Hey friend, I'm so glad you're here! On this space you will find little pieces of my life, my favorite imagess and some of my photography tutorials! Take a cup or coffee or glass of wine and enjoy exploring around! Love, Kristin

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welcome friend

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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

Babies, Best Friends, Champaign, Children, Connection, Family, Illinois, Light, Love, Natural Light, Newborns, Photography, Portraits, Toddlers, Tweens

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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

Babies, Champaign, Children, Family, Film Photography, Natural Light, Toddlers

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Hey there, let me tell you about the beautiful fall wedding of Niki and Evan that I had the honor of capturing. The venue was The Cannery in Eureka, IL and it couldn’t have been a more perfect spot for this gorgeous family-centered wedding. The couple had so many personal touches throughout the day, including handmade wooden signs and rustic details that added to the overall charm of the wedding.

Romantic Black Tie Wedding | The Cannery | Eureka, IL

Film Photography, Love, Marriage, Natural Light, Photography, Wedding Planners, Wedding Venues, Weddings

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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

Best Friends, Champaign, Children, Film Photography, High School, Illinois, Natural Light, Photography, Portraits, Seniors, Tweens

Fair Queens at the Fisher Fair

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Not even COVID-19 could stop these lovebirds from having their dream wedding at Pear Tree Estate – even if they had to wait an entire year.

Brendan + Jordan | Pear Tree Estate

Champaign, Film Photography, Love, Marriage, Natural Light, Weddings

Blush and blue spring wedding at Pear Tree Estate champaign illinois

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Recently, my film images were featured in a blog on the Happy Tog’s website.  My friend Holly writes about a truly epic night when we were reminded to slow down and pay attention.  That is exactly what film does for me.

I’ve got a new love | Film Photography | Central Illinois

Babies, Best Friends, Champaign, Children, Connection, Family, Film Photography, High School, Illinois, Light, Love, Marriage, Maternity, Natural Light, Newborns, Photography, Portraits, Pregnancy, Seniors, Toddlers, Tweens, Weddings

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Often people ask me what my favorite age or genre is to photograph.  That is an almost impossibly question for me to answer.  If I’ve just photographed a newborn, I say, “Newborn!”  If it’s a wedding, my answer is, “Weddings, I love LOVE!”  So if you had asked me after Gibson’s 1 year photo session, the answer would have been, “One year old sessions with a cake smash – hands down!”

Gibson | One Year Cake Smash | Champaign, IL

Babies, Champaign, Children, Family, Film Photography, Illinois, Light, Love, Natural Light, Photography, Portraits, Toddlers

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My neighbor and friend Kristina and her hubby Ricky are getting ready to welcome their third baby any day now!  Kristina was so kind to model these dresses for me the other night – doesn’t she look gorgeous?!

Kristina | Summer Maternity Session | Fisher, IL

Babies, Champaign, Childbirth, Children, Family, Illinois, Light, Maternity, Natural Light, Newborns, Photography, Portraits, Pregnancy

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When my lifelong best friend, Heather asked me to photograph her family on the front porch of their new home in Cissna Park, I was over the moon excited!  Being invited to photograph families in places that are so special to them makes our time spent together even more meaningful.

The Morrical Family | Our Happy Place | Cissna Park, IL

Babies, Children, Family, Illinois, Love, Marriage, Natural Light, Photography, Portraits, Tweens

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Do you remember what it was like to be a pre-tween/tween?  Stuck in limbo between no longer being a “little girl” and not quite a “young lady?”  Not quite ready to give up your American Girl Doll and definitely not ready for makeup and boys yet.

Let Them Be Little | Tween Session | Fisher, IL

Best Friends, Champaign, Children, Connection, Family, Illinois, Light, Love, Natural Light, Photography, Portraits, Tweens

102 E. Front St. Suite A
Fisher, IL 61843
217-778-1325

©2024 kristin darling photography

serving families in Champaign - urbana & all of central illinois