A Summer Portrait Challenge in Arizona: 10 Custom Sessions, 30 Days, and Your Story Told Beautifully in the East Valley and Northern Arizona

June 11, 20254 min read

Andria May, East Valley portrait photographer, holding her camera during a custom family photography session in Arizona.

“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

– Ferris Bueller


You blink—and suddenly your oldest is graduating, the baby has a tooth, and the house feels a little too quiet.I'm based in the East Valley of Phoenix and serve families across Arizona—including a limited number of sessions in Northern Arizona this summer. This is why I created the Ten Session Challenge. Not for the algorithm. Not for likes. But because your stories matter.

This summer, I’ve been challenged to photograph 10 full-service sessions in just 30 days. These aren’t minis or model calls—they’re real families, real moments, and real memories turned into artwork for your home.


What is the 10 session challenge?

For those of you who have followed my business for a while, you may remember when I did “10 Minutes with Andria May Photography”—a fun sprint where I photographed someone each day for 30 days. This challenge is similar in energy but deeper in purpose. Each session is a full custom experience, created with intention and designed to preserve the stories that matter most.

Each session includes a quick phone call to see if we’re a good fit, an in-person consultation to plan your vision, a beautifully styled portrait session (with a surprise gift!), and a relaxed ordering appointment where we’ll enjoy your images and I’ll help you choose the artwork that fits your home and heart. 

One of the 10 sessions will even be featured in a national gallery this fall.

Curious what makes my portrait sessions different?

Press play to see the heart behind my Ten Session Challenge—then follow @imandriamay for more stories, sneak peeks, and session inspiration.

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What It’s Not:

  • Not discounted mini sessions

  • Not “just digitals”

  • Not fast and forgettable

This is storytelling photography at its best. Thoughtful. Guided. Personal.


Why This Matters to Me

Let’s be real—life is busy. And figuring out what to do with 100 digital photos just adds to the noise.

I specialize in guided portrait sessions for families, kids, and seniors—from planning to finished artwork. I walk with you every step of the way, so it’s easy, meaningful, and never overwhelming.

Instead of just files, we create custom artwork you’ll actually enjoy in your home. And honestly, I love helping people see how special they are. So many of us rarely get to see ourselves in that light. My job is to make sure your family does.


Who Is This For? (A Real-Life Scavenger Hunt 🕵️‍♀️)

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I'm looking for families with stories worth celebrating this summer—some big, some quiet, all meaningful. Here’s who I’m hoping to find:

  • 🍼 A family with a new baby

  • 🦷 A kid who just lost a front tooth

  • 🎓 A Class of 2026 senior

  • 🐶 A beloved aging or adopted pet

  • 👩‍👧 A multigenerational family

  • ⚽ An active kid in sports or clubs

  • 🎂 A first birthday coming up

  • 👩‍❤️‍👨 A blended or beautifully nontraditional family

  • 🎻 A child who plays an instrument

  • 💗 A family who hasn’t had professional portraits in years

Infographic list of 10 unique family photography session ideas for the 10 Session Challenge by Andria May Photography, featuring portraits in the East Valley and Northern Arizona.

What It Looks Like to Work With Me

Here’s the process:

  • A quick phone call to see if we’re a fit

  • An in-home consultation to plan the vision and talk through every detail

  • A relaxed session that captures real connection

  • A guided ordering appointment where we design artwork you’ll enjoy for years to come

You don’t have to plan anything—I’ll walk you through every step.

Comparison of digital photo overload on a phone versus printed family portrait artwork in a living room, representing the transformation offered by Andria May Photography in Arizona.

Only 10 Spots.

I have space for just 10 sessions. Once one story type is spoken for, I’ll be looking to fill the others—it’s truly a scavenger hunt. I can’t wait to see the variety of stories that come through this experience.

The support for this challenge has been incredible. If your heart’s been tugging at the idea of telling your story, I’ve saved a few spots just in case this moment is meant for you.


How to Claim Your Spot

It all starts with a quick call. Fill out this short form to schedule yours and make sure your spot is saved. The call is completely free—and it’s the best way to see if this experience is a perfect fit for you. What have you got to lose?

With Warmth,

Andria

Find Out Why I Started Blogging Here: https://andriamayphotography.com/post/gilbert-family-photography-blog-introduction

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Andria Meixner is the owner and lead photographer at Andria May Photography, a boutique portrait studio based in Gilbert, Arizona. She specializes in creating full-service photography experiences for families, children, and high school seniors across the East Valley, helping clients transform meaningful moments into heirloom-quality artwork. As a mom of four and an artist at heart, Andria is passionate about showing families how worthy they are of being seen—and celebrated—on their walls, not just their screens.

Andria Meixner

Andria Meixner is the owner and lead photographer at Andria May Photography, a boutique portrait studio based in Gilbert, Arizona. She specializes in creating full-service photography experiences for families, children, and high school seniors across the East Valley, helping clients transform meaningful moments into heirloom-quality artwork. As a mom of four and an artist at heart, Andria is passionate about showing families how worthy they are of being seen—and celebrated—on their walls, not just their screens.

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