What If My Family Doesn't Want Holiday Pictures?
Let's be honest—this is how many kids feel when they hear it's time for family photos. The good news is that it rarely lasts! Some of my favorite holiday portraits begin with reluctant children or teenagers who would rather be anywhere else. With a relaxed pace, a little humor, and plenty of patience, those eye rolls often turn into genuine smiles. As a Glendale and Los Angeles family photographer, I've learned that the best family portraits don't require perfect behavior—just a little time and the right approach.
How to Turn Reluctant Family Members Into Willing Participants
"My husband hates having his picture taken."
"My teenager already said no."
"My son rolls his eyes every time I mention family photos."
If any of those sound familiar, you're not alone.
As a family photographer, I've learned that very few families arrive at their session with every single person excited to be there. In fact, there's often at least one reluctant participant.
Sometimes it's Dad.
Sometimes it's a teenager.
Sometimes it's a toddler who would rather be anywhere else.
The good news?
A reluctant family member doesn't mean you can't have beautiful holiday portraits.
You're Not Trying to Create Perfect Children
Before becoming a professional photographer, I spent more than twenty years as a special education teacher.
One lesson has stayed with me throughout my photography career:
People rarely cooperate because they're forced.
They cooperate when they feel comfortable, respected, and included.
That philosophy guides every family session I photograph.
I'm not expecting children—or adults—to perform perfectly.
I'm simply creating an environment where genuine moments can happen naturally.
The Most Reluctant Person Often Ends Up Loving the Photos
This surprises many parents.
The teenager who reluctantly walked into the studio...
The dad who announced,
"Let's get this over with."
They're often the first people asking to see the finished images.
Why?
Because professional family portraits aren't just about smiling at the camera.
They're about spending a few uninterrupted moments together.
Many families leave saying,
"That was actually a lot more fun than I expected."
Don't Build the Session Into a Big Deal
Sometimes parents unintentionally increase everyone's anxiety.
For weeks leading up to the session they remind the family:
"We have pictures Saturday."
"Don't forget pictures."
"Please cooperate."
Instead, keep it simple.
"We're going to take some holiday pictures together, then we'll grab lunch."
The less pressure everyone feels beforehand, the more relaxed they'll be when they arrive.
A little preparation before your session can make a huge difference.
Teenagers Want Respect, Not Pressure
Teenagers are old enough to recognize when they're being forced into something.
They're also old enough to appreciate being included.
Let them help choose:
their outfit
their shoes
their hairstyle
Giving teenagers a little ownership often changes their attitude before they even arrive.
Once they're at the session, I won't ask them to fake excitement.
Instead, I focus on creating natural interactions that don't feel awkward or forced.
Letting older children and teens help choose what they wear for holiday photos often makes them feel more invested in the experience
Dads Have an Important Job
Many dads tell me,
"I'm only here because my wife wanted pictures."
I smile because I hear that all the time.
Then I tell them something important.
Your job isn't to smile perfectly.
Your job is to make your family laugh.
Talk to your kids.
Whisper something funny.
Look at your spouse.
Hold your little one close.
Those genuine interactions often become everyone's favorite photographs.
Children Don't Need to Sit Perfectly
Parents sometimes apologize because their children wiggle, laugh, hide, or lose interest.
Please don't.
Children are supposed to move.
Some of the sweetest portraits happen between the poses.
A spontaneous hug.
A shared laugh.
A curious expression.
Those little moments often become the images families treasure the most.
We Work at Your Family's Pace
Every family is different.
Some children run into the studio ready to smile.
Others need a few quiet minutes to look around before joining in.
That's perfectly okay.
Because every session is private, there's time to let children warm up naturally.
There's no audience.
No long lines.
No pressure to hurry.
We simply work together until everyone feels comfortable.
The Goal Isn't Perfect Behavior
It's connection.
Years from now, your children won't remember whether they smiled on command.
They'll remember sitting close to you.
Holding your hand.
Laughing together.
Those are the moments that tell your family's story.
Why Holiday Photos Matter Anyway
Children grow remarkably fast.
One year they're sitting on your lap.
The next they're taller than you.
The holidays become milestones that quietly mark those changes.
That's why so many parents tell me they almost skipped family pictures—and are incredibly grateful they didn't.
The portraits become more meaningful with every passing year.
Sometimes Mom Needs Permission Too
If you're the one organizing the session, scheduling everyone, choosing outfits, and hoping it all comes together, it's easy to feel responsible for making everything perfect.
You don't have to.
My job is to guide the posing.
My job is to help everyone relax.
My job is to create beautiful light.
My job is to find genuine moments, even when they seem impossible at first.
You simply get to enjoy being with the people you love.
Family Memories Are Worth a Little Cooperation
No one remembers the twenty or thirty minutes it took to create the portraits.
They remember the photographs.
The framed print hanging in the hallway.
The Christmas card Grandma kept on her refrigerator.
The picture your children find years from now.
Sometimes the people who complain the most before the session become the ones who treasure the photographs the longest.
Why Families Choose My Glendale Holiday Studio
Holiday sessions should feel relaxed, not rushed. As both a Certified Professional Photographer and a former special education teacher, I understand that every family is different. Some children are outgoing. Some are shy. Some adults love being photographed, while others would rather be behind the camera. My role is to create a welcoming environment where everyone feels comfortable enough to be themselves, resulting in genuine smiles and meaningful family portraits.
Families visit my studio from Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, La Cañada Flintridge, Montrose, and throughout Los Angeles for a private holiday experience designed around connection rather than perfection.
If you're looking for a relaxed, private holiday experience where your family can simply be themselves, I'd love to welcome you to my Glendale studio.
