These days with smartphones and social media, capturing and sharing photographs has become a daily ritual for many of us. As parents, we want to document our children’s lives and create lasting memories. However, there is often one crucial element missing from these photos: us!

I’m super passionate about photographing the WHOLE family and getting YOU in some photos too. Even if you feel exhausted or don’t feel that you’re looking your best, or if you hate photos of yourself and can’t think of anything worse than having a photoshoot. If you don’t get in some photos you will probably regret it in 10+ years time. When your kids are grown up and look back at the photos of their childhood they will wonder where you were. Let go of how you think you should look and just get in some photos. It doesn’t need to be perfect. Future you will be thankful that you did!

It’s totally normal to not love photos of yourself but your kids love you just the way you are and being in photos with your kids creates a visual legacy that tells a story of your love and involvement in your kids lives. Do it for them, not for you!

Once you are in some of the photos make sure you print them and display them in your home. Having family photos displayed throughout the home helps children develop a strong sense of belonging. When kids see images of themselves with their parents, it reinforces the bond they share and reaffirms their place in the family unit. These images serve as a constant reminder that they are loved, valued, and an essential part of something bigger than themselves.

Displaying family photographs in the home not only fosters a sense of belonging but also boosts your child’s self-confidence. When children see their smiling faces alongside yours, it sends a powerful message: “You matter. You are an integral part of this family.” This visual affirmation contributes to their self-esteem, self-worth, and overall positive self-image. They feel seen, validated, and supported, which is beneficial for their emotional and psychological development.

While digital images have their place in our lives, our kids don’t know if we have changed our display picture or proudly shared photos of our kids with friends and family. By printing and displaying family photos, kids can see that they are valued and it creates a visual timeline of their growth and milestones.

 A home adorned with family photographs exudes warmth, love, and togetherness. The presence of these images creates an environment where children feel secure and nurtured. It becomes a sanctuary where they can find solace, draw strength, and create lasting memories with their loved ones. By surrounding kids with images of joy and connection, children are reminded daily of the love that envelops them, promoting a positive family identity and deepening their emotional bonds.

As a photographer, I believe that every parent should make a conscious effort to get in the frame with their children and print and display family photos in their home. By doing so, we create a legacy of love, belonging, and self-confidence that will shape our children’s lives and memories. These photographs serve as a visual affirmation of the bonds we share and the unconditional love that exists within our families. So let’s capture those precious moments, print them, and proudly display them—because in the end, it’s the people in the photos that truly matter.

Tammy x