One of the hidden but powerful aspects of family portraits is that parents and many photographers rarely consider is how a family portrait can help raise children with stronger confidence in their worth and abilities. Experts have done some work in recent decades exploring the link.

A revealing study was conducted in 1975 with a group of fourth-graders at a Tennessee school by Tulane University. During a five-week period, the children took Polaroid instant photos of themselves in a variety of assigned poses, compositions and expressing various emotions. The children created scrapbooks once a week over those five weeks. The study revealed a significant increase of 37 percent in the students’ average self-esteem behaviors. 

How can family photography, specifically family portraits, help boost a child’s self-esteem?

As a professional photographer, of all most 30 years, I have always thought it is really important to show a family as a family unit. It is helpful for children to see themselves as a valued and important part of a family unit. As a photographer, it is my job is to create and make the final image feel safe holding space for kids where they are safe and protected. Kids get it on a really simple level.

Children learn who they are and where they fit in the family unit structure. They learn their genealogy and the strengths of their own family and their family's history. When a child sees themselves in a family portrait, they know they belong to something greater than themselves. They can draw courage and strength to overcome obstacles.

When It Comes To Having The Greatest Positive Impact For Your Child, Which is Better, Digital Images or Paper Prints?

Families are increasingly enjoying their images in a digital form, be it a mobile device, a laptop, or simply on social media. I believe the impact on helping families boost a child’s self-esteem, is not the same. Not only for the children but empty-nester parents as well. All my kids are out of the house, yet I see them every day throughout my home and my office. As a parent, it brings me joy and peace. Especially with our oldest, who we lost 16 years ago. His memory lives on in my home and my office.

My bias is very simple. I believe family portraits should be on the wall, to enjoy daily not just on your phone now and then.

 I think placing a family photo someplace in the home where the child can see it every day without having to turn on a device or click around on a computer to find it hits home for that child this sense of reassurance and comfort, and that they are loved

Additionally, having family placed in the child’s bedroom so will be among the last things they see before sleep and the first thing they may see before beginning their day.

It says "We love you and care about you. You’re important.”

"SO WHAT IS ON YOUR WALLS"

Contact me so I can help you create an environment that will feel you and your kids with love and strength daily by seeing your portraits displayed prominently in your home.

Mikel@MikelsPhotography.com - 702-564-7166