So you've booked a couples session in Aruba. You're excited. The light will be golden. The beach is stunning.
But then your partner says: "Do we have to do this? I'm not photogenic. I'm going to feel awkward."
Or you've got a family vacation planned, and your teenager is like: "I'm not smiling for pictures. This is so cringe."
Or your partner straight up says: "I hate photos. I'd rather literally do anything else."
Welcome to the photographer's greatest challenge. And honestly? It's way more common than you'd think.
The Good News:
You're Not Stuck
Here's what I've learned after years of photographing families and couples in Aruba: reluctance is usually just fear of looking awkward, not actual unwillingness to participate.
The trick is understanding why people resist. And once you know that, you can actually help them feel comfortable.
Why People Hate Photos
- They don't like how they look — Bad past photos, unflattering angles, whatever. One bad experience ruins the whole thing.
- They feel self-conscious — "Everyone's looking at me. I don't know what to do with my face."
- They think it's vain — "Why am I taking pictures of myself? That's weird."
- They're perfectionists — "I need to look perfect or not at all."
- They just want to relax — "I'm on vacation. I don't want to 'pose' for hours."
Notice what they don't say? "I don't love the person next to me" or "I'm against the concept of memory-making."
The resistance is almost never about the actual photos. It's about feeling awkward or vulnerable in front of the camera.
How to Convince the Reluctant (Without Actually Convincing Them
1. Reframe It as "Memories," Not "Photos"
Don't say: "Let's take pictures."
Say: "I want to capture us having fun together. Just being ourselves."
The word "pictures" triggers performance mode. "Memories" triggers emotion mode. Huge difference.
2. Tell Them It's Not About Looking Perfect
This is huge. Say: "I'm not trying to make you look like a magazine. I'm trying to capture how we actually look when we're together. Real moments, genuine smiles—that's what makes good photos."
Perfectionists relax when they know perfection isn't the goal.
3. Promise It'll Be Short
"Can we do 20 minutes instead of an hour?" is way less intimidating than a full session.
Pro tip for photographers: Tell the photographer upfront that your partner is reluctant. Let them know you want a shorter, low-pressure session. I can do a "quick couples session"—30 minutes instead of the usual 45-60. You still get amazing photos, but it feels less like a production.
4. Make It About the Activity, Not the Camera
Instead of standing and posing, do something together.
Walk along Eagle Beach. Hold hands. Look at the sunset. Laugh at something. The camera captures life, not stiffness.
(Spoiler: the best photos happen when you forget the camera is there.)
5. Show Them Examples
Nothing kills reluctance like seeing actual results. Show them photos from other couples here in Aruba—candid moments, genuine laughs, not overly posed stuff.
When they see themselves in those real moments, something clicks. "Oh, I could actually look good in photos."
What to Tell Your Photographer
This is important: Tell me upfront if someone's reluctant.
When I know going in, I can adjust. I'll:
- Keep it short and low-pressure
- Focus on candid moments instead of posed shots
- Explain what I'm doing so there's no surprise
- Let you move around naturally instead of stiff posing
- Use humor and casual conversation to help people relax
I've shot family sessions here in Aruba where the dad said "I hate photos," and by the end, he's laughing and asking for extra shots. It happens because we made it comfortable, not staged.
The Compromise: The Short Session
Not everyone's ready for a full session. That's fine.
Quick Family Session: 30 minutes, $200 Quick Couples Session: 20 minutes, $200
Get the memories without the commitment. Shorter sessions often feel less awkward because there's less time to overthink.
Here's the Thing
Years from now, you won't remember the 20 minutes you spent in front of the camera. But you will remember the photos. You'll show them to your kids. You'll laugh at them with your partner. You'll be grateful you did it.
The people who say "I hate photos" are almost never the ones who regret taking them. They're the ones who regret not taking them.
So if your partner or family member is reluctant? Have this conversation. Help them see it's not about perfection—it's about capturing the moments you're already having together.
Ready to Give It a Try?
Whether it's your first couples shoot or a family vacation in Aruba, let's make it comfortable. I'll keep it short, keep it real, and make sure nobody feels awkward.
Book a session: Couples from $325 (35 photos), Families from $385 (40 photos)—or go shorter if you prefer. Either way, you'll get photos you actually love.
