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.

Duke Gardens Family Photography | Durham, NC Photographer

If you've been searching for the perfect place to photograph your family in Durham — you've already found it. The Sarah P. Duke Gardens is one of the most beautiful, layered, and light-filled locations in all of North Carolina, and it is absolutely my favorite place to do Duke Gardens family photography in the Triangle.

Here's everything you need to know about booking a session here.

Why Duke Gardens Is the Perfect Family Photography Location

Duke Gardens in Durham, NC has everything a family session needs: shade, texture, open light, intimate corners, and paths that feel like they were made for wandering. Whether your kids are toddlers who won't sit still or teenagers who are convinced they hate photos, this place has a way of making everyone relax and just be.

The gardens are lush year-round — but every season offers something different:

Spring brings blooming wisteria, cherry blossoms, and color everywhere you look
Summer offers rich greenery and the golden magic of evening light
Fall turns the canopy into a palette of amber and rust
Winter is quieter, more intimate — bare branches and soft, even light

No matter when you come, Duke Gardens family sessions are stunning.

mother with two children play in the grass during a duke gardens family photoshoot in Durham, NC

Mother holds two children on a stone wall for a family photo session at Duke Gardens in Durham, NC

Family of four smiles and laughs during a family photoshoot at Duke Gardens in Durham, NC

What to Expect During Your Session

I photograph Duke Gardens family sessions the same way I approach all my work: I'm not here to pose you. I'm here to follow you. To notice the way your youngest reaches for your hand without thinking. The way your partner looks at your kids when they think no one is watching. The small, ordinary moments that are actually the whole story.

We'll walk. We'll explore. I'll give you gentle prompts that feel more like invitations than directions. And by the end, you'll forget I was even there — which is exactly when the best images happen.

Mother carries daughter during a family photoshoot at Duke Gardens in Durham, NC

Family of four snuggles on a stone wall during a family photoshoot at Duke Gardens in Durham NC

Who Books Duke Gardens Family Sessions

My clients come to me from all over the Triangle — Durham, Chapel Hill, Raleigh, Carrboro — and many travel specifically for a Duke Gardens photography session. Duke alums return to this campus for milestone moments: anniversaries, vow renewals, maternity sessions, extended family portraits. Families who live nearby book seasonal sessions here year after year.

What they all have in common: they feel how fast time is moving, and they want to hold onto this season before it's gone.

If that sounds like you, I'd love to work together.

Mother in a white dress and father in a suit hold their children during a family photo session at Duke Gardens in Durham, NC

Family of four on a gravel path through Duke Gardens pose for a family photoshoot in Durham, NC

Booking a Duke Gardens Family Session in Durham, NC

Sessions at Duke Gardens are available year-round. The gardens are free and open to the public, which makes them one of the most accessible and stunning locations in Durham for family photography.

Best times to photograph: Golden hour — the hour before sunset — is ideal for warm, glowing light. Morning sessions work beautifully too, especially in spring and summer before the midday heat.

I book a limited number of sessions each season to make sure every family gets my full presence and attention. If you're interested in a Duke Gardens family photography session, reach out sooner rather than later — fall and spring book quickly.

Father holds baby in a yellow onesie during a family photoshoot at Duke Gardens in Durham NC

Mom holds baby while family plays together at Duke Gardens for a family photo session in Durham, NC

Dad holds one child and mom holds another during a family photoshoot at Duke Gardens in Durham, NC

young girl with curly hair lays on a grassy lawn at Duke Gardens in Durham, NC for a family photoshoot

Two children snuggle on the lawn at Duke Gardens in Durham, NC for a family photoshoot

Mother smiles with two children laying in the grass for a Duke Gardens family portrait session in Durham, NC

Family of four poses on a stone wall in Durham NC for a Duke Gardens family session

young girl poses with a stuffed animal on a stone wall in Durham, NC for a Duke Gardens photoshoot

Frequently Asked Questions About Duke Gardens Family Sessions

Do you need a permit for professional photography at Duke Gardens? Yes — Sarah P. Duke Gardens does require a permit for professional photography sessions. Don't worry about coordinating that on your end; I handle the permitting process so all you have to do is show up and be present with your family.

How long is a Duke Gardens family session? My family sessions are 90 minutes, which gives us plenty of time to move through a few of my favorite spots in the gardens, let your kids settle in and actually play, and capture the quiet in-between moments — not just the posed ones. I find 90 minutes is the sweet spot for families with young kids: long enough to get variety, short enough that nobody melts down.

What's the best time of day for our session? The light at golden hour — the hour or so before sunset — is absolutely magical at Duke Gardens. The sun filters through the trees and across the flowers in a way that adds warmth and depth to every image. I recommend evening sessions whenever possible for that reason. If you have very young children with an early bedtime, a late morning session also works beautifully, especially in spring when the light is softer.

What should we wear for our Duke Gardens family session? I always say: wear what feels like you, just a slightly more intentional version of it. Soft, coordinated tones — think creams, sage greens, dusty blues, warm neutrals — photograph beautifully against the lush gardens backdrop. Avoid matching outfits head to toe (it reads stiff in photos) and skip busy patterns or large logos. Layers and texture add a lot. And comfortable shoes matter more than you'd think — we'll be walking the garden paths, so leave the brand-new dress shoes at home.

When is the best time of year for family photos at Duke Gardens? Spring and summer are my favorites — the tulips and cherry blossoms in spring and the full, vibrant greenery in summer are stunning. That said, fall brings gorgeous golden tones, and even winter has a quiet, serene beauty to it. Really, there's no bad season. The best time of year is whenever your family is ready.

How far in advance should I book? I recommend booking at least 4–6 weeks in advance to secure your preferred date and time, especially for spring and fall when my calendar fills quickly. If you have a specific date in mind — a birthday, an anniversary, a season you love — reach out sooner rather than later.

Is Duke Gardens a good location for little ones and toddlers? It's one of my favorite spots for young families for exactly this reason. The wide garden paths give toddlers room to run and explore, which is actually a gift for the photos — some of the most beautiful images I've made here are of a little one sprinting down a path while their parents chase behind them laughing. There are benches to sit on, flowers to point at, and plenty of natural curiosity to keep kids engaged. I'll do the gentle wrangling — you just enjoy it.

Family of four explores Duke Gardens during a Durham, NC family photoshoot

Durham, NC Family Photographer

I'm Katrina, a Durham-based family photographer specializing in real, emotional, documentary-style storytelling. I believe the ordinary moments — the messy, loud, tender, fleeting ones — are the ones worth documenting most. My job is to help you feel this season of life again, every time you look at your photos.

Duke Gardens family photography is one of my greatest joys. I know every corner of those gardens, every pocket of good light, every path that photographs beautifully. And I cannot wait to bring your family there.

Let's make something you'll treasure for the rest of your life.

The Sarah P. Duke Gardens are located at 420 Anderson Street, Durham, NC 27708.

A note on the photography permit: Duke Gardens requires a permit for professional photography sessions, which carries a fee of $150. This is paid directly to the Gardens and is separate from my session investment — I'll walk you through everything when you reach out and help you plan all the details for your session!

Book a Session

See more Family Photography

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