When All the Kids Are in Town: Family Portraits with Your Grown Children
By Diane Dultmeier | Stuart, Florida Family Photographer
A stylish beach portrait session with a family of five, standing together with waves crashing behind them.
Make the Most of a Rare Family Gathering
It’s one of the most common things I hear from clients across Stuart, Palm City, Sewall’s Point, and beyond:
“All my kids were home last month—I wish we had thought to take a family portrait.”
As a longtime family photographer serving the Treasure Coast, I get it. Once your kids are grown—off at college, building careers, or raising families of their own—those times when everyone is under one roof become rare and precious. When they do come home, it’s usually for just a few days over the holidays, a summer break, or a special family celebration. And in the middle of planning meals, coordinating arrivals, and soaking up every minute, it’s easy to forget to schedule a portrait.
But once they leave again, that quiet feeling in the house can stir something in your heart—a longing for a tangible way to hold onto that togetherness. That’s where finished family portraits come in.
Why Family Portraits Matter More Than Ever
There’s something powerful about seeing your family on the wall or in a custom coffee table album. Printed portraits are a daily reminder of the connection you share, the joy of having everyone together, and the love that lives in your family no matter where life takes each person.
Phone snapshots are wonderful and fun, but they’re fleeting. Professional portraits created with care, guided with intention, and crafted into artwork? Those become legacy pieces. They’re the ones your children will want someday. The ones your grandchildren will see and know, “This is our family.”
As one of my clients in Vero Beach said after installing her wall grouping:
“Now that the kids are gone again, I pass these portraits every day and it’s like a little visit with them.”
A joyful extended family beach portrait in Stuart, Florida featuring grown kids, parents, and their beloved black lab.
How to Make It Happen (Without the Stress)
Even if your adult children resist the idea at first—or your to-do list feels a mile long—it doesn’t have to be difficult. We’ll keep it simple, and I’ll help you navigate every step. My clients across Fort Pierce, Hutchinson Island, and even out-of-state families visiting the Treasure Coast all tell me the same thing afterward:
“I’m so glad we did this.”
A timeless black-and-white beach portrait of a close-knit family laughing together in the sand.
Two Approaches to Getting Everyone On Board
1. Plan Together as a Family
If your family enjoys collaborating, talk with everyone ahead of the visit. Let them help choose the session location—whether that’s a beach on Hutchinson Island, a park in Palm City, or your own backyard in Sewall’s Point. Picking outfits can even be fun—especially with your daughters! Create a shared inspiration board, or lay everything out on the bed and let the fashion show begin.
2. Keep It Simple and Take the Lead
For many families—especially with sons—this works best:
You and I plan the session details, then you simply tell everyone when and where to be. No back-and-forth, no debate. Just one happy hour together with the people you love.
Want a secret weapon? Some moms bring shirts for the boys so there’s no guesswork or arguing—just throw it on and show up.
As for your daughters, many moms enjoy picking out outfits together and making it a mini bonding moment. It’s all part of the experience.
You can even frame it as:
“This is all I want for Christmas / Mother’s Day / my birthday. Just give me this one hour.”
Afterward, plan a casual meal together or let everyone go their separate ways to reconnect with friends. No matter what, you’ll have the one thing that lasts: a portrait of this season in your family’s life.
A cheerful multi-generational portrait in Palm City, Florida featuring grandparents with their young grandchildren.
Don’t Let This Visit Pass You By
Whether your family is visiting from across the country or coming together from across the Treasure Coast, let’s make the most of your time together. I photograph families throughout Stuart, Palm City, Sewall’s Point, Hutchinson Island, Vero Beach, Fort Pierce, and nearby areas. Holiday weekends and school breaks book quickly, so don’t wait to reach out.
Click this link to schedule a time that works for you, or fill out the form and I’ll be in touch.
Let’s create a portrait that brings everyone together—on your walls and in your heart.
A candid black-and-white image of five siblings capturing love, laughter, and connection in one timeless frame.
