Barb at JinkyArt is a children’s photographer located in Australia. I have been following her photo blog for a while and I noticed that some of the same children show up repeatedly. While I don’t know for sure, I have imagined that these images that show the same children, are images of her own children. All of the children look so happy, but seeing some of the happy children repeatedly looking so happy makes me think that taking pictures of children is one way to increase their self esteem.

I imagine (I don’t know for sure) children get to not only perform for the camera, but also get directed to perform in certain ways for the camera. Both activities are good, I think, for they get to express themselves and learn how to follow directions. I’m doing a lot of speculating here, for I haven’t talked with Barb, nor do I have children of my own.

Of course, this taking pictures of kids could easily turn dark if used in sinister ways to torment kids for not looking like they “should.” But, I’m primarily thinking about how it could be used responsibly.

Yesterday I watched Dr. Phil while I was on the treadmill and he had a whole show on the power of music in children’s lives. He said that all of the studies (I wish he had mentioned the researchers) show that children who are involved with music do better in math, sciences, socially, and lots of other areas. Well, I wonder if it’s not only the act of reading, writing, and playing music that helps kids, but also the acting before audiences who are showing appreciation and taking pictures. Of course, part of the fun is sharing the photos afterward.

One other thought on this. I’ve been thinking of taking a beginner’s photography course. Not only do I think it will help me take better pictures, I think it might help me became more observant. I remember that when I was a kid I loved taking pictures.

All of this makes me wonder if there have been studies about children being photographed or about children taking pictures.