What Is Lifestyle Family Photography?

Lifestyle family photography is less about posing and more about presence.

It captures:

  • connection instead of perfection

  • emotion instead of performance

  • the way your child laughs when you squeeze them tight

  • the way your partner looks at you when you’re not looking

  • the rhythm of your real life

There’s a looseness to it — a naturalness.

Kids get to be kids.

Parents get to breathe.

And the photos feel like you.

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FamilyPhotoOnCouchFamilyPhotoSession
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MomHuggingYoungDaughterFamilyPhotoSession
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MomAndDaughterLookingIntoEachOthersEyesFamilyPhotoSession

How Lifestyle Sessions Work

In the Triangle area, lifestyle sessions often take place:

  • in your home, where your family feels most grounded

  • at favorite parks like Blackwood Farm, Ayr Mount, or Duke Gardens

  • near the Eno River

  • in wide, simple fields during the warm golden light

Sessions are child-led, gentle, and flexible, especially for families with neurodiverse children or sensory-sensitive little ones.

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Why Families in Durham & Chapel Hill Love This Approach

1. It feels real

Families don’t want stiff, posed photos anymore. They want to remember a season — not a performance.

2. It takes pressure off parents

You don’t have to prepare your kids into perfection. You just show up as you are. Your love does the rest.

3. The photos age beautifully

Because they’re rooted in presence, not trends.

4. Neurodiverse families are supported

Families feel that, and it shows in the photos.

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Why I Also Create Family Films

Photos freeze a moment.

Films carry you back into it.

A family film captures:

  • voices

  • laughter

  • movement

  • your child’s little mannerisms

  • the way your home felt during this season

For families in Durham, Chapel Hill, and Raleigh, films have become one of the most treasured parts of their yearly documenting.

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Introducing the Time Capsule Membership

For Families Who Want a Simple Rhythm of Remembering

Most parents carry hundreds — sometimes thousands — of photos and videos on their phone…

and almost none of them ever get printed, organized, or turned into something meaningful.

The Time Capsule Membership solves that.

Each year, members receive:

  • A professional family photo + film session

  • Four curated Time Capsule albums made from your everyday phone photos

  • A beautiful annual family film

  • Optional add-ons like extended family sessions, holiday films, or legacy films

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MomAndDadHuggingInBackyardFamilyPhotoSession
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It’s a rhythm.

A practice of remembering.

A way to honor your family’s story without adding more to your plate.

Families tell me it’s the closest thing to “finally keeping up” with their memories — without guilt or overwhelm.

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KidsBikingFamilySessionChapelHillNC
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 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

katrina williams