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

welcome to my journal

Hey there, welcome

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Back in January, I decided to enroll in Sandra Coan Certification. It’s a course that focuses on consistency in all areas of my photography business from lighting to posing to editing, website, social media, etc… I’ve known Sandra for a really long time first being introduced to her teaching on CreativeLive and then when I […]

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

Babies, Best Friends, Business - null, Childbirth, Children, Connection, Education, Family, Film Photography, Love, Newborns, Photography, Portraits, Pregnancy

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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 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

Babies, Champaign, Children, Connection, Family, Film Photography, Illinois, Love, Marriage, Photography, Portraits

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I have always wanted to look forward to the new adventure that is on its way. That is how I approach each new phase and stage of my children’s lives.

The Best is Yet to Come | Champaign, IL

Babies, Children, Connection, Family, Love, Newborns

Newborn baby with parents mom in floral dress

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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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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

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There is no doubt this lucky baby boy is surrounded by and abundance of love!  His mommy and daddy were so attentive to his every need, and grandma and grandpa couldn’t get enough of their sweet new grandson!

Gianluca | Newborn Baby Boy | Savoy, IL

Babies, Champaign, Childbirth, Children, Connection, Family, Illinois, Love, Maternity, Newborns, Photography, Portraits, Pregnancy

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“The most important thing a girl wears is her confidence”

Recently, I got to spend time with these 3 friends.  And I have to tell you folks, these are girls that are not afraid to be themselves, they root for each other – even when in direct competition with the other, and they are there when one needs a shoulder to cry on or a good laugh!  

Best Friends | Downtown Champaign Tween Session

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

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Kaine was an amazing sleeper, and slept through most of his session, stopping to eat a couple of times.  A full belly makes us all happy and sleepy – right?  While he was asleep, I was able to grab some lovely macro images of all of his little features – eyelashes, lips, fingers, toes, etc…He graced us with some awesome open eyed opportunities too – love it when newborns seem to be looking right at the camera!

Newborn Session | Baby Boy | Kaine, 9 days | Champaign, IL

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

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Welcoming kiddos back to kDarling Photography for their milestone sessions year after year is such a special reward.

Milestone Session | Rosella is 2 | Central Illinois

Champaign, Children, Connection, Family, Illinois, Light, Love, Marriage, Photography, Portraits, Toddlers

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serving families in Champaign - urbana & all of central illinois

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