I don’t know why, but often the husband just isn’t as keen on a session as you are!

First, don’t worry, he still loves you, it is just that photographs don’t figure so strongly in a man’s mind.

Having said that, remind him that you love him and you want some pictures to keep around so you can always see him, even if he is away. Tell him how much the pictures make you feel warm and cuddly.

If you are bringing children then tell him that it will help you be relaxed if he can help get the children ready too. If you are bribing the children, make sure he knows too. In fact, you might try bribing him too!

Remind him that the children should also be happy and relaxed about it all – so no stressing the kids before the shoot.

You are looking to be a bit co-ordinated, so that doesn’t mean he has to wear his work suit. Depending on your partner you might let him choose (after telling him what you are wearing) or you might choose for him.

Don’t say “you’re not wearing that are you?”. Instead, go for “how about your blue shirt – you look really nice in that”. If you encourage him in a positive way, he will feel more confident in front of the camera.

For some reason, men can be terrible smilers too. Don’t worry, I’ll work on him to get that real smile out.

In general, after a stiff start I soon find men warm up to the whole thing once the session gets going, so don’t worry too much about it beforehand.