Have you ever emailed with someone and knew right away that you would get along? This is exactly how I felt when I was emailing with Mrs. S about a Front Porch Session! I was so honored to capture not only their last days at their home but also commemorate a wonderful day for one […]

As a milestone photographer in Downers Grove, I love capturing families where they live and in the places that hold special memories for them. This little lady had just turned one and this family had been quarantining together for a month so we thought we’d take advantage of the beautiful spring weather. At first, she […]

“Where we love is home – home that our feet may leave, but not our hearts.” ~ Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. I recently announced my Front Porch Sessions which will take place once the IL the shelter-in-place order is lifted for non-essential businesses. You might be wondering what a Front Porch Session is if you […]

Each year, I choose a word for the year to focus on. These words are often chosen by some challenge I’ve faced or inspired by listening or reading something. This year’s word I first heard at a conference I was attending with the ladies from my Bible Study. Then it started coming up in articles […]

As a former early childhood teacher and a childcare professional with 20+ years of experience turned family photographer, there is one thing certain about toddlers…they are unpredictable. Believe it or not, this can actually yield some of the best photos! You might wonder how in the world that could be possible. We go for a […]

August 2019 was full of firsts for Danielle Hardesty Photography. I’m excited to finally begin sharing all that happened with you! First up, this adorable first birthday party at the Elk Grove Village Park District, complete with a real indoor carousel! The room had floor to ceiling windows on 60% of the walls so the […]

This Giveaway is Closed! In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, Nurse Appreciation Week, National Small Business Week and Mother’s Day, I’ve decided to do a giveaway for your leading lady nominees! Who can be nominated? ~Any woman that has made a difference in your life and/or the lives of others. Think of all the amazing […]

What do you get when you have two cute brothers and super fun parents? A fall family session that is full of laughter, love and, of course, plenty of bloopers! This son giving his mom a kiss is something she will be able to treasure forever and look at when he’s making messes or woke […]

This sweet family is growing by one. Before they do, we wanted to capture some of their final days as a foursome! These two little men have hearts of gold and love superheroes! At first they were a little unsure about the whole thing but as soon as I brought out my special friend (they […]

You’ve booked a session with me, now it’s time to style your family! You might be thinking, ‘I am more comfortable in jeans, t-shirt and a messy bun, I have no idea what to wear’! (If that’s the case, then we should definitely be friends because I live in this attire! You may even see […]