CELEBRATE YOUR CONNECTION
Lifestyle photography is all about capturing life as it happens—authentic, unposed, and full of emotion. My approach is focused on documenting your story in a way that feels natural and true to who you are. Whether it's the quiet in-between moments or the playful chaos, my goal is to preserve the beauty of your everyday life just as it unfolds.
If you're looking for a more traditional, posed portrait experience, I’d be happy to refer you to several talented photographers who specialize in that style. But if you're ready to embrace the magic of unscripted moments, I’d love to work with you!
“Family is not an important thing, it's everything.”
L E G A C Y
THE LEGACY COLLECTIONWhat’s Included:
– Up to 1 hour of session time
– One thoughtfully selected location
– 50 fully edited digital images (with access to the full gallery)
– A full blooper reel of unedited, candid moments
– Private online gallery for viewing & downloading
– Curated Location Menu to help choose the perfect backdrop
– Access to the Birdie + May Style Closet
– 18-page Session Prep + Style Guide
– Personal-use Print Release
For the moments that unfold slowly, beautifully, and deserve space to breathe.
This collection is perfect for fully immersive, documentary-style storytelling—whether it’s a slow Saturday morning making pancakes, chasing little ones through the zoo, or simply preserving a chapter of your everyday life that you never want to forget. With more time, we can let things unfold naturally, capturing the quiet glances, loud laughter, and everything in between—unedited life, just as it is.
H E I R L O O M
THE HEIRLOOM COLLECTIONWhat’s Included:
– Up to 30 minutes of session time
– One thoughtfully selected location
– 25 fully edited digital images
– A curated mini blooper reel of candid moments
– Private online gallery for viewing & downloading
– Curated Location Menu to inspire your setting
– Access to the Birdie + May Style Closet
– 18-page Session Prep + Style Guide
– Personal-use Print Release
Effortless, joyful, and just the right amount of time to make something meaningful.
This collection is perfect for light, connection-focused sessions—whether it's a sun-drenched play date at your favorite park, a casual stroll downtown, or a sweet engagement session with a little bit of structure. It’s a blend of gently posed and candid moments, ideal for those who want something timeless and beautiful without needing to carve out a whole afternoon.
The Keepsake Collection is perfect for updating your family photos, celebrating a new milestone, or marking a small but significant achievement. These shorter sessions are ideal for annual portraits or quick, heartfelt moments that deserve to be remembered.
Availability for this collection is extremely limited, with bookings only accepted Monday–Thursday evenings.
However, I highly recommend keeping an eye on my social platforms, as these sessions are released seasonally—and when they do, I often open up limited weekend availability as well! Be sure to follow along so you don’t miss out when they go on sale!
FAQ
WHAT IS LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHY?
Lifestyle photography is all about capturing real-life moments and genuine interactions in a natural and relaxed manner. It focuses on telling a story and highlighting the beauty in everyday activities, emotions, and connections. Instead of posed and staged shots, lifestyle photography aims to document the authentic, candid moments that reflect your true personality and relationships.
Whether it's a family playing together, a couple sharing a quiet moment, or a child exploring their world, lifestyle photography seeks to preserve these precious memories in a way that feels both timeless and personal.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE?
My photography style is true to color with a subtle pop that enhances natural tones without overwhelming them. I lean toward muted greens, timeless warmth, and soft, cinematic depth—a style that beautifully complements weddings and romantic storytelling. While my work retains a touch of vintage charm, I prioritize authenticity, ensuring that your photos feel both classic and heartfelt rather than overly stylized.
Every session is unique, influenced by the light, setting, and your personal story. Rather than forcing images to match a rigid aesthetic, I tailor my editing to enhance the natural beauty of the moment while maintaining a polished, timeless appeal. I also have a deep passion for black and white photography, which adds a rich, emotive quality to select images.
If you have specific style preferences, I’d love to hear them! But most of my clients trust me to capture their day in a way that feels both true-to-life and artistically refined—a balance of boldness, softness, and storytelling that stands the test of time.
WHAT ARE THE STEPS TO BOOKING?
Once you've selected the photo collection that best suits your needs, a non-refundable retainer of $100 will be required to confirm your booking. After you've paid the retainer and signed your contract you will receive an additional (completely optional) LOCATION MENU + STYLE GUIDE via email.
We will plan to shoot during the beautiful hours of either sunrise or sunset - these times provide the most natural light. Post-session, you will receive a "soft" gallery to preview. You'll have 48-72 hours to browse and select your favorites! Once you've made your selections, I'll work on finalizing your gallery.
