2025 Milestone Minis are here!  

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photography

Capturing Timeless Newborn & Family Moments in Champaign-Urbana & Central Illinois.

Because this moment should be remembered forever

maternity | newborn | family

Specializing in timeless newborn, maternity, & family photography in Central Illinois, I bring over 13 years of experience capturing real connection, tender details, and the joy of your growing family.

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I celebrate the beauty of family bonds and the innocence of infancy by creating timeless, heartfelt images.  Specializing in natural newborn, maternity, and family photography, I serve Champaign, Urbana, and Central Illinois with a focus on simplicity, honesty, and connection.  My goal is to preserve your most meaningful moments through authentic storytelling and timeless portraiture.

LOCATED IN FISHER, IL | SERVING the Champaign Urbana area - CENTRAL ILLINOIS & BEYOND

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Now booking Milestone Mini Sessions in Fisher, IL! These quick, 15-minute child photography sessions are perfect for babies, toddlers, kids, and high school seniors. Capture their unique personality in a relaxed, natural-light studio setting. Limited spots available for June 30, July 2, and July 19!

Milestone Mini Sessions Are Here!

Now booking Milestone Mini Sessions in Fisher, IL! These quick, 15-minute child photography sessions are perfect for babies, toddlers, kids, and high school seniors. Capture their unique personality in a relaxed, natural-light studio setting. Limited spots available for June 30, July 2, and July 19!

Baby girl sitting on white quilt during milestone photo session in Fisher IL studio

What Is Baby-Led Posing in Newborn Photography — And Why It’s the Safest, Most Natural Choice for Your Newborn Photos If you’re searching for the best newborn photographer near you, or wondering about different styles of newborn photography posing, you might come across everything from heavily posed images with lots of props to soft, natural photos that […]

What Is Baby-Led Posing in Newborn Photography? Why It’s Safer & More Natural

newborn baby in white onesie on white bed in white studio

Why I’m a Photographer | Champaign – Urbana, IL

Teen girl milestone portrait in natural light studio

One of my fondest childhood memories is picking up or developed photos/prints from our local dime store. There was just something so magical about all that anticipation to hold those prints and see your memories come back to life. Some people say – don’t you worry that you can’t “see” what you’ve captured? Quite the […]

Why I Choose Film | Central IL Photographer

One of my fondest childhood memories is picking up or developed photos/prints from our local dime store. There was just something so magical about all that anticipation to hold those prints and see your memories come back to life. Some people say – don’t you worry that you can’t “see” what you’ve captured? Quite the […]

As your senior embarks on the exciting journey towards graduation, there’s one timeless tradition that should not be overlooked – scheduling cap and gown pictures. Capturing this significant milestone is not just a photo opportunity; it’s a cherished memory that will last a lifetime. Cap & Gown Sessions will be offered on various dates between […]

Cap & Gown Graduation Pictures | Champaign, IL

What to expect at your Newborn Session | Champaign Urbana Photographer

In the enchanting world of newborn photography, the art of capturing timeless and joyful moments has evolved, and a trend that has gained immense popularity is “Baby-Led Posing.” This approach focuses on allowing infants to move and express themselves naturally, resulting in authentic and heartwarming images that stand the test of time. Authenticity Over Perfection: […]

What is Baby Led Posing? | Central IL Newborn Photographer

In the enchanting world of newborn photography, the art of capturing timeless and joyful moments has evolved, and a trend that has gained immense popularity is “Baby-Led Posing.” This approach focuses on allowing infants to move and express themselves naturally, resulting in authentic and heartwarming images that stand the test of time. Authenticity Over Perfection: […]

So, you know how people usually say “cheese” to make kids smile in photos? Some folks, like me, prefer not to use that line. Why?

How I get natural smiles in photos | Central IL Family Photographer

What to Wear for Pictures: Kids Addition | Champaign-Urbana Family Photographer

The bond between a mother and daughter is a relationship like no other. It is a connection that transcends time, intertwining generations with a tapestry of love, tenderness, and understanding. The bond between mothers and daughters can be described as romantic, timeless, and joyful, as it is a profound connection that evolves and flourishes throughout a lifetime.

Mothers & Daughters | Champaign, IL

The bond between a mother and daughter is a relationship like no other. It is a connection that transcends time, intertwining generations with a tapestry of love, tenderness, and understanding. The bond between mothers and daughters can be described as romantic, timeless, and joyful, as it is a profound connection that evolves and flourishes throughout a lifetime.

The first year of baby’s life is a whirlwind of precious moments, countless milestones, and boundless love. As the months fly by, parents eagerly await their little one’s first birthday, envisioning a celebration that perfectly encapsulates the joy, love, and timelessness of this momentous occasion. Today, we delve into the enchanting world of a baby’s first birthday, exploring ideas that evoke timelessness and bring forth sheer joy.

Baby’s First Birthday | How to Make it Memorable

Romantic Black Tie Wedding | The Cannery | Eureka, IL

The Fisher Fair is finally here! Each year the entire Fisher community looks forward to the fair! This little community fair in Champaign county packs a big punch! the festivities kick off tonight with the Miss Fisher Fair Pageant.

Fisher Community Fair | Champaign County, IL

The Fisher Fair is finally here! Each year the entire Fisher community looks forward to the fair! This little community fair in Champaign county packs a big punch! the festivities kick off tonight with the Miss Fisher Fair Pageant.

Fair Queens at the Fisher Fair

Photographing fireworks on film – I want to pass on what I have learned over the years to you! No crazy technical terms, no formulas or calculations to make. Just plain Jane easy to understand terms.

