Real Families, Real Style :: San Antonio Family Portraits

What does a well coordinated family actually look like in pictures? You’ve seen them on my site, you’ve seen them floating around Facebook. Here, compiled for your viewing pleasure, are some real families with real style!

Completely coordinated and not at all matchy-matchy. It isn’t often Dad gets to wear the pop of color and I love the orange! The warm neutral tones were gorgeous against the vivid green we still had available to us. The rain we’ve had this fall is prolonging our Texas foliage again this year! We might not have snow – but we have green!

The tones in Mom & Dad’s sweaters work so well together – and photograph beautifully! Little Miss pulls together the look and Little Sir’s plaid shirt is just enough pattern. The monochromatic detail on Mom’s sweater is a perfect accent if you want to add interest without a “pop” or loud statement piece.

With five kiddos to dress, including two sets of twins and a precious little one, it can be hard not to fall into the “just buy 5-of-one” mindset. I love that the twin boys are in the same sweater but have different colored shirts on. Everyone was comfortable during this session – and comfortable kids = cooperative kids!

One of my most favorite “neutral” sessions ever! This is a portrait that could totally go in any house with any decor but is NOT boring. The family’s personality shines through without competing with loud colors or accessories. (That doesn’t mean I don’t LOVE loud colors and accessories. It means stay true to your aesthetic!)

Ah, color! This session is from this summer – but I LOVE Mom’s coordination of a simple color palette. This is khaki-white-and-coral done right!

You know I can’t resist a good black and white color pallet. The use of pattern in this set is important – it keeps the black and white from looking matchy-matchy or like a uniform. Don’t even get me started on the pink tulle skirt and striped leg gins on littlest-miss! The vests that the big girls have on help break up the stripes on their dresses and keep the pattern from looking too too busy.

Perfectly suited to their location, this family chose classic, timeless colors. Notice that there are no color repeats! All of the tones, though, are perfectly coordinated and the style of clothes is matched well keeping the overall look cohesive.

Another family who’s personality completely shows through in their choice of wardrobe. From the argyle to coordinating plaids and polka dots – this Momma wasn’t afraid to mix and match patterns to create a complete style story. I included the inset picture to show off those amazing boots and that Dad and kiddo’s shirts are untucked under their sweaters. I love the relaxed preppy look that it creates.

What’s a mom to do when she has three family member’s who have their own distinct point of view? Go with it. Do you look at this picture and think, “They don’t have on the same thing!?” Me either. What does work here is that they are COORDINATED! Same level, genre, and generally feel to the clothes. Brother and Sister balance the brown zebra print and pink with their two shades of dark blue. The most important aspect of  this wardroom “planning”? Everyone was cooperative and happy to be involved!

Now, an example in the exact opposite direction… J’ADORE a “white” shoot. I love love love that each dress is a little different and is completely personal to each sister. Mom picked a longer dress and the variety of textures and details keep the resulting images from being boring or predictable. Each girl also had on unique-to-her brown boots (inset) further pulling the look together while maintaining individuality.

Ok – this happened on accident. That’s me in the middle with my Aunts – but I LOVE the cream/gray/black color scheme thats going on. It would be BEAUTIFUL for a very classic family portrait. The different textures and subtle patterns create visual interest and give the image a really luxe feel. And it kind of makes me hope I have five more girls so I can do it when they are older (kidding… kind of.)