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

Extended family of seven standing and posing for the camera under a large black arch during a family photography session at Cantigny Park in Wheaton, IL

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.

family of four lying on their bellies and smiling at the camera. Taken at Fabyan Park in Geneva, IL

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.

Family with two young children sitting on the back of an antique blue truck that is filled with sunflowers. Photo taken during a family photography session at Danada Equestrian Farm in Wheaton, IL

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.

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What's New on the 'Gram

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
Past and Current Clients!  Check your email!  Black Friday came early!!!
L A S T  C H A N C E ! ! !
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I can’t believe we are here…but it’s my last full weekend of sessions this holiday season.  In the last month, I have seen 55 families.  Some who are just starting their journey with me, some clients who have been supporting me since the beginning and some who are quickly becoming regulars.  It has been just so amazing to see your family’s connection and I’m so honored to be seeing it year after year.  THANK YOU for trusting me with capturing life’s precious moments. 
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It’s not too late if you haven’t gotten your session in.  This weekend I have 4 sessions left.  2 Red Truck/Tree Lot Combo sessions and 2 Wrapped in Red Sessions.
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Red truck…I honestly can’t believe there are still 2 sessions up for grabs!  As of right now, the weatherman tells me It’s going to be 50 degrees with sun!!! No frozen smiles this weekend!  Perfect weekend for these to happen.
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Wrapped in Red.  Well…this session speaks for itself.
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https://book.usesession.com/i/XpHwEW2Nz
Still hunting for the perfect holiday pics?
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Mother Nature totally rained on our parade last weekend, so our Red Truck & Tree Lot Sessions are now happening on Saturday, November 22nd—and guess what? A couple of clients had to switch themes due to scheduling, which means…
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🎉 A surprise opening just popped up for YOU! 🎉
If you’ve been dreaming of snuggling up by a classic red truck, twinkle lights, and all the festive tree-lot vibes, this is your moment. These sessions are limited, super cute, and ridiculously fun—grab the spot before it drives off!
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Sessions will take place at the Wildflower Farm in Monee.  The drive is worth the Hallmark movie type experience.
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Pups are also welcome but please let me know ahead of time if he/she will be joining.
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https://book.usesession.com/s/ACnylELHWy
That feeling you get when you realize Christmas minis start this weekend!
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2 spots left before I am SOLD OUT for the year.
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https://book.usesession.com/i/XpHwEW2Nz

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