Can You Get All Generations Together for a Portrait?

If you’re planning a family vacation to the Stuart, Florida area, or you’re a local family finally gathering all the generations under one roof, don’t miss the chance to document it. Extended family portraits are one of the most meaningful ways to celebrate the legacy of your loved ones. Whether you're here in Palm City, Hutchinson Island, Sewall's Point, Vero Beach, Fort Pierce, or Jupiter Island, I’ve helped both vacationing families and longtime locals create timeless artwork during their rare moments together.

From multi-generational vacation portraits, family reunions and holiday gatherings, these sessions are more than just a photo—they're heirlooms.

Extended family group portrait at the marina in Stuart, Florida at sunset

Three generations brought together for a waterfront portrait in Stuart, Florida.

Planning Your Extended Family Portrait While Visiting or During a Reunion

Every family is unique, and after more than 25 years of photographing extended families across the Treasure Coast, I’ve learned that careful planning makes all the difference—especially when you're coordinating a large group.

Many of my clients are vacationing in the area and staying with family who lives here or in a shared rental home near the beach or Intracoastal. Others live locally but have family flying in from states like New York, Michigan, Ohio, or Boston. No matter your situation, I recommend scheduling the session early in your visit, when everyone is feeling relatively fresh and rested. That gives us some flexibility in case of weather changes or unexpected illness.

We'll talk about your group dynamics and needs during a planning call. Whether your portrait will include older family members who need extra help, opinionated toddlers, energetic young cousins, or teens who aren’t thrilled about photos, we’ll customize every detail to make the session smooth, enjoyable, and stress-free for everyone involved.

Two young cousins holding hands and smiling in coordinated outfits for a family portrait in Stuart

Sweet cousin connection captured during an extended family session on the Treasure Coast.

What to Wear for a Large Family Portrait

We will discuss clothing during our personal consultation appointment, but here are some quick ideas. 

Coordinating outfits for a large family portrait doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The key is simplicity and unity.

Try choosing a simple color palette—shades of blue, white, and khaki work well for beach sessions, while black, cream, or earth tones look great in a park or garden. Everyone doesn’t have to match exactly, but sticking to a few complementary tones creates a cohesive look.

Shopping ahead is important because you likely won’t have time once you arrive here. It’s best if each family selects their outfits before traveling so they’re sure everything fits well and feels good. Some of my clients even order shirts for the men ahead of time and hand them out when everyone arrives. (That tends to only work well for the men; most women prefer to pick something that feels just right.)

If there’s a “wild card” in the group, sometimes making sure they areinvolved in clothing selections can help things go smoothly. The portrait is about togetherness—so harmony matters more than perfection.

Mother and young son smiling and embracing during family portrait in Stuart, Florida

A tender moment between mother and son captured on the lawn during an extended family session in Stuart.

Session Day: What to Expect

We’ll photograph the full group and also create smaller groupings: each immediate family, grandkids together, siblings, cousins, or even just the grandparents. This is your time to capture every relationship that matters.

Because we’re working with people of all ages, I’ll move quickly and keep the session relaxed. With a gentle, confident approach and a friendly humor, I help kids feel comfortable and keep adults at ease—so we can create portraits that feel natural, connected, and joyful.

Father lifting daughter playfully during a family photo session at the marina in Stuart, Florida

A candid, joy-filled moment between father and daughter by the docks during a sunset portrait session.

A Portrait Worth Passing Down

A multi-generational family portrait is a gift for today—and for the future. Grandparents especially treasure these portraits. When you take the time to create artwork that includes everyone, you’re leaving a legacy that tells your family story for decades to come.

I specialize in finished wall art and albums that become part of your home—not just images that sit on a phone. We’ll talk through all your options, from Float Framed Canvases to Storybook Albums, during your design consultation before the session.

A joyful portrait of parents with their two young daughters during a Treasure Coast family photo session.

Let’s Plan Your Treasure Coast Portrait

Whether you're gathering family during a beach vacation or you live nearby in Stuart, Palm City, Sewall’s Point, Fort Pierce, Hutchinson Island, Jupiter Island, Orchid Island, or Vero Beach, I’d be honored to help you create lasting memories.

Grandmother holding her smiling granddaughter during a family session in Vero Beach

A sweet and timeless portrait of a grandparent with her youngest grandchild, full of joy and connection.

Ready to Start Planning?

Fill out my contact form or call me directly. Let’s create a portrait that brings generations together—and keeps them close, even when miles apart.


Diane Dultmeier

Diane Dultmeier is a portrait artist based in Stuart, Florida, specializing in outdoor family photography, high school senior portraits, and heirloom artwork that turns fleeting moments into lasting legacy pieces. With over 25 years of experience and a background in photojournalism, Diane creates relaxed, meaningful portraits that reflect connection, personality, and belonging. Her full-service approach includes expert guidance from planning to installation—so families walk away with more than just images: they have finished artwork that warms their home and tells their story.

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