As some of you know, I have a new love.  

OK, that got your attention!  I have a new love – well to be honest, it’s an old love, once forgotten.

It’s film photography

As a child growing up in the 80s, all my photographic memories are on film.  Printed and proudly displayed in many many albums, that we would often pull out and look through together as a family.  We would reminisce about fun trips, birthday parties and loved ones.  My parents would cheerfully hand over their Kodak 110 and let me snap away.  Taking the exposed rolls to the dime store to be sent off for developing and printing felt like sending my Christmas list to Santa at the North Pole.  Then, in about a week or so, the prints would be ready for pick up.  Opening that envelope and sorting through those treasures was in many ways better than Christmas morning!

So here I am, coming full circle, back to my first love.  Once again loading film in the camera, clicking the shutter button and falling in love with the sound of the film advancing.  Packaging up the finished rolls and sending them off for processing.  Feeling like a kid at Christmas when the email comes with the link to the finished images.  Loving every minute of it.

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.  It makes me take my time, truly connect with you on a more personal level and pay closer attention to detail to make sure the moment is perfect before snapping the shutter. Simply put, it makes me a better photographer.  Do we truly need to have 200+ good images delivered to you?  Or would 30-40 images that completely wow you be better?  Quality over quantity.

So what does this mean for you, the person hiring me to capture these memories?  Memories to be enjoyed now and for future generations? Do you still receive digital images – you bet!  Images are still delivered via an online gallery.  The number of images is more manageable and less overwhelming.  You are receiving the best of the best from your session.  You still receive a print release – side note, film images look BETTER printed than digital images!  Editing is minimal with film, so ALL galleries are delivered faster (even newborn sessions) – woohoo!

Hey there, I’m Kristin, owner and photographer at kDarling Photography located in Fisher, a small town in Central Illinois, just a few minutes from Champaign-Urbana.  When I don’t have a camera in my hand, I can be found at one of the kids’ many activities, or at the “happiest place on Earth”…which is Target, of course!!  I have 2 of the sweetest kiddos, Payton and Mackenzie and have been married to my best friend for 18 years.  Capturing the true personalities of those I photograph paired with yummy dreamy light makes my heart sing.  Film and digital photography are both my weapons of choice to create cherished memories, which makes me a “hybrid photographer.”   In studio lifestyle newborn photography is my specialty, along with children of all ages and families, with an occasional high school senior sprinkled in for good measure.  To schedule your next session, please contact kDarling Photography at by email or at 217.778.1325

For information on wedding photography, please visit our wedding website at www.SweetDarlingWeddings.com