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.

more

What's New on the 'Gram

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
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!
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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
DID YOU BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY STORY? 
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Christmas in July Sale happening now thru July 31st! $50 off your holiday session balance.
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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