot, which leaves the remainder for nearly a year from then which makes it very manageable to budget for. Some of my other clients consider it their birthday or mother’s day present to themselves. This helps to alleviate the cost and the stress on dad to come up with gift ideas.

4. Involve him in the planning.

Dads like to be involved in the planning. Nothing gets my husband excited for pictures like a sweet location, maybe let him help pick! And definitely involve him in what he's going to be wearing, comfort is a big deal for dad. I've photographed my husband in carharts and guess what, the pictures turned out wall worthy- it can be done.

5. Take his schedule into consideration.

My last tip, never and I mean NEVER book a session during the biggest game of the year (which happens more than once per sport season, ladies) ask him when is a good non-game day for pictures. And if he’s not into sports ask him about his work schedule and if there’s anything else on his calendar which might make family pictures inconvenient.

6. Talk to him about why the pictures matter.

We all have deeply personal reasons for wanting pictures of our family. Feelings of belonging and this is who we are. Preserving the memories of our family as it grew. Updated photos to share with loved ones far away. Photos on our walls give our kids something to anchor into and supports their self esteem. Creating a beautiful home with picture of “us” on the walls. There’s so many reasons to want family pictures and to keep them updated. Talk with your husband about why it matters to you and ask him how he feels about it also. Open communication can go a long way.

Let's end the grumpy dad at family photos stereotype, because I don't believe it's real. Dads want to be involved in the process and sometimes they just don’t know how because it doesn’t feel like their wheelhouse. Give him a job in the process and get on the same page about the “why”.