Child in a magical storybook setting during a Storybook Adventure session — IDT Photo Aurora, Illinois

IDT Photo · Aurora, Illinois

Storybook Adventureby IDT Photo

A Magical Portrait Experience Where Your Child's Story Becomes Art

Your child doesn't simply pose for pictures. They step into a magical adventure — and become the hero of a story created just for them.

Beautiful artwork. No surprises. No pressure.

The Experience Creates the Memories.The Artwork Preserves Them.

Storybook Adventure is a boutique children's portrait experience combining whimsical storytelling portraits with timeless fine-art photography. Families may also choose a personalized storybook inspired by their child's personality, relationships, and imagination.

We are a veteran-owned, husband-and-wife photography studio serving Aurora and the greater Chicagoland area — known for patient, child-led sessions and portraits that feel true to who your child is right now.

What Makes the Experience Special

Every Storybook Adventure is built around four things that set it apart from a typical children's photo session.

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Whimsical Storytelling Setting

Children explore a carefully designed magical garden filled with storybook props, costumes, and imaginative details.

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Timeless Fine-Art Portraits

Every session also includes a quieter fine-art portrait setting that captures the child's personality without relying entirely on the fantasy theme.

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Wardrobe and Styling Guidance

IDT Photo provides access to its available Storybook wardrobe and helps families choose clothing that complements the experience.

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Patient, Child-Centered Direction

David and Jane give children time to become comfortable while guiding them through natural expressions, movement, and imaginative play.

Two Beautiful Sides of Your Child

Your child's session unfolds in two distinct parts — each with its own feeling, purpose and beauty.

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The Magical Adventure

A whimsical garden experience filled with imagination, storytelling, beautiful wardrobe options, and carefully selected props.

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The Fine-Art Portrait

A quieter, timeless portrait setting created to preserve your child's personality and expressions in an artistic way.

Together, these two settings create a gallery that feels magical, meaningful, and complete.

What Happens During Your Session

Your session unfolds at a natural, unhurried pace — guided by your child's personality and energy.

01

Arrival and Settling In

There is no rush. When you arrive, your child has time to explore the studio, get comfortable and become curious. David and Jane introduce themselves gently and let your child set the tone.

02

The Magical Adventure

When your child is ready, they step into the imaginative garden setting. David and Jane follow their natural curiosity — there are no forced poses and no countdown timers. They create space for genuine play, discovery and expression.

03

The Fine-Art Portraits

The session continues with a quieter, more intimate collection of timeless portraits. These images are designed to capture your child's personality and your most important relationships — who they are right now, preserved with care.

04

After Your Session

After your session, IDT Photo will prepare your portraits for a private viewing and ordering appointment. During that appointment you can select your complimentary 8×10 and decide whether you would like digital images, a personalized storybook, an album, or additional artwork.

A Child-Led Experience, Gently Guided

Jane has photographed thousands of children and understands that every child arrives differently. Some begin with excitement, while others need time to observe and become comfortable.

David and Jane give children time to become comfortable while guiding them through natural expressions, movement, and imaginative play — providing enough direction to help children feel secure while leaving room for genuine curiosity and expression.

This patience and connection is especially meaningful for children who are shy, sensitive, or on the autism spectrum. We never rush. We follow your child.

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10,000+ Children Photographed

Between David and Jane, IDT Photo has photographed over ten thousand children — including families with neurodiverse children, children who need extra time, and little ones who were not sure at first but found their magic by the end.

A Story Inspired by Your Child

The personalized storybook is more than a collection of photographs. It is shaped by what parents share with us and what David and Jane observe during the session.

A story may be:

  • ✦Inspired by your child's personality
  • ✦Centered on siblings or the parent–child relationship
  • ✦Written around courage, kindness, imagination or discovery
  • ✦Created as a loving letter from a parent or grandparent
  • ✦Personalized with meaningful family details and memories

Parents complete a short questionnaire before the story is written. They may choose whether they would prefer a child-inspired story, a relationship-inspired story, or a loving letter to their child.

A personalized 10×10 hardcover storybook is included with the Storybook Collection. The Heirloom Collection includes a 12×12 heirloom album, while the Keepsake Collection does not include a book or album.

From Our Sessions

Real Storybook Adventure sessions created in our Aurora studio — fine-art children's portraits serving families across the greater Chicagoland area and the western Chicago suburbs.

Child in a magical storybook setting — IDT Photo Aurora, Illinois
The Magical Adventure
Timeless fine-art children's portrait — IDT Photo Aurora
The Fine-Art Portrait
Child playing during a whimsical Storybook Adventure session — IDT Photo Aurora, Illinois
Fine-art children's portrait capturing genuine wonder — IDT Photo Chicagoland
Child during a Storybook session — IDT Photo Aurora IL

A Simple, Transparent Beginning

Session Reservation

Reserve Your Storybook Adventure — $49

Your participation fee includes:

  • ✓A professionally guided Storybook portrait session
  • ✓Use of the Storybook setting, available wardrobe, and props
  • ✓A second fine-art portrait setting
  • ✓One complimentary finished 8×10 portrait
  • ✓A private portrait viewing and ordering appointment

The $49 participation fee is paid separately and is not applied toward the purchase of a collection.

Digital images, personalized books, albums, and additional portrait artwork are available through the collections below. There is no obligation to purchase a collection.

Reserve Your Storybook Adventure

Collections

Choose the collection that fits your family. The Keepsake Collection includes your complimentary 8×10 fine art portrait. The Storybook and Heirloom Collections include an upgraded fine art print. Collections also add more digital images, albums, storybooks, and wall art.

