Can I start by making an assumption that we all want our kids to have a healthy self image? Confidence, high self-esteem, self worth, they are traits that can take us really far in life. But fostering that, starts at home.
Odds are, you already do this by hanging up their latest finger painting or that all As report card on the fridge. It’s like shining a spotlight on that effort or achievement, telling everyone that we are proud of them, and they should be proud of themselves, too.
FAMILY PICTURES CAN DO THE SAME THING!
Your family photos have the power to boost their confidence too. Arguably, on an even deeper level. Both family photos and photos of just your child show them that:
that they’re important
that they have a group where they belong
that they are loved.
That sense of belonging can lead to feeling more secure and confident! Who doesn’t want that?
I’ve been an advocate of printing family photos since I became a family photographer over ten years ago. But it’s not just warm fuzzies (those are always nice too!), it’s science.
DISPLAYING PRINTED PHOTOS VS. DIGITAL IMAGES
A big part of this confidence boost is actually having your family portraits on display in your home.
We all enjoy the convenience digital image files provides but are they as effective as their printed counterparts? Nope! Not according to experts, anyway.
Dr. David Krauss, PhD. was an early adopter of using family portraits as Phototherapy and had this to say on the subject:
“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 screen to find it, really hits home for that child.”
Think about the difference between digging through a box of jumbled photos you find while cleaning out the garage, and having a wall full of family photographs you can see everyday. That unfortunate garage box is your phone or computer. There is SO much other stuff there competing for space and attention that the family photos lose their power!
I love how something with such a small time investment as having your family photos printed can yield such positive results for our kids. It does take a little more effort to have your photos printed, I get that. In the long run, it’s worth it, but if you’re looking for an easy-button here, look for a family photographer that offers printed items AND digital files.
Whether you take your own family photos or hire a professional, get those images off your devices! Print and display your photos in your home, either on your walls, or in an album. You’ll be so happy you did!
If you are looking for a photographer, I might be your girl! Local to Clarksville, TN, but also available for travel family sessions as well. Get connected to get more info!