At first glance, this is a shirtless 4-year-old boy in a red cape playing super hero.
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But if you look a little closer, you’ll see the scars on his chest...marks of a journey most people will never know.
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At his 20-week ultrasound, doctors discovered he had a congenital heart defect. He was born with a Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)—a hole between the two lower chambers of his heart. Because of that, the main artery carrying blood from his heart was also narrowed, a condition known as a narrow aortic arch.
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Only 1–2% of babies are born with congenital heart disease.
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This little boy is one of them. I followed his journey from before he was born to present day.
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Those scars tell a story of surgeries, hospital stays, strength far beyond his years, and a family who learned early what it means to be brave. They are proof of battles are fought before most kids ever take their first steps.
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* 3 days old when this guy had open heart surgery
* 35 days in the CCU (Cardiac Care Unit) before he was cleared to come home for the first time.
* 4 extubation tries of his breathing tube before he was able to breathe on his own
* 2 minor strokes
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All within his first 5 weeks of life.
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At the time this picture was taken, he was four.
Four years of resilience.
Four years of courage.
Four years of living proof that warriors come in the smallest bodies.
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This is why I photograph scars.
This is why these photos matter.
Because behind every image is a story worth honoring💙

Hi friends—especially those of you who are new here! 👋
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With so many new faces lately, it felt like the perfect time to re-introduce myself.
I’m Kim, the photographer behind Novella Photography. I specialize in capturing real connection, movement, and emotion (the in-between moments) that feel like you. I’m not about stiff poses or forced smiles. My sessions are full of gentle prompts, games, silly sounds, laughter, and letting kids be kids.
I photograph families, mamas, milestones, seniors, and all the seasons in between…because I truly believe these everyday moments deserve to be remembered. The messy, loud, quiet, joyful, tender ones… those are the good ones.
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✨ Five things that make me unique as a photographer:
1️⃣ I don’t “pose” families; I guide them. Expect movement, snuggles, laughter, and moments that feel natural (no hand-placement instructions here 😉).
2️⃣ Kids don’t have to behave to be photographed. Wiggly, shy, loud, or wild; I meet them exactly where they are.
3️⃣ I care just as much about the feeling as the photo. If you tear up when you see your gallery… that’s kind of the goal 💛
4️⃣ I design sessions around connection, not a checklist. I’m watching for glances, pauses, and the moments you didn’t even realize were happening.
5️⃣ Many of my themed sessions are inspired by client feedback…you share an idea, and I run with it!
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When I’m not behind the camera, you’ll find me spending time with my family, at a volleyball tournament, volunteering, traveling, or dreaming up new session ideas.
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✨ Three things about me personally:
1️⃣ I have two different colored eyes (heterochromia) and yes, they’re real 😉
2️⃣ I’ve been vegan for over 10 years and love recreating comfort foods in a plant-based way (even my non-vegan friends approve!)
3️⃣ I’m newly obsessed with college and professional volleyball—my daughter and I have taken day trips just to watch a match live.
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If you’re new; say hi in the comments or tell me what you’d love to see from Novella Photography this year.
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And if you’ve been here awhile, thank you for being part of this little community of mine 💛