Should You Do Family Portraits in Your Own Martin County Yard?
Pros and Cons of Staying Home vs. Choosing a Location for Your Family Portraits
By Diane Dultmeier | Stuart, Florida Family Photographer
When you’re planning a family portrait session here in Martin County, one of the first questions that comes up is: Should we do the portraits in our own backyard—or go somewhere else?
There’s no one right answer. Some families love the personal feel of staying home, while others feel more relaxed when they can leave the day-to-day distractions behind. As your photographer, I’ll help you weigh your options so we can make the best choice together.
Let’s look at some pros and cons of doing your session in your own yard vs. heading to a local park, beach, or another favorite spot.
A personal family portrait of Diane Dultmeier with her husband and their two young sons, captured in their own Martin County backyard—filled with early memories, love, and connection.
✅ Portraits in Your Martin County Yard: The Pros
1. A Deeply Personal Setting
Your backyard is part of your family story. Years from now, if you’ve moved or your children are grown, portraits taken at home become layered with meaning. They show not just your faces, but your life—your home, your style, your connection.
2. No Need to Travel
Staying home is wonderfully convenient, especially for busy families or those with young children. No packing the car or watching the clock.
3. Wardrobe Flexibility
Not sure what looks best? When I arrive, you can show me your options. If we need a quick change, your closet is just a few steps away.
4. I’ll Scout It First
I always preview locations before a session. If we’re considering your yard, I’ll ask you to send a few snapshots or a short video showing different angles. I’ll assess the lighting, backgrounds, and space so we know exactly what to expect.
❌ Things to Consider About Your Yard
1. Lighting and Landscaping Are Key
The most important factor in choosing any portrait location is the quality of light—and that changes depending on the time of day, season, and how your yard is laid out. While some yards have lovely light and well-kept greenery, others may be more challenging. I’ll help you evaluate that with a professional eye.
2. Younger Children May Focus Better in a New Space
I recently consulted with a mom of three children under five. We considered their yard but ended up choosing a local Martin County park instead. Young kids often stay more engaged when they’re exploring somewhere new. At home, they tend to gravitate toward their regular routines and toys.
3. Hosting Mode Can Be Stressful
At-home sessions with extended family sometimes create extra pressure to tidy up or make the space “just right.” For some parents—especially those managing multiple people in the portrait—getting out of the house actually makes things easier.
📍 Benefits of Going to a Location
✔️ Fresh Scenery, Fresh Smiles
Whether it’s a lush park, a breezy beach, or one of Stuart’s textured wooden walkways, a change of scenery can help everyone feel a little more relaxed and adventurous. That mood comes through in the portraits.
✔️ Emotionally Meaningful Places
One of the most powerful reasons to go elsewhere? It may simply be a place that brings someone joy. I recently photographed a family whose autistic daughter loves the beach. The feel of the wind on her face and in her hair brings her pure joy—and that joy is beautifully captured in their portraits.
✔️ Landmark Locations Add Meaning
For high school senior portraits, including recognizable spots like downtown Stuart, Round Island Park in Vero Beach, or a meaningful local landmark can add a sense of identity and memory. These backdrops can tie your portrait session to a specific time and place in your story.
🖼️ Final Thoughts: Choosing What’s Right for You
Whether we photograph your family in your own backyard or at a favorite Treasure Coast location, it should be a setting that reflects who you are. I’ll help you choose by assessing the light, considering your family’s personalities, and helping you choose a spot that feels right—not just for photos, but for memories.
In the end, portraits are about more than backgrounds. They’re about your connection, your story, and the love you share. The location is just the setting—but when chosen thoughtfully, it can add depth and meaning to the images you’ll treasure for years to come.
📞 Let’s Talk About the Best Location for Your Family Portraits
Want help deciding between your own yard and a local spot in Stuart, Palm City, Sewall’s Point, Hutchinson Island, or Vero Beach? Let’s talk! I’d love to learn more about your family and help you choose the perfect location.
