Lifestyle Family Session: Woodridge, IL

5/5 - (1 vote)

At home lifestyle family session in Woodridge

This family was the absolute best to capture during their lifestyle family session that took place right in the comfort of their home. This was a particularly special session as they were celebrating a few different things. Just a couple months prior to our session, these guys were able to move back into their gorgeous home after it had been torn apart by a tornado 6 months earlier. Woodridge Strong. Moving back, happened just in the knick of time. Shortly after they did, they welcomed a new baby boy into their beautiful family.

A lifestyle home family session seemed like the right choice with all these big life changes. And was it ever! Big brother loved showing me his new room, his new big boy bed (Yay!) and his love for cars. And while being a big brother can be scary, this guy showed me that his love for his brother was far stronger.

I look forward to doing many more family sessions for them in the future!

Mom and dad holding newborn son in at-home lifestyle session. Woodridge, IL
Little boy showing off his car collection during our in-home lifestyle family photography session in Woodridge, IL
Little boy showing off his car collection during our in-home lifestyle family photography session in Woodridge, IL
Little boy showing off his car collection during our in-home lifestyle family photography session in Woodridge, IL
Little boy jumping off the bed in his bedroom during our at-home lifestyle family photography session
Mom and dad holding newborn son in at-home lifestyle session. Woodridge, IL
Little boy smiling at mom during our at-home lifestyle family session in Woodridge, IL
Mom and dad holding newborn son and cuddling up with family in at-home family lifestyle session. Woodridge, IL
Big Brother checking in on little brother after he fell asleep at our in-home lifestyle family session in western suburbs
Dad all cozied up to son and reading a book during our lifestyle in-home family session that took place in Woodridge, IL
Dad and son showing off their Woodridge Strong t-shirts. A tornado ripped thru Woodridge in June 2021 and many people were displaced. They wore these shirts to thank everyone that helped get them back into their house after being displaced for 6 months.
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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

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Open post by novella.photos with ID 18311978905280736
You’ve seen my work… but have you seen the heart behind it? . 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. . Today… it finally feels like home. . 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. . You can now browse session offerings, explore full galleries, and officially book both sessions and mini sessions directly through the site with ease. . Simple. Thoughtful. Seamless. . Thank you for being a part of MY story. . 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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Open post by novella.photos with ID 17941031868130100
IT'S THE MONTH OF LOVE! . 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! .

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💙

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Open post by novella.photos with ID 18107026180743088
At first glance, this is a shirtless 4-year-old boy in a red cape playing super hero. . But if you look a little closer, you’ll see the scars on his chest...marks of a journey most people will never know. . 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. . Only 1–2% of babies are born with congenital heart disease. . This little boy is one of them. I followed his journey from before he was born to present day. . 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. . * 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 . All within his first 5 weeks of life. . 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. . 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

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Open post by novella.photos with ID 18119724595600315
Top reasons I don’t pose families: . 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. . The most beautiful moments happen when connection leads the way . #napervillephotographer #warrenvillephotographer #wheatonphotographer #novellaphotography #familyphotographer

Hi friends—especially those of you who are new here! 👋
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With so many new faces lately, it felt like the perfect time to re-introduce myself.
I’m Kim, the photographer behind Novella Photography. I specialize in capturing real connection, movement, and emotion (the in-between moments) that feel like you. I’m not about stiff poses or forced smiles. My sessions are full of gentle prompts, games, silly sounds, laughter, and letting kids be kids.
I photograph families, mamas, milestones, seniors, and all the seasons in between…because I truly believe these everyday moments deserve to be remembered. The messy, loud, quiet, joyful, tender ones… those are the good ones.
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✨ Five things that make me unique as a photographer:
1️⃣ I don’t “pose” families; I guide them. Expect movement, snuggles, laughter, and moments that feel natural (no hand-placement instructions here 😉).
2️⃣ Kids don’t have to behave to be photographed. Wiggly, shy, loud, or wild; I meet them exactly where they are.
3️⃣ I care just as much about the feeling as the photo. If you tear up when you see your gallery… that’s kind of the goal 💛
4️⃣ I design sessions around connection, not a checklist. I’m watching for glances, pauses, and the moments you didn’t even realize were happening.
5️⃣ Many of my themed sessions are inspired by client feedback…you share an idea, and I run with it!
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When I’m not behind the camera, you’ll find me spending time with my family, at a volleyball tournament, volunteering, traveling, or dreaming up new session ideas.
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✨ Three things about me personally:
1️⃣ I have two different colored eyes (heterochromia) and yes, they’re real 😉
2️⃣ I’ve been vegan for over 10 years and love recreating comfort foods in a plant-based way (even my non-vegan friends approve!)
3️⃣ I’m newly obsessed with college and professional volleyball—my daughter and I have taken day trips just to watch a match live.
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If you’re new; say hi in the comments or tell me what you’d love to see from Novella Photography this year.
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And if you’ve been here awhile, thank you for being part of this little community of mine 💛

15 0
Open post by novella.photos with ID 18081740471169251
Hi friends—especially those of you who are new here! 👋 . With so many new faces lately, it felt like the perfect time to re-introduce myself. I’m Kim, the photographer behind Novella Photography. I specialize in capturing real connection, movement, and emotion (the in-between moments) that feel like you. I’m not about stiff poses or forced smiles. My sessions are full of gentle prompts, games, silly sounds, laughter, and letting kids be kids. I photograph families, mamas, milestones, seniors, and all the seasons in between…because I truly believe these everyday moments deserve to be remembered. The messy, loud, quiet, joyful, tender ones… those are the good ones. . ✨ Five things that make me unique as a photographer: 1️⃣ I don’t “pose” families; I guide them. Expect movement, snuggles, laughter, and moments that feel natural (no hand-placement instructions here 😉). 2️⃣ Kids don’t have to behave to be photographed. Wiggly, shy, loud, or wild; I meet them exactly where they are. 3️⃣ I care just as much about the feeling as the photo. If you tear up when you see your gallery… that’s kind of the goal 💛 4️⃣ I design sessions around connection, not a checklist. I’m watching for glances, pauses, and the moments you didn’t even realize were happening. 5️⃣ Many of my themed sessions are inspired by client feedback…you share an idea, and I run with it! . When I’m not behind the camera, you’ll find me spending time with my family, at a volleyball tournament, volunteering, traveling, or dreaming up new session ideas. . ✨ Three things about me personally: 1️⃣ I have two different colored eyes (heterochromia) and yes, they’re real 😉 2️⃣ I’ve been vegan for over 10 years and love recreating comfort foods in a plant-based way (even my non-vegan friends approve!) 3️⃣ I’m newly obsessed with college and professional volleyball—my daughter and I have taken day trips just to watch a match live. . If you’re new; say hi in the comments or tell me what you’d love to see from Novella Photography this year. . And if you’ve been here awhile, thank you for being part of this little community of mine 💛

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