In this day and age, it may be more important than ever to have professional family portraits created. It is a rare opportunity for a family and extended family to spend time together creating and preserving your family’s story for generations to come. By creating these portraits you will be adding to your family’s legacy of old black and white portraits from previous generations. It is the next chapter in your family’s book.
Multiple Studies’ from the US and the UK show the positive benefits of having family portraits displayed on the wall of your home. Cathy Lander-Goldberg, a licensed clinical social worker suggests “ displaying portraits prominently in the home sends the message that our family and those in it are important to one another and we honor the memories we have experienced”.
A 1975 study of 4th graders by Tulane University revealed a 37 % increase in the students’ average self-esteem behaviors. How did the researchers achieve this dramatic increase in self-esteem? During the five weeks, the study group was given Polaroid cameras. Each week the kids had to complete different assignments of photographing themselves with different poses and expressions. The students then created scrapbooks each week. This small study shows the positive attributes of having printed photographs.
David Krauss, a licensed psychologist from Cleveland, Ohio says, “I think it is really important to show a family as a family unit.
These days, families are increasingly viewing their images exclusively in a digital form, be it a mobile device, a laptop, or on social media. But does an image on a mobile phone, tablet or computer screen have the same impact on helping families boost a child’s self-esteem? “My bias is very simple. I think the family photographs should be on the wall,” says Krauss. “I am very conservative about self-esteem and I think placing a family photo someplace in the home where the child can see it every day without having to turn on a device or click around on a computer to find it hits home for that child’s sense of reassurance and comfort. They have a certainty about them and a protecting quality that nurtures a child…” says Krauss.
According to Professor Geoff Beattie, Head of School and Dean of Psychological Sciences at the University of Manchester: ‘We cannot underestimate the power of photographs to keep us feeling linked to others and belonging. They cement us into our networks.
‘For children in, particular, looking at photographs is part of the socializing process; learning who you are and where you fit into the family. By displaying photographs of our children at different stages of their lives, we are making a very public statement that we are proud of them.’ The majority had a favorite photo and of those, 58 percent said it was taken with family, a partner or another loved one, and 45 percent said it reminded them of a happy time. Professor Beattie adds: ‘It’s very significant that the two reasons people give for loving a particular photograph are that it reminds them of a happy time taken with family. These things are so important to us.
In addition to the mental benefits of having family portraits on your wall. There are other benefits as well. Such as you are creating beautiful wall art for your home. These finished framed art pieces will add a beautiful classic or modern decor throughout your home. Family portraits can be hung in bedrooms, dining rooms, the kids’ rooms, and the family living room where everybody hangs out after a long day of work and school.
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