The whole family.
Actually together.
The whole family. Finally in the same room. or park. or…
Family portrait photography in the St. Louis metro area — for the families that span generations, fill a room, and are worth every chaotic minute of getting everyone in the same place.
Family Portraits
Not a holiday card.
A record of who you are.
The family portrait that matters isn’t the one where everyone is in matching white shirts staring at the camera. It’s the one where your mother is laughing at something your brother said, and your grandfather is watching it happen, and for one fraction of a second the whole complicated beautiful weight of your family is visible in a single frame.
That’s what we’re here to make.
MDKauffmann specializes in multigenerational and extended family sessions — the big ones, the loud ones, the ones that require actual logistics to get everyone in the same zip code. Studio or location. Timeless results.
Calm in the middle of the beautiful chaos.
Large family sessions have a rhythm. We know it well. There’s a sequence to working through groupings efficiently — one that keeps grandparents comfortable, keeps kids from hitting their wall, and keeps the day moving without anyone feeling rushed.
You handle getting everyone there. We handle the rest.
Every commission includes same-day image reveal so you leave knowing what you have — no waiting weeks to find out whether the portraits you traveled across town for are worth keeping.
| Studio Sessions Controlled light, timeless backgrounds, no weather variables. Our studio accommodates extended family groups comfortably. |
| Location Sessions A place that means something — your home, a family property, a St. Louis location with history. We come to you. |
| Same Day Reveal View your finished images before you leave the session. Select your artwork while the day is still fresh. |
| Multigenerational Groups We work efficiently with large groups. Grandparents to grandchildren — everyone gets their moment without the session becoming an endurance test. |
When to Book Your Family Session
Fall is the most requested season for family portraits in the St. Louis area — October especially, when the light goes golden early and the foliage does real work. Spring is the second most popular window. Both book out quickly, particularly for extended family sessions that require coordinating multiple households.
If your family portrait has a specific purpose — a milestone birthday, an anniversary, a holiday card — work backward from that date and book at least six to eight weeks out. Same-day reveal means you’ll leave the session knowing what you have, but print and artwork production takes time.
Summer sessions work beautifully in the early morning or golden hour window when the heat is manageable and the light is warm. Winter sessions — particularly with snow — can be exceptional if you’re willing to dress for it.
The honest advice: if everyone is going to be in the same place at the same time, that’s the session. Don’t wait for the perfect season. Wait for the right people.
How to Coordinate a Large Group Without Losing Your Mind
Large family sessions have a rhythm, and the most useful thing you can do before yours is assign one person in the family to be the point of contact on the day. Not a committee — one person who knows the grouping plan and can help move people efficiently when it’s time to shift from grandparents-and-grandchildren to siblings-only.
Matthew will work through groupings in a sequence designed to keep the session moving — starting with the combinations that include the youngest children and oldest family members while energy and patience are highest, then working through the rest. Nobody stands around waiting longer than necessary.
A few practical notes: coordinate colors rather than matching outfits. Complementary tones across the group read as intentional without looking like a uniform. The style guides below are the same ones used for engagement sessions — they apply equally well to family portraits.
Style Guide for Him → Style Guide for Her →
It was so nice to have my whole family together.
— Alice
My living room feels so much more complete with a portrait of my family.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a family portrait session cost? Portrait commissions start at $350 for an Essential Commission — one location, one outfit, one finished image. The most popular option is the Classic Commission at $1,400, which includes ten finished images, two locations, and two outfits. The full pricing breakdown is on the investment page.
How long does a family session take? Most family sessions run one to two hours depending on group size and commission level. Extended multigenerational sessions with large groups may run slightly longer. The pace is designed to keep everyone — especially young children and older family members — comfortable throughout.
How large of a group can you accommodate? There’s no hard limit. MDKauffmann specializes in multigenerational and extended family sessions — the big ones that require actual logistics. Studio sessions comfortably accommodate large groups. Location sessions can handle even more. If you’re wondering whether your group is too large, it almost certainly isn’t.
Studio or location — which is better? Neither is universally better — they serve different purposes. Studio sessions offer controlled light, consistent backgrounds, and no weather variables. Location sessions offer context, meaning, and a sense of place. Many families choose a location that matters to them — a home, a family property, a St. Louis spot with history. Both are available, and both produce timeless results.
What should we wear? Coordinate rather than match. Complementary colors read as intentional without looking like a uniform. Avoid busy patterns — stripes and large graphics create visual noise in group photographs. The style guides linked above cover the details. Read them before the session.
What is same-day reveal? At the end of your session, you’ll view your finished images before you leave — not weeks later through a gallery link. You’ll select your artwork while the day is still fresh and leave knowing exactly what you have. It’s standard on every MDKauffmann portrait commission.
Can we do multiple locations in one session? Yes, depending on your commission level. Classic and Signature commissions include multiple locations. If you have a specific vision — studio portraits plus an outdoor location, or two meaningful family properties — we can work through the logistics during the consultation.
What if we have young children who won’t cooperate? Every family session with young children has at least one moment that looks exactly like that. Matthew has photographed enough families to know that the uncooperative moments often produce the most honest photographs. The session is structured to work with children’s natural energy rather than against it — groupings that include the youngest children happen first, while patience is highest.
Ready to get everyone together?
Family portrait commissions in the St. Louis metro area — studio and location sessions available. find a date that works for the whole crew.
Today an Event. Tomorrow a Memory. Forever an Heirloom.
Still thinking? That's what the consultation is for.
Every MDKauffmann commission starts with a conversation — not a sales pitch. We talk about your day, your priorities, and what "forever" looks like for your family. If we're the right fit, you'll know. If we're not, I'll tell you honestly.
Start the Conversation →Dates book fast — especially May through October.