Depending on the season, your private online gallery should be ready within 14-21 business days.
HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN I INCLUDE?
Your session can accommodate up to (6) people from your immediate household. For more than (6) individuals, outside of your immediate household, there is an additional charge of $10/person. This ensures that everyone will receive ample time in front of the camera, and that we capture a variety of group and individual shots.
WHAT IS A "BLOOPER REEL?"
At its heart, our "Blooper Reel" is a celebration of the unscripted moments that happen in between the perfect shots. It's a small collection of unedited images from your session—each laugh, every misstep, and all the spontaneous joy that occurs when you're just being you. While these images are unedited and may not carry the polished finish of our final selections, they are genuine snippets of your memories, raw and untouched.
I believe that every moment, whether flawlessly composed or candidly captured, tells a part of your story. That's why we offer you the entirety of these memories—because sometimes, the most cherished images are those that are perfectly imperfect. It's a way to keep not just the highlights but the entire journey of your session, inviting you to relive the full spectrum of emotions and moments that unfolded.
So, when we talk about delivering a Blooper Reel, we're talking about giving you the complete narrative of your experience; unfiltered and real. These are your memories, in all their authentic glory, for you to treasure and laugh over for years to come.
DO I GET TO CHOOSE WHICH PHOTOS I KEEP?
Yes, absolutely! After our session concludes, you will receive a "soft" preview gallery. This gallery allows you to browse through the images and select the ones you love the most for the final, finished gallery. Your choice is paramount, ensuring that the photos you keep are exactly the ones you want.
WHEN WILL WE RECEIVE OUR PHOTOS?
After I receive your selections from the preview gallery, you can expect to receive your finished gallery within 14-21 business days.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I WANT MORE PHOTOS?
Should you happen to find more photos in your preview gallery that you just can't live without, beyond what your collection includes, you then have the option to purchase these additional images and prints directly from your private online shop. This way, you won't miss out on any cherished moments.
DO YOU TRAVEL?
Yes! I do. For sessions located outside a 25-mile radius of Albuquerque, NM, a travel fee of $0.67 per mile will apply for all miles traveled beyond the initial 25-mile radius.
Unless otherwise noted, the traveling fees are as follows:
Sandia Crest: $35
Santa Fe: $65
Hyde Memorial State Park: $75
Jemez: $90
Los Alamos: $105
Abiquiu: $145
Taos: $155
Taos Ski Valley // Angel Fire: $180
White Sands National Park: $295
Great Sand Dunes National Park: $325
Ouray: $360
Moab: $450
WHY IS THERE A TRAVEL FEE?
Traveling to destination locations requires additional time, resources, and preparation beyond the standard session experience. This fee helps cover:
✔️ Time & Travel – Extended drive time to and from the session location.
✔️ Fuel & Vehicle Wear – Increased mileage and fuel costs for reaching remote or distant destinations.
✔️ Scouting & Preparation – Some locations require additional research or pre-session visits to ensure the best possible experience.
✔️ Permits & Accessibility – Certain locations may require special permits or parking fees, which will be communicated in advance.
For sessions requiring overnight accommodations (such as out-of-state or multi-day events), additional lodging and per diem fees may apply. These details will be discussed and agreed upon prior to booking.
If you have a specific destination in mind, feel free to inquire about custom travel rates and availability. I love exploring new locations and would be happy to bring your vision to life!
DO YOU HAVE A STUDIO?
No, I do not.
I typically shoot outdoors with natural light (about) 90% of the time, although, I do have access to a variety of indoor spaces for those interested in an indoor studio session. Please note, studio sessions will involve an additional rental fee of $75 for the first hour and $35 for each subsequent hour.
IS YOUR CLIENT CLOSET FREE?
Absolutely, access to my client closet is entirely complimentary when you book either a Legacy or Heirloom session.
I have a TON of women's + children's clothing to choose from - please feel free to browse through my collection.
DO YOU OFFER ANY DISCOUNTS?
Current photo collections are offered at rates I feel are appropriate for my quality of work, and the passion, effort and time I put into my sessions.
Occasionally, I offer discounted or even FREE sessions, which will be announced on my social media platforms.
Check out my Instagram: @BirdieandMayPhotography
DO YOU OFFER PAYMENT PLANS?
Everyone deserves beautiful photos with their family and loved ones. Pricing should not hold anyone back from this experience. Please reach out if a custom payment plan is needed, and let’s make your dream session happen. Because you deserve this, you really do.