About
Hi there! I’m Kristen, an Oak Park, IL and Livermore, CA Photographer
ISFP, mom to kids and plants, loves bubblegum ice cream and is always on the hunt for a new coffee shop or taco stand.
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 purpose and 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 the owner and lead photographer at Kristen Hazelton Photography LLC. She's best known for helping her clients feel incredibly comfortable and beautiful in front of the camera.
Serving Chicagoland and the San Francisco East Bay Area since 2019
Yes! I'm a family, senior, and engagement photographer serving Chicago, IL and based out of Oak Park, IL during the school year, and I'm an East Bay Area photographer based out of Livermore, CA during academic breaks. Join the mailing list to be the first to know my travel schedule!
I'm IN!
SUPER FUN
FACTS
NOW FOR THE IMPORTANT STUFF
Salt and pepper kettle chips are the best kettle chips.
I remove eggs from the carton so the weight is evenly distributed.
I collect horrible jokes and am not afraid to use them!
The best part of my job is showing clients how amazing they look on the back of the camera - no Photoshop involved.
Your at-a-glance guide to where I stand on all the truly important things.
THE QUIZ
Favorite indulgence
Favorite season
Summer
Guilty pleasure
alternate universe job:
Plant virologist
favorite place i've been:
Kihei, Maui is my happy place! :)
drink of choice
can't live without
Fancy English tea
usually craving
Taco Pros green salsa
beach vs mountains
100% Beach!!!
favorite Houseplant
my 5' papaya tree!
Selected publications
PRINT PUBLICATIONS
ONLINE PUBLICATIONS
Senior Style Guide
Senior SZN Magazine: Best of 2023 Edition
Senior SZN Magazine: Best of 2024 Edition
Chicago Parent
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
The Wall Street Journal
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
AWARDS
Expertise.com 2022, 2023, 2024 Best Chicago Family Photographers
Expertise.com 2022, 2023, 2024 Best Chicago Portrait Photographers
Expertise.com 2022, 2023, 2024 Best Oak Park, IL Portrait Photographers
USA TopRated Best Family Photographers in Chicago, IL
Best Firms Rated Best Portrait Photographers in Chicago
2022, 2023, 2024 Senior Style Guide Hot 100 Recipient - Community Choice Award
2024 Senior Style Guide Hot 100 Recipient - Urban
2024, 2025 SeniorInspire Top100 Photographers
PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES
National Association of Portrait and Child Photographers
Get On the List
Join the mailing list and be the first to know when my booking calendar goes live, and about limited edition snow and cap & gown sessions, :)
I send out just a few emails annually and will never share your email address.
