How a Horse Session with a 16-Year-Old Changed the Way I Serve My Clients
How a Horse Session with a 16-Year-Old Changed the Way I Serve My Clients
“The best thing about a picture is that it never changes, even when the people in it do.”
— Andy Warhol
I have always taken the scenic route in life—the field trip version, if you will. When we moved to Arizona almost two decades ago the original plan was for me to finish my bachelor’s degree, but God had another plan. Before we closed on our first home here in Arizona, we found out I was pregnant with my first child. At the time, I was a music major, and there were no part-time or online options, so we decided that it was important for our family to have me home to raise our kids. So my life became play dates and diaper changes.
This is when my love of photography reignited. In the first month of being a mom, I took 1,000 photos—on our point-and-shoot camera. Looking back, it was a clear sign of my love for photography reemerging. By the time I had our second child, 22 months later I had learned how to use our DSLR from a six-week class taught locally by Mark Wallace of Snap Factory. My first photoshoot was with a friend who was pregnant and then the baby shortly after. I had no clue what I was doing —but started anyway. Over the years, as a photographer in Gilbert, Arizona, I’ve had the honor of capturing various sessions—from families and newborns to seniors, events, and weddings.
Over the years my photography–though technically a legal business, was more of a hobby. I knew I was a talented Gilbert, Arizona portrait photographer, but the business part I had no idea what I was doing. When I had my fourth child, I stepped away from the lens. Life felt overwhelming, and photography—though still something I loved–had become too sporadic to invest in consistently. It felt like a hobby I could no longer justify. The truth is, the passion never really left me–it was just waiting for the right moment to resurface. And when it did, I knew it was time to stop treating this like a hobby and start building a business that could grow with my family and serve others deeply.
In 2025, I started the year with a wedding–not as a second shooter, but as the lead. It was for a good friend of mine and their story moved me so deeply, I couldn’t say no. That experience reignited my passion and reminded me that I can absolutely do this. I hired a business coach and committed to a 12-month mentorship program to learn how to really serve my clients well. I am growing and learning how to be the best photographer and best version of myself.
Back to the field trip…I’d been learning how to serve my clients in new ways, but wasn’t sure if it was truly working—until a recent session changed everything. It made me realize that what I am doing is exactly how I need to continue serving my clients. In my new process, one of the best parts of what I do is spending time with my client and planning their session. I dream up the best session for them so when I get behind my camera I already have a vision for what they need and I can serve them really well. Then after a fantastic, efficient session, I sit down with them and we get to watch what we created and I help my clients pick ways they can display this art whether it's a big canvas, a story collage or an heirloom album that becomes part of your family legacy. Everything I create is custom, heartfelt, and made just for you.
This story is just one of the ten meaningful sessions I’ll be creating as part of my 10 Session Challenge. If you’re curious whether this experience is right for you or your child (or even your pet), click below to book a quick discovery call.
Each session includes a full-service experience: a pre-consultation where we dream up the perfect session for you, a fun and efficient portrait shoot, and an ordering appointment where we enjoy the art we’ve created together. I’ll guide you in choosing how you want to display your portraits—whether it’s a bold canvas, a story collage, or an heirloom album.
These sessions are limited—and they’re filling quickly.
I’m still looking for:
A gap-toothed grin (baby teeth just lost!)
A Class of 2026 senior (one boy + one girl)
A set of multiples (twins, triplets, or more!)
A young athlete
A family with a brand new pet
And someone who’s always dreamed of a magical fairy session ✨
A mama and me session for moms who are never in the photos
A grandparent and grandchild duo
If one of these sounds like your story, I’d love to help you bring it to life. Let’s make something beautiful together.
With Warmth,
Andria May
