How long does a family photography session take?

Most lifestyle family photography sessions run between 60 and 90 minutes. Family film sessions are a little longer — typically 2 to 3 hours — so we have time to capture genuine moments rather than rushed ones. We never watch the clock. Every family moves at their own pace, and we follow your lead.

Do you photograph both photos and video, or do I have to choose?

You don't have to choose. Our family sessions include both still photography and cinematic family film. We believe photos and video together tell the whole story — one gives you a moment to hang on your wall, the other gives you the sound of your kids' laughter and the way they move. Most families tell us the film becomes their most treasured thing.

How much does a family photographer in Durham cost?

Most families invest between $850-$1,400, which includes your session and the print artwork created from it. Family Film sessions are four payments of $900. Legacy Films begin at $2,800. The Time Capsule Membership is $245 per month. Visit our Packages page for full details, or reach out and we'll help you find the right fit for your family and budget.

Where do you do sessions in Durham, NC?

We photograph sessions all over the Durham area — at Duke Gardens, Eno River, Duke Forest, and in clients' own homes. We also serve Chapel Hill, Raleigh, Cary, and the greater Triangle. Some of our favorite sessions happen right in your living room. If you have a favorite spot, we'd love to hear about it.

How long until we receive our photos and film?

Gallery delivery is typically within 3-4 weeks of your session. Family films take a little longer due to editing — usually 6-8 weeks. We put real time and care into every delivery, and we'll keep you updated along the way.

Do you photograph newborns in Durham?

Yes — natural newborn photography is one of our specialties. We take a gentle, documentary-style approach to newborn sessions, photographing in your home during those tender first weeks. No props, no posing — just your family in the quiet sweetness of this new chapter.

Do you travel outside of Durham for sessions?

Absolutely. We regularly photograph families throughout the Triangle — Durham, Chapel Hill, Raleigh, Cary — and we're happy to travel further for the right project. Legacy Films and destination family sessions are something we especially love. Reach out and let's talk.

What makes Fifty Two Hundred Photography different from other family photographers?

Our name comes from unit 5200 at Duke University Hospital — the bone marrow transplant unit where our son's life was saved. That experience changed everything about how we see families and why we photograph them. We're not here to make perfect pictures. We're here to help you remember what it actually felt like to live these days. We've been voted Best of Durham four years running (2023-2026) and are featured photographers with Adobe Creative Cloud.

What are the best times of year to book a Durham family photography session?

Spring (April-May) and fall (October-November) are our most popular seasons for the light and color. That said, summer sessions at the Eno River at golden hour are stunning, and winter home sessions have a warmth all their own. We book out quickly in peak seasons, so reach out early.

How do I book a family session in Durham, NC?

The easiest way is to fill out our contact form — just click 'Request Your Session' anywhere on the site. Tell us a little about your family, what you're hoping to capture, and your general availability. We'll be in touch quickly to find a date that works and walk you through everything.

5 Things I’ve Learned About Photographing Families

Tips for New Family Photographers | Photography Mentoring in Durham, NC

After nearly a decade of photographing families, I've learned that some of the most important things I bring to a session have absolutely nothing to do with my camera.

Sure, beautiful light, composition, and technical skills matter. But so much of what makes a photograph meaningful happens in the space between you and the people you're photographing.

As I've started offering mentoring sessions for newer photographers, I've been thinking about the things I wish someone had told me when I was starting out.

Here are five of them.

1. Smile Behind the Camera. Your Energy Is Contagious.

First of all, remember how FUN this work is!

You get to spend your days connecting with people, making art, and documenting love. That's pretty incredible.

Bring your enthusiasm into the session. Smile. Laugh. Let yourself have fun. The people in front of your camera will feed off your energy.

Here's a little trick I've learned: If you want to see a particular emotion or movement, model it yourself first.

Want someone to relax their shoulders? Relax yours.

Want them to laugh? Let yourself laugh.

Want a hand on a hip or fingers running through hair? Try doing it yourself.

You'd be amazed how often people naturally mirror your body language and emotions without you ever saying a word.

Sometimes the best direction is no direction at all.

2. Build Trust Before You Ever Pick Up Your Camera.

A great family session starts long before you meet at the location.

Every email, phone call, and little interaction beforehand is an opportunity to build trust.

