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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One of my fondest childhood memories is picking up or developed photos/prints from our local dime store. There was just something so magical about all that anticipation to hold those prints and see your memories come back to life. Some people say – don’t you worry that you can’t “see” what you’ve captured? Quite the […]

Why I Choose Film | Central IL Photographer

Babies, Champaign, Children, Family, Film Photography, High School, Illinois, Light, Newborns, Photography, Portraits, Seniors, Toddlers, Tweens

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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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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

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