The M Family :: San Antonio Family Portraits

Such a beautiful family! I had the pleasure to photograph Mom and Dad's engagements, Mom's bridals and now a sweet family session before Dad headed out for training - I'll give you one guess for the Dad's service branch! :)

What to Wear :: Affordable Family Style

I'm totally obsessed with the amazing colors that stores anda designers are doing for spring and summer! I love every.single.color right now. Don't be afraid of color in your portraits - and remember -- everyone DOES NOT have to have on one or two solid colors. Mix it up! Have fun!

This is an idea that would work for Spring or Summer, inspired by the amazing colors Target has in their spring line.

I started with "Mom" - and I put her in my favorite color!  Often I find that Mom coordinates everyone and then decides what she's going to wear... Mom, CHOOSE YOUR OUTFIT FIRST!!! When you feel and look your best everyone looks great because you are at your most fabulous. Choose a style and color that suits you and makes you feel great.

Dad is comfy in casual pants and a shirt he can leave out with the sleeves rolled up and the kiddos bring everyone together. Yes! It's OK to mix a print or two and shades of a color.

All items are from Target except the Van's for Dad which goes to show that great style can be found at any price point and just about any store.

So go ahead and have fun with color this spring and summer. Step away from the matchy-matchy khaki and denim and brighten up your family portraits.

The Tillyer Family | San Antonio Family Portraits

I love all the families that I get to shoot - but this family was one of the easiest and most fun I've met! Mom and Dad were totally willing to do whatever it took to make their kiddos smile (they were great assistants!) -- and the thumb sucking? Mom's attitude was "Well, we'll always remember him exactly as he was!". I've been going back to these images again and again just remembering how natural, relaxed, and at ease the were with each other. And the lighting? We totally hit the jackpot. It was the perfect "golden hour" glow!

(Nothing like a little momma-sugar!)

The Sewells | San Antonio Family Photographer

There are few things better than photographing a friend - and few higher compliments than having a friend trust you enough to photograph their family! I had a blast with you guys and I can't wait to make it an annual tradition! xx

Momma T & Bebe J | San Antonio Maternity Photographer

Tiffany and her sweet family were so fun to work with and were a perfect example of how dad and big brother can really add personality to the session. Tiffany's friend Rachel hosted a shower for her today and surprised her with some prints from the session - which is why I had to (painfully) wait to share!

Preparing for A Session | San Antonio Portrait Photographer

Beth, at Home Stories A to Z, recently had some family portraits taken and wrote a fabulous article on preparing for the session. Read about her process and tips here.

Have a great weekend!

What to Wear | San Antonio Portrait Photographer

Fall is a hard transition time in Texas. It's hard to appreciate the subtleties of the season when the weather still says "summer". Embrace the color palates but not the long sleeves or sweaters to maintain the "feel" of fall without feeling too hot!

These are examples of Mother/Daughter ensembles. The principles applied in these outfits can be easily applied to a whole family or siblings. Go for coordinating but not matchy matchy.

I particularly like this set. Everyone coordinating but some individuality and personal style is maintained. For our weather I might switch our little brother's long sleeves for a cute polo or collared short sleeve shirt and Dad's long sleeves with a button down with sleeves rolled up.

I know the rose color doesn't scream "fall" but I think that the colors would just be divine against the deep, warm autumn colors that nature provides.

I am beyond thankful for the love and support I have received so far! Thanks for showing me the love with your "likes" on Facebook! To celebrate breaking 100 "likers" I'd love to giveaway a session to one of you to show my appreciation.

Here's what you do to enter:

1.  Email me your favorite picture that you've taken. Only requirement? That your picture have a face in it! One per family, please.

2. All photos submitted will be posted in an album on the arg photographs facebook page.

3.  Voting will begin on July 18. The three pictures with the most "likes" on July 22 will be posted on this blog on July 25 with two pictures that will be picked as "favorite's" by a non-photographer/non-entrant/not me.**

4.  A panel of professional photographers will pick a winner from the five finalists. The winner will be announced on July 29.

Notes:
Pictures will not be tagged or name you in any way so that things stay fair-ish.
Visitors to the arg page will vote on their favorite by clicking "like" on the picture they wish to vote for. Visitors who are new to the page will have to "like" the page before they can "like" a picture.
Comments on the photographs or album will not count as votes. "Likes" on the album will not count.
The winning entry will win a session in the greater San Antonio area. I'm willing to travel to Austin, as well.
*Bonus: Entrants who do not win will receive a $50 credit towards a 2011 portrait session fee if the session is booked by the end of the contest.
** I'm so excited by the number of entrants that I made an executive decision to open it up to five pictures! Thanks for entering, everyone!

Get your entries in as soon as possible and start collecting votes!

Turning One | San Antonio Children's Portrait Photographer

The Rose girls are two of the most precious little ones I know and I'm thankful their mom and dad are such awesome friends! Happy first birthday girls! {After all, turning one is a pretty big deal.}

What to Wear | San Antonio Family Photographer

Sometimes I stare in my closet and I can't decide what to wear. For a regular day. Much less for pictures that will record a moment in life. {It's ok if you feel this way, too!} Please {I beg of you} remember when picking clothes/outfits/styles for your portrait session that the very most important thing is the clothes flatter you and make you feel good. I'm a cardigan junkie - but I've learned from trial and error that white cardigans do.not.work. for me in pictures. {sad face}

 On the left, Rachel and Kendall are coordinated but not exactly matched. On the right, there are several shades of white and brown. Both work wonderfully and exactly nail the look we envisioned for the sessions.

Fall is almost here, but summer isn't going quietly! This is just an example of how a family can coordinate without being matchy-matchy. Gone are the days of mandatory khaki bottoms and white tops or head-to-toe denim. Be creative, be true to your tastes, and be conscious of what is flattering to you.

{I'm so not a fashion expert. I'm just hoping a little nudge might help you envision your look for your shoot. Enjoy!}

Sisterly | San Antonio Family Portrait Photographer

When Jenna told me she wanted to do a shoot with her mom and sisters I had no idea I was in for such a good time! Family portraits are about remembering a specific time in your life. Both oldest sisters are engaged and the youngest is a Senior in high school. Life changes so fast. What a fabulous way to remember this life, right now.