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
Is it just me, or did January feel like the longest month ever?
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But GOOD NEWS! Over the next 268 days, our sun will be setting after 5:00pm
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I can already feel the warm sun on my skin and picture wildflowers swaying in the breeze. Those golden, joy-filled days are closer than they feel….and they’ll be here before we know it.
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Below is a full gallery from a past family session in the wildflowers, because the magic isn’t just in one image, it’s in the story they tell together.
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For more family sessions or to explore the other types of sessions I offer, you can find them on my UPDATED website.
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#napervillephotographer #warrenvillephotographer #wheatonphotographer #familyphotographer #thewildflowerfarm
You’ve seen my work… but have you seen the heart behind it?
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Five years ago, I built a website with a dream in my heart and a hope that it would one day truly reflect the photographer, and the experience, I wanted to become.
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Today… it finally feels like home.
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Not only does it reflect my heart, my work, and the experience I strive to create for every family; it was also designed with you in mind.
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You can now browse session offerings, explore full galleries, and officially book both sessions and mini sessions directly through the site with ease.
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Simple. Thoughtful. Seamless.
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Thank you for being a part of MY story.
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https://novella-photography.com
IT`S THE MONTH OF LOVE!
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Feeling extra grateful this month for all the love you’ve shown me over the years. 💕
February is the month of love, so I’m collecting love notes! If you’ve worked with me and feel like sharing your experience, I’d absolutely love to hear it. Facebook and Google reviews mean so much to my small business!
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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💙
Top reasons I don’t pose families:
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1. Real life isn’t posed!
*and the most meaningful pictures never are.
2. Connection is greater than perfection
When families are free to move, laugh and snuggle, the photos hold emotion, not just faces.
3. Kids aren’t meant to sit still
Kids are curious, wiggly, silly and loud (sometimes all at once). Posing asks them to be something they’re not. Prompts and games allow them to be exactly who they are.
4. Prompts and games create genuine moments.
Instead of telling families where to stand, I guide them to what to DO (walk together, whisper secrets, snuggle). Those moments create real connection…moments you can’t fake.
5. Because your photos should be about how it felt.
Years from now you won’t remember whether everyone was standing perfectly. You’ll remember how their small hands fit into yours…how you all laughed when you talked about dad tooting.
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The most beautiful moments happen when connection leads the way
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#napervillephotographer #warrenvillephotographer #wheatonphotographer #novellaphotography #familyphotographer
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
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