The Future is Female Empowerment sessions
These sessions are about so much more than just taking pretty pictures—they’re about seeing yourself in a whole new light.
The tween and teen years can be filled with change, self-doubt, and the pressure to fit in. The Future is Female sessions are designed to help girls reconnect with who they are and remind them of just how strong, unique, and beautiful they’ve always been.
Through thoughtful prompts, natural posing, and genuine connection, we’ll create a safe space where your girl can shine with confidence and begin to embrace her individuality. Whether she’s quiet and reflective or bold and bubbly, this session is all about celebrating her—just as she is, right now.
Because when a girl sees her own strength and beauty reflected back at her... she starts to believe it.
Lori, business owner and couture dress designer at Your Fairy Godmother saw the need to make girls confidence grow and created a program specific to this. Lori has partnered with Child Couture Magazine to bring you The Future is Female—a confidence-building, couture photography experience designed especially for tweens and teens.
Only a select group of photographers across the U.S. are chosen to participate in this special program, and I’m honored to be one of them. Each month, just 2 photographers are invited to host these limited edition sessions, making this an exclusive opportunity for a few lucky girls to step into a magical, affirming experience.
During your session, your child will wear one of five stunning, custom-made couture gowns provided by Your Fairy Godmother—pieces designed just for this program. In addition to the beautiful memories created, I’ll submit up to 5 images from your session for potential publication in Child Couture Magazine, with a chance to be featured in a special Tween Edition release.
It’s an unforgettable experience designed to help girls see—and believe in—their own magic.
This year's theme: YOU ARE MAGIC.
At its heart, Wicked is about two powerful women who rise in different ways—one through defiance, the other through tradition. It reminds us that true strength doesn’t always look the same. Sometimes it’s bold and loud. Sometimes it’s quiet resilience. But it always starts with knowing who you are and standing tall in that truth.
These sessions were designed to reflect the spirit of the story—where being “different” is your superpower and where your journey, no matter how twisted or unexpected, deserves to be honored. Whether you connect with the fierce independence of Elphaba or the inner growth of Glinda, this is your moment to step into your own kind of magic.
Let’s tell your daughter's story in a way that’s fearless, enchanting, and entirely her.
How the sessions work
1. Two options for location
These limited edition sessions will take place Saturday April 26th downtown Chicago or April 27th in my home studio in the western suburbs. The downtown chosen will be reminiscent of Shiz University and across the street from the Westin Michigan Ave where I have rented a meeting room for the girls to get ready in. On April 27th, sessions will take place in a studio setting. While I love the downtown setting, I know that doesn't work for everyone so wanted to offer both options.
2. Pick your add ons
The base package includes your daughter's choice of getting photographed in one of the Wicked couture dresses that Lori has created as well as a gallery of 15-25 professionally edited photographs. You will have the options of adding additional girls (a sister, a friend, a cousin) add a second dress and add on hair/makeup to elevate their experience.
3. The day of your session
Your daughter will come in, meet the team that will be helping that day and have the chance to pick out her dress. Your daughter's session length will vary depending on if she is getting her hair/makeup done or if she is adding a second dress to her session or she has a friend/sister joining her. Her total experience time can be up to 1.5 hours long based on those varying factors.
4. After your Session
Within two weeks of her session, you will receive your beautiful daughter's online gallery. From here you can download or order prints, canvas and other products. If mom gives permission, I will submit a couple of her pictures to Child Couture Magazine and she could be featured in their next issue! All girls that are featured in the magazine will receive 1 copy per family (as a gift from me). Any additional copies needed can be purchased thru their website, which I will be happy to supply once published.
The Dresses!
Pics from 2024's Tween Dream event
...inspired by Taylor Swift
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