By the time my clients arrive, I want them to already know three things: I care about them, I'm genuinely excited to photograph their family, and they're in good hands.

That trust changes everything.

When people feel taken care of, they can relax. They don't feel like they have to perform or worry about whether they're doing things right.

They can just be themselves.

And that's where the good stuff happens.

3. Win Over the Reluctant Dad Early.

You know the dad who arrives looking like he'd rather be doing just about anything else?

I love that guy. He's often my favorite challenge.

My goal is to connect with him early. What does he love? Dogs? Beer? Sports? Fishing? Find something you can genuinely connect over.

I want him to know I'm not about to make him do a bunch of awkward poses or uncomfortable things he hates.

I'm just asking him to spend some time loving on his people.

Once he realizes he doesn't have to perform, you can almost see his shoulders drop.

And sometimes, by the end of the session, he's the one having the most fun.

4. Clear Your Mind Before You Arrive. Be Fully Present.

This might be my most important tip.

I try to arrive about 15 minutes early to every session, not just to scout the light, but to get myself grounded.

Sometimes I meditate. Sometimes I sit quietly. Sometimes I just take a few deep breaths.

Whatever has been happening in my own life that day, I try to leave it behind for a little while.

I want to enter a family's space with a clear mind, an open heart, and fresh eyes.

There's a line from Mary Oliver that I return to often:

"Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it."

That's what I want to do with my camera.

To really see the people in front of me. To notice the small gestures, the way a child reaches for a parent's hand, the way two people look at each other when they think nobody is watching.

And here's what I believe: Being truly seen is a gift in itself.

Beyond the beautiful photographs, there's something meaningful about offering another person your full presence, attention, and care.

Don't get so caught up in making beautiful images that you forget to actually see the people you're photographing.

5. Bring That Same Love Into Your Editing.

This might sound a little woo-woo, but I do something similar when I sit down to edit.

I light a candle. I settle into my space. I set an intention to care for the people in the photographs.

To love them well through the work I'm doing.

I remind myself that these aren't just images on a screen. They're someone's childhood. Someone's marriage. Someone's ordinary, beautiful life.

And I get to help preserve a little piece of it.

I genuinely believe that the energy and care we bring to our work find their way into the finished photographs.

Maybe you can't measure that. But I think you can feel it.

A Little Encouragement for New Photographers

You can learn camera settings, posing techniques, lighting, and editing. And you should! Those skills matter.

But don't underestimate the importance of who you are and how you make people feel.

Your curiosity. Your warmth. Your ability to connect. Your willingness to slow down and truly notice another human being.

Those are skills worth cultivating, too.

Because being a wonderful photographer isn't just about learning to see beautiful light. It's about learning to really see people.

Photography Mentoring in Durham, NC

After nearly a decade behind the camera, I'm now offering one-on-one mentoring sessions for new and growing photographers.

We can talk about the technical side of photography, of course, but I'd also love to help you build confidence, connect more naturally with your clients, create meaningful images, and find your own voice as an artist.

If you're a newer photographer in Durham, Chapel Hill, Raleigh, or the surrounding Triangle area, I'd love to connect.

Interested in working together? Let's chat!

Hello there and thank you for stopping by! I’m Katrina, the heartbeat behind Fifty Two Hundred Photo + Film, in Durham, North Carolina. I specialize in capturing meaningful and precious memories for remarkable families in North Carolina. I hope you enjoyed this story I shared today and if you are interested in learning more about The Time Capsule membership, or let’s connect. Not quite ready to connect, but you would like to follow along the journey? Follow me on Instagram and let’s be friends!

Katrina is a family photographer and family filmmaker based in Durham, North Carolina. She offers lifestyle newborn photography, family sessions, and storytelling family films that focus on honest, heartfelt, and authentic moments. Her clients love receiving both their digital files and beautiful artwork to display in their homes. Katrina also creates custom heirloom albums so you can revisit your favorite memories for years to come.

Katrina has previously partnered with Adobe to share her expertise in capturing magical light and the true essence of each family—an experience that continues to shape her approach and craft.

Want an easy way to make something beautiful out of all your phone photos and videos? Learn more about the Time Capsule Membership here.

Katrina serves Durham, Raleigh, Cary, Carrboro, Apex, and Chapel Hill, North Carolina