Family portraits are an important piece of preserving a moment in time and capturing the relationships between family members. When families take these photos and turn them into tangible art throughout their homes, not only are they creating a beautiful display of their family, but they are also doing something very important for their children. The experience of a family portrait session and then seeing the final artwork improves a child’s self-esteem. How does this connect exactly? Here are just four explanations:
1. Sense of Belonging
Typically, we choose art for our home based on an emotional connection to the piece. We proudly display the art on the walls of our home, and enjoy the conversation starter with guests. So what could be more meaningful than using family portraits as art? By showcasing your family portrait and a child’s individual portrait, a family is highlighting what is important to them. Seeing themselves in photos around the house reassures a child of their place in their family and that their parents are proud of them. After a rough day at school or a disagreement, seeing that physical artwork of their family reminds a child of their family’s love and acceptance. This reminder makes children feel safe, secure, and protected. It’s a special way of telling our children they fit in the family portrait, and they will always fit in this family.
2. Instilling Values
Seeing the portrait of their family together is a daily reminder of the importance of time with family, an appreciation for individual relationships with the family unit, and a tribute to a family’s values. Children look at the portrait and feel the love, support, respect, and care between themselves and their family members. This reflection of a family’s values in a portrait encourages children to preserve these family bonds and mirror these positive character attributes as they grow up.
3. Memories in the Making
Dressing up, spending time with family, and being photographed makes children feel confident and proud. They are encouraged to be themselves, naturally interact with their families, and playing around with different poses. When this portrait is displayed in the home, it becomes a visual representation of the child’s experience, emotions, and interactions with other family members during the photo shoot.
4. A Piece of History
Family portraits can be appreciated for generations. When a child sees a family portrait, they are reminded of their younger selves. While your high schooler may claim to be embarrassed now by the photo with the missing teeth and glasses- we promise they secretly smile as they walk past. In thirty years when your child becomes an adult, they’ll be showing these photos to their kids. And in time, when family members have passed, these photos will be cherished for the memories.
A family portrait session is much more than “taking a nice photo.” It’s about the experience, it’s about the relationships within the photo, and it’s about the reminder of that moment in time. Seeing a family portrait proudly displayed gives a child a stronger sense of their place within their family, as well as a higher appreciation for their relationships with individual family members.
