Finding What is Truly Mine

A friend asked me to help with some photography today, and as we were texting back and forth, she mentioned her recent girls’ trip—and wished the same for me. I loved the sincerity of that wish because, especially as a mom of many, it’s so important to get out and do something you love.

That wish made me think about why I started my photography business in the first place. It gave me space to not be a mom for a little while. And as I reflected on what in this house is truly mine, the answer became clear: it’s not my kitchen, it’s not my bedroom, it’s not the breakables my grandmother left me, it’s not even my car with its mysterious smells and scattered McDonald’s wrappers.

What’s truly mine? My time with my husband… and my photography.

Getting away from the kids is important, but doing something I’m genuinely passionate about is just as crucial. Photography isn’t just my career—it’s my escape. There’s nothing like the moment I see a client transformed in front of the camera, feeling the emotions they’re trying to capture. That magic is real. And then there’s the family shoots, where the kids are acting up, and I’m sitting there laughing because—not my monkeys, not my circus. I genuinely tell parents, “Don’t worry, I’m not stressed,” and for that moment, they aren’t stressed either.

Since Danielle came along, I haven’t done as much photography. Adjusting to life with six kids and all the chaos has made it harder. But I know, deep down, I need it. For my sanity, for my joy, and to remember what it feels like to step outside the role of “mom” for a little while.

Photography is my career. Photography is my magic. And it’s mine.

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Little moments make life sweeter, but mama, sometimes you need a day that’s entirely for you. That’s what I love about “Back to You” sessions at Kristian Hutchings Portraits: a half-day of hair, makeup, pampering, and posing that leaves you feeling beautiful, celebrated, and renewed—with portraits that become treasures for you and your family.

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Kristian is a mom of six, Program Manager by day, active Professional Photographer by trade, and a big believer in finding beauty in the everyday chaos.

Life in our house is loud, messy and full of literally everything. Love, noise, laundry, laughter, and definitely could use a bit more grace. I'm happily married to my best friend, grounded in my Catholic faith, and fueled by five to six hours of sleep per night and adrenaline.

I try to find joy in the everyday — even when it's wild, because without the little bit of joy, this life would be unbearable. This space is for the moms in the middle of it all: the ones juggling family, faith, work, and wonder. The ones that need someone else's messy life to make their own seem better or somewhat normal. You're not alone, and you're doing better than you think.

Welcome to Six Sweet Smiles — where we celebrate the mess, the miracles, and everything in between.