Family Photography
Because Time Moves Too Fast…
Life is made up of fleeting moments—the way your little one’s hand fits perfectly in yours, the giggles that echo through your home, the quiet, love-filled glances between you and your family. These moments pass quicker than we ever expect, but photos have the power to hold them still.
When you look back at the images we create together, I want you to feel something. I want you to remember the warmth of their hugs, the sound of their laughter, the love that fills your days. My goal is to capture your family as you are—imperfect, beautiful, real—so that years from now, when life looks different, you can return to these moments and feel them all over again.
Let’s create something timeless. Something that will bring you back, no matter how much time has passed.
A single photo can tell a beautiful story...
but a full gallery captures the entire journey.
By viewing a full gallery, you’ll see exactly what I deliver—natural, heartfelt storytelling that preserves your family as you are. I want you to trust that every session results in a collection of images that, together, tell your story in the most beautiful way. Click on the links below to see examples of three different family sessions from start to finish. These are the actual galleries that were delivered to each of these families.
November
Cantigny Park - Wheaton
September
The Wildflower Farm - Monee
August
Cantigny Park - Wheaton
What to Expect
1. Say Hello
Start by filling out an inquiry form for the session you're interested in. This is where you can share your vision—whether you’re drawn to an outdoor setting or a studio session, who will be part of your photos, and if there’s a specific season you’d love to capture your family in. If you already have a location in mind or a particular feel you’re going for, this is the perfect place to share your initial ideas so we can begin bringing your session to life.
2. Booking Your Session
Once I receive your inquiry, we’ll find a date that works for everyone. To officially reserve your session, a signed contract, completed questionnaire, and $100 retainer fee are required.
With your date secured, the fun begins! We’ll start personalizing your session—discussing outfit coordination that highlights each person’s unique personality while maintaining a cohesive look. We’ll also dive deeper into location options and fine-tune the details to ensure your session reflects your vision and expectations perfectly. I know this can feel overwhelming, but I’ll be with you every step of the way. My goal is to make this process seamless and stress-free so you can simply enjoy the experience. A couple days before our time together, I will give you tips and tricks to get the kids ready and excited for our time together as well as go over any last minute details.
3. Your session day!
Get ready for a fun, relaxed, and laughter-filled experience! During our time together, you can expect high energy, lots of funny noises, and probably a few happy squeals as I capture your family’s connection. I’ll guide you into natural, comfortable positions—never stiff or overly posed—making small adjustments as needed to ensure everything looks just right in-camera. From there, I’ll use playful prompts and we'll play games to encourage genuine interactions, allowing your family's true personalities to shine. I take plenty of photos to make sure we capture the perfect moments—both the beautifully composed shots and the in-between, candid magic that truly tells your story.
4. Pick out your favs!
Within three days of your session, you'll receive an email with a link to your online proof gallery. This gallery will include 2-3 fully edited images, giving you a preview of the final look and feel of your photos. The rest of the gallery will feature unedited proofs—straight-from-the-camera images where you’ll focus on composition and expressions rather than final edits.
From here, you’ll select your favorites! Your session includes 10 images, but you’ll also have the option to purchase additional images for full editing. If your proof gallery contains 40 images, you can even choose to upgrade and receive the entire collection.
5. Receive & Enjoy your final gallery
Once you've selected your favorite images (don’t worry, I’ll guide you through this simple process!), I’ll get to work perfecting them. Your fully edited gallery will be delivered within two weeks, ready for you to download and cherish.
If you loved your experience as much as I did, I would truly appreciate a Google or Facebook review—it means the world to my business! And don’t forget to share your experience with friends and family—word-of-mouth referrals help me continue capturing beautiful moments for amazing families like yours.
The final step? Planning your next session! Whether it’s holiday portraits or making family photos an annual tradition, I can’t wait to see your family again and create more unforgettable memories together!
The Details
Pricing
Photography isn’t just about pictures—it’s about preserving the love, laughter, and fleeting moments that make up your story. These are the images you’ll look back on years from now, the ones your children will treasure, the ones that remind you just how beautiful this season of life truly is.
I offer a variety of packages designed to fit different needs. Every session includes a personalized experience, carefully curated editing, and a gallery of images that authentically reflect your family.
Packages starting at $499
Featured Blog Posts
This is where stories come to life—where I share heartfelt moments from recent sessions, tips for stress-free family photos, and inspiration to help you make the most of your memories. Whether you're looking for outfit ideas, behind-the-scenes peeks, or a reminder of why these fleeting moments deserve to be captured, you’ll find it all here.
