Devin Desjarlais, a professional family photographer in Raleigh, poses for a photo during a photography workshop. — Hi, it’s me. The professional family photographer who is very comfortable laying all her history on the table. Because you deserve to know exactly who you’re hiring.

When families in Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill begin searching for a professional family photographer, they’re not just looking for pretty pictures. They’re looking for someone who will truly see them, someone who welcomes their quirks, honors their struggles, and celebrates their joy.

That’s why inclusivity isn’t a marketing phrase for me. It’s personal. It’s lived. And it’s the heartbeat of why I do this work.

My Journey to Becoming an Inclusive Professional Family Photographer

Devin Desjarlais, the professional family photographer, as a child snuggles against her father. — One of the greatest gifts my parents gave me was empathy.

During the hardest seasons of my Tourette’s, they never made me feel broken. They made me feel loved, seen, and supported. Watching the way they cared for me and for others around them taught me that compassion isn’t just something you feel, it’s something you practice every single day.

I grew up with Tourette’s Syndrome. My neurologist once told my parents mine was the worst case he had ever seen. As a kid, I couldn’t control what my body or voice did, and no amount of effort or wishing could change that.

That reality was more than “difficult.” It was traumatic. Every day came with reminders that I was different, reminders that weren’t always kind. But over time, I rebuilt myself from that pain. What I gained was resilience. What I discovered was empathy. And what I chose was to lean into people, to listen, to laugh, to care deeply, and to see beyond surfaces.

Today, when I step behind the camera, I bring that perspective with me. I want every family to feel what I once needed most: the freedom to be themselves without apology.

Growing Up Surrounded by Inclusion

My dad was a craniosacral therapist at the Upledger Institute, a place where patients from around the world came for healing. While other kids spent school breaks at camp, I spent mine in treatment rooms, watching people of every background, age, and ability walk through the doors.

What I absorbed there has never left me: people are not boxes to sort into categories. People are stories. They’re light, humor, vulnerability, and strength. That truth is stitched into my work as a professional family photographer in Raleigh.

Whether I’m photographing a child on the autism spectrum, a family with two dads, or a newborn who needs extra care, my goal is the same: to listen, to learn, and to create images that reflect the beauty already inside their story.

Real Stories of Inclusivity Behind the Camera

A toddler dressed in a chicken costume holds a Halloween bag while trick-or-treating at a preschool in Cary, North Carolina. — My oldest daughter was born with Childhood Apraxia of Speech and has combined-type ADHD. As a toddler, she couldn’t sit still long enough for traditional therapy, but she’s always been magnetic.

Her first friend in preschool was a girl with Down Syndrome. They couldn’t communicate verbally, but they didn’t need to. They laughed, played, and hugged through story time. Here’s a picture of my sweet baby at her preschool.

Years later, I had the privilege of photographing that friend’s family. I knew her spirit, her joy, and the way she shines, so my job was simple: capture her exactly as she is. The photos aren’t perfect poses. They’re giggles, connections, and little glances that tell the truth about her family’s love. That’s what inclusivity looks like in my work: not erasing difference, but honoring it as part of what makes a family beautiful.

Local Locations for Inclusive Family Sessions in Raleigh

Being an inclusive professional family photographer also means knowing where families will feel at ease. Here are a few Triangle favorites I return to again and again:

North Carolina Museum of Art Park (Raleigh): With meadows, shady trails, and paved walkways, this park is both kid- and stroller-friendly. It’s a great place for families who want space to move while still having access to bathrooms and parking.
Yates Mill County Park (Raleigh): With its historic mill, wooden boardwalks, and peaceful trails, Yates Mill offers a mix of rustic charm and quiet natural beauty. The light is especially lovely in the late afternoon, and there’s enough variety for kids to explore without it feeling overwhelming.
American Tobacco Campus (Durham): This downtown spot is perfect for families who love a more urban vibe. The brick walls, water features, and unique architecture create a fun and modern backdrop. It’s also stroller accessible with nearby parking, which makes it easier for families with younger kids.

These spaces aren’t just photogenic. They’re flexible, welcoming, and forgiving, qualities that make sessions easier, especially for families with children who need a little extra freedom. If you’d like even more inspiration, I put together a guide on the best locations for family photography sessions in the Triangle.

My Advice to Families: Show Up as Your Whole Selves

Parents sometimes start sessions by apologizing for their child’s energy, or by explaining a diagnosis. I always listen, but I want them to know something important: I don’t come into sessions with expectations or boxes.

My job is not to make your family fit a mold. My job is to meet you right where you are, whether that’s messy, chaotic, tender, or quiet, and create images that reflect your real story. If you bring your whole selves, I promise I’ll meet you with curiosity, care, and creativity.

Why Inclusivity Matters in Professional Family Photography

Being a professional family photographer in Raleigh isn’t just about having a camera. It’s about creating a safe, welcoming experience where families can show up as they are, without editing themselves. It’s about saying: your love, your quirks, your challenges, and your joy all belong here.

Every family deserves to see themselves reflected with honesty and heart. That’s my promise, every time I click the shutter.

Let’s Tell Your Story Together

If you’re searching for a family photographer in Raleigh who values inclusion, authenticity, and joy, I’d love to work with you. You can contact me here to start planning your session.

Your family’s story is already beautiful. Let’s document it exactly as it is.