Creating Space for Magic in Your Family Portrait Session
You don’t need a picture-perfect family to have a magical photo session.
You don’t need coordinating outfits or perfectly behaved children.
You don’t even need a plan.
What you do need—maybe the only thing—is space. Space to breathe. Space to be yourselves. Space to let something unexpected and beautiful unfold.
Because the truth is, the most powerful moments we capture in a family portrait session aren’t staged. They’re felt.
Here’s how to invite in those moments of magic—and make your photo session an experience your family will actually enjoy.
This session occurred at Sarah P. Duke Gardens in Durham, NC
Address: 2000 Lewis St., Durham, NC 27705
1. Let Go of the Idea of “Perfect”
Real connection doesn’t look perfect. It looks like a windblown curl across your daughter’s cheek, a shy smile buried in mama’s shoulder, a giggle fit that interrupts the photo. Let it. That’s where the gold is.
Instead of aiming for “smiling at the camera,” let’s aim for what it felt like to love each other in that season of life.
2. Trust the Process (and Your Photographer)
When you book a lifestyle family photo session, you’re not just hiring someone to snap a few photos—you’re inviting someone into your story. As a family photographer, I know how to watch for the in-between. I’ll gently guide you into moments where connection happens naturally, and I’ll follow the rhythm of your family.
You don’t have to perform. You just have to be.
3. Prep for Presence, Not Perfection
Yes, you can think about outfits and nap schedules. But just as important: give yourself room to arrive grounded.
Some simple ways to set the tone:
Plan extra time before your session so you’re not rushing
Share with your kids (and partner) what to expect in a low-pressure way
Remind yourself that this is not about performance—it’s about presence
And if the day feels messy? That’s okay. We’ll work with whatever it brings.
4. Embrace Play, Movement, and Spontaneity
Movement invites presence. During your session, we might chase light, twirl in fields, run barefoot, or cuddle close. Sometimes the most magical photos come from unplanned bursts of joy—when your child breaks into a dance, or you scoop someone up in laughter.
Trust that even the chaos can be beautiful.
5. Make Room for Quiet, Too
Magic doesn’t always look like motion. Sometimes it looks like stillness—a hand brushing across a child’s back, a moment of eye contact, the comfort of just being together.
We don’t rush those moments. We let them bloom.
6. Be Honest With Your Photographer
If there’s something you're worried about—whether it’s a child’s shyness, sensory needs, or feeling awkward in front of the camera—share that. Your photographer is there to support you, not judge. Some of the most heartfelt images come from families who show up exactly as they are.
7. Let the Photos Be a Byproduct of the Experience
When we let go of the pressure to “get the shot,” the magic has space to arrive. The most meaningful family photos are often the ones where you forgot the camera was even there—because you were too busy loving on your people.
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 in Durham, North Carolina. She offers lifestyle newborn photography, family photography and family videography which focuses on capturing authentic and honest moments for families. Her clients love that not only do they get digital files from their session but artwork to display in their home. She is happy to custom albums so you can revisit your favorite memories for years to come! Be sure to check out the Adobe partnership to see Katrina sharing her knowledge on capturing magical light to highlight the essence of each family.
Want an easy way to make something beautiful out of all your phone photos and videos? Learn more about the Time Capsule Membership here.