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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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

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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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Sweet little Olivia slept peacefully as she was cradled on the bed for photos with her proud big sister Brooklyn.  She flashed us her sweet double dimples and gave us some adorable baby smiles.

Olivia | Newborn Baby Girl | Decatur, IL

Babies, Children, Family, Illinois, Newborns, Photography, Portraits

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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

103 N. FIRST ST.
FISHER, IL 61843

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serving families in Champaign - urbana & all of central illinois

217-778-1325

info@kdarlingphotography.com