Focusing on the Good: Why I Believe in Family Portraits
What do I love most about being a photographer?
Capturing what matters most.
By Diane Dultmeier | Stuart, Florida Family Photographer
A casual family photo celebrating love, connection, and this moment in time—exactly as they are
Not just a smile or a pose, but the connection between people. The glance between a mother and child. The laughter shared between siblings. The quiet presence of a father with his hand on his daughter's shoulder. These are the moments that tell a family’s story—and that’s what I aim to preserve.
I Know What You’re Going Through—Because I’ve Lived It
Before I’m a photographer, I’m a mom. And I’ve been in your shoes. I’ve organized the session, coordinated the schedules, obsessed over outfits, and worried (too much) about how I looked.
When we had our most recent portraits taken—with our two teenage boys—I felt all the things my clients describe. There was bickering in the car. There were plenty of “Do we really have to?” comments. I second-guessed the shirt choices and lamented my hair. I even worried about my face (which, of course, I’m stuck with).
And yet, with a little bit of grace (and a great photographer, Lisa Galvin), we pulled it together.
“When I look at the images, I think they perfectly capture our imperfect family.”
Those portraits are not fake. They are not overly polished. They are us, in a moment where we chose to show up, be together, and remember this season of life.
Is It Real If We Had to Try?
There’s a view in some photography circles—one I first encountered at journalism school at the University of Kansas—that unless an image is raw, unposed, or statement-driven, it’s not real or valuable.
But I disagree.
Real doesn’t mean spontaneous. It means true. And there’s truth in what we want to remember—truth in the effort it takes to be photographed as a family, and truth in the love that binds us, even if it’s not always picture-perfect in daily life.
Do my teenage sons naturally sit close with their arms around each other? No. But do I see those images and feel our connection as a family? Absolutely.
And years from now, I’ll see those portraits and remember what we were like at this stage—what we looked like, what we were navigating, how we were growing. That’s not faking it. That’s capturing what matters most.
A relaxed, heartfelt family portrait of the Dultmeier family taken in a lush Stuart, Florida park
Why It Makes Me a Better Photographer
Having lived the experience myself, I understand the invisible work behind a family session—the emotional prep, the logistical dance, the vulnerability of stepping in front of the camera.
I’ve helped toddlers feel safe, calmed nervous parents, and coached hesitant teens through smiles that feel real. I know how to walk families through it all because I’ve been there. And I bring that understanding to every portrait I create.
So when I say I’ll make it easy for you, I mean it.
I know how to help you show up as yourselves. And I’ll gently guide you so that you feel not only seen—but understood.
A warm portrait of Diane and Mike Dultmeier capturing their connection in a natural, peaceful setting
These Portraits Will Only Grow More Meaningful
Right now, the portraits I hang on my walls still feel current. But I know how this works. I know the day is coming when they’ll become memories. That’s what happens with time—it moves forward whether we’re ready or not.
And when that day comes, I’ll be grateful we made the effort.
We’ll gather around those portraits and say:
“Look how young we were.”
“Remember that haircut?”
“Wow, that was such a good time.”
And in my heart, I’ll feel it all over again—the beauty, the growth, the bond.
A meaningful portrait of a father with his teenage boys, celebrating family at this stage of life
Let’s Focus on the Good
Creating a family portrait is not just about getting a good picture. It’s about declaring, This matters. These people matter. This time in our lives matters.
In a world that pulls us in a million directions, this is one way we can choose togetherness. We can put something on the wall that reminds us every day:
We belong to each other.
So yes, let’s focus on the good.
Let’s capture what matters most.
And let’s do it in a way that brings your family closer—even just for a moment.
A playful and genuine sibling portrait of Diane’s sons, captured in a bright garden setting
Stuart, Florida Family Portrait Sessions
I photograph families in Stuart, Palm City, Sewall’s Point, Hutchinson Island, Vero Beach, and throughout the Treasure Coast. Whether your kids are little or nearly grown, we’ll create images that honor this season—and become part of your family history.
Let’s plan something meaningful. Get in touch →
A vibrant and connected close-up portrait of the Dultmeier family standing together under the trees
