Best Places for Spring Pictures

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Best Places for Spring Pictures

Ahhh, the warmth of the sun during the day and the crispness of the night (and let’s not forget about the blooms), makes Spring my most favorite time of year for pictures.  During the Spring, we aren’t fighting mosquitos OR the humidity.  The days are longer, and there is just a sense of renewal.  Whether you are taking graduation pictures, pictures with mom for Mother’s Day or family pictures,  Chicago and the western suburbs of Chicago offer so much beauty and fun during the spring and summer months.  Here are some of my favorite locations in the Spring to do ANY type of session.  

Lilacia Park, Lombard

The tulips and lilacs are incredible the last week of April and first two weeks of May.  And the VARIETY!  Did you know tulips actually come in black?!?  And despite how busy this park can get, you can usually find a little corner of the park to enjoy to yourself.  With that being said, I like to schedule sessions there EARLY in the day so we can enjoy ALL the corners without having to worry about tons of people in the background. 

Mom in pink dress and jean jacket holding her baby girl in same colors while at Lilacia Park in Lombard, IL

Sisters smiling and laughing at the camera while in front of the yellow and red tulips at Lilacia Park in Lombard, IL
Close up of purple lilac at Lilacia Park in Lombard, IL
Little boy looking back at his mom while standing in front of yellow and red tulips at Lilacia Park in Lombard, IL

Mom holding her smiling son in front of a yellow bed of tulips at Lilacia Park in Lombard, IL

Little girl looking at the camera while standing in front of pink and white tulips at Lilacia Park in Lombard, IL
Little boy handing a bouquet of pink tulips to his mom that is off camera at Lilacia Park in Lombard, IL
Little girl showing me how big she is while smiling at the camera while mom looks on at Lilacia Park in Lombard, IL

Cantigny Park, Wheaton

I mean, what’s there NOT to love about this place?  A big beautiful mansion with beautiful gardens, a grand staircase, gorgeous gardens, a stream and a war museum with real tanks for the kids to climb and play on.

Family of four walking thru a row of trees at Cantigny Park in Wheaton, IL

Son kissing mom's cheek while twin brother and sister sit in front of them in the tulip garden at Cantigny Park in Wheaton, IL
10 year old boy with purple hair sitting in front of red tulips at Cantigny Park in Wheaton, IL
girl standing on chair and being forehead to forehead and smiling with her boyfriend in front of an army tank at Cantigny Park in Wheaton, IL

Mom and Son sitting in front of the red tulips at Cantigny Park in Wheaton, IL

Boy in front of pink roses at Cantigny Park, Wheaton
Twin brother and sister sitting in front of red tulips for their 1 year old milestone pictures at Cantigny Park in Wheaton, IL
Mom twirling her daughter in front of the purple blooms at Cantigny Park in Wheaton, IL

Hurley Gardens, Wheaton

This place is a hidden gem right in the middle of a neighborhood.  It’s perfect any time of year, but I love the magnolia trees in the Spring.

Girls in pretty dresses jumping up and down with an attitude at Hurley Gardens in Wheaton, IL

Girls in pretty dresses and sunglasses showing attitude at Hurley Gardens in Wheaton, IL
Girl in pretty pink dress blowing gumball bubbles with an attitude at Hurley Gardens in Wheaton, IL
Girls in pretty dresses and sunglasses showing attitude at Hurley Gardens in Wheaton, IL

Girls in pretty dresses sitting on stairs and showing attitude at Hurley Gardens in Wheaton, IL

Naperville Riverwalk, Naperville

Pretty Bridges, the river and park-like setting.  Lots of different backdrops and ambiance we can get from a Riverwalk session.

Group of people standing on a platform next to the river in Downtown Naperville, IL

Dog looking at camera and smiling while couple in background kissing at the Riverwalk in Naperville, IL
Couple looking out onto the river during sunset at the Riverwalk in Naperville, IL
Couple sitting on top of an ivy wall and holding an & sign at the Riverwalk in Naperville, IL

Couple looking at each other and smiling while standing in front of a covered bridge at the riverwalk in Naperville, IL

Group of Co-workers out for a leadership day on the covered bridge in Downtown Naperville at the riverwalk

Fabyan Forrest Preserve, Geneva

Ivy tunnel, bear caves, the river, an old boat house.  There is a TON to explore here and it’s beautiful any time of year.

