Parenting & rearing children: how to use photography to raise your child's self esteem and make your child feel important.
Many problems in our society are caused by people who lack self esteem. A poor self image can lead to insecurity, depression, acting out behavior, and underachievement. People with a lowered sense of self esteem are often afraid to try new things for fear of failure. Generally speaking, the higher a person's self esteem, the more successful they will be at dealing with life and achieving their dreams, and the easier it will be for them to resist negative peer pressure.
What can parents do to help their children feel important and proud? To give them the confidence they need to take on the world? Plenty! Parents have great influence on children, especially in the formative years 0-5.
We all want our children to feel good about themselves. One simple way to boost your child's self esteem is through photography. It is such an easy way to demonstrate your love for your child and your pride in their accomplishments.
Talk with your children before you get started. Ask questions, and you might make a few discoveries. What is your child good at? What does he wish he were good at? What is unique and special about him? What does she want to be when she grows up? Who are her friends? When does she feel most proud of herself? What makes her happy?
When you know the answers to these questions, you'll know what to include in your photographs. Maybe your toddler is great at fingerpainting, her best friend is the family dog, and she is most proud of herself when she remembers to use the 'big potty'. Great! Capture your pride and joy as an artist, with her favorite pooch, and proud as a peacock on the potty. Next, frame the pictures and display them prominently. She will feel so important! Your 9 year old might be great at softball. Perhaps he wishes he could ride a horse, or dreams of being a fireman. This will guide you on what types of photos might make him feel happy and proud. Displaying these pictures allows your child to feel happiness and pride each time he looks at the pictures or shows them off to friends and family.
Catch your child doing something right and document it on film. You will treasure the memories, and give your child a great gift by creating concrete evidence that he is good, capable, loved, and worthwhile. And what parent doesn't want that?
Now, a few words about technique.
*Move in close.
*Shoot from your child's level. Or shoot from below to make your child look bigger than life.
*Remove clutter and distractions from the background whenever possible.
*Use natural light, when available, to avoid redeye and a flat look you sometimes get with a flash.
*A relaxed, natural expression can best be achieved when your child is unaware of the camera.
*Take a lot of pictures! Even top professionals shoot tons of film to get one great shot.
