Why Families of Children with Medical Needs Deserve to Be Photographed Too

When your child has special medical needs, your world shifts. Time moves differently. The future feels uncertain. There are hospital stays, home therapies, specialist visits, and moments where your strength is tested in ways most people can’t see.

As a family photographer in Apex, NC — and as a mother who understands the weight and beauty of this kind of parenting — I want to say this gently but clearly:

You deserve to be in the frame.

Your child’s story deserves to be seen.

This chapter, as hard and tender as it may be, is worth remembering.

Family Of Five Sitting On Their Front Porch With Their Elderly Dog
Family Of Five Playing In A Tree Together

Documenting the Journey — Even When It’s Not Picture-Perfect

When families reach out to me about scheduling a session while navigating medical complexities, I often hear hesitation:

“We’re just trying to get through this season.”

“It’s not the right time.”

“I’m exhausted and don’t feel like myself.”

I understand. I’ve said those same words in different seasons of my own life. But here’s what I also know:

When you do choose to document this chapter — whether it’s a hospital stay, a day at home with medical equipment in the background, or simply cuddling your child between appointments — you’ll never regret it.

You’ll have proof of your resilience.

You’ll see love in its rawest form.

You’ll hold onto tiny victories and quiet moments that might have otherwise been forgotten.

Mother Holding Her Smiling Baby In Her Lap
Smiling Baby Sitting By Himself On A White Bed
Baby Being Held By His Mother While She Gives Him Medicine Through A Tube
MotherPreparingHerChildsMedicineInTheKitchen
Mother Feeding Her Baby Through A Feeding Machine While He Plays With His Pacifier

What It Looks Like to Photograph a Child with Medical Needs

As an Apex family photographer, I work gently and intentionally with families whose lives look a little different. That might mean:

  • Slowing down and following your child’s pace

  • Photographing around feeding tubes, oxygen, mobility aids, or other essential devices

  • Creating space for emotion — the laughter and the tears

  • Celebrating milestones, however big or small

  • Coming to your home, hospice, or hospital room if that’s where your story is unfolding

There is no expectation for perfection. Just presence.

Mother Preparing Her Childs Medicine In The Kitchen
Mother Preparing Her Childs Medicine In The Kitchen
Mother Preparing Her Babies Food In The Kitchen
Mother Giving Her Baby Medicine While He Plays With His Pacifier
MotherGivingHerBabyMedicineWhileHePlaysWithHisPacifier
Mother Feeding Her Baby Through A Feeding Machine While He Plays With His Pacifier
Mother Feeding Her Baby Through A Feeding Machine While He Plays With His Pacifier
Mother Giving Her Baby Medicine While He Plays With His Pacifier

These Photos Are for You — and for Them

One day, you’ll look back on these images and see more than the hard.

You’ll see how fiercely you loved.

You’ll see how bravely your child showed up for life.

You’ll see connection, resilience, tenderness, and joy — even in the midst of the unknown.

And your child, when they’re older, will see that too. They’ll see that they were held, celebrated, and deeply loved in every chapter.

Family Of Five Sitting On A Bed Together Laughing
Father Holding His Baby And Playing With His Feet
Mother Showing A Book To The Camera And Smiling
Mother Holding Her Smiling Baby In Her Lap

You Deserve to Be Remembered, Just as You Are

If you're in the Apex area and you're wondering whether now is the right time for family photos — especially while navigating medical needs — I want to say: yes. Now counts. Now matters.

If you’re looking for an Apex family photographer who sees the beauty in both the light and the shadow, I would be honored to document your story.

You are not alone in this. And your story is worth remembering.

Mother Sitting On The Stairs Of Her Porch Holding Her Baby While The Father Watches
Family Of Five Sitting On Their Front Porch With Their Elderly Dog
Three Siblings Sitting On A Bed Together And Hugging

Let’s Talk

Ready to create something meaningful together? I’d love to hear about your family and find a way to make your session feel safe, supported, and true to you.

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. 

Mark Williams