One of the many ways that some families prepare to have their photo taken is to dress the same. Even though the family members are different genders and different sizes, it's easy enough to put together similar outfits for the photo shoot. For example, each member of the family may wear cowboy boots, blue jeans, and a red plaid shirt. If you're a photographer who specializes in shooting family portraits, you'll almost certainly come across people who are weighing this idea. Here are some pros and cons that you might want to talk to the family about.

Pro: It Can Be Cute

There's no discounting the fact that a family who dresses the same for a portrait can make for a cute image. Regardless of the type of clothing that the family chooses to wear, there's a fun and engaging quality about everyone looking the same. For example, younger children wearing clothing that matches their parents — whether it's jeans and plaid or even jerseys of a local sports team — can appear endearing.

Con: It May Lack Longevity

You might want to warn that family that dressing the same for the photo could lack longevity. In other words, while this idea might be cute and fun in the short term, it may feel a little cheesy in the years ahead. For example, as the children get older and their friends come over to visit, they may feel embarrassed about being dressed in the same manner as their parents, and ask them to take down the photo that is hanging in the home.

Pro: It's A Good Way To Keep Kids Engaged

Some younger children can have trouble with formal photo shoots, as they struggle to sit still and may become cranky. When there's something fun afoot — such as everyone in the photo dressing in a similar fashion — the kids may feel more excited about having their photo taken and may be more apt to sit still. Talk to the parents about this point, as it may be particularly appealing if they have rowdy children.

Con: It Won't Have Much Contrast

As a photographer, you always want to take the best possible images for your clients. Depending on the wardrobe that the family has selected for the photo shoot, you could run into issues with contrast. For example, good photos generally have some degree of contrast, but if the family has decided to all wear denim pants and denim shirts, for example, there will be a lot of this color in the frame. The end result may be a lack of contrast that hurts the quality of the photo.

To learn more about family photos, contact a company like AJ Goreham Photography.