Durham Family Photographer | Duke Alumni Center Family Session

If you’re looking for the perfect spot in Durham for timeless, beautiful family photos, Duke University’s campus is truly one of my favorite places to photograph. This recent family session near the Duke Alumni Center reminded me just how much I love this location—not just for its beauty, but for the variety it offers in one small area.

As a Durham family photographer, I’m always on the lookout for locations that bring something special to each session. Duke’s campus has a little bit of everything: gorgeous architecture, tree-lined walkways, historic charm, and pockets of quiet nature that make families feel like they can breathe and connect.

Why Choose Duke University for Your Family Session?

1. A Blend of Architecture and Nature

The area around the Duke Alumni Center is ideal for families who want a mix of elegance and organic beauty. You’ll find ivy-covered walls, stone archways, and soft green spaces that make the perfect backdrop for both playful and more classic portraits.

2. Easy Access and Parking

One of the perks of this location is how easy it is to get to. Parking is close and convenient, which means no long walks with little ones—and more time to relax into your session.

3. Beautiful in Every Season

Whether it's the golden light of fall, spring blooms, or summer greenery, Duke’s campus looks incredible all year long. The variety of textures and tones makes it a dream for photographers—and a wonderful place to return to year after year to capture your family’s growth.

4. It’s Iconic to Durham

For families who live in Durham or have a connection to Duke, the campus holds a special place in their story. Whether you’re an alum or just love the city, it’s meaningful to document your family in a place that feels like home.

This Session: A Quiet Afternoon Near the Alumni Center

During this session, we wandered from the steps of the Duke Alumni Center down winding paths under the trees. The kids explored, played, and laughed—and the light was soft and golden as it filtered through the trees. It was one of those afternoons where the location gently holds the family, allowing for connection and genuine emotion to come through.

As always, I aim to keep sessions relaxed and natural. Duke’s campus gave us the perfect canvas for that—elevated but never stiff, rich with texture and emotion.

Interested in Family Photos at Duke University?

If you’re dreaming of family portraits that feel heartfelt, relaxed, and beautiful—I’d love to photograph your family on Duke’s campus. Whether you’re connected to the university or just love its timeless feel, it’s one of the best spots in Durham for a family session.

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.