Story
Journal
Plain answers for Wake County photos
Prices, places and plans for headshots, family sessions and graduation photos, written by Gabe Key in Apex. Each post starts with the answer.
Short answer
The GKPhoto blog collects short notes from Gabe Key, the photographer behind GKPhoto in Apex, NC. Posts cover the work, the approach and how sessions come together. For prices and planning, see the pricing page and the session planner guides, which are free and run in your browser.
Headshots
Headshots guides
What to wear for a professional headshotWhat to wear for a professional headshot: color, collar, jacket, patterns and what to bring. Practical tips and the GKPhoto price list for Wake County.Headshots · October 19, 2026
LinkedIn headshot tips: 9 changes that matterNine practical LinkedIn headshot tips on framing, expression, background and consistency, plus the GKPhoto price list. Wake County sessions on location.Headshots · October 19, 2026
How much do professional headshots cost in the Triangle?What a headshot session costs in the Triangle, what drives the price and how to compare quotes. GKPhoto prices are listed, with add-ons and travel.Headshots · October 19, 2026
Doctor and lawyer headshots: attire, background and useWhat doctor and lawyer headshots need for a bio page, a directory and LinkedIn. Attire, background, on-site rates and a Wake County session on location.Headshots · October 19, 2026
Team headshot day: how to plan and price itHow to plan an on-site team headshot day: headcount, price math, space, wardrobe and a schedule outline. Rates come straight from the GKPhoto price list.Headshots · October 19, 2026
Phone photo or photographer for your profile picture?A plain checklist for choosing between a phone photo and a photographer for your profile picture, with the GKPhoto session price listed up front.Headshots · October 19, 2026
Personal branding photos: what to shoot and where it goesWhat goes into a personal branding photo set: headshot, half-body, environmental and detail frames, and where each is used. The Personal Brand is $395.Headshots · October 19, 2026
Family
Family guides
Family photos with toddlers: a plan for a 20-minute sessionHow to plan family photos with toddlers: timing, snacks, outfits and a short-session running order. Mini sessions run up to 20 minutes in Wake County.Family · October 19, 2026
Fall mini sessions in Wake County: how they workHow fall mini sessions work: 20 minutes, 10 edited images and the published places. Seasonal Mini price and how to join the first-access list.Family · October 19, 2026
Family photos with your dog: how to plan the sessionHow to plan a family session with a dog: leash, shade, energy and a candid-first running order. Sessions across Apex, Cary and Wake County.Family · October 19, 2026
Locations
Locations guides
Cary photo locations: which park for which seasonCary photo spots by season: Bond Park, Downtown Cary Park, Hemlock Bluffs and more, with guide ratings, parking notes and the Town permit rule.Locations · October 19, 2026
Where to take family pictures in Apex, NCSix places for family pictures in Apex with parking, shade and crowd notes, plus the best season for each. Apex is the GKPhoto home base.Locations · October 19, 2026
Best photo spots in Raleigh by seasonRaleigh photo spots by season, including WRAL Azalea Gardens, Dix Park and Pullen Park, with bloom notes, permit rules and travel to Raleigh.Locations · October 19, 2026
Graduation
Graduation guides
Graduation photo spots near Raleigh: NC State, UNC and DukeGraduation photo spots near NC State, UNC-Chapel Hill and Duke, with the permit rules each place states and how to plan a session.Graduation · October 19, 2026
Senior and grad photos: a timeline from booking to galleryA timeline for senior and grad photos: when to book, what to wear, what each package includes and when the gallery arrives. From $200 in Apex.Graduation · October 19, 2026
Sports and events
Sports and events guides
Sports photography near me: what to book for a young athleteAthlete session or game coverage? What each includes, what to send the photographer and what it costs. Youth and school sports across Wake County.Sports and events · October 19, 2026
Youth sports photos: picture day or game coverage?Compare a team picture day with game coverage for youth sports. What to plan, what to send and how athlete sessions fit. Wake County youth leagues.Sports and events · October 19, 2026
How to book an event photographer in RaleighHow many hours to book, what to put in a shot list and what event coverage costs in Raleigh and Wake County. Rates from the GKPhoto price list.Sports and events · October 19, 2026
Planning
Planning guides
Rain, heat and pollen: a weather plan for outdoor sessionsHow to plan an outdoor photo session around rain, heat and pollen in North Carolina. Weather reschedules are always free with GKPhoto.Planning · October 19, 2026
What is a print release?A print release lets you print your photos anywhere. What it covers, what it does not and how GKPhoto includes one with every session.Planning · October 19, 2026
How to choose a photographer in Wake CountyAn 8-point checklist for choosing a photographer in Wake County: published prices, inclusions, permits, delivery time and reviews you can verify.Planning · October 19, 2026
Print sizes for wall art: what fits above a couch, mantel or bedWhat print size fits above a couch, mantel or bed. A sizing rule, the GKPhoto store prices for 4x6 to 20x30 and a visualizer to try your wall.Planning · October 19, 2026
Photo studio near me? Why GKPhoto shoots on locationGKPhoto has no studio to visit. Sessions happen at your office, home or a park near you in Wake County, with prices listed and travel included.Planning · October 19, 2026
Free tools
Plan it yourself
Updated