Now, more than ever before, our homes are our safe places.

I am thankful that the kids and I have been able to “shelter in place” these past few weeks minus my weekly grocery needs and trip to the post office. My hubby’s job, with a major beverage company, is considered essential, so he still has to go to work Monday – Friday. I used to envy him a bit during school breaks when I saw his leaving for work each day as “lucky” while I was “stuck” at home with the kids. (Please note, I LOVE my kids, but school breaks can be LONG – can I get an amen?!)

Now, however, it’s just the opposite. The kids and I are the ones lucky to be SAFE at home, while he is out doing his job going into superstores and other locations still frequented by the general population, putting himself, and us at risk of contracting coronavirus. Don’t get me wrong. It’s not like he’s working in a hospital on the front line of this pandemic, but he’s still at risk and I hate it. I make him strip down as soon as he comes in the door, put his clothes straight into the washing machine and have him hop in the shower. If he ever fantasized about me having him strip down as soon as he got home from work I am positive this is NOT how his dream went – bahahaha!

This new normal is taking a lot for all of us to get used to. I am so thankful for the caring teachers who have poured hours and hours into e-learning so our kids don’t fall behind. We’re finally developing a routine with schooling, freetime and letting mama get some work done! We’re making things work.

Although my photography business is temporarily closed due to the shelter in place order, meaning I can’t take on paying clients, there is still plenty of behind the scenes stuff to be done, like maintaining this blog for starters 🙂 I have other things in the works – a free zoom class for new and expecting moms on how to take better pictures with your phone – especially in the hospital. I’m working on a short course for photographers involving film + flash, still posting to social media, and planning fun things for when things return to “normal,” and much much more! So many of the ideas I’m working on have been in my head for months or even years, and now I have plenty of time to put plans in place and work on things! It’s kind of exciting to be honest!

I also plan to use this time to work on projects around the house that I’ve been putting off. I’m spending more one of one time with each of the kids. We’re baking, doing yard work – playing board games together – that’s quality family time that I wouldn’t have normally.

How we respond to this time is totally on us. What we make of this gift of time is totally on us. Will we get stressed and emotional? Yes. Will we get stir crazy? Heck yes! Will we value the power of a hug when this is all over? Never again. Will we regret extra time with our loved ones? Absolutely not.

Stay safe my friends. Take care of each other. Call/Facetime/visit yard to yard with your neighbors, especially the elderly and make sure they are OK. Think of them when you put in our grocery order and see if you can get something for them. Let us come out of this horrible mess better spouses, better parents, better neighbors.

XOXO,

Kristin

All sessions with kDarling Photography are photographed on film. What does that mean for you? That means you’ll still receive your images via an online gallery. You’ll still be able to print where you wish or through my professional lab. What will change? I will get to slow down a bit at your sessions, allowing me to pay closer attention to details. We’ll get to know each other better, and we’ll have even more fun! And best yet – you’ll get your session back much sooner! Sound great – you’re excited? Me too!

TO SCHEDULE A PORTRAIT SESSION, PLEASE CONTACT ME, I CAN’T WAIT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Born and raised right here in central Illinois – Cissna Park to be exact – I transplanted over 20 years ago to Fisher. I’m proud to say I’m now a Fisher Bunnie (yep, that’s our school mascot, you can’t make these things up). When I’m not behind my camera, you can find me hanging out with my hubby and 2 kiddos, Payton and Mackenzie.

Photographs tell the story of our families. The good ones, the bad ones, and the ones that take our breath away – they’re all part of our perfectly imperfect stories, and each one is beautiful in its own unique way. I have been telling stories of families just like yours in the central Illinois/Champaign-Urbana area since 2012. Building lifelong relationships with my clients as their families grow, and telling their ever-changing story, is what makes my heart go pitter-patter. I would be honored to tell your family’s story..  To schedule your next session, please contact kDarling Photography by email or at 217.778.1325

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