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 $549

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

Who says Christmas photos have to look the same year after year?
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Introducing Christmas Reimagined…a little less traditional, a little unexpected and a whole lot of holiday fun.
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I love a classic Christmas photo as much as the next person, but sometimes it’s fun to throw tradition out the window and try something completely different.
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This set up is for families who love a little personality and photos that stand out from the crowd.
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Because Christmas memories don’t have to be traditional to be MAGICAL.
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Being held the morning of Oct 31st and afternoon of Nov 1st.  To book and for more info…follow the link in my bio or DM me.
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#nontraditionalchristmas #christmasmini #napervillephotographer #warrenvillephotographer #wheatonphotographer
What if they could step inside a Christmas Story?  This session is so much more than posing in front of a camera.  In this Kids Only experience we will laugh…play…imagine.  All while capturing it at this precious age.  This is what Christmas looks like thru their eyes.
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Don’t wait to get on the calendar for this one of a kind experience. 

#napervillephotographer #warrenvillephotographer #gingerbread #christmasminisessions #christmasminis
You asked…I listened.  I baked up 3 more spots.  You guys keep selling this session out.  And with good reason!  Book yours before the flour runs out!!!
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#holidayminisessions #minisession #bakingspiritsbright #napervillephotographer #warrenvillephotographer
Could not have asked for a more perfect day with Mady for her senior session.  She immediately made this reel with behind the scene snippets her mom took.  Love when seniors get just as excited as I do for their session and love the confidence they feel once we get started.  Mady was a dream to work with.  I can’t wait to edit and deliver this stunning gallery!
#bestdayever
#senior 
#beachsession 
#nantucketvibes 
#novellaphotography

@madylax09 @ashylax
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.
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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.
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Someday those little hands won’t fit quite so perfectly inside Mom and Dad’s.
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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

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