One of my fears is that I won’t be able to remember it all ... that there is no true way to capture each child’s face, postures, movements, texture ... that those things will slowly slip away from me as they grow and change. But your Family Films are a way to save it. I want you to know that I will treasure and savor every second of this film, forever.
- Rachel in Durham, North Carolina
Your family’s journey is far from average.
No average photography session will do your story justice.
I’m Katrina, a Durham family photographer and filmmaker serving Chapel Hill, Raleigh, Cary, and the greater Triangle. I specialize in lifestyle family photography, natural newborn photography and storytelling family films that capture genuine connection. I also provide professional headshots, branding photography, and portrait photography for small businesses and creatives across Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary and Raleigh.
At Fifty Two Hundred Films, we believe the joy, struggle, and beauty of your story should get the weight it deserves.
It should be preserved in motion and color forever.
We can help you protect your life’s most treasured memories with a visual archive that tells the story of you.
Slow down and savor the good stuff.
Then you get to relive that perfect day every time you watch.
With a Family Film you’ll get:
An Unforgettable Session
We create an experience you’ll love with a day that restores you, not stresses you out.
Portraits and Film
You shouldn’t have to choose, because video and pictures together tell the whole story.
A Gift to your Future Self
Your precious moments are kept close, and your grown children will be forever grateful.
HI, I’M KATRINA
Family Photographer and Filmmaker based in Durham, North Carolina
I’m here to reflect the beauty back to you.
Think of me as your family archivist. Your personal historian.
As a photographer and filmmaker, my job is to capture your story. As a parent who’s lived the hard, my gift is to deeply listen.
Why Fifty Two Hundred Films? 5200 is the Bone Marrow Transplant unit where my son’s life was saved. It’s where I’ve experienced the deepest heartbreak and the purest joy I’ve ever known. Because of 5200, I look at life through a different lens — one that acknowledges where we’ve been, what we’ve been through, and inspires a relentless pursuit to be present in the days with those we love.
All of my experiences have given me a special devotion to storytelling. Along with my filmmaker, musician, and therapist partner Mark (who also happens to be my husband) I’m dedicated to reminding people their story matters, and they are enough just as they are.
We see you and your story, and we’ll reflect it back to you and yours in the most beautiful way.
HERE’S HOW WE’LL CREATE YOUR FAMILY FILM
We’ll cast a vision
By asking about your stories, family life, and favorite things, we'll design session idea that captures the heart of your family.
You’ll get to slow down
The day of our session, I’ll help your family forget the camera is even there as you share a time of authentic connection with each other.
We’ll deliver your memories
After producing and editing, you’ll receive your video in and still portraits in a beautiful keepsake box to keep them close for years to come.
Request your session today, and protect your life’s most treasured memories with a visual archive that tells the story of you.
Katrina captured the real, raw, messy of our lives, complete with dance parties, snuggles, and playing... but in the most cinematic, soulful, and beautiful way. I have been watching this video every morning before I wake up the beasts to remind me of the beauty in it all and I swear it's making me a better mother.
- Lis in Durham, North Carolina
FIND THE RIGHT FIT FOR YOUR PHOTO + FILM EXPERIENCE
Family Films
An artful film that captures your family's love.
Legacy Films
A multi-generational mini-documentary that honors your family's story.
Time Capsule Membership
A film that weaves a professional film session with your favorite phone videos from throughout the year.
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WE BELONG TO EACH OTHER
LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, Differently-abled, and non-traditionally structured families are welcomed and celebrated here.
TAKE A MINUTE TO IMAGINE.
WHAT WILL YOUR FAMILY FILM LOOK LIKE?
Spoiler alert: it will look like love.
We’re based in Durham, North Carolina but willing to travel anywhere.
FEATURED FAMILY FILMS
Click the image to watch the film.
READ THE LATEST BLOG POST
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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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.
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The best outfits are ones that feel like you — not stiff or overly coordinated, but put-together in a relaxed way. We love a soft color palette (creams, warm neutrals, muted tones) that complements rather than competes. Avoid large logos or very busy patterns. Most importantly, wear something you’d actually be comfortable in for a couple of hours. We’re happy to share a full style guide once you book.
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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.
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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.
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Session investment varies depending 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.