Keepsake

$295
  • ✓5 High-Resolution Digital Images
  • ✓Matching Web-Size Copies
  • ✓$50 Wall Art Credit
  • ✓Your Complimentary 8×10 Fine Art Portrait
Reserve Your Storybook Adventure
Most Popular

Storybook

$595
  • ✓All 20 High-Resolution Storytelling Images from Your Session
  • ✓Matching Web-Size Copies
  • ✓10×10 Personalized Hardcover Storybook
  • ✓$100 Wall Art Credit
  • ✓Upgraded 11×14 Fine Art Portrait
  • ✓Additional Participants: $100 Each

Each additional participant includes 5 additional high-resolution digital images and additional storybook pages.

Reserve Your Storybook Adventure

Heirloom

$1,595
  • ✓All 20 High-Resolution Storytelling Images from Your Session
  • ✓Matching Web-Size Copies
  • ✓12×12 Heirloom Album
  • ✓One 20×30 Float-Frame Premium Gallery Wrap
  • ✓$200 Wall Art Credit
  • ✓Priority Editing
  • ✓Upgraded 12×18 Fine Art Portrait
  • ✓Complimentary Design Consultation
  • ✓Additional Participants: $150 Each

Each additional participant includes 5 additional high-resolution digital images and additional album pages.

Reserve Your Storybook Adventure
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Flexible Payment Options

Payment options may be available for larger Storybook collections. Ask IDT Photo for current details during your consultation or portrait-viewing appointment.

Ask about payment options →

What to Expect — From Inquiry to Portraits

Inquire

Use the Reserve button to get started. We will follow up to confirm your date, answer your questions, and send a short pre-session questionnaire.

Your Session

Arrive, settle in, and let David, Jane, and your child do the rest. Sessions are calm, unhurried, and child-led.

Portrait Viewing

After your session, IDT Photo will prepare your portraits for a private viewing and ordering appointment. During that appointment you can select your complimentary 8×10 and decide whether you would like additional digital images, a personalized storybook, an album, or artwork.

Delivery

Digital images, printed products, and personalized storybooks are delivered after your ordering appointment. IDT Photo will explain the timeline before you order so you always know what to expect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions that deserve honest answers — before you book, not after.

What ages are best for Storybook Adventure?

Children ages 2–12 tend to thrive in these sessions, though we have created beautiful portraits for babies and older children too. We tailor the energy and pacing to your child's age and personality. If you are unsure, just ask — we are happy to talk through what to expect.

Can siblings participate?

Yes. The Storybook and Heirloom Collections offer options for additional participants. The Storybook Collection charges $100 for each additional participant and includes 5 additional high-resolution digital images and the necessary additional storybook pages. The Heirloom Collection charges $150 for each additional participant and includes 5 additional high-resolution digital images and the necessary additional album pages. The Keepsake Collection is designed for one participant only.

Can a parent or grandparent join some portraits?

In many cases, yes. Please mention this when you inquire so we can plan the session accordingly.

What if my child is shy or needs additional time?

This is one of the things Jane does best. She has worked with thousands of children who needed extra time to warm up — there is no rush, no countdown and no pressure. We follow your child's lead and let comfort come naturally.

Is the experience appropriate for autistic or sensory-sensitive children?

Yes. IDT Photo is an inclusive studio. Jane has experience with children on the autism spectrum and understands that every child has different needs. The session can be paced and adapted to what makes your child feel safe and comfortable. Please mention any specific needs when you inquire so we can be fully prepared.

Are costumes and props provided?

Yes. IDT Photo provides access to its available Storybook wardrobe, props, and setting. Families are also welcome to bring items that are meaningful to their child.

What should my child wear for the fine-art portraits?

Clothing guidance is included with your session confirmation. In general, simple, timeless clothing in soft neutral or coordinating tones tends to photograph beautifully.

Is a storybook included with every collection?

No. The Storybook Collection includes a personalized 10×10 hardcover storybook. The Heirloom Collection includes a 12×12 heirloom album. The Keepsake Collection does not include a book or album, although additional products may be available for purchase.

How is the personalized story created?

Before your session, you will complete a short questionnaire about your child's personality, relationships and what matters most to your family. After the session, observations from David and Jane are woven in as well. You may choose a child-inspired story, a relationship-inspired story or a loving letter from a parent or grandparent.

What does the $49 participation fee include?

Your $49 participation fee includes a professionally guided Storybook portrait session, use of the Storybook setting, available wardrobe, and props, a second fine-art portrait setting, one complimentary finished 8×10 portrait, and a private portrait viewing and ordering appointment. Digital images, personalized books, albums, and additional artwork are available through the collections — there is no obligation to purchase a collection.

Am I required to purchase a collection?

No. There is no obligation to purchase a collection. Your $49 participation fee includes your complimentary 8×10 portrait. Collections are available for families who would like additional images, a personalized storybook, an album, or wall art.

How will we choose our portraits?

After the session, IDT Photo will prepare your portraits for a private viewing and ordering appointment. During that appointment, you can select your complimentary 8×10 and decide whether you would like digital images, a personalized storybook, an album, or additional artwork.

May I keep my photographs private?

Yes. Your family's privacy is important to us. You may choose whether IDT Photo has permission to display selected photographs from your session on our website, social media, studio samples, portfolio, or promotional materials. You may also request that your entire session remain private. There is no additional charge for privacy, and your choice will not affect the care, quality, or service you receive.

Ready to Begin?

The experience creates the memories. The artwork preserves them.

Beautiful artwork. No surprises. No pressure.

Storybook photography in Aurora, Illinois · Serving the greater Chicagoland area · (224) 250-5256