Seeing the World in His Own Way | A Special Family Session at American Tobacco Campus

Some stories unfold in quiet, everyday moments. Others, like Owen’s, shine brightly—filled with resilience, joy, and a perspective that reminds us to slow down and see the world a little differently.

I had the honor of photographing Owen and his family at American Tobacco Campus in Downtown Durham, a space where history meets heart. This location, with its textured brick walls, winding pathways, and warm golden light, became the perfect backdrop for capturing a boy whose spirit is impossible to miss.

Boy and his mother sitting on a bench holding hands and smiling
Family of four standing in front of a wall with their hands raise looking at their shadows on a wall
Family of four sitting next to each other on a set of stairs
Family of four sitting next to each other on a set of stairs

Owen’s Story: A Different Way of Seeing

Owen was born with bilateral optic nerve hypoplasia, meaning his optic nerves didn’t fully develop. He is also missing a small but significant part of his brain called the septum pellucidum. From the very start, his journey was filled with unknowns—his parents weren’t sure how much he would be able to see. But one thing was always certain: Owen was going to do incredible things.

Now, at 11 and a half years old, Owen has met every challenge with strength and determination. He navigates the world using his cane, moving with confidence through both familiar and unfamiliar spaces. His cane isn’t just a tool for safety—it’s a symbol of his independence, his way of exploring and engaging with the world on his terms.

And in so many ways, Owen sees more than most of us ever will. His perspective is shaped by adaptability, resilience, and a heart full of adventure.

A Downtown Durham Family Session with Heart

Our session at American Tobacco Campus was filled with those small, meaningful moments that make family photography so special—the in-between glances, the laughter echoing against historic walls, the way Owen’s parents watched him with so much love and pride.

Family of four sitting next to each other on a set of stairs
Young man walking down the street with his mother and guide cane
Young man walking down the street with his guide cane
Young man walking down the street with his guide cane
Young man walking down the street with his guide cane
Father and his two children sitting against a wall smiling at each other
Father and his two children sitting against a wall smiling at each other
Father and his two children sitting against a wall smiling at each other
Husband and wife leaning on each other
Brick chimney that says lucky strike
Young boy sitting against the wall holding his guide cane
Young boy holding his guide cane sitting on a bench with his mother
Family of four sitting against a wall leaning on each other and smiling
Family of four sitting against a wall leaning on each other and smiling
Family of four sitting against a wall leaning on each other and smiling
Family of four sitting on steps leaning on each other and smiling
Family of four sitting on steps leaning on each other and smiling
Mother hugging her child from behind and kissing him on the cheek
Mother walking arm in arm with her son
Brother and sister sitting next to each other on the ground laughing
Family of four gathered close together hugging out side of a warehouse
Family of four gathered close together hugging out side of a warehouse
Mother and her two children leaning on each other and smiling
Mother and her son leaning on each other and smiling
Mother and her son leaning on each other and smiling
Mother and her son leaning on each other and smiling
Mother and her son leaning on each other and smiling
Mother and her son leaning on each other and smiling
Young boy in a yellow plaid shirt holding his guide cane and smiling
Young boy in a yellow plaid shirt holding his guide cane and smiling
Young boy in a yellow plaid shirt holding his guide cane and smiling
Young boy in a yellow plaid shirt holding his guide cane and smiling

Capturing Your Family’s Story

Owen’s story is a reminder that there is no one way to see the world. And that’s what I love most about family photography—capturing each family’s unique love, connection, and journey in a way that feels real.

If you’re looking for a Downtown Durham family photographer, I’d love to create something meaningful for you. Whether at American Tobacco Campus or a location that feels like home, let’s document your story—full of love, laughter, and all the beauty of this season in life.

Let’s tell your story together. Contact me here to book your session!

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. 

katrina williams