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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Hey there, let me tell you about the beautiful fall wedding of Niki and Evan that I had the honor of capturing. The venue was The Cannery in Eureka, IL and it couldn’t have been a more perfect spot for this gorgeous family-centered wedding. The couple had so many personal touches throughout the day, including handmade wooden signs and rustic details that added to the overall charm of the wedding.

Romantic Black Tie Wedding | The Cannery | Eureka, IL

Film Photography, Love, Marriage, Natural Light, Photography, Wedding Planners, Wedding Venues, Weddings

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Laura and Yeoh had a beautiful day in April for their “mini-mony” – that’s what I’m choosing to call these small intimate ceremonies that have become popular in the post-COVID world. Twin City Bible Church in Urbana was the setting for saying their vows in front of loved ones and friends that were able to […]

Laura + Yeoh | University of IL | Arboretum

Arboretum, Champaign, Japan House, Love, Marriage, Portraits, University of Illinois, Weddings

Spring wedding pictures at Japan House Arboretum Urbana University of IL flowering trees

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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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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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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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When my lifelong best friend, Heather asked me to photograph her family on the front porch of their new home in Cissna Park, I was over the moon excited!  Being invited to photograph families in places that are so special to them makes our time spent together even more meaningful.

The Morrical Family | Our Happy Place | Cissna Park, IL

Babies, Children, Family, Illinois, Love, Marriage, Natural Light, Photography, Portraits, Tweens

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serving families in Champaign - urbana & all of central illinois

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