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.

Chapel Hill family photographer — lifestyle session.

Chapel Hill family in the dappled light of Battle Park

Family walking the Meadowmont greenways at dusk, Chapel Hill NC

Mother and daughter outside family photo session Chapel Hill NC

Couple Kissing Chapel Hill NC Outdoor Photo Session

Candid Family Photo Outside Chapel Hill NC

Mother and Daughter Hugging Outside Chapel Hill NC

Chapel Hill Family Photographer

Chapel Hill families have a story worth telling—and I’m here to tell it. I’m Katrina Williams, a Durham-based family photographer and filmmaker serving Chapel Hill and the surrounding Triangle. I specialize in lifestyle family photography, natural newborn photography, and cinematic family films that capture genuine connection rather than posed perfection. Whether you’re a UNC family, a Chapel Hill native, or someone who just put down roots here, I’d love to document this season of your life.

Photography & Film Services in Chapel Hill, NC

Lifestyle Family Photography—Relaxed, natural sessions in your home, your favorite park, or anywhere in Chapel Hill that feels like you
Cinematic Family Films—A short, beautifully edited film of your family in real life...the kind you'll pull up on a rainy Tuesday when you need a reminder of what matters.
Natural Newborn Photography—Soft, documentary-style newborn sessions thatcapture the tenderness of those first days at home.
Legacy Films—A multi-generational family documentary—perfect for Chapel Hill families who want to preserve their story across generations.
Headshots & Branding Photography—Professional headshots for Chapel Hill academics, physicians, attorneys, and small business owners

Serving Families Throughout Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill has a warmth to it—a college-town energy softened by deep roots and quiet neighborhoods. I’ve photographed Chapel Hill families at sunset on the greenways near Meadowmont, in the dappled light of Battle Park, and in kitchens full of homework and laughter. I love the mix of people this town draws: long-time locals, UNC faculty, young families building something new. Whatever your version of Chapel Hill looks like, I want to photograph it honestly—the full, beautiful, imperfect reality of your days together.

A Photographer Who Sees Your Whole Story

My approach to photography was shaped by something personal. My son spent time on the bone marrow transplant unit at Duke—unit 5200, which is where our business name comes from. That experience gave me a deep belief that ordinary family life is sacred. I don’t photograph families to make them look perfect. I photograph them to help them remember. Voted Best of Durham 2023–2026 and featured by Adobe Creative Cloud, I bring the same care and intention to every Chapel Hill session I photograph.

A Few of My Favorite Things About Photographing Chapel Hill Families

Chapel Hill has a warmth and an intellectual curiosity that shows up in its families. I’ve photographed Chapel Hill families in the dappled afternoon light of Battle Park, on the Meadowmont greenways at dusk, and in kitchens full of homework, laughter, and the comfortable chaos of a well-lived life. This town draws a beautiful mix of people — long-time locals, UNC faculty, young families putting down roots — and I love the mix of stories that come with it. If you have a place in Chapel Hill that feels like yours, that’s exactly where I want to photograph your family.

“We couldn’t be happier with our experience with Katrina. She was able to cheerfully

(and successfully) wrangle our large extended family, including toddlers, into some

beautiful forever photos. She also did some candid shots which were equally great

and fun. I can’t recommend Katrina highly enough.”

— Wheeler, Chapel Hill, NC

Frequently Asked Questions

Some of my favorite Chapel Hill spots include Battle Park, the Meadowmont greenways, and clients’ own homes and backyards. I’m always open to your favorite place — if it feels like you, that’s where we should be.
All the time. Chapel Hill draws a wonderful mix of long-time locals, UNC faculty, and young families building something new here. Graduation portraits, new baby sessions, and multigenerational family films for Chapel Hill families are some of my favorite work.
Spring and fall sessions book out quickly — sometimes 2–3 months in advance. If you have a specific date or season in mind, the sooner you reach out the better.
Sessions start at $850 and vary based on the type of session and what’s included. We offer lifestyle family photography, cinematic family films, legacy films, and a Time Capsule Membership. Visit our Packages page for full details, or reach out and we’ll help you find the right fit for your family and budget.
Yes — soft, unhurried newborn sessions photographed in your home during those precious first weeks. We come to you, so you never have to go anywhere.
We’re not here to make your family look perfect. We’re here to help you remember what it actually felt like to live these days. Every session includes both still photography and cinematic film — so you get the moment on the wall and the sound of their laughter forever.