The struggle is real...

Trust me, I'm right there with you when it comes to convincing your spouse to join in on family pictures. I'm certain my husband would much rather crawl in a hole, mostly because he hates being the center of attention and being photographed makes you just that. Each year, I have to pull a new ticket out of the basket as to why he should participate. Here are a few of my favorites to use:

It's Important

Getting the whole family in front of the camera is important because it gives everyone the opportunity to be in the pictures. As a mother, I too, am always behind the camera. If it weren't for professional family portraits, I would be nonexistent in images with my child. Time literally fleets by and I don't want to be a distant memory. I want there to be proof that I existed.

Daughters laughing as dad kisses mom on the head

FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER | TRAFALGAR INDIANA

sister gives big brother a hug during family portraits

LITTLE SISTER HUG | FAMILY PORTRAITS

cousins race toward photographer during extended family session

EXTENDED FAMILY SESSION | COUSIN RACE

A Chill Photographer

Let your spouse know that you have found a chill photographer who focuses more on playing than forced posing. If you're gearing up for a newborn session, there will be lots of cuddling. If you're preparing for a session with kiddos, you'll be playing games, having tickle fights, and best of all, making memories. If it's just you and your spouse, you'll be snuggled up with each other, dancing, and sharing favorites about one another.

Nostalgia

One day, pictures with your children will be the most cherished item they own. I hate to say it, but you won't be around forever, making family pictures priceless. The amount of appreciation your kiddos will have later in life, when going through old photos is worth whatever fears your spouse may have.

siblings during family portrait session

SIBLINGS | FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER

Gifts

An added bonus to getting your family pictures taken are gifts for family members! I don't know a single person who doesn't love a custom item with their grandchildren, nieces/nephews, etc. on it. So, for every holiday for 365 days after your session, you've got the perfect images to put on a mug, canvas, blanket, or in a frame for each birthday, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Grandparent's Day, and Christmas. Boom, physical shopping isn't even necessary!

Non-Busy Day

Take the time to choose a day in your schedule that is empty. When booking on an extremely packed day, you're going to feel rushed and be rushed. Feeling rushed also brings on less patience for the entire family, leading to argument after argument. That's a frustrating way to start a family portrait session. Once the association between heaps of stress and family pictures has formed, it's hard to erase. Instead, take the day to prepare: have a snack, take a nap, gradually get ready. Then, after your session, make it a family date night! Take the time to get dinner and or ice cream, maybe even see a new movie.

I know it's hard.

Convincing your spouse to participate in family pictures can be easier said than done. Trust me, I know. In the end, it will all be worth it and your children will get to cherish the memories for many years to come. You've got this!