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

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Now booking Milestone Mini Sessions in Fisher, IL! These quick, 15-minute child photography sessions are perfect for babies, toddlers, kids, and high school seniors. Capture their unique personality in a relaxed, natural-light studio setting. Limited spots available for June 30, July 2, and July 19!

Milestone Mini Sessions Are Here!

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

Baby girl sitting on white quilt during milestone photo session in Fisher IL studio

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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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The first year of baby’s life is a whirlwind of precious moments, countless milestones, and boundless love. As the months fly by, parents eagerly await their little one’s first birthday, envisioning a celebration that perfectly encapsulates the joy, love, and timelessness of this momentous occasion. Today, we delve into the enchanting world of a baby’s first birthday, exploring ideas that evoke timelessness and bring forth sheer joy.

Baby’s First Birthday | How to Make it Memorable

Babies, Champaign, Children, Family, Film Photography, Natural Light, Toddlers

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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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Welcoming kiddos back to kDarling Photography for their milestone sessions year after year is such a special reward.

Milestone Session | Rosella is 2 | Central Illinois

Champaign, Children, Connection, Family, Illinois, Light, Love, Marriage, Photography, Portraits, Toddlers

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Glitter sessions are here!!  We are covering the studio with glitter, making it rain glitter, throwing glitter and anything else involving glitter on March 18, 2018.

Glitter Sessions | Child & Tween Photography | Fisher, IL

Champaign, Children, Connection, Family, High School, Light, Photography, Portraits, Seniors, Toddlers

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When Aiden’s mom told me she was planning a “Where the Wild Things Are” themed birthday, I was SO excited.  This was one of my favorite books growing up!  We kept the props simple to keep the focus on the birthday boy!  He LOVED his cake from SugarShaper95, which fit into the theme perfectly with yummy buttercream frosting and an edible fondant crown on top.

Where the Wild Things Are | First Birthday | Champaign County, IL

Babies, Champaign, Children, Connection, Family, Illinois, Love, Photography, Portraits, Toddlers

103 N. FIRST ST.
FISHER, IL 61843

©2025 kristin darling photography

serving families in Champaign - urbana & all of central illinois

217-778-1325