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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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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 Newborn sessions should be all about baby with simple, timeless images that will always remind you how your baby slept with his hand by his mouth, or how tiny those little sweet features were. There is not much to say about it other than babies are beautiful just as they are!  I love to let the light and shadows tell a story that captures the innocence of your newborn child. 

NEWBORN SESSION | BABY BOY | OWEN, 9 DAYS | CENTRAL ILLINOIS

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

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When Kristin contacted me about photographing her newborn boy, Callen, I was so excited!  Newborn sessions are among my favorite, and Fresh 48 sessions in the hospital, are no exception.  Many times these sessions are taken to capture the first moments that older siblings meet their new baby brother or sister, and their reactions can be priceless!  Big sis Jocelyn had met her new brother the day before, but today she was getting to spend a bit more time with him during our session.  She was very curious about him, and understandably hesitant to share her mom.

Callen | Fresh 48 | Carle Hospital | Champaign, IL

Babies, Champaign, Childbirth, Children, Family, Illinois, Love, Maternity, Natural Light, Newborns, Photography, Portraits, Toddlers

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FISHER, IL 61843

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