She climbs up and pulls it off the shelf at least once a week.
My youngest daughter is now four (she was almost two in the video above), and her baby photo album is still one of her most treasured “books.” She’ll plop down on the sofa, flip through the thick pages, and start narrating her story like a tiny historian:
“I was so tiny.”
“Andrew was holding me.”
“I was grumpy in that picture.”
“There’s me with Nana and Papa!”
“I’m eating my birthday cake!”
Last week, she paused on a photo with her grandparents and immediately asked if she could FaceTime them. Because in her mind, those photos don’t just capture memories—they connect her to people she loves.
And that’s when it hit me (again): this isn’t just about preserving moments. It’s about building identity, belonging, and relationships that reach far beyond the frame.
It’s Not Just Sentimental—It’s Science
There’s actual research behind this. Studies show that printed photos in the home do more than decorate—they shape how kids see themselves:
- A classic study found that children who created photo scrapbooks experienced a 37% boost in self-esteem-related behaviors over just five weeks ➤ Ammerman & Fryrear, 1975
- Child development experts recommend displaying photos to help children feel visible, valued, and connected ➤ Penn State Extension
- The “Looking-Glass Self” theory explains how kids build identity by seeing themselves reflected in the people and environments around them—something family albums do beautifully ➤ Cook & Douglas, 1998
Printed photos help children feel secure in their story. Every time my daughter opens her album, she’s reminded:
“I belong here. I am loved.”
I’ve done this for each of my kids—their albums hold photos from their first year of life, filled with moments big and small that tell their story.
Why Every Collection I Sell Includes an Album
As a full-service photographer, I want you to have the photos—but more than that, I want you and your children to experience them.
That’s why every collection I offer includes a custom, heirloom-quality album.
You don’t have to decide what to print or how to design it—I walk you through it all. You get a beautiful keepsake that lives in your home, not buried in a camera roll or on social media posts.
And your kids get a tangible reminder of how much they’re cherished.
Create a Keepsake That Says “You Are Loved“
Whether you’re documenting a baby’s first birthday, a senior year, college graduation or preserving everyday family life, your memories deserve more than just being stored on a hard drive in a closet somewhere.
And, guess what. It doesn’t have to be an album—framed prints, gallery walls, and canvases can have the same powerful impact. However you choose to display them, your photos deserve a place in your home and your child’s heart.
Let’s make something real—something you and your child can hold, love, and grow up with.
If you want help turning your favorite moments into something tangible? Let’s talk!
📚 Want to Dig Deeper? The Psychology Behind Printed Photos and Childhood Confidence
If you’re curious about the deeper why behind printed family photos and their impact on child development, here are a few academic studies and expert insights that support what we see so often as parents and photographers:
📸 Boosting Self-Esteem with Photography
A classic study showed that children who created photo scrapbooks of themselves experienced a 37% increase in self-esteem-related behaviors over five weeks.
🖼️ Photos as Emotional Anchors
This theoretical paper explores how family photos help shape identity, reinforce emotional connection, and create a sense of belonging within families.
🏫 Inclusion in Early Learning Spaces
Educational psychology experts recommend displaying photos of children in classrooms and homes to enhance their sense of visibility and belonging from a young age.
🪞 The “Looking-Glass Self” and Child Identity
Based on foundational psychology theory, this research explains how children develop self-worth by reflecting on how they believe others see them—something printed family photos may quietly reinforce every day.
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