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.

Durham family photographer — lifestyle session.

Candid family moment at golden hour on the Eno River, Durham NC

Mother and child at Duke Gardens, Durham family photography

Mother and Kids Sitting In Front of Red Wall Outside

Three Kids Outside in Front Red Wall Durham NC

Parents with Kids Outside Durham Family Session

Dad And Two Young Kids Golden Light Downtown Durham

Mom and Child Sitting Outside Building Downtown Durham

Couple Looking Lovingly At Each Other Golden Light Downtown Durham NC

Family on Durham NC Rooftop During Golden Light

Couple Snuggling Outside in Golden Light Durham NC

Family at Duke Gardens in spring, Durham NC

Durham Family Photographer & filmmaker

Durham is home—and it shows in every session I photograph here. I’m Katrina Williams, a Durham-based family photographer and filmmaker who has spent years capturing the real, unscripted moments of Triangle families. From cozy mornings at home to golden-hour sessions at the Eno River, I photograph families the way they actually are: messy, joyful, full of love, and completely worth remembering. I’ve been voted Best of Durham four years running (2023–2026), and I’m proud to call this community mine.

Photography & Film Services in Durham, NC

Lifestyle Family Photography—Natural, candid sessions in your home or your favorite Durham spot—Duke Gardens, Eno River, or wherever your family feels most like yourselves.
Cinematic Family Films—A short film that captures your family in motion—the laughter, the chaos, the tenderness. Something you’ll watch every year.
Natural Newborn Photography—Gentle, unhurried newborn sessions that honor the softness of those first days.
Legacy Films—A multi-generational mini-documentary that preserves your family’s story for the people who come after you.
Headshots & Branding Photography—Professional headshots and brand photography for Durham small business owners and creatives

Photographing Families Across Durham

Durham has a spirit unlike anywhere else—gritty and creative, tender and proud. I’ve photographed families in the quiet corners of Duke Forest, on the porches of Old West Durham bungalows, in the fields behind Southern Village, and in living rooms that smell like coffee and Saturday mornings. I know the light at the Eno at 5pm in October. I know which spots at Duke Gardens stay crowd-free. This city is in my work, and in my heart—because 5200, the bone marrow transplant unit where my son’s life was saved, is right here in Durham. I photograph here with deep gratitude.

Expecting a baby? See my Durham newborn photography sessions.

Why Fifty Two Hundred Photography?

5200 is the number of the bone marrow transplant unit at Duke University Hospital—the place where my son's life was saved, and where I learned what it truly means to be present. That experience changed how I see families, how I photograph them, and why I do this work at all. Every session I photograph is a reminder that these ordinary days are the ones that matter most.

A Few of My Favorite Things About Photographing Durham Families

Durham families have a spirit I’ve never quite found anywhere else — creative, deeply rooted, and wonderfully unpretentious. Whether we’re wading into the Eno at golden hour or sitting on the back porch of a bungalow in Old West Durham, there’s always something real to find. Duke Gardens in early April, when the azaleas are at their peak, is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever photographed. And Duke Forest in November, with the light coming low through the trees, is something I look forward to every year.

“We had the best experience with Katrina this past weekend. We felt so comfortable

and accepted with her. She and I spoke ahead of time to discuss her vision for the

photos and how to best engage with our son who has a visual impairment. She genuinely

cares to ensure she is capturing each person and their uniqueness. We absolutely

loved her style and are so pleased with our photos!”

— Sara, Durham, NC

Frequently Asked Questions

We photograph all over Durham — at Duke Gardens, Eno River, Duke Forest, and in clients’ own homes. Some of my favorite sessions happen in living rooms, backyards, and the quiet side streets of Old West Durham. If you have a favorite spot, I’d love to hear about it.
Spring (April–May) and fall (October–November) are our most popular seasons for the light and color. That said, summer sessions at the Eno 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.
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 — cinematic family films are at the heart of what we do. Every family film session includes both video and still photography so you never have to choose. Most families tell us the film becomes their most treasured thing.
Yes. We offer gentle, documentary-style newborn sessions photographed in your Durham home during those first tender weeks. No props, no posing — just your family in the quiet sweetness of this new chapter.
5200 is the bone marrow transplant unit at Duke University Hospital — right here in Durham — where our son’s life was saved. That experience changed everything about how I see families and why I photograph them. We’re proud to call Durham home.

Ready to Book Your Durham Session?

I’d love to hear about your family and create something beautiful together. Sessions fill up quickly—especially spring and fall—so reach out early to hold your date.

Request Your Session