Why Duke Gardens Is One of My Favorite Spots for Spring & Summer Family Photo Sessions in Durham, NC

As a Durham family photographer, one of the most common questions I get is, “Where should we do our family photo session?” And while there are so many beautiful spots in the Triangle, Duke Gardens always holds a special place in my heart—especially during the spring and summer months.

A Natural Backdrop That Changes With the Seasons

Duke Gardens truly shines this time of year. In the spring, you’ll find blooming tulips, cherry blossoms, and fresh greenery that feels straight out of a storybook. Come summer, the gardens are vibrant and lush, offering the perfect mix of color and texture for your family photos. Whether you’re looking for wide-open fields, quiet wooded paths, or romantic flower-lined walkways, this location has it all.

Mom Holding Baby in Air While Grandmother Looks On
Mom Holding Baby on Hip in Garden

Easy Access & Family-Friendly Vibes

Conveniently located right in the heart of Durham, Duke Gardens is easy to get to and offers plenty of room for kids to explore and play. As a lifestyle family photographer, I love capturing those candid, in-between moments—your toddler running down a path, your kids laughing in the grass, your family just being together. The relaxed, spacious environment helps everyone feel at ease and allows those genuine connections to shine.

Mom In Pink Dress Smiling Holding Baby
Baby Wearing Light Green Striped Overalls
MomSittingOnBenchHoldingBaby
Baby Toes Baby Sitting on Mom's Lap
Mom Holding Baby Leaning On StoneWall

The Light. Oh, the Light.

As a natural light photographer, I pay a lot of attention to how the sun moves through a space. And the soft, golden light at Duke Gardens during golden hour? Pure magic. It filters through the trees and dances across the flowers in a way that adds depth, warmth, and a little sparkle to your images.

Grandmother Holding Baby While Mom Smiles
Grandmother Smiling Holding Baby Mom Smiles And Looks On
Grandmother And Mom Smile At Baby And Hold Blanket
Mom Kneels On Gravel Ground While Holding Baby In Garden
Baby Sitting On Moms Knee In Garden
Mom Kneels In Garden And Looks At Purple Flowers With Baby

Why I Recommend Duke Gardens for Durham Family Photography

If you're searching for a Durham family photographer who knows how to make the most of this iconic location, I’d love to be your guide. Whether it’s a playful session with your kids, a milestone moment, or just because you want to freeze time for a little while, Duke Gardens offers a peaceful, breathtaking setting to tell your family's story.

And yes, while I have a few favorite hidden spots around Durham, this one is always at the top of my list for spring and summer sessions. It’s a place where memories bloom just as beautifully as the flowers do.

Baby Doing Tummy Time On Blue Striped Blanket Outside
Grandmother Sitting Outside Holding Baby
Closeup Of Grandmother And Baby Hands
Mom Feeding Baby Bottle While Walking In Duke Gardens
Mom Holding Baby Up In Air In Duke Gardens
Portrait Of Three Generations
Mom And Grandmother Smiling At Baby
Mom, Grandmother, Baby In Duke Gardens
Baby Over Moms Shoulder While Grandmother Looks On
Baby Sitting On Moms Lap Outside In Garden
Mom Grandma And Baby In Duke Gardens In Durham

Ready to Book Your Family Photo Session?

If you’re dreaming of sunlit photos surrounded by nature’s beauty, let’s make it happen. I’m currently booking spring and summer family photo sessions in Durham and would love to create something meaningful with you at Duke Gardens.

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