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.

Christmas Card Photos at Blackwood Farm Park — Fifty Two Hundred Photography

Blackwood Farm Park: A Hidden Gem for Family Photos Near Chapel Hill

If you’re searching for the perfect spot for fall family photos in the Triangle area, look no further than Blackwood Farm Park in Hillsborough, NC. With its sweeping grassy fields, winding dirt paths, and a charming rustic barn backdrop, Blackwood Farm Park offers the kind of timeless, golden-light scenery that makes for truly stunning family portraits — including your holiday and Christmas card photos.

Why Blackwood Farm Park Is Perfect for Family Photography

Blackwood Farm Park is a dream location for family photographers serving Chapel Hill, Durham, and Hillsborough. The park’s open meadows catch the warm glow of golden hour beautifully, while its tree-lined paths and working farm buildings give you a variety of backdrops all in one location. Whether you’re looking for a bright, airy field portrait or an intimate wooded moment, Blackwood Farm delivers both.

Fall is an especially magical time to photograph families here. The changing leaves frame the paths in amber and gold, and the soft autumn light is incredibly flattering for all ages — from newborns to grandparents. Families visiting from the greater Triangle area — including Carrboro, Pittsboro, and Burlington — find that the drive to Hillsborough is absolutely worth it.

What to Expect at a Blackwood Farm Park Family Session

Sessions at Blackwood Farm Park feel relaxed and natural — which is exactly what produces the best photos. We’ll explore the grassy fields, stroll the farm paths, and find cozy spots among the trees. Kids love having room to run and explore, and those in-between moments — a dad spinning his daughter, a mom stealing a kiss from her son, siblings chasing each other through a sunny field — are where the magic happens.

Golden hour (roughly one to two hours before sunset) is the ideal time to schedule your session. The warm, directional light creates that glowing, backlit look that you’ve probably seen all over Pinterest. Sessions typically run 60–90 minutes and include time at multiple spots within the park.

Best Time of Year to Book Blackwood Farm Park

While Blackwood Farm Park is beautiful year-round, fall is the most popular season — and for good reason. October and early November offer peak foliage color alongside comfortable temperatures, making it the top choice for families planning their Christmas card photos. Spots fill up quickly in September and October, so early booking is strongly encouraged.

Spring sessions are also stunning here, with fresh green fields and flowering trees. Summer mornings (before the heat sets in) can work beautifully too, especially for families with young children who are early risers.

What to Wear for Your Blackwood Farm Park Session

For fall sessions at Blackwood Farm, think warm and earthy tones — rust, olive, cream, camel, burgundy, and navy all photograph beautifully against the golden fields and fall foliage. Avoid overly matching outfits; instead, aim for a coordinated palette where everyone complements each other without being identical. Layers (like a cozy cardigan or flannel) add texture and visual interest.

Comfortable shoes are a must — the paths are unpaved, so skip the stilettos and opt for boots, sneakers, or flats. For little ones, anything they can move freely in will result in the best, most joyful photos.

Location, Parking & Park Details

Blackwood Farm Park is located at 4910 Blackwood Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27516. The park is free and open to the public. Parking is available in the gravel lot at the main entrance. The park is managed by Orange County and is accessible year-round during daylight hours.

As a Chapel Hill and Hillsborough family photographer, I absolutely love shooting here. The combination of wide-open spaces, rustic farm character, and incredible natural light makes it one of my go-to locations for fall family sessions across the Triangle.

Ready to Book Your Blackwood Farm Park Session?

If Blackwood Farm Park has you dreaming about your own fall family photos, I’d love to make it happen! I serve families throughout the Triangle including Chapel Hill, Durham, Hillsborough, Carrboro, Pittsboro, and beyond. Spots for fall sessions fill up fast — reach out today to check availability and reserve your date.

Browse my portfolio of family sessions and get in touch at fiftytwo-hundred.com. I can’t wait to meet your family at Blackwood Farm Park!

family walks in Blackwood Farm Park for Hillsborough family photoshoot

Two young siblings standing together in a bright open sunny field at Blackwood Farm Park, parents softly blurred in the background, Triangle NC family photographer

Mom holding her daughter while her son plays with a stick on a wooded path at Blackwood Farm Park, natural light filtering through the trees

Dad lifting and spinning his laughing little girl on a tree-lined path at Blackwood Farm Park, surrounded by vibrant fall foliage during a Chapel Hill family session

Close-up of dad hugging his young son tight at Blackwood Farm Park, son's eyes closed in a tender and emotional moment, captured by Hillsborough family photographer

MY COMPLETE GUIDE TO FAMILY PHOTOS

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