Grab a cup of coffee, get comfy, and stay awhile. I can’t wait to share these stories with you! Click on the "Want to Read More" button to see all blog posts.
What's New on the 'Gram
Hey Seniors… it’s 2026 and that means one big thing....
you graduate THIS YEAR! 🎓✨
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Are you ready?!
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This session was hands-down one of my favorites of the year, and I’m so excited I finally get to share it with you. When Mom (hi, Melissa!) reached out and told me her daughter was dreaming of a beautiful staircase, and even sent along inspiration photos, I was all in. I LOVE a good challenge.
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I got to work, scouted a few ideas, and once I explored the Art Institute (a photography first for me!), everything just clicked. The light, the movement, the setting...it all came together in the most magical way.
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And yes… your senior/graduation photos can feel this special ✨
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Let’s dream up your vision together and start planning a day that’s all about you—your story, your style, your personality. I cannot wait to see what your heart is dreaming up 🤍
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@alyssamatry
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 💛
It’s so fun to look back at the memories created this year. Thank you all for being a part of it!
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#yearinreview #2025 #familyphotography #warrenvillephotographer #napervillephotographer
WHAT. A. YEAR!
Pop over to my Facebook page to pick your favorites from 2025. Top two pictures that get the most votes will receive a 8x12 canvas :). Check out Facebook for all the details.
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Voting is open until 11:59pm on January 11th
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#myfavoritethings #contest #familyphotography #familyphoto #warrenvillephotographer
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY SALE
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September is my most absolute FAVORITE month to have sessions in. The humidity is low, the temps are beautiful, rainfalls are minimal, the sunsets are GORGEOUS, the wildflowers are out and those pesky bug ratios are pretty low.
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I am offering $100 off any FULL sessions booked in September. This includes graduating senior sessions, extended family sessions or a regular family sessions. BUT, the catch is that your session needs to take place in September.
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The $100 discount almost brings the price for a full family session down to 2025 mini pricing! That means more pictures, more time with me, and a more personalized session at almost the same price as a mini session cost in 2025. Do not sit on this deal!!!
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HOW THE SMALL BUSINESS SALE WORKS:
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*You say "YES! Sign me up! I don`t want to miss my chance for a September session with Novella Photography"
* $100 retainer fee and contract is due upon booking
* You paying your retainer now is your placeholder. I will contact you at the beginning of 2026 and we will start planning your session! If you don`t know what type of session you want right away or a specific date, that`s OK! We have plenty of time to get you set up for success!
* Your $100 discount will be applied to your final balance right before session takes place.
* I am only offering this to the first 5 booked for small business Saturday
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Sale ends at 11:59pm on Sunday Nov 30th or when the 5 slots are booked. Whichever comes first.
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https://book.usesession.com/t/fbkyNXeyjc
BLACK FRIDAY SALE
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Selling out of Holiday sessions the first week in October was great for me...but not so great for some of my clients. Here is your chance to get a 2026 Fall or Holiday slot NOW to get $75 off and not have think about anything until session themes are released in July.
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HOW THE BLACK FRIDAY SALE WORKS:
You say "YES! Sign me up! I don`t want to miss my chance for a fall or holiday session with Novella Photography in 2026"
$100 retainer fee and contract is due upon booking
You paying your retainer now is your placeholder. Once themes are finalized in July, my Black Friday clients will have first dibs at picking their themes and timeslots. I will contact you and get all of those finalized before opening up sales to the general public.
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Your $75 discount will be applied to your final balance right before your 2026 Fall/Holiday session takes place.
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NITTY GRITTY:
I am only taking 10 sessions at this discounted price
This is the largest discount you will see on 2025 Fall/Holiday minis. My Christmas in July sale will not have this large of a discount.
Fall/Holiday minis are designed for immediate family only. If looking to include grandma/grandpa, cousins, or more than 5 people, please contact me for special pricing. A mini session typically would not be sufficient due to the time.
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https://book.usesession.com/t/WU3L3IxiAF
email : knovellaphotography@gmail.com
follow me on Facebook and instagram @novella.photos
located in warrenville, il
serving Naperville, warrenville, Wheaton, winfield, aurora, Lombard, downers grove, Lisle, glen ellyn, Woodridge, oak brook, elmhurst, and other surrounding western suburbs of Chicago