Photography for Your Soul ~ World Mental Health Day

Today is World Mental Health Day.  Organizations and celebrities all over the world are posting articles, videos, and posts on social media trying to help raise awareness about this issue (including this video by two of my favorite red heads!).  But did you know that being photographed, and seeing yourself in photographs, can have a positive effect on your mental health?

Just a couple of days ago a boudoir client of mine posted some photos in my private group from her session with me.  She told the group about some personal challenges that she’s experienced, their effect on her self-esteem, and how her photography session impacted her: “My confidence was through the roof. I am happy with myself again.”

I have experienced this with photos of myself as well.  In fact, this is the reason that I decided to focus so much of my business on boudoir photography… to give women this boost of confidence and happiness with themselves.  But is this an actual “thing” with other types of photography?  Or just how women respond to seeing themselves through someone else’s eyes?

Turns out, there have been studies that show that photography DOES indeed have an impact on the subject’s mental health.   I ran across this article several months ago and saved it for just the right occasion… and I think this is that time!

The fall season marks the beginning of many things… one of which is the family portrait busy season in the Pacific Northwest.  The colors are beautiful, the light is gorgeous, and families all over are hiring photographers to capture that perfect family holiday card photo.  But did you know that having family photos taken, and PRINTING them out, can positively impact your child’s self-esteem?

This article references a couple of different studies that show that children’s self-esteem behavior improves when they see themselves, and their families, together in photos!  According to the researchers, family photos help a child see where they come from, how they “fit” into their family unit, and that they are loved.  The article also comments on the fact that people get an emotional, sensory experience by touching and interacting with printed photos (albums, wall art, etc), and that the impact of family photos on children is stronger when images are hanging in the home… and in the child’s bedroom.

I love this so much.  Not just because I’m a photographer and have family sessions coming up, but because I’m a mother with two small children, and am constantly concerned about doing “right” by them.  It’s nice to know that my walls upon walls of family photos may actually be benefiting them, and not just accumulating dust.  *wink*