This study explores the role of user-generated content in enhancing emotional connections and feelings of belonging within educational settings, focusing on participatory photography at a 2024 province-wide school-themed photography event in Guangdong. Students and teachers from various educational levels participated, and the analysis involved both descriptive and quantitative methods to assess how elements like human figures, environments, and color temperatures influence emotional expression and ambiance in photographs. An experiment with thirty students, split into two groups, evaluated the impact of training in photographic techniques on capturing emotionally resonant scenes. The findings highlight that participatory photography not only boosts students’ expressive skills but also enriches their social media engagement and community integration within schools. By effectively using user-generated content, this approach promotes social learning and a supportive community atmosphere, suggesting that it can significantly enhance educational practices and students’ mental health. Future research is encouraged to adapt these strategies across diverse educational and cultural contexts.