How to Photograph Fireworks

B-25 Bomber Flight | Champaign, IL

B-25 bomber restored from wwii

Welcome Home, Beckett! Miss Beckett was so sweet for her in-studio newborn session. I can’t get over her hair! Just absolutely adorable.  Beckett’s older brother Calvin was thrilled to be a part of this session, too. He was once one of my newborns! It was crazy to see just how big he had gotten. Calvin […]

In-Studio Newborn Session | Baby Beckett

Welcome Home, Beckett! Miss Beckett was so sweet for her in-studio newborn session. I can’t get over her hair! Just absolutely adorable.  Beckett’s older brother Calvin was thrilled to be a part of this session, too. He was once one of my newborns! It was crazy to see just how big he had gotten. Calvin […]

This beautiful, loving couple had their stunning golden hour engagement session in Champaign County. These two are getting married at Miller Farms Barn on May 28, 2022, and I can’t wait for their big day!   They met while working together at a mortgage lending company and dated for two years before he proposed. The proposal […]

Golden Hour Engagement Session | Champaign County

In-Studio Newborn Session | Baby Joel

This gorgeous outdoor engagement session with Brooke and Nick was taken on a chilly fall day in Leroy, IL. These fiancees are a beautiful couple getting married on May 7 at the Venue Chisca in Peoria, IL.  Brooke and Nick met at work in 2014 where he was a fermentation operator who would bring samples […]

Brooke + Nick | Fall Outdoor Engagement Session

This gorgeous outdoor engagement session with Brooke and Nick was taken on a chilly fall day in Leroy, IL. These fiancees are a beautiful couple getting married on May 7 at the Venue Chisca in Peoria, IL.  Brooke and Nick met at work in 2014 where he was a fermentation operator who would bring samples […]

Welcome home, Ruth! Baby Ruth was such a little angel for her in-studio newborn session! She was so calm throughout the whole process and loved being snuggled by her adoring parents. Ruth’s daddy was actually one of my high school seniors several years ago! It was amazing to see how he interacted with his new […]

In-Studio Newborn Session | Baby Ruth

Elizabeth + Tate | iHotel Wedding Reception

Welcome to your family, Noah! Noah’s in-studio newborn photography session was so beautiful. He is blessed to have such a warm, loving family and I was so happy to capture these moments for them.  I’m not sure I’ve ever had a baby as smiley as Noah! I’m also so glad that his mom, Emily, chose […]

In-Studio Newborn Photography Session | Baby Noah

Welcome to your family, Noah! Noah’s in-studio newborn photography session was so beautiful. He is blessed to have such a warm, loving family and I was so happy to capture these moments for them.  I’m not sure I’ve ever had a baby as smiley as Noah! I’m also so glad that his mom, Emily, chose […]

Kayla and Jason had their courthouse wedding ceremony on Feb. 1, 2021 at the Champaign County Courthouse followed by photos taken at the Lake of the Woods Botanical Garden. Although it might not have been the wedding they had pictured for themselves, it was beautiful nonetheless.     Kayla and Jason met in Nashville in 2016 through […]

Kayla + Jason | Champaign County Courthouse & Lake of the Woods Botanical Garden

In-Studio Newborn Session | Baby Thomas

Kelsey and Seth’s wedding at the Bloomington Country Club last November was so beautiful. It was an absolutely gorgeous fall day, and the wedding really was perfect from start to finish. Kelsey and Seth met while working at the same bar; she was a bartender and he was the manager. Kelsey said that since they […]

Kelsey + Seth | Bloomington Country Club

Kelsey and Seth’s wedding at the Bloomington Country Club last November was so beautiful. It was an absolutely gorgeous fall day, and the wedding really was perfect from start to finish. Kelsey and Seth met while working at the same bar; she was a bartender and he was the manager. Kelsey said that since they […]

Welcome to the world, Abigail! Here’s another beautiful in-studio newborn photography session! Abigail was such a sweet little baby and had the most inquisitive expressions. Abigail’s parents were doting on her in the most precious way, I loved being able to do more posed shots and mix in some natural moments as well. For newborn […]

In-Studio Newborn Photography Session | Baby Abigail

Maddie + Bryan | Willow Creek Farm

Welcome to the world, Austin! I adored this in-studio newborn session. Sweet baby Austin is the third newborn I photographed from this beautiful family. I photographed his older sisters Quinn and Carley way back when, and it was crazy to see them so grown up! It was so special to photograph all these kiddos together. […]

In-Studio Newborn Session | Baby Austin

Welcome to the world, Austin! I adored this in-studio newborn session. Sweet baby Austin is the third newborn I photographed from this beautiful family. I photographed his older sisters Quinn and Carley way back when, and it was crazy to see them so grown up! It was so special to photograph all these kiddos together. […]

Natalie and Luke’s wedding was unique because COVID threw all their plans totally out of whack, with their official ceremony at the courthouse and the reception months later at The Lodge at River Valley Farm. When Natalie and Luke were finally married at the Champaign County Courthouse on Jan. 8 2021, that was their fifth […]

Natalie + Luke | Champaign County Courthouse & The Lodge at River Valley Farm

In-Studio Newborn Session I Lexie Jo

– HAYLEY HENDERSON

Such a considerate person and an absolutely amazing photographer 📸 My images were better than I could have ever expected! Highly recommend.

 Words

Kind

103 N. FIRST ST.
FISHER, IL 61843

©2025 kristin darling photography

serving families in Champaign - urbana & all of central illinois

217-778-1325