Did You Know? . . . What happens when children grow up in a home with their pictures displayed?

Florence, SC Newborn Photographer

I have such a vivid memory of our son Levi when he was just 4 years old. We had recently traveled to Houston, TX to visit my brother and his family, and while we were there, my sister-in-law took our family pictures downtown. When we got home, I ordered a HUGE canvas of one of those portraits to hang above our fireplace.

Of course, we hung it on the wall late at night after the kids were in bed—because isn’t that when most of the productive things get done? The next morning, Levi walked into the living room, gasped, and froze. He just stood there, leaning on the couch, staring at the family portrait.

I’ll never forget it—I actually heard him say out loud to himself, “that’s my family.” In his little voice I could hear so much: satisfaction, security, love, and even pride. It was one of those moments that etched itself on my heart forever.

At Reflection Images by Tracy Rowell, we believe family photography is more than just creating beautiful portraits, it’s about celebrating your story and giving your children something profoundly meaningful: a daily reminder of their place in your heart and home.

As a newborn and family photographer in Florence, SC, I’ve often seen how parents light up when viewing their images, but did you know that displaying those images—especially printed and framed—can have lasting psychological benefits for your children?

Science supports what we photographers have always known in our hearts: photos on the wall make a difference.

A UK-based study of 1,000 parents found that children raised in homes with family photos displayed were more confident, felt more secure, and had a clearer sense of identity. These benefits were especially noticeable in blended or adoptive families, where visual roots help affirm a child’s place in their family unit.

Psychologist Prof. Geoff Beattie (University of Manchester) explained that family photographs help “cement us into our networks” and are a powerful tool for showing children “where you fit into the family.”

While we all love sharing images on our phones and social media, research consistently shows that physical, printed photos have a greater emotional impact than digital ones. Children might not often scroll through your phone to find photos of themselves—but they do see what’s on your walls every single day.

This repeated exposure helps reinforce a child’s self-worth, sense of belonging and place in the family! Experts note that prints offer visual consistency and permanence that digital displays can’t match.

Dr. Susan B. Hart, a developmental psychologist, explains that family photos provide “continuity and security,” helping children form their personal narrative. Photos show them, in concrete ways: You belong. You are loved. You are seen.

Seeing themselves in family portraits over time builds a visual legacy. It's not just about memories—it’s about identity.

In a classic 1975 study at Tulane University, fourth-graders participated in a five-week photography project. Those children who were actively involved in creating and viewing their own photos saw a 37% improvement in self-esteem behaviors.

Your child doesn’t need a camera to get the same benefit—simply seeing themselves proudly displayed in your home can spark the same confidence and joy.

Dr. David Krauss, a clinical psychologist, shares: “Children learn who they are by seeing themselves in the family unit. It gives them a sense of place and belonging.”

Especially during times of change or stress, having physical reminders of love and connection—like a printed canvas of their newborn session or a framed sibling portrait—can help them feel grounded and emotionally supported.

At Reflection Images, I’ve had the honor of documenting families from their very first moments—maternity, newborn, first birthdays, growing siblings, and beyond. One of the greatest joys is seeing those portraits turned into framed wall art, heirloom albums, or keepsake prints that become a part of your child’s environment.

When your child walks by their baby photo, snuggles on the couch beneath a canvas of your family, or flips through an album with Grandma—they’re not just seeing a picture. They’re seeing proof that they belong. That they are loved. That their story matters.

As you consider how to display your family’s memories, remember this: Printed photographs are more than décor—they're daily affirmations for your children.

Our studio sessions are designed not only to capture beautiful images but also to create lasting keepsakes that you and your children will cherish for years. When you hang that framed newborn portrait or fill your home with moments from your family session, you're doing more than decorating a wall—you’re shaping your child's self-esteem, identity, and sense of belonging.

Let’s tell your story—and put it where it matters most.

Blessings!

COPYRIGHT: Reflection Images by Tracy Rowell
Newborn & Boudoir Photographer Florence SC

Displaying Printed Family Photos Matters for Your Child’s Self-Esteem & More! | Reflection Images by Tracy Rowell Photography Studio - Florence SC