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.

Relax, Play, and Be Yourself | Chapel Hill Family Photography

Family fo four laughing on patio during in-home photography session

Here's a little secret to getting beautiful family photos: You don't have to do much at all. Just enjoy your kids.

One of the things I love most about photographing families in Chapel Hill, NC, is capturing the genuine connection between parents and children. The laughter, the silliness, the snuggles, the little in-between moments that make your family yours.

And here's the good news: you don't need perfectly behaved children or perfectly posed photographs to make that happen.

In fact, some of my favorite family photographs happen when everyone stops worrying about the camera and simply enjoys being together.

Here are a few of my favorite tips for having a fun, relaxed family photo session.

1. Let Go of Perfect Behavior

This might be my biggest piece of advice: don't worry about directing your kids or asking them to smile for the camera.

No need to tell them where to stand, how to behave, or to look at me and smile. And definitely no need to stress when things don't go exactly as planned.

Kids are wonderful at being themselves. Let them!

The more freedom they have to play, explore, and connect with you, the more opportunities we have to capture their real personalities.

Sisters hugging in back yard Fifty Two Hundred Photography

Young girl hugging dog on back deck Chapel Hill NC

2. Play With Your Kids

Tickle them. Chase them. Scoop them up into your arms. Whisper something silly in their ears. Give them a big squeeze.

Dance together if that's your thing!

You don't need to put on a performance. Just interact with your children in the ways you naturally do.

Those little moments of connection are what make family photographs feel authentic and full of life.

Mom and daughters hanging out in backyard garden Chapel Hill NC

Mom and daughters in backyard garden Chapel Hill NC

3. Follow Their Lead

Sometimes your child wants to run. Sometimes they want to snuggle. Sometimes they have a completely different idea about what we should be doing.

That's okay!

We can make room for all of it.

Some of the most beautiful family photographs come from unexpected moments, when everyone relaxes into simply being together.

Young girls holding insect in backyard during family photography session

Family playing and dancing in front yard Chapel Hill NC

4. Leave the Hard Work to Me

You don't have to figure out where to stand, what to do with your hands, or whether we're getting good photos.

That's my job!

I'll gently guide us through the session, find the beautiful light, offer little prompts when needed, and make sure we're capturing a wonderful variety of images along the way.

You can relax and trust that I've got it covered.

Family dancing in kitchen with dog in-home family photography session Chapel Hill NC

Family dancing in living room Chapel Hill NC Fifty Two Hundred Photography

5. Most Importantly, Just Be You

You don't have to be a different version of your family for picture day.

If your family is silly, let's be silly. If you're affectionate, let's cuddle. If your kids are full of energy, we'll embrace that, too.

I want your photographs to feel like your family, just as you are in this season of life.

Because years from now, I don't think you'll be looking for the perfectly posed photographs where everyone is smiling at the camera.

You'll want to remember the way your child wrapped their arms around your neck, the way you laughed together, and how it felt to hold them close.

That's what I want to capture for you.

Mom watching daughters play piano in living room Chapel Hill Family Photography

Mom watching daughters play piano in-home family photography session Chapel Hill NC

Looking for a Family Photographer in Chapel Hill, NC?

If you're planning a family photo session in Chapel Hill, Durham, Hillsborough, or the surrounding Triangle area, I'd love to help you create photographs that feel natural, joyful, and full of connection.

At Fifty Two Hundred Photo + Film, my approach to family photography is relaxed, playful, and gently guided, with plenty of room for your family to simply be yourselves.

You bring your people. I'll take care of the rest.

Family posing with instruments in-home family photography session Chapel Hill NC

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