If you are searching for family photography in Durham, I want to share our personal experience.
This review is written for expectant mothers, parents hoping to capture toddlers exactly as they are, families who dislike posed portraits, and parents of sensitive children who need a gentle photographer.
With four children, our family prioritizes building a visual timeline of milestones through regular family photography sessions. We hired Kristin from First 28 Photography for a family shoot in November, and the entire experience felt luxurious, effortless, and beautifully curated. Kristin’s strength is capturing candid moments that reflect real family life—she blends in, observes, and preserves authentic interactions rather than forcing stiff poses.
This review will describe the planning, wardrobe session, portrait shoot, and final products so you can get a clear idea of what to expect when booking family photography in Durham with a full-service photographer.
Family Photography in Durham
I knew the aesthetic I wanted before I started searching: unposed, natural outdoor portraits with the glow of late-afternoon light, muted, neutral tones, and a timeless feel. Kristin’s portfolio matched that vision perfectly. From the first conversation she immediately understood the look and mood I wanted—sunset images, soft color palettes, and a private farm setting with open pastures. She even offered access to a client wardrobe so I wouldn’t have to stress over outfits.
Kristin gets it. She anticipates needs and streamlines the whole process so families can relax and enjoy the time together instead of worrying about logistics.
First 28 Photography: The Breakdown
We chose a full, custom portrait experience that covered everything from planning to final prints. The package included:
- A planning and wardrobe session in our home
- A welcome gift box
- Access to a curated client wardrobe for me and the children, plus suggestions for older kids and dad
- Professional hair and makeup at home before the session
- The outdoor portrait session at a private location
- A sneak preview, a hand-edited gallery, a slideshow, printed proofs, a glass keepsake box, and a USB drive with final images
- An in-home ordering session where final prints and products were selected
Family Photography Wardrobe Session
Coordinating family outfits is often the most stressful part of planning photos, but the wardrobe session Kristin provided changed everything. She arrived with a full client wardrobe of muted, neutral gowns and coordinating children’s pieces. The clothing is thoughtfully selected to flatter different body types and sizes, which made me feel comfortable and confident.
She offered several long, flattering gowns in the agreed color palette, and the kids had multiple options including tights and suspenders for the little ones. For our older child, she suggested simple items that could be purchased if needed. Having her assemble and deliver outfits eliminated last-minute shopping and outfit anxiety. I was able to try on dresses at home and hang the final choices where they were easy to grab for the shoot.
Kristin also curated options for my husband and offered guidance until he felt confident about his outfit choices. This wardrobe planning is a true time-saver and helps create a cohesive, professional look across the whole family.
Family Photography Portrait Session
I usually worry about feeling awkward or stressed in front of the camera, and about my children behaving unpredictably. Kristin managed every detail so I could relax. She sent clear directions ahead of time, suggested departure times, and organized a professional hair and makeup artist to come to our home so I wouldn’t have to juggle kids and styling.
The makeup artist arrived with a calm, friendly approach and prepared me while I finished getting the children ready. At the farm location, Kristin arrived ahead of us and immediately put everyone at ease. She is warm, patient, and playful with kids, and her relaxed direction kept the session natural and enjoyable. We walked the rolling hills and meadows, with horses in the background and sunset light bathing the scene while she photographed candid interactions and quiet moments.
The Photos
I worried we might come away with only a handful of usable family images, but the results surpassed my expectations. A few weeks later Kristin delivered a glass keepsake box filled with beautifully printed proofs, and every image felt like a favorite. The portraits captured the personalities of each child and the warm connection between family members. Seeing those moments in print brought me to tears—images of my children laughing, small gestures, and even the first good portraits of my husband and me since our wedding.
Print Products
One of the most valuable parts of this experience was the focus on printed products. Kristin offers fine art prints, custom cards, framed portraits, and curated albums—products she designs, orders, and delivers to ensure quality. That eliminated the worry that digital files would sit unused on a hard drive. We created custom holiday cards and had a large family portrait professionally framed for our hallway. The framed piece now greets us daily and is a constant reminder of how well the session captured our family.
Kristin’s passion for families and newborns is clear in every step of the process. If you are considering maternity, newborn, baby, or family photography in Durham, a full-service, custom portrait experience like ours removes stress, elevates the final images, and delivers keepsakes you will treasure for years.
This experience was unique for our family—thoughtful, calm, and profoundly rewarding. We ended with beautiful images that reflect who we are right now, and products that make those memories part of our daily life.
You Might Also Like:
Our Home Featured in C&B Magazine
Is The Nugget Couch Worth The Hype?
Our Coastal Kitchen
