4 reasons why great family photos are vital for your child’s wellbeing

These snapshots aren’t just pictures; they’re anchors to your family history, preserving memories that endure through time. And guess what? The tradition of family portraits could very well continue into your children’s families, so it’s worth carving out time for them! Here, we break down why booking regular professional family portraits and buying those annual school photos is so important for children’s development, and share some simple tips for nailing that perfect family photo.

1. Family photos and school photos boost a child’s self-esteem

Judy Weiser, a leading American psychologist and art therapist, knows a thing or two about photo-based therapy. She asserts that “family portraiture lets children learn who they are and where they fit.”

Seeing themselves in family photos and school photos helps kids cultivate self-awareness in a natural, intuitive way, fostering feelings of love and belonging that go beyond the physical. To give your child’s self-esteem a little boost, consider hanging photos or portraits in their bedroom – from favourite family portraits to their latest school photo.

They’ll find comfort in knowing that their family has their back through thick and thin as they wind down for the night and start their day.

Plus, who knows, they might even give those portraits a bedtime story or two when you’re not looking!

2. Family portraits and school photos help kids understand their place in the family

Don’t underestimate the power of visual cues in reinforcing the family unit, especially for younger children who are still grasping the concept of family.

While digital photo albums are great, nothing beats a framed portrait or printed school photo as a constant reminder of “this is where I come from, and this is where I belong.” The process of taking a family photo – and even the yearly school photo day – can also spark curiosity and appreciation for family history, especially if you’ve got other family photos and older school pictures around the house to share stories about.

Who knew a family portrait or a simple class photo could be a catalyst for storytelling adventures?

3. Professional family photos and school photos document their growth

We’re all for annual school photos, so why not regular family portraits too? Kids grow up in the blink of an eye, and capturing those changes as a group is priceless. Many families regret not taking enough photos together down the road – it’s rarely the other way around.

Each family has its own unique way of capturing milestones, whether it’s snapping a photo every day until the pre-teen years, marking each school year with a new school photo, or opting for an annual family portrait session. Either way, it’s a wonderful way to capture your family’s essence as it grows and evolves over time.

Just think, you’ll have a whole gallery to reminisce over during those awkward teenage years.

4. Family photography teaches children family values and togetherness

Taking photos to commemorate family moments – from first days at school to big family gatherings – instils in kids a sense of sentimentality, togetherness, and family pride. They should also be more ‘real’. In today’s “selfie” culture, photography often takes on an individualistic vibe, with the selfie-taker focussed only on making themselves look what they see as ‘amazing’ (after hundreds of attempts). But family portraits and school photos bridge that gap between real life memories of a moment in time, and portraits to be proud of. They, more than any number of pouting phone selfies, will preserve those connections for generations to come.

While your kids might grumble about posing for photos now, they’ll cherish those memories as they grow older. Plus, establishing a portrait tradition in your family could easily carry over into your kids’ future families. Who knows, maybe they’ll even recreate that one embarrassing pose you thought was long forgotten.

Tips for taking a great family portrait (and making the most of school photos)

• Ensure everyone’s well-rested and well-fed before the shoot to avoid restlessness and impatience – this goes for school photo day too.
• Choose complementary colours and prints for outfits instead of matching entirely. Remember, you want your family portrait to be timeless, not a fashion faux pas.
• Ditch the ‘say cheese’ tradition – natural smiles beat forced grins any day. Go for something more fun like “Sweeties!” to get genuine giggles. And for heaven’s sake don’t try to teach your child how to smile before school photo day – it just makes them more self-conscious… trust us!
• Have fun with your family. The more relaxed you are, the more your personality will shine through in the photos. Who said family portraits had to be serious? It’s your chance to capture your family’s unique quirks and laughter.
• Talk to your child about school photos. Help them feel confident and relaxed by chatting about what to expect, that it’s fun, and maybe even show them your old school photos beforehand!

Making professional family portraits accessible for all

The price tag associated with professional photography can often be a hurdle for many families. But memories shouldn’t break the bank. Many photographers now offer mini sessions or payment plans to help make family portraits more affordable, but school family photo day fundraisers are also getting more popular for PTAs, so it’s worth suggesting those to your child’s school.

And remember, annual school portraits are another powerful (and often more affordable) way to build a visual record of your child’s life. Displaying both professional family portraits and school photos together at home can create a rich, meaningful story of who they are and how far they’ve come.