How to Prep Your Spouse for a Family Photo Session (And Actually Make It Fun!) l Norman, Oklahoma Family Photographer
Let’s be real—when it comes to family photo sessions, the kids usually get all the attention. We make sure they’re ready, happy, and wearing something that maybe won’t get totally covered in dirt before we start. But let’s not forget another important part of the equation: your spouse. Yes, the love of your life, who may not be as excited about the idea of smiling for an hour while someone follows you with a camera. But trust me—this can be fun for everyone, including them!
Here’s how you can prep your spouse so that they don’t just “get through” the session but actually have a good time with you and the kids. Spoiler alert: it involves having fun and looking a little lovey-dovey.
1. Get Them on Board Early
Here’s the thing: if your spouse is dreading this whole photo session thing from the start, it’s going to show. The best way to avoid this is to give them a heads-up long before you’re walking out the door. Let them know what to expect and remind them that this isn’t about standing stiff and smiling for the camera. It’s about capturing real, genuine moments with your family—something I specialize in. Plus, if they know that I’m totally fine with kids being wild and bringing their energy, they’ll (hopefully) relax about trying to keep everyone perfectly in line.
2. Focus on Fun (Not Perfection)
Look, we’ve all been there—worrying about how the kids will act or if the photos will turn out exactly like the Pinterest inspo board. But here’s a secret: the best photos come when everyone’s relaxed and just being themselves. Remind your spouse that they don’t need to stress about whether the kids are “behaving” or not. In fact, I want the kids to bring that energy! If they’re laughing, running, and being their usual lively selves, we’re already winning. That’s the good stuff. So instead of worrying about getting the kids to stay still (not going to happen), encourage your spouse to be in the moment and have fun. Trust me, those natural, real moments will translate into beautiful images that reflect your family’s true dynamic.
3. Lovey-Dovey Goes a Long Way
One of the things that can take family photos from “okay” to amazing is when I get to capture those genuine connections between the two of you as partners. Tell your spouse this is their time to shine by holding your hand, giving you those admiring looks, and sneaking in a kiss or two. A little bit of PDA in front of the kids? Totally fine. In fact, I encourage it! It shows your love and affection, which not only looks amazing in photos but also creates a relaxed, loving atmosphere for the whole family. So yes, let them know it’s okay to get a little romantic. The best photos aren’t just about how you look—they’re about how you feel in the moment. And love always looks good on camera.
4. Channel Their Inner Hero
Most partners love being the hero in the family, and here’s their chance to shine! Whether it’s picking up a laughing child, twirling a kid around, or just being playful with everyone, remind them that this session is their opportunity to be the superhero parent they already are. Not only will the kids love it, but these are the kinds of moments that create real magic in family photos. And trust me, they’ll enjoy it way more than standing awkwardly for another stiff photo. Hero moments for the win!
5. Bring the Attitude (But Keep It Positive)
Attitude is everything in a family session. If your spouse shows up with a smile, ready to go with the flow, the whole family will follow their lead. Remind them that this isn’t a chore—it’s an experience. One day, these photos will be something you look back on, with everyone’s personalities shining through. Encourage them to get into the moment, laugh, be silly, and not take themselves too seriously. If your spouse approaches this with a fun, laid-back attitude, I promise it’ll make the entire session feel more like a family adventure than a photo session.
6. Remember: These Photos Are for You, Too
Lastly, remind your spouse that this session is about more than just checking off a box for the annual holiday card. It’s a chance to document this season of your lives, with all its beautiful, chaotic, love-filled moments. These photos aren’t just for you today—they’re for the future, when you’ll look back and see the love and connection that makes your family special. So encourage your spouse to approach it with the same care and love they bring to your family every day. It’s a little investment of time for a huge payoff of memories.
At the end of the day, my family photo sessions are designed to capture your family—exactly as you are. I want everyone, including your spouse, to feel comfortable, have fun, and be themselves. Because that’s when the best, most authentic photos happen.
Now, go ahead and get your partner on board. A few hand-holds, loving glances, and playful moments later, and you’ll have a gallery full of memories that you’ll treasure for years to come.
