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With every move that our family makes - new states, new homes, new routines - my first priority is to make our home feel as cozy and as much as “ours” as possible. This typically starts with decorating our walls - plenty of Kirkland’s art pieces and Hobby Lobby signs declaring how happy and "joy-filled" our home is - and then of course all the photos of our family through the years that now make up multiple gallery walls.
At first, I just needed a bunch of photos to fill a massive empty wall that was glaring at me on a daily basis - and then they turned into my 6 month old saying “mama” for the first time when we would walk past them and he’d point at one of his newborn pictures - and now they are reminders to our 4 year old about the many things she has already faced in her little life. New states, daddy’s deployments and work-ups and dets, a new brother, “her” dog that we miss everyday, and so much more.
As someone who always planned to pursue higher education in family counseling and “do more” with my current degree in family studies, I started to get intrigued by how enamored our little people were when they saw our family in photos scattered throughout the house. To the point my daughter started asking me to print photos of her grandparents and put some of our wedding photos in her bedroom.
So, I did what any psychology-obsessed parent might do in this scenario 😅 - I googled it.
And I was incredibly validated and blown away by what I found:
“According to psychologists, photography has a positive benefit for children’s self-esteem and helps them develop stronger confidence.”
“Growing up in the space where they see themselves in photos, surrounded by their loved ones, helps them learn who they are and where they fit. They understand the story of their family and grow up with a stronger sense of belonging.” (Source article here)
“Parents report their children experience increased self-esteem and stronger sense of identity from looking at printed photos”
“Parents report that looking at printed photos of their family increases their belief in their capabilities as a parent, a concept known as parental self-efficacy.
High parental self-efficacy is linked to positive outcomes for families including reduced parental anxiety, higher quality parent-child interactions, and higher self-esteem for children.” (Source article here)
So, basically, on a personal note these findings made a massive impact on me. As someone who has always wanted to “use my degree” to better serve families - it felt like receipts or proof of what I had always believed: telling a family’s story truly is beneficial and important not just for the preservation of memories, but for their well-being now and even moving forward.
I’ll leave you with this: family photos aren't just images frozen in time; they are visual narratives of love, growth, and togetherness. Through the lens of my camera, I've watched children come out of their shells, grow, and connect with their families. I can only imagine later down the road how this could lead to a gain in confidence and a sense of identity by revisiting these captured memories. These photographs become touchstones, offering reassurance and reminding us of the solid foundation that family provides.
Moving forward - consider the profound impact of those photographs adorning your walls or tucked away in albums. They are more than pictures; they are affirmations of love, resilience, and unique bonds between each family member. Take the time to capture and celebrate your family's story, for in those moments, you're not just creating memories; you're nurturing your children's well-being and shaping a legacy of love that will endure for generations to come.
Keywords: Pensacola Family Photographer, Pensacola Photographer, Pensacola Documentary Photographer, Candid Family Photography, Florida Family Photographer
