Seniors Photographer

Celebrating This Once-in-a-Lifetime Moment

Senior year is a season of change—a time filled with excitement, nostalgia, and endless possibilities. It’s the final chapter of one journey and the beginning of another. A senior session isn’t just about taking photos; it’s about capturing who they are in this moment—their passions, their personality, and the confidence they’ve built along the way.

One day, you’ll look back at these images and remember the pride you felt watching them grow. And one day, they’ll look back too—seeing not just a younger version of themselves, but a reminder of their dreams, their achievements, and the love that surrounded them in this milestone year.

Let’s capture this moment before they take their next big step.

When to schedule your senior session

 

Most seniors choose to have their session the summer before senior year, while others prefer to wait until spring. If your senior dreams of a fall session with vibrant autumn leaves, keep in mind that this season books up fast! To secure the perfect date, it’s best to get on the calendar before their junior year wraps up. Below are a few examples of full senior sessions. These were the final galleries delivered to the client.

Summer

Fabyan Park - Geneva

Fall

Fabyan Park - Geneva

Early Fall

Homer Glen - IL

What to Expect

Girl in pink and red dress leaning up against a wall that has red drippy lips on it.

1. Say Hello

Start by filling out an inquiry form for your senior session. This is where you can share your senior's vision—whether you’re drawn to an outdoor setting or a studio session, and what season your senior may be interested 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 senior's session to life.

2. securing Your Senior's Session

Once I receive your inquiry, we’ll find the perfect date to celebrate this milestone. To officially reserve your session, a signed contract, completed questionnaire, and $100 retainer fee are required.

 

With the date locked in, the fun begins! We’ll personalize your senior's session to showcase him/her—their style, their interests, and their personality. We’ll go over outfit choices that make him/her feel confident and authentic, whether that means casual and relaxed, bold and trendy, or a mix of both! We’ll also explore location options that best reflect your vision, ensuring your session feels unique and completely your senior.

 

Seniors will have up to two hours with me, as well as the option to choose up to two locations. For outfits, I usually recommend a maximum of three changes, but layering with accessories—like a jean jacket or a hat—can help add variety without a full wardrobe swap.

And don’t worry, Mom—I know this process can feel overwhelming! That’s why I’ll set up a consultation call (or we can grab a coffee!) to go over all the details, making sure both you and your senior feel excited, prepared, and stress-free.

Girl in yellow flower field holding a bouquet of baby's breath.
teenage boy in blue button down shirt with hand on handrail. Photo taken at Navy Pier in downtown Chicago

3. session Day!!!

It’s time to capture this incredible milestone! Senior sessions are all about creating a fun, relaxed experience where your teen feels confident and celebrated. No stiff, awkward posing here—just natural movement, genuine smiles, and moments that feel true to who they are.

I’ll guide your senior into comfortable, flattering positions, making small adjustments as needed while encouraging authentic expressions. Whether they’re laughing, striking a serious pose, or showcasing their passions, my goal is to capture the essence of them in this moment.

 

I take plenty of photos—both perfectly composed shots and those candid, in-between moments that often turn out to be the most cherished. This session isn’t just about photos; it’s about freezing time before they step into their next big adventure.

So sit back, enjoy watching your senior shine, and maybe bring some tissues—because these moments are ones you’ll want to hold onto forever. 💛

4. choose your favorite images

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 15 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.

Teenage girl in orange floral dress sitting in front of a bed of summer flowers. Photo taken at Fabyan Park in Geneva, IL
Teenage girl sitting on stair and leaning up against the railing. Photo taken on the riverwalk in downtown Chicago

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. There will also be an option to print your beautiful pictures thru my professional printing company.

 

Final step? 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 Details

Pricing

Packages include a custom-tailored photoshoot with multiple outfit changes, stunning location options, and a variety of final image choices. This isn’t just about taking pictures—it’s about preserving this moment before they take their next big step.

View my senior packages below and let’s create something unforgettable

Packages starting at $599

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!

more

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

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