The effect of your child's images being displayed in your home...

In this age of social media and instant sharing, I see lots of parents posting photos of their children online. They share piano recitals, silly artwork, even just cute outfits accessorized with a bright smile. I think it’s wonderful that we live in a time when it’s so easy to put pictures of our loved ones on display for our friends and relatives to see.

But sometimes I wonder if we focus too much on the digital world. I miss the days when dads pulled out their wallets to show off their kids’ snapshots... or when moms brought out the family photo album whenever company came to visit. But most of all, I miss walking into people’s homes and seeing all of their children’s photographs hung on the walls or sitting in frames on the bookshelf.

Nowadays, interior design in a huge industry… I feel that many families have been replacing their personal photographs with the kind of art and wall décor that we see on Pinterest and Instagram. It certainly does look stylish, and I love the look of it as much as everybody else. But I believe that a home should be a reflection of the family that lives in it. It should be a space for them to celebrate their memories, their accomplishments, and the love they have for one another. 

Perhaps it’s just because I’m a photographer, but I feel that nothing displays these things better than a family’s personal photographs. I think this is especially important for those of us who have children, because I came across a quote from a psychology professor named Geoff Beattie that says:

“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.”

When children see photographs of themselves around the house, it reminds them that they’re an accepted part of the family, that they’re in a safe environment where they’re cherished and cared about. It’s a physical statement that you honor them and the memories you’ve created together. This is very important for children who are too young to be on social media, because they don’t get to see all of your posts gushing about how wonderful they are.

To me, my favorite kind of photographs to capture and frame are the many milestones of my children and the memories captured during family vacations. My family room and hallways are filled with images of my children and family.

Another kind of photography I love to see on display in home is maternity photographs. A mother's love for her baby is always visible before the due date… you can see it in her eyes and she cradles her bump, and in her smile as she talks about her dreams for the little one’s future. Capturing this love and putting it in a frame for your child to see serves as a powerful reminder that they were a part of the family even before they were born, and that you loved them before you even met them.

I would love the opportunity to help you and your family capture the kind of memories that can be put on display in your home. As a mother of two, I have some tricks up my sleeve to help bring out smiles from reluctant little ones, and I have a beautiful selection of maternity gowns that available for photo-shoots with mothers-to-be. To book a session with me, text 419-322-9626 or send a message to ursula@ursuladurkalec.com.