Displaying family photos boosts children’s self-esteem
Did you know that displaying family photos in your home can boosts your child’s self-esteem? Scientists have proven that it is valuable for children to see themselves as part of a family unit.
And this is where a family photographer comes in - someone who can help you get the whole family in the frame!
During family sessions, it’s my job is to create safe and loving environment, centered around the children. I create my sessions to be a happy play time with the intention of true presence and loving connection.
And beyond the meaningful time we create together during the session - it’s important that children live in the house where the photos are displayed.
Growing up in the space where they see themselves in the photos, surrounded by their loved ones, will help them learn who they are and where they fit. By visually seeing it displayed around their home they begin to understand the story of their family and grow up with a stronger sense of belonging.
“For children, in particular, looking at photographs is part of the socializing process; learning who you are and where you fit into the family. By displaying photographs of our children at different stages of their lives, we are making a very public statement that we are proud of them,” says Professor Geoff Beattie, Head of School and Dean of Psychological Sciences at the University of Manchester.
The traditional approach of displaying photos prominently in the home also ensures that the child internalizes the idea that those in the photos are important to one another. That child will grow up with a sense of comfort and a feeling of being protected.
Additionally, photographs are powerful symbols that elevate everyday moments and turn them into art. Kids will feel important and worthy of professional documentation and also appreciate the art itself.
I believe that tactile experience of holding a physical print in your hands or flipping through a family Album stimulates the brain and makes a child engage with the object more. Photos are also miraculous windows into the past — revisiting moments and memories and beautiful incentives for story telling.
Also, I’ve read that psychologists recommend having photographs of your child with their family placed in the children’s room so they can see it before sleep and then first thing upon waking and beginning their day.
They will know they are cherished, cared for and loved. And isn’t that what we all want for our children?
The Power of Print
“There is something very powerful in touching your fingers to an actual print,” says Craig Steinberg, a licensed psychologist who works with children ages five through 13 in Oregon. “Touching the photograph where a face is smiling or the shoulders, it is the same thing as touching a book when you read it. There’s a lot of stimulation of the brain when you have that sensory experience. That is a bit lost in the move to digital.”
“Displaying photos prominently in the home sends the message that our family and those in it are important to one another, and we honor the memories we have experienced,“ says Cathy Lander-Goldberg, a licensed clinical social worker and a professional photographer in St. Louis, Missouri. “It says we love you and care about you. You’re important.”
Want to see more of my work?
Hello there and thank you for stopping by! I’m Katrina, the heartbeat behind Fifty Two Hundred Photo + Film, in Durham, North Carolina. I specialize in capturing meaningful and precious memories for remarkable families in North Carolina. I hope you enjoyed this story I shared today and if you are interested in learning more about The Time Capsule membership, or let’s connect. Not quite ready to connect, but you would like to follow along the journey? Follow me on Instagram and let’s be friends!
Katrina is a family photographer and family filmmaker in Durham, North Carolina. She offers lifestyle newborn photography, family photography and family videography which focuses on capturing authentic and honest moments for families. Her clients love that not only do they get digital files from their session but artwork to display in their home. She is happy to custom albums so you can revisit your favorite memories for years to come! Be sure to check out the Adobe partnership to see Katrina sharing her knowledge on capturing magical light to highlight the essence of each family.
Want an easy way to make something beautiful out of all your phone photos and videos? Learn more about the Time Capsule Membership here.
Katrina serves Durham, Raleigh, Cary, Carrboro, Apex, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.