Beach Portraits of Your Kids: A Treasure Coast Photographer’s Personal Favorite
By Diane Dultmeier | Stuart, Florida Family Photographer
A Chastain Beach Portrait I Still Love—Years Later
Back in 2014, I shared a blog post featuring two of my favorite people in the world—my boys—hanging out at at Chastain Beach (The Rocks Beach, to us locals) in board shorts, relaxed and smiling, just being themselves. It wasn’t a planned session. We had just finished photographing a wonderful family, and I spontaneously turned the camera on them during that perfect golden hour.
Now, more than a decade later, my boys are 24 and 21. And I still adore those portraits. One of them—a 20x24 framed metal print of the two of them together—hangs proudly in my home. Every time I walk past it, I’m transported back to that breezy summer night. I remember the laughter, the way the light hit their faces, and that rare, peaceful moment of connection between two growing brothers.
These images have stood the test of time. They’ve become more than just portraits. They’re memory-holders—reminders of a season in life that’s gone too quickly, and of the deep bond my boys share.
Candid and casual beach portrait of two brothers at the edge of the water
Portraits That Reflect My Kids in Real Life
One of the things I love most about that session? The boys were in their board shorts. Their hair is wet and messy. Nothing fake or fancy. Just casual, fun, and real. There’s something so honest about photographing kids in the clothing they actually wear to the beach—especially when the beach is such a big part of life here on the Treasure Coast.
If your kids live in their board shorts or swimwear, that can absolutely be part of their portrait session. Want to bring a surfboard, skim board, or boogie board? Yes, please. We can include whatever feels like them right now. That’s what makes the portraits meaningful and uniquely yours.
A relaxed and introspective portrait of Diane Dultmeier’s son captured at the beach after a summer swim
Why You Should Photograph Just the Kids
If you’re a mom, I want to encourage you: don’t wait. Do the session. Especially if your kids live at home and are all together right now. You don’t have to be in the photos (unless you want to be!). Photographing just the kids is easy and pressure-free—and believe me, they’re much easier to get ready than we are.
It doesn’t have to be formal. In fact, some of my favorite portraits are relaxed, playful ones like this. Whether we’re at the beach or in your backyard, there’s something magical about capturing who your children are right now.
A soft, thoughtful beach portrait of Diane’s younger son taken at golden hour on Hutchinson Island
Relaxed Summer Evenings Are Perfect for Portraits
One of the best things about summer here on Florida’s Treasure Coast is the long, light-filled evenings. Even if your family is busy with work and activities during the day, there’s still time for a beach session around 6:30 or 7 p.m.—right when the light is golden and soft.
This time of year, I often photograph kids in simple, casual outfits that let them be themselves—like shorts, a favorite dress, or beachwear. That said, you can always go more classic with simple neutral tops and pants. We’ll plan it together to make sure it reflects your family and what you would like to display in your home.
A joyful sibling portrait on the Treasure Coast, showing the easy bond between two growing brothers
Final Thought About Treasure Coast Portraits of Just the Kids:
You don’t have to wait for a big milestone to make meaningful portraits. Some of the most treasured images are the ones made “just because.” And years from now, you’ll be so glad you did.
