It was a joy to capture this Darien Lifestyle Newborn Session with this new family of four includes a nursery filled with beautiful subtle florals and soft color tones. There is an immediate sense of peace and calm upon entering it. The way the blush, pink, cream, grey and white came together in perfect harmony […]

Warmth of the setting fall sun. Early Friday night rumblings of people gathering in a small town. Downtown Lemont…a quaint, underrated little downtown area that reminds me of the small Tennessee towns I visited frequently as a child. So great to spend my evening with this returning DHP family and I got to check off […]

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 […]

Snuggled in the soft, cozy sweater covering his mom’s arms or the strong, stable grip of his dad allowed this sweet newborn to feel calm and safe. The minute we tried to set him down or wrap him in something new, he felt unsettled but as soon as one of them embraced him, everything was […]

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 […]

Every time I walk into a newborn session, my heart melts and I can feel the excitement and exhaustion the family is feeling. So you can only imagine that when my best friend brought home her newborn, I was in LOVE and literally wanted to hold her the entire time! Their Downers Grove home exudes […]