“My husband does not like taking photos.”

It is, without a doubt, one of the most common things I hear from moms who reach out to book newborn photography or family photos.

Maybe your husband would rather be anywhere else. Maybe he says he feels awkward in front of the camera. Maybe he has never loved having his picture taken—or maybe he simply doesn’t understand why family photos feel so important to you.

If this sounds familiar, I want you to know something:

You are not alone. And it doesn’t mean your family can’t have beautiful, meaningful photos together.

After more than a decade as a Kansas City newborn and family photographer, I have learned that getting everyone comfortable in front of the camera isn’t really about posing.

It is about connection.

And one of the biggest things I’ve found that makes a difference is something surprisingly simple:

I don’t just engage the mom. I don’t just engage the kids. I engage everyone—including dad.

The Secret to Getting Husbands More Comfortable During Family Photos

Let’s be honest: most moms are pretty easy to engage during a family photography session.

You’re the one who booked the session. You probably have been looking forward to it. You know why these photographs matter, and you are usually excited to be there.

Kids are also often pretty easy to engage.

I can get down on their level. I can ask them about school, sports, their favorite things, or what they have been doing lately. We can play, be silly, explore, and have fun.

But then there’s dad.

And sometimes, dad is the person who walked into the session thinking:

“I don’t really like having my picture taken.”

That’s where I believe the experience can completely change.

Instead of trying to force someone to “enjoy” being photographed, I focus on making sure they don’t feel like the entire experience is about being photographed.

Because the truth is, the best family photos often happen when you’re no longer thinking about the camera at all.

What I Do When Dad Doesn’t Like Taking Photos

One of my favorite things to do during a family photography session is to engage dad in genuine conversation.

If mom steps away for a minute to fix her makeup, help a child with a snack, or take care of whatever needs to be handled, I don’t just stand there waiting for her to come back.

I turn to dad.

I might ask:

What do you do for work?

How long have you been doing that?

Did you grow up in Kansas City?

How did you and your wife meet?

What are your kids into right now?

These aren’t questions I’m asking just to make small talk.

I’m getting to know the person in front of my camera.

And something really interesting happens when you do that.

The walls start to come down.

The stress starts to disappear.

Dad stops thinking:

“I’m at a family photoshoot.”

And instead, he’s just having a conversation.

He’s telling me about his work.

He’s talking about how he met his wife.

He’s telling me what his kids are currently obsessed with.

He’s laughing.

He’s interacting with his family.

And suddenly, we’re not creating a collection of stiff, posed photographs.

We’re documenting a family being a family.

Family Photography Should Feel Like Your Family

This is something I believe very strongly as a Kansas City family photographer:

You should never have to perform for your family photos.

Your session shouldn’t feel like an hour of standing still, smiling on command, and wondering if you’re doing it “right.”

It should feel like you.

That might mean your toddler runs away.

Your baby needs a snack.

Your older child tells a hilarious story.

Your husband starts talking about something completely unrelated to the session.

You might laugh at something that wasn’t planned at all.

And honestly?

Those are often my favorite moments to photograph.

Because those are the moments that tell your story.

Why Connection Matters More Than Perfect Poses

When I photograph families, I’m not just looking for everyone to look at the camera at the exact same time.

I’m looking for the way your husband looks at your children.

The way your daughter reaches for your hand.

The way your son leans into dad.

The laugh that happens when someone says something ridiculous.

The tiny in-between moments that you may not even realize are happening.

Those are the photographs that become more meaningful as your children grow.

And creating those moments starts with making everyone feel comfortable.

Mom. Dad. And the kids.

All three matter.

The Best Compliment I’ve Received From Dads

Here’s my favorite part of this whole story.

So many times, a year after a family session, I’ll hear something from a mom that makes me smile.

She’ll tell me:

“My husband said we should book family photos again.”

And I love that.

Because the goal was never to convince dad that he suddenly loves having his picture taken.

The goal was to create an experience where he felt comfortable enough to forget that he was having his picture taken in the first place.

And when that happens, something changes.

The family gets beautiful photographs.

But more importantly, they get an experience that feels easy, relaxed, and genuinely enjoyable.

And maybe the next year, instead of mom having to convince everyone to get in the car for family photos, dad is the one saying:

“We should book family photos.”

That is the ultimate win.

What If Your Husband Really Doesn’t Like Photos

If you’ve been putting off family photos because your husband doesn’t enjoy being in front of the camera, I hope this gives you a little encouragement.

You don’t need a husband who loves photos.

You don’t need perfectly behaved children.

You don’t need everyone in your family to be naturally comfortable in front of the camera.

You just need a photographer who understands how to connect with each person in your family.

A photographer who sees your husband as more than the person who needs to “smile for the picture.”

A photographer who can talk to your kids on their level.

A photographer who understands that sometimes mom needs to step away for a minute.

And a photographer who knows that the most meaningful images aren’t always the ones where everyone is looking directly at the camera.

After more than a decade photographing Kansas City families, I’ve learned that connection is the foundation of everything I do.

Because when everyone feels comfortable, something magical happens.

You stop feeling like you’re at a photoshoot.

And you start feeling like you’re simply spending time with the people you love most.

And that’s when I can create the photographs you’ll want to keep forever.

Frequently Asked Questions About Family Photos When Dad Doesn’t Like Pictures

How do you get a husband who hates photos to enjoy a family photography session?

The key is not to force him to enjoy being photographed. Instead, a good family photographer should focus on making him feel comfortable and connected. Genuine conversation, natural interactions, movement, and an experience that feels relaxed can help someone forget about the camera.

What should I do if my husband doesn’t want family photos?

Start by choosing a family photographer who has experience working with people who feel uncomfortable in front of the camera. Let your photographer know ahead of time that your husband isn’t a fan of photos. A skilled photographer can help create a relaxed experience that doesn’t feel overly posed or forced.

Do family photos have to be posed?

No. While some traditional posed photographs can be beautiful, family photography can also include candid moments, movement, playful interactions, and genuine connection. A combination of lightly guided poses and natural moments often creates a gallery that feels authentic to your family.

How can I make family photos less stressful for my kids and husband?

Choose a photographer who prioritizes connection over perfection. Allow your children to move and interact naturally, bring snacks if needed, and don’t worry about every little thing going perfectly. The photographer’s job is to guide your family and create an experience where everyone can relax.

What makes a good family photographer?

A great family photographer should know how to work with every member of the family—not just the person who booked the session. Look for someone who can connect with adults and children, guide you without making you feel overly posed, and create an environment where your family feels comfortable being themselves.

Looking for a Kansas City Family Photographer?

If you’re searching for a Kansas City family photographer who will help your entire family feel comfortable in front of the camera—including the family member who insists he “doesn’t like photos”—I’d love to help.

My approach to family photography is centered around connection, genuine interaction, and creating an experience that feels as meaningful as the final gallery.

Because at the end of the day, I don’t just want you to have beautiful photographs.

I want you to have photographs that feel like your family.

And maybe, just maybe, by next year, your husband will be the one reminding you:

“We should book family photos.”

Other Posts In This Series:

Toddlers don’t need to corporate

My best three tips to prep your house for newborn photos

Is my baby too old for newborn photos?