5 Ways to Get Your Partner Excited About Maternity or Family Photos

maternity photographer, Outdoor family session, outdoor maternity photographer, Uncategorized

May 14, 2025

5 Ways to Get Your Partner Excited About Maternity or Family Photos

I get it. We’ve all been there, you’re super excited about booking a maternity or family photo session, and your hubby? Not so much. Maybe he feels awkward in front of the camera, or he just doesn’t see the point.

First, let me say: this is totally normal (my husband is the same way!). In nearly every session I photograph, there’s at least one person who’s a little hesitant at first (spoiler: they usually end up having the best time!).

The good news? There are some simple ways to help your partner get on board and maybe even enjoy the process. Here are my top five tips to help shift the vibe from “Ugh, do I have to?” to “Okay, that wasn’t so bad.”

1. Set the Tone: It’s About Connection, Not Perfection

One of the biggest misconceptions about photo sessions is that you have to show up looking perfect and acting like you’re in a magazine ad. Not true!

The best photos come from real connection—a shared laugh, a quiet moment, a spontaneous hug. When your partner understands that it’s not about stiff poses or forced smiles, but about capturing your family just as you are, it becomes way less intimidating.

During my sessions, I gently guide you but also leave room for natural moments to unfold. No one has to “perform “just be present.

2. Keep It Short and Sweet

Let’s be honest—most people don’t want to spend two hours taking photos. That’s why I keep my sessions intentional and efficient, without ever feeling rushed.

We’ll get everything we need without dragging things out. I often hear afterward: “That went by faster than I thought!” (and yes, that’s usually from the reluctant partner). Knowing it won’t take all day can help ease their mind—and yours too!

3. Involve Them in the Planning (Just a Little)

Giving your partner a small say in the session—whether it’s helping choose the location, picking a favorite outfit, or even setting a playlist, can make them feel more involved and less like they’re being dragged into something.

Even a simple “Hey, which of these two spots do you like better?” can shift the tone from obligation to collaboration.

4. Let Them Know What to Expect

A lot of resistance comes from the unknown. Walking your partner through what the session will actually look like can ease nerves.

You can tell them things like:

  • “We’ll meet right before sunset for that soft, golden light.”
  • “She gives us prompts to help us interact naturally, so it won’t be awkward.”
  • “There’s no pressure to pose perfectly—just be yourself.”

Transparency turns mystery into confidence.

5. Focus on the Why

At the end of the day, these photos aren’t just about today. They’re about your family’s story, it’s about freezing time for just a moment before everything changes again.

They’re the images your kids will flip through when they’re older. The ones that hang on the wall or sit in a keepsake box, reminding you of how it felt to be in this season.

Reminding your partner of the legacy these photos create can help reframe the session as something meaningful, not just another task to check off the list.

Final Thoughts

If your partner is feeling hesitant, that’s okay. With a little encouragement (and a relaxed, pressure-free session), I promise it won’t be nearly as bad as they think. In fact, they might even walk away saying, “That was actually kind of fun.”

If you’re ready to book your session—or you just have questions about how it all works—I’d love to connect. Whether it’s a maternity milestone or a family session in the making, I’m here to make it easy, relaxed, and honestly… fun.

 

Ready to book your session or chat about details? Contact me here at https://kristenporterphotography.com/contact

 

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