MEET KRISTEN HAZELTON
YOUR STORY. My LENS.
"Kristen is enthusiastic, energetic, positive and extraordinarily skilled. A consummate professional, she made me and my daughter feel completely at ease and comfortable at every stage."
as seen in:
Meet the photographer who can "charm a piece of cardboard and even the most reluctant family member."
— GIGI, @picklehillparties
Hi, I'm KRISTEN
Your Portrait Photographer, LIVING HER BEST LIFE HELPING CLIENTS CAPTURE MEMORIES
ONCE UPON A TIME
I was a molecular plant biologist studying flower genes.
I did lots of cool stuff in lab - I worked with petunias, with ferns, and other weird plants to figure out how they worked....
...but family health emergencies highlighted to me that time is fleeting. I realized I wanted to prioritize making memories with my family and capturing those moments through photos.
Then I found my purpose: helping seniors and families show up in photos beautifully, comfortably, and authentically.
After witnessing for myself that our time on earth can be fleeting, I was driven to capture lively, authentic photos as means of beautifully capturing and preserving my family's memories.
When I realized that I could do the same for others and boost their confidence with how amazing they looked, I realized I'd found my dream job!
There is nothing better than helping an unsure client skyrocket their self-confidence over the course of a session, or knowing that I've helped a family capture priceless memories that they'll look back on for years to come.
Enneagram 9w1 and your number one hype girl!
photo credit: Abbie Christine Photography
MY REALLY OFFICIAL BIO, the TL:DR VERSION
Kristen is a multi award-winning photographer who works with real clients to create magazine-worthy, award-winning portraits.
She is especially known for putting clients at ease and making portrait sessions easy, fun, and empowering.
I've been in your POSITION
...AS A HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR
As a high school senior and young adult I felt so awkward in my skin as I was trying to figure out who I was. I wanted badly to have beautiful senior photos so I could see the beauty I knew was inside...but couldn't quite see by myself.
KHP is a direct result of these feelings and a mission to help teen clients feel empowered and seen.
...as a (HIGHLY SUNBURNED) university graduate
As a university graduate, I remember the feelings of nostalgia and wanting to bottle up this amazing moment in your life - the time when you made lifetime friendships, worked like hell to learn challenging concepts, and learned so much about the world and becoming an adult.
KHP is a direct result of these feelings. University graduation is the capstone on some really formative years in your life that are well worth remembering and celebrating!
...AS A PARENT
As a mother, I understand the bittersweet feelings of watching your children grow up way too fast, and wanting to hold onto their special moments a little longer.
KHP is a direct result of these feelings. I want to provide parents with beautiful portraits of their children (whether they are small or graduating) as mementos of the wonderful people they are right now.
You've seen beautiful photos and want your own to be next level.
You want an artist and designer to tell you what to do with your hands and what photos look good together on a gallery wall.
As an award-winning portrait photographer, I'm here to assist every step of the way to design the portrait session of your dreams.
You're in the right place.
EXPERIENCE YOU CAN TRUST
65+
5-star Google reviews
7
years in business
19
awards for customer service excellence
4
awards for portrait artistry
9
times named a Top 100 Senior Photographer in the U.S.
PRINT PUBLICATIONS
ONLINE PUBLICATIONS
Senior Style Guide
Senior SZN Magazine: Best of 2023 Edition
Senior SZN Magazine: Best of 2024 Edition
Senior SZN Magazine: Best of 2025 Edition
Senior Luxe Magazine
Lensational Magazine
Inspiring Teens Magazine
Senior Szn Magazine
seniorMUSE Magazine
Junior Szn Magazine
Senior Poise Magazine
Teen Years Magazine
Modern Teen Style Magazine
Senior Year Magazine
Dance SZN Magazine
Monochrome Seniors Magazine
Chicago Parent Magazine
Woman's World
Awards & Publications
MSN
AOL
The Wall Street Journal
Forbes Advisor
Martha Stewart
Yahoo! Creators
Parents Magazine
Rangefinder Magazine
National Association of Portrait and Child Photographers
The PosePatch
Finding North Photography Collective
Senior Post
The White Wren
The Kindred Path
The Spruce
Bold Journey Magazine Interview
Lightfolio Interview
The DePaulia
University of CA Instagram Feature
Loyola University Chicago Instagram Feature
University of Chicago Instagram Feature
AWARDS
Expertise.com 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 Best Chicago Family Photographers
Expertise.com 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 Best Chicago Portrait Photographers
Expertise.com 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 Best Oak Park, IL Portrait Photographers
Expertise.com 2026 Best San Diego Portrait Photographers
Expertise.com 2026 Best San Francisco Portrait Photographers
USA TopRated Best Family Photographers in Chicago, IL
Best Firms Rated Best Portrait Photographers in Chicago
2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 Senior Style Guide Hot 100 Recipient - Community Choice Award
2024 Senior Style Guide Hot 100 Recipient - Urban
2024, 2025, 2026 SeniorInspire Top100 Photographers
2026 NAPCP International Image Award Winner - Senior - Second Place
PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES
National Association of Portrait and Child Photographers
Click Community
Avalon, Channel Islands, CA
PHOTOSHOOTS ON MY BUCKET LIST
Joshua Tree, CA
LondonHouse Cupola, Chicago
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Notre Dame, South Bend, IN
University of WA Cherry Blossoms
Does my vision align with yours? Reach out. Let's bring this photoshoot to life!
INQUIRE ▸
“Kristen makes you feel so comfortable in your skin on shoot day!”
Kristen did my medical school graduation photo shoot in Chicago and the gallery turned out absolutely incredible! Her instructions were very clear and made me feel prepared leading up to the shoot. Kristen makes you feel so comfortable in your skin on shoot day and really captures your personality in every photo. They turned out so beautiful, I could not have asked for a better day! I cannot thank her enough for capturing these beautiful memories that my family and I will cherish forever!
- Client, Midwestern c/o '25
01 / 03
“She really helped make it a comfortable and fun experience.”
I had an amazing experience with Kristen! I am not usually super comfortable when taking pictures, but she really helped make it a comfortable and fun experience. I enjoyed my session a lot and love how the photos turned out. Definitely recommend!!!
- Meredith, OPRFHS class of '23
02 / 03
"The pictures of our daughter are absolutely BEAUTIFUL. Kristen is THE BEST!"
"Kristen was so incredible to work with on our daughter's senior pictures. She made the entire process effortless end to end and was super responsive every step of the way. She even went to scout the location we selected at the time of day we picked to ensure everything would be just right. My daughter was so nervous for the shoot and went in to it thinking she wasn't photogenic at all. As we walked away from the session she said Kristen made it so much fun. Not to mention, the pictures of our daughter are absolutely BEAUTIFUL. Kristen is THE BEST!"
- Lyla's mom, OPRFHS c/o 2022
03 / 03
say hello
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It's totally okay if you don't have a clear vision yet for your photoshoot - many clients don't! My job is to help and offer suggestions. :)
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Fill out the form for my pricing guide and FAQ - it takes just one minute!
It's totally okay if your ideas are vague. My job is to help and offer suggestions. :)
