Nina Merklina Photography

01/27/2026

Photography nerdy stuff, please bear with me.

Hear are two images, taken seconds apart.
Same camera. Same light. Same exposure settings (ISO 100, f/4.0, 1/2000, full sun).

One small difference: 30mm of focal length.

That alone changed how the ice shows on the trees.

This isn’t really something I can fix in post. If the glaze doesn’t exist in the file, no amount of sliders will bring it back. (Outside of AI, of course.)

Kind of amazing, right?

A good reminder to myself that not everything lives in exposure or editing. Some things, and often the most important ones, are decided at the moment of capture.

12/21/2025

Behind the scenes tonight: the truly glamorous side of photography.

Ironing the backdrop, dialing in the light, and fighting Facebook’s impressive ability to distort colors.

Winter Wonderland is happening tomorrow at The Kid's Gym , with help from , and there are still a few spots open if you want to join us.

Come comfortable. Bring friends. Holiday sweaters and PJs are very welcome.

Details and booking here: https://www.merklina.com/winter-wonderland

12/20/2025

Tested my first Kate Backdrop today (with my very patient daughter as a stand-in). Soft, almost wrinkle-free, perfectly matte. Love it!

If you’re coming this Monday and overthinking outfits: don’t. Holiday sweaters are welcome, and PJs are too. Bring kids (or don’t), bring friends, bring reluctant partners. This is meant to be easy and fun.
A few spots are still open!

12/15/2025

❄️ Winter Wonderland: Pictures & Pages ❄️

Since North Carolina rarely gives us snowy scenery, we decided to make a little of our own.

On December 22, I’m teaming up with local author and educator Jasmine Nieto for a cozy winter afternoon with storytime, play, and sweet indoor winter portraits at The Kid’s Gym.

Kids can enjoy stories, crafts, and cookies, and anyone who wants can step into a separate gym space for wintry keepsake photos in a snowy scene we created just for this.

Come with kids, come on your own, bring a friend.

Photos are $20 each. Admission is free.
To keep things relaxed, spots are reserved by the hour.

👉 Details + reserving here:
https://www.merklina.com/winter-wonderland

10/03/2025

Two little explorers, one autumn evening. A pocket full of leaves, a very convenient rock, a flower clutched like treasure, and the kind of laughter that makes parents forget how exhausted they are…

10/01/2025

When your model is part sunshine, part Saturday football. 💛💙

09/30/2025

🍁 Fall is showing up early this year 🍁

The leaves are already starting to turn in Chapel Hill, and it looks like peak color may hit sooner than usual. My usual “sweet spot” (Oct 15–24) might sneak forward, so if you’ve been waiting to book, now’s the moment.

Booking link is here: https://www.merklina.com/fall-sessions

- Flexible dates (we’ll adjust if color/weather shifts)
- Southern Village flat rate, or we can roam to your favorite spot
- Golden hour magic - those sunset slots go first

Let’s catch the color while it lasts, whether it’s your first time in front of my lens or your annual tradition! ❤️

09/25/2025

Fall is trying to sneak in, but summer called and said, "Nope, still here". And clearly, so is the sunshine in this girl. She brought the glow, and Merritt’s Pasture at golden hour did the rest. LOVE IT!
🌸☀️

07/29/2025

Class of 2026 is stepping up to the edge of everything.
This is your time.

Senior year is full of firsts, lasts, and everything in between.
These portraits aren’t about perfect smiles. They’re about capturing that moment—right before everything changes.

They’re about you.

Two session options. Golden light. Quiet moments.

📍 Chapel Hill | Carrboro | Durham
Booking now for fall:

Senior photo sessions for Class of 2026 in Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Durham. Two session options. Natural, expressive portraits that feel like you.

05/17/2025

Junior Prom - Oak. Killing it!