Mom hugging her daughter during a family photography session that took place at Fabyan Forrest Preserve in Geneva, IL

Brother and Sister up in a tree with the sun behind them at Fabyan Forrest Preserve in Geneva, IL

Dad and daughter holding hands and walking thru an ivy tunnel at Fabyan Forrest Preserve in Geneva, IL

Little girl in beautiful pink dress twirling under a canopy of ivy at Fabyan Forrest Preserve in Geneva, IL

Downtown Chicago

Even though my clients typically prefer to stay close to home; I always LOVE when my client wants to take their session downtown.  There is so much life and culture in the city and that energy just radiates in the pictures from downtown sessions.

Graduate looking out onto the river while smiling in downtown Chicago

Graduate under the L train tracks in downtown Chicago
Graduate in front of the Chicago Theater during the pandemic while the city was shut down

Graduate standing confidently in with the city of Chicago skyline as her backdrop
Graduate confidently standing in front of Buckingham Fountain in downtown Chicago

girl in pretty dress jumping up in front of the BEAN in downtown Chicago

Graduate jumping up in the air in with the city of Chicago skyline as her backdrop

Girl in pretty butterfly dress twirling in front of a colorful butterfly mural in Chicago, IL

Carnivals

Yep.  I said it!  Carnivals you guys!  I love doing “out of the box” sessions and I’m always looking for unique ideas.  This is one not many people think about but are so incredibly fun!  All the bright colors, the food (cotton candy, elephant ears, huge lollipops) the games…ahhh!  I love these sessions!

Mom and son sitting in front of ballon dart game at a spring carnival

Mom and son sharing a lemonade with the Ferris wheel in the background at a carnival in the spring
Boy playing in funhouse tunnel at carnival
Mom and son sliding down a big yellow slide side by side at a carnival

Mom and son sharing a lemonade with the Ferris wheel in the background at a carnival in the spring

These are MY favorite locations in Spring, but I’m always adding to my list!  Have I missed any?!?

Kim Novella is a lifestyle family photographer based in the Western suburbs of Chicago.  She services Naperville, Warrenville, Wheaton, Oakbrook, Lombard, Downers Grove and surrounding areas.

#novellaphotography

#lilaciapark

#westernsuburbs

#hurleygardens

#cantignypark

#napervilleriverwalk

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#chicago

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#familyphotographer

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    THIS.
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    This is exactly why beach sessions need to happen. 🤍
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    Bare feet. Windblown hair. Running through the sand. Splashing in the water. Belly laughs. Snuggles. And a whole lot of moments that had absolutely nothing to do with standing still and smiling at my camera.
    .
    When I dreamed up my Bucket List Sessions this year, a family beach session was at the very top of that list. I had never photographed one before, but I could already picture what I wanted it to feel like.
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    And THIS was it.
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    Not perfectly posed.
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    Not everyone looking at the camera.
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    Just Mom, Dad and their sweet girl playing, laughing, exploring and loving on each other while I got to capture it all.
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    Because someday she won’t be five.
    .
    Someday those little hands won’t fit quite so perfectly inside Mom and Dad’s.
    .
    Someday they won’t be able to scoop her up and run through the water while she laughs uncontrollably.
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    But they’ll always have this. 🤍
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    And I have a feeling this won’t be my last beach session...
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    In fact, I think the beach may officially be joining the Novella Photography lineup in 2027. 🌊
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    So tell me...
    Would you book a beach session?!
    Because I’m already dreaming about next summer.🤍

    #family #beachsession #sandyhairdontcare #napervillephotographer #warrenvillephotographer

    25 8
    Open post by novella.photos with ID 18105759692068374
    THIS. . This is exactly why beach sessions need to happen. 🤍 . Bare feet. Windblown hair. Running through the sand. Splashing in the water. Belly laughs. Snuggles. And a whole lot of moments that had absolutely nothing to do with standing still and smiling at my camera. . When I dreamed up my Bucket List Sessions this year, a family beach session was at the very top of that list. I had never photographed one before, but I could already picture what I wanted it to feel like. . And THIS was it. . Not perfectly posed. . Not everyone looking at the camera. . Just Mom, Dad and their sweet girl playing, laughing, exploring and loving on each other while I got to capture it all. . Because someday she won’t be five. . Someday those little hands won’t fit quite so perfectly inside Mom and Dad’s. . Someday they won’t be able to scoop her up and run through the water while she laughs uncontrollably. . But they’ll always have this. 🤍 . And I have a feeling this won’t be my last beach session... . In fact, I think the beach may officially be joining the Novella Photography lineup in 2027. 🌊 . So tell me... Would you book a beach session?! Because I’m already dreaming about next summer.🤍 #family #beachsession #sandyhairdontcare #napervillephotographer #warrenvillephotographer

