DIY Extended Family Portrait Tips From a Professional
A Stuart, Florida Photographer’s Guide to Capturing Your Extended Family—Even If You’re Doing It Yourself
By Diane Dultmeier | Stuart, Florida Family Photographer
Planning a family gathering in Stuart, Florida? Whether you’re local or visiting for a vacation, this is the perfect time to create a portrait that includes everyone—grandparents, cousins, grown siblings, kids, and even in-laws.
As a professional family photographer who has worked with families from all over the country here on Florida’s Treasure Coast, I know how rare it is to have everyone in one place. I also know how much work it can be to both host the gathering and try to get a beautiful photo of the whole group. (Trust me, even I’ve nearly missed it with my own extended family!)
If you have time to plan ahead, I’d love to help—I specialize in creating timeless portraits of extended families in Stuart, Palm City, Sewall’s Point, Hutchinson Island, Vero Beach, and beyond.
But if you’re planning to try and take your own group photo, here are some great tips to make it meaningful (and a little less stressful).
An extended family barefoot and smiling during a relaxed group portrait session on a quiet path in Stuart, Florida—capturing togetherness and personality.
📍 Step 1: Plan Ahead—Even Just a Little
Tell your family in advance that you’d like to take a photo. That one step goes a long way toward people showing up in coordinated outfits and with good attitudes.
If you’re able to guide clothing choices, keep things simple:
All light tones
All dark tones
Or stick to one color family (like earth tones or pastels)
☀️ Step 2: Choose the Right Light and Location
Outdoor lighting is your friend! Try for:
Late afternoon “sweet light” (soft and flattering)
Shade with light filtering through trees
The shaded side of a building (for even lighting)
Avoid:
Midday sun on faces (causes squinting and harsh shadows)
A bright background with people in shadow—your camera won’t know what to do!
If you're indoors:
Use a room with big windows and lots of natural light
Watch out for overhead lighting that creates shadows under eyes
Understand that even bright rooms might not be bright enough for your phone or camera
📸 Step 3: Get Everyone in the Frame
You have a few options:
Ask a neighbor or friend who’s not in the photo to take it
Use a tripod and the timer feature on your phone or camera
At a restaurant or rental venue? Ask a staff member ahead of time
Make sure to take a few shots in a row—you’ll increase your odds of one where everyone is looking and smiling!
👨👩👧👦 Step 4: Pose With Intention
Here’s how I build group portraits that work:
Create a pyramid shape: tallest in the middle or back, shortest on the outside
Use layers: a row sitting on the ground, one seated on chairs, one standing
Keep faces close together—don’t let one person be isolated
Encourage people to touch: hand on shoulder, arm around, hands held
Have everyone lean slightly in toward the center of the group
These little cues add warmth, connection, and visual harmony.
😂 Step 5: Keep the Mood Light
Enlist your funniest sibling or cousin to help keep things upbeat. A little laughter goes a long way in getting real smiles—and in getting people to cooperate.
And remember: if someone resists, don’t take it personally. I’ve found that the grumpiest participant is often the one who later says, “I’m so glad we did this.”
❤️ Step 6: Let Go of Perfection
Even if the light isn’t ideal, someone’s shirt is wrinkled, or the toddler has decided pants are optional... take the photo anyway.
Real moments matter more than perfect ones.
And you’ll never regret having a photo of all of you together—especially years from now.
This three-generation family portrait, taken on a wooden bridge in Stuart, Florida, captures warmth, color coordination, and natural connection during a relaxed session.
🎯 Bonus Tip: Hire a Pro if You Still Can
If your family is still making plans—or if you want to really get it right next time—reach out now to reserve your date.
Hiring me means you get:
A calm, experienced guide to direct your session
Someone who can help everyone relax (especially the reluctant ones)
A plan for wardrobe, posing, and lighting that fits your family
Finished portraits you'll be proud to frame, hang, or pass down
Even people who don't love having their photo taken tell me it was fun. And if I’m photographing the group, you get to be in it without the stress.
Ready to Talk?
Let’s start with a quick phone call to learn more about your plans and see if I’m the right fit.
