I’m so glad you’re here.

The kDarling journal is a place for real session stories, thoughtful tips, and inspiration for families who want to preserve the moments that matter most. From maternity and newborn portraits to milestones, seniors, and the little in-between seasons, you’ll find stories and guidance to help you feel prepared and connected before your own session.

welcome to the journal

Joyfully, Kristin

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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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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

Education, Film Photography, Photography

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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

103 N. FIRST ST.
FISHER, IL 61843

©2026 kristin darling photography

serving families in Champaign - urbana & all of central illinois

217-778-1325

info@kdarlingphotography.com