    IT`S TIME!
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    School is almost back in session, which means cooler evenings, cozy sweaters, and those gorgeous fall leaves will be here before we know it.
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    Fall has always been one of my favorite seasons to photograph because everything seems to slow down just enough to soak in the little moments.
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    🍂 Fall Sessions are officially open to book!
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    If autumn is your favorite season too, I`d love to capture your story.
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    To find out more information and to book:
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    https://book.usesession.com/i/XpHwEW2Nz

    4 0
    Open post by novella.photos with ID 17940504141296278
    IT'S TIME! . School is almost back in session, which means cooler evenings, cozy sweaters, and those gorgeous fall leaves will be here before we know it. . Fall has always been one of my favorite seasons to photograph because everything seems to slow down just enough to soak in the little moments. . 🍂 Fall Sessions are officially open to book! . If autumn is your favorite season too, I'd love to capture your story. . To find out more information and to book: . https://book.usesession.com/i/XpHwEW2Nz

    REMINDER:
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    Christmas in July is coming to an end and Fall sessions will be going on sale Saturday August 1st at 8:00am. So if you are more a Fall mama, Aug 1st is your day!
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    I have two new locations I am having sessions at this year and also including Cantingy as an option...because...well, it`s absolutely amazing at any time of year.
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    Cannot wait to capture your family during nature`s most beautiful dance! See you back here at 8:00am Saturday!

    2 0
    Open post by novella.photos with ID 18111738361964197
    REMINDER: . Christmas in July is coming to an end and Fall sessions will be going on sale Saturday August 1st at 8:00am. So if you are more a Fall mama, Aug 1st is your day! . I have two new locations I am having sessions at this year and also including Cantingy as an option...because...well, it's absolutely amazing at any time of year. . Cannot wait to capture your family during nature's most beautiful dance! See you back here at 8:00am Saturday!

    Don`t sleep on this sale!
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    Christmas in July sale goes thru 7/31/26. That means if you only have 2 DAYS left to get $50 off your holiday session balance. Any sessions booked after 7/31/26 will be at FULL PRICE.
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    Reminder...if the session you want is wait list only, book your second favorite theme and if the waitlist opens up on your favorite, I will be in touch and would be happy to move you to that slot! As long as a holiday session is booked before 8/1/26, the $50 discount will apply! Link in bio.

    3 0
    Open post by novella.photos with ID 18083710160447621
    Don't sleep on this sale! . Christmas in July sale goes thru 7/31/26. That means if you only have 2 DAYS left to get $50 off your holiday session balance. Any sessions booked after 7/31/26 will be at FULL PRICE. . Reminder...if the session you want is wait list only, book your second favorite theme and if the waitlist opens up on your favorite, I will be in touch and would be happy to move you to that slot! As long as a holiday session is booked before 8/1/26, the $50 discount will apply! Link in bio.

    It`s July...and half of my holiday season is already booked. 🤯🎄
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    I honestly don`t know what to say except...thank you. ❤️
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    We are only ONE WEEK into my Christmas in July event, and 30 of the 60 holiday sessions have already been claimed!
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    Every single booking is someone choosing me to preserve their family`s memories, and that is something I`ll never take for granted.
    .
    Six years ago, I started Novella Photography with a dream of creating meaningful images for families. Today, seeing so many of you planning ahead in the middle of summer because holiday photos have become part of your family`s tradition...that`s pretty incredible.
    .
    If you`ve been thinking about booking, here`s your friendly reminder:
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    Half of this year`s holiday collection is already spoken for.
    That means there are 30 sessions remaining across all eight holiday experiences.
    .
    Every year, my holiday calendar fills well before the season arrives, so if you`ve had your eye on a particular setup or date, now is the time.
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    From the bottom of my heart...
    Thank you for trusting me with your memories, year after year.

    5 2
    Open post by novella.photos with ID 17972539878066005
    It's July...and half of my holiday season is already booked. 🤯🎄 . I honestly don't know what to say except...thank you. ❤️ . We are only ONE WEEK into my Christmas in July event, and 30 of the 60 holiday sessions have already been claimed! . Every single booking is someone choosing me to preserve their family's memories, and that is something I'll never take for granted. . Six years ago, I started Novella Photography with a dream of creating meaningful images for families. Today, seeing so many of you planning ahead in the middle of summer because holiday photos have become part of your family's tradition...that's pretty incredible. . If you've been thinking about booking, here's your friendly reminder: . Half of this year's holiday collection is already spoken for. That means there are 30 sessions remaining across all eight holiday experiences. . Every year, my holiday calendar fills well before the season arrives, so if you've had your eye on a particular setup or date, now is the time. . From the bottom of my heart... Thank you for trusting me with your memories, year after year.

    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