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.

Why School Photography Matters (Especially in Preschool)

Why School Photography Matters (Especially in Preschool)

If you're a parent of a preschooler, you already know: this season goes impossibly fast.

One day they're clinging to your leg at drop-off. The next, they're walking in confidently, backpack bouncing, already looking for their friends. You blink and the school year is over.

School photos should feel like that — like the real, alive version of your child in this exact season. Not stiff. Not posed. Not a forced smile in front of a paper backdrop.

As a Durham school photographer, my approach is different. I want to capture kids the way they actually are at school: curious, silly, focused, free. The moments their teachers see every day. The moments you, as a parent, never quite get to witness.

That's what I try to give you.

Young Girl Smiling in Graduation Cap and Gown

School Photography in Durham, NC: What to Expect When You Book

If you're a Durham-area school or preschool director looking for a school photographer, here's what working with me looks like:

Real moments, not performances. I don't round kids up and ask them to smile. I come in, settle into the room, and let the day unfold. The best photos happen when kids forget I'm there.

Images that feel like your school. Every school has its own energy. I pay attention to yours — the relationships, the rhythms, the little details that make your community yours.

A finished gallery your families will love. I deliver a polished, professional gallery that schools can share with families — images that feel like gifts, not obligations.

I serve preschools, elementary schools, and early childhood programs throughout Durham, NC and the surrounding Triangle area.

Young Boy Smiling At Durham Preschool in Graduation Cap and Gown

Young Girl in Graduation Cap and Gown Smiling at Durham Preschool

Young Girl Laughing While Wearing Graduation Gown

Young Boy Smiling And Standing in Preschool Graduation Robe

Book a Durham School Photographer

Whether you're a school director planning next year's programming, or a parent who wants to gift this experience to your child's school — I'd love to talk.

I'm based in Durham, NC and work with preschools and schools throughout the Triangle.

Contact

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