Give your child proof of who they are by creating an heirloom that strengthens confidence every day
A township in war-torn South Africa is not the kind of place many people want to remember. But over 30 years ago, this is where my conflict photojournalism career began, documenting daily suffering, violence, and loss. My hope was that shining a light on what is wrong in the world would help make it right.
For 12 years, I told the stories of those who had no voice. Then one day, I realized: instead of focusing on what is wrong in the world, I could focus on what is right. Inherent beauty. Genuine feeling. Creating legacies.
Now I photograph children because they are nourished by seeing themselves as they truly are. During the awkward years of 7–13, when it seems impossible to even see themselves at all, being truly seen with only the kindest of eyes is healing beyond words.
30 years of working with every kind of person, in every kind of light, with every kind of emotion, creates a depth of seeing that clearly illuminates the particular loveliness of your child. I feel everything, but am phased by nothing. Crying, tantruming, energetic, awkward, shy… all easy.
I love showing children what I see in them.
For the first time, they'll have proof of who they are. Not a fleeting compliment, but something steady and real they can return to again and again.
Museum-quality fine art displayed where your child sees it every day, quietly reinforcing their worth without a single lecture or pep talk.
No more trying to coach your child into confidence alone. This guided, gentle session meets them exactly where they are.
If you're like most parents who find their way here, you've probably tried everything.
The encouraging talks. The activities. The books. Maybe even therapy-adjacent resources. You've done all the right things… and yet you still see your child shrinking. Still notice them being hard on themselves. Still watch them compare and come up short in their own eyes.
Or maybe you're seeing the first signs of a confidence dip forming, and you want to address it now, before it becomes something bigger.
Here's what most approaches miss:
Confidence isn't built through words alone. It's built through evidence.
Your child needs to see themselves as capable, worthy, and strong in a way they can actually believe. Not in a posed, filtered, "say cheese" kind of way. But in a calm, grounded, true way.
That's exactly what The Confidence Project is designed to create.
In just one 50-minute session, your child will be gently guided through an experience that helps them feel comfortable in their own skin, often for the first time. And the result? A piece of fine art that becomes a daily anchor of confidence in your home.
This is the "before it got big" moment. The chance to strengthen their identity and self-image while it's still flexible.
Your child is in that awkward age (7-13) and seems to be struggling with how they see themselves
You've tried encouragement, activities, books, and positive affirmations, but nothing seems to stick
Your child is shy, self-conscious, or hard on themselves in ways that worry you
They hate having their photo taken. Every family picture is a battle of forced smiles
You watch them compare themselves to others and always come up short in their own eyes
You lie awake wondering if this confidence dip will turn into something bigger if you don't address it soon
You feel helpless and want to do something tangible, not just hope it gets better
Fleeting moments of bravery disappear the minute school, friends, or social media hits
From self-conscious to self-assured, through the power of being truly seen
"I was lucky enough to have a soulful photo session for my 9-year-old daughter with Sarah and I was blown away by the entire experience and with the beautiful pictures. My daughter arrived at the session grumpy to give up her Saturday but she left feeling confident and excited about the photo shoot. Sarah truly captures the beauty of a person and we will forever appreciate and cherish these pictures."
"My daughter had a portrait session with Sarah and she had an absolute blast. Sarah made her feel so comfortable and special. The resulting portraits are take-your-breath-away stunning. Honestly, it's like they came straight out of a museum. I cannot put into words how grateful, thankful and blessed our family is for our daughter to have had this experience. The extraordinary pieces of art that will now hang in our home are truly treasures."
"I would highly recommend Sarah Prall to anyone! Not only are our family photographs stunning, but she captured each of our three children's spirit and personalities perfectly. She was so incredibly nice and easy to work with and completely at ease with working with children. One of our children has special needs. Sarah made our photo session fun and comfortable for him which resulted in some of the most beautiful pictures we have of him. I am so grateful to Sarah for chronicling our family in such a beautiful way."
Sarah Prall Portraiture is a fine art portrait studio renowned for photographing children and pets in a timeless, romantic, Rembrandt fine art style. Locations include Western Massachusetts, the Pioneer Valley, and towns neighboring Amherst, Northampton, Florence, Easthampton, South Hadley, Hadley, Longmeadow, Wilbraham, Belchertown, Deerfield, Springfield, Chicopee, and Enfield, CT. Other locations available upon request.
All Images and Text Copyright © 2026 Sarah Prall.
Please don't plagiarize my copy or steal my images.
They are my heart's work, and this is my dream.
Thank you.
