Building Self-Esteem One Portrait at a Time: How Family Photos Influence Children and Moms

As a professional newborn and family portrait photographer in the Boston area with 26 years of experience, I’ve witnessed firsthand the emotional power of a photograph. Beyond capturing milestones and preserving fleeting moments, portraits can have a deep and lasting impact—especially when it comes to building self-esteem in children and confidence in mothers.

In my studio, I often hear from parents how much their children love looking at family photos. They’ll point to themselves in a framed print on the wall or a page in their baby album and beam with pride. That moment, simple as it seems, carries profound psychological weight. A study by Professor Geoff Beattie, Head of School and Dean of Psychological Sciences at the University of Manchester, found that children who grow up in a home where their family portraits are displayed feel more valued, more connected, and more loved. The presence of these photos communicates to children that they are a cherished part of a family unit worth celebrating.

Displaying family photos isn't just decorative—it’s affirmational.

For children, especially in their early years, identity is being formed every day. Seeing themselves as part of a loving, supportive family in a framed image reminds them that they belong. They feel secure. They see themselves in a positive light. It tells them: You matter. You’re important. You are loved. That’s a powerful message, and it's reinforced every time they walk past those photos hanging in your home.

But it’s not only children who benefit from these visual affirmations—moms do, too.

I’ve photographed hundreds of mothers over the years, and I know how reluctant many of them are to get in front of the camera. I hear things like “I want to lose a few more pounds first” or “Just focus on the baby.” But here’s what I also know: when mothers see themselves in a warm, joyful moment with their children—when they see the way their baby looks at them, or the way their child’s hand fits perfectly in theirs—it transforms how they see themselves.

I completely empathize with the hesitation many moms feel about getting in front of the camera—believe me, I get it. As a mother myself, and someone who isn’t naturally comfortable in front of the lens, I understand how vulnerable it can feel. In fact, I don’t love being photographed either! But I make it a point to hire a professional photographer once a year, every year, for my own family portrait session. Not only does it give me cherished images of my family as we grow and change, but it also reminds me—on a very personal level—of the challenges many of my clients face when stepping in front of the camera. That experience keeps me grounded and compassionate, and it deepens my commitment to making every mom who walks into my Boston-area studio feel comfortable, seen, and beautiful. The portraits I receive from my own sessions are among my most treasured possessions, and they give me the same priceless gift I strive to give to the local families I photograph every single day.

A professionally styled and thoughtfully posed family portrait session can help a mom shift from being self-critical to self-compassionate. She sees her beauty through the eyes of her children and begins to recognize her worth in the story of her family. These images are a reminder of the love she gives and receives daily—even when she feels exhausted, unseen, or overwhelmed.

In my Boston-area studio, every session is designed not just to capture beautiful photos, but to tell a meaningful story. Whether it’s a newborn wrapped in a cozy blanket snuggled between Mom and Dad, or a family laughing together in a relaxed pose, the goal is to create portraits that reflect connection, love, and belonging.

Family portraits aren’t just for the photo album—they’re for the soul. They hang on your walls, yes, but they also build confidence in your children, reaffirm your role as a loving parent, and ground your family in a shared visual history.

Ready to create portraits that tell your story and boost your family’s self-esteem? I’d love to help you capture those moments that matter most.