One Bold Decision Changed Everything

It’s amazing how changing just one area of your life can shift everything.
Sometimes, all it takes is one bold decision to change everything.

Back in March, I took a leap of faith—I joined a 12-month group mentorship for photographers. It was a big investment and a bigger time commitment. But after years of treating my business like a side hustle, something inside me whispered:
"Do it. It will be worth it."
It was.

Relearning the Foundations

Fast forward to July of the same year…

The program started out with an 8-week boot camp.
How else does one reset their pattern of business they have been doing for many years than to do a total reset? This is what this was for my business.

I had to relearn everything, set up my pricing to actually be profitable, and spent many hours into learning and doing.

This was a big shift for our family. Also while doing this, I was not getting a steady paycheck… the risk of owning your own business. Thankfully the benefits far outweigh the risks.

After going through the first part of the program called Boutique Breakthrough I was then added to the big group. No longer inside my pod/small group anymore, it was time to join the big kids.

Finding My People
One week prior to our in-person training (one of the super cool parts of this program is we get to see each other in real life), I am all for technology—but there is something amazing about getting together with other likeminded business owners who are striving for the same thing you are.

After joining the big group we went to our spring Immersion and man was that cool.

I realized what a cool, fun and supportive group I have joined.
While many attendees already had strong connections, I was a newcomer—and yet, they embraced me with genuine warmth.

I was inspired, pushed and challenged in this training and we also had a ton of fun!

The 10 Session Challenge Begins

That fire starting in May encouraged me to start my 10 Session Challenge.
The goal was to start in June, but as I had NEVER ran a marketing campaign it took a little momentum to get things going.

I started my first session for the 10 session challenge on July 11th.

It was a magical session with a gorgeous (inside and out) 16 year old girl and her horse.
We got up early and had too much fun…
It was also a fun challenge for me as I had never yet photographed a horse.

The Joy of Full-Service Photography

My favorite part of the process though was their ordering appointment.

Watching my clients' portraits that we had envisioned together was so special. It was a joy to be able to help them plan out how they would display this art we had created together.

• I showed them different room views where they could really showcase their art

• Fun collages

• And because they loved so many of the portraits, I made them a custom heirloom album

It was SO fun to plan this out for my clients.

Shipping Artwork with Intention

After I retouched their images to make them wall and album ready, I sent them off to the printers.

I had so much fun unboxing their canvases and preparing them to travel as this client is relocated—so we had to prepare hers differently than most clients.

We ooo-awed and awed over the finished art and with white glove service I carefully packaged their loose canvases to go overseas, where my clients will frame them and put them into their new home.

The whole process from start to finish was such a blessing, and I am thankful this client has already referred me to her bestie. I cannot wait to serve her in the same way I have served this client.

Just know—when you refer a local business to a friend it makes the world to that small business.

Artwork Love

A Peek Behind the Curtain

I hope this story helps you get just a peek behind the curtain of Andria May Photography.

And the next time you look for a Gilbert family photographer or Gilbert senior photographer, I hope you’ll consider the boutique difference.

I know I am not for everybody.
But for those who want a higher level of service—and to have something to hold, not just a photo on your phone or hard drive—keep me in mind.

It all starts with a quick call to see if we are a good fit.

5 Reasons Boutique Might Be for You

1. The last photoshoot you had was rushed and you left deflated.

Mini sessions sound really great until there is another family tapping their toes waiting for their turn and your kid finally warms up as your session is over.
I never rush my clients. There is no standard time for photo sessions. I try to be efficient—as by the time I am doing your photo session I know what you want and need.
This allows me to be quick, in a good way. Because let’s be honest—no one wants to say cheese for over an hour, or for less than 15 minutes and be rushed.

2. Saving money getting the cheapest photographer has bitten you in the butt.

I have heard countless stories of not-great experiences with Gilbert family photographers.
I strive to thrill my clients—and to make the process really special and memorable.

3. You are sick of doing all the work.

Have you received a digital album to your email of 50–100 images and you find the thought of picking your favorites stressful?
No one loves homework. And I never leave my clients with homework—unless it’s buying an amazing outfit to make you feel fabulous for your Gilbert family photoshoot.

I hold my clients’ hands every step of the way, and when their portraits are complete I help them decide how best to display their portraits:

• A gorgeous series of wall art

• One statement piece above the mantle

• A beautiful album to showcase the story of your session

Also—everything my clients order, they get a matching digital image, so they have something to hold and something to share.

4. You love fine dining and are intrigued on doing this with your next Arizona photoshoot.

(Or as I like to call it—photo session—because no one likes to be shot at.)

You’ve done the mini sessions and the photos are cute…
But you want something more (that doesn’t include homework at the end).

I love me a good In-N-Out burger—but going out to eat in a nice restaurant is so much more enjoyable and less rushed.
What if that’s how your next portraits could feel?

5. You’ve gone through a difficult season.

(Cancer, postpartum, divorce, or losing a loved one.)
And now you’re coming out the other end stronger—and ready to really be Seen Again.

You know you’re ready for something unique and special, just how you are.
And you don’t want it to be rushed.
You’re not quite sure if this is for you yet, but you are intrigued to find out.

If one of those speaks to your heart, feel free to schedule a quick discovery call here: [BUTTON]
To see if we are a good fit.

What Does Full-Service Photography in Arizona Look Like?

It looks like...

Step 1: Quick Discovery Call with Andria

This is the perfect time to see if we are a good match.
I am not the photographer for everyone, and I totally get that. This is why I do discovery calls—to see if we are a good match.

I ask you questions, find out about who I would be photographing, we talk all the logistics and everything in between.
Once that call is over—if we decide we are a good match—we go to Step 2.

Step 2: In-Person Consultation

These normally happen in your home or at a coffee shop.
This is where the magic starts forming.

We talk again over some of the details we discussed in our first call and really start to dream your unique session.

We talk:

• Location

• Wardrobe

• Confidence

• More

By the time we are done, you walk away with a pricing guide so you know what to expect at our ordering appointment.
We collect your Creation Fee and schedule your Gilbert Photography Session (or any other Arizona city in the Phoenix Valley).

Step 3: Your Unique East Valley Photo Session

This could happen anywhere—from the desert, to the Desert Botanical Gardens, to the Gilbert Riparian Preserve, a model home, or right in your own home.

What a beautiful place to tell your story than in your home.

During your photo session:

• I guide the whole process

• If your toddler (or your husband) are missing their patience—I handle everything

My goal is to make memories that I later help you turn into legacy pieces of wall art and fine art albums that will be a blessing for generations to come.

Step 4: The Ordering Appointment

This is one of my favorite parts.

I promise—I am 0% car salesman and 100% service-focused.
I want you to LOVE your art and display it the way you want—while also creating a big impact.

Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with getting a gift print for grandma.
But there is something BREATHTAKING about a large piece of wall art of your family.
It makes a huge statement. People will come into your home and go, “WOW.”

I mean—I appreciate art. But I LOVE LOVE LOVE seeing art created with your story.

If these four steps spoke to you and intrigued you at all, schedule your discovery call here: Book Your Discovery Call Today

I have never had a client say:
“I wished we had waited longer to take our family portraits.”

And no—you don’t have to lose 10 pounds or have the perfect outfits.
Showing up just as you are (don’t get me wrong—I will guide you on the outfits) is the best thing you can do and a gift to your family.

Don’t wait.
Schedule your Arizona Family Portraits Today.

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Check Out Our Latest Blog Post At: How a Horse Session with a 16-Year-Old Changed the Way I Serve My Clients
XoXo
~Andria