not my photo

'Twas the week before Christmas and the holiday greeting cards are pouring in at the rate of 10 per day. Everyone's sending pictures of the entire family or just the kids in their official family portrait. But then I start to wonder, are these people related to each other? Did they all go to the same photographer that only knows how to do one type of portrait?  They all look the same...blue jeans, white shirts and bare feet. 

So, why is this such a popular style? Why aren't people SICK of it? When will it die?

There's a couple of things to consider here. First, the human brain likes things that are in order and uniform, and naturally seeks to make connections between one thing and another. If you dress your kids or your family all in jeans and white dress shirts, it makes connections in the brain that tell you, "all is right, all is comfortable, we're the perfect happy family." 

I'm no brain scientist, but it just so happens that I know a brain scientist. His theory on why people flock to this style:

When people see that picture and want to have one of their own, they are subconsciously making a connection between physical comfort and mental comfort, seeking the latter while engaging in the former. 

OK, so seeing physical comfort gives you mental comfort. That makes sense. People like to look at things that give them mental comfort. Who doesn't?

But WHY do so many people do exactly the same thing?

not my photo

My non-professional theory: blandness imitates blandness. The style is everywhere and presents nothing unique. People see it and they want it because it's what they're used to seeing. They don't really know any better. They want it because it's what everybody else has.

If you're a photographer, why would you suggest this type of pose to your client? Don't get me wrong...if this is what the client really wants, it's your job to comply (or refuse the job). But I don't think I'd suggest the blue jeans and white shirts look. And why the bare feet?  

I searched on line to get other photographers ideas about this and I was surprised to find that most photographers actually endorse this look. From one:

This look conveys a sense that this family "belongs" together. This family is a "team" of sorts.

-and-

For a casual appearance, denim blue jeans, and white t-shirts make a great impact.

I couldn't disagree more with it making a "great impact." To me, it shows a lack of vision from either the photog or the client and an overall lack of thought put into the portrait. It might make an impact on you if you've never seen this type of look before, but after you've seen it a million times, it becomes predictable, unsurprising and boring. 

And, just to be clear, I don't have an answer to "if you know so much then how should it be done?" It depends on the family. It depends on the look they're going for. If they want to look like a "team," I might suggest engaging in an activity they all love to do. The question of what to wear should suit what each individual is most comfortable in, as long as it doesn't clash with anyone else.

I like this one. They are wearing jeans, but that's where the similarity ends.

I think the physical and mental comfort are both achieved. The angle and vignetting gives it a little bit of style. Good capture of the child. AND the cliché is avoided. I'll take this over white shirts, jeans and bare feet any day.