Family lifestyle photography is about real life. It’s the laughs, the chaos, the running, the cuddles, the “that is so them” moments. No studio nerves. No stiff posing. Just a relaxed session that feels like you being you.
We’re Marta May Photography – also known as The Mays (Marta + Artur). You might recognise us from TWIA – we won in 2023 as “The Mays”, and we’re now TWIA judges. Our signature style is DOCU-ART: documentary moments first, with a cinematic finish when the light is gorgeous.
Last updated: March 2026
QUICK ANSWER
If you want natural family photos, choose a place that feels like home (your garden, a favourite walk, a meaningful spot), book a time with soft light, and forget about “posing”. We’ll guide you gently so it feels relaxed and fun – and you’ll get photos that actually look like your life.
KEY FACTS
Best style: relaxed, documentary, real moments
Best time: soft light (morning or late afternoon)
Best locations: your home/garden, countryside walks, woodland, rivers, the Black Mountains, the coast
Best session length: 60–90 minutes
Inclusive: all families, all couples, all dynamics (no “perfect family” expectations)
CHOOSE YOUR SESSION
- Family lifestyle session (at home or outdoors)
- Couple session (engaged, anniversary, “just because”)
- After-wedding / anniversary “Rock My Frock” session
- Gift voucher (Mother’s Day, birthdays, “we should do this more often”)
What a family lifestyle session feels like
It’s not a photoshoot where you stand and smile. It’s a walk, a play, a cuddle, a story. You’ll get a mix of:
– natural moments (the real stuff)
– gentle portrait moments (quick and easy)
– details that matter (hands, hugs, home, places you love)
If you’re thinking, “My kids won’t behave”… perfect. We don’t need them to “behave”. We need them to be themselves.
Where we photograph family sessions
We’re based in Herefordshire and we shoot across the area, and we’ll travel if your location feels meaningful.
Popular choices:
– your home or garden (cosy and personal)
– woodland walks (easy and natural)
– open countryside (space to run)
– riverside spots (soft, beautiful light)
If you want a local version of this page with Herefordshire-specific ideas, go here:
Herefordshire family lifestyle photography.
What to wear (easy rules)
Wear something you can move in. Comfort photographs better.
A simple approach:
– choose 2–3 colours for the whole group (not matching outfits)
– avoid big logos and neon colours
– bring one extra layer (it adds texture and keeps you warm)
– shoes you can walk in (it changes the whole mood)
How booking works (simple, calm, no stress)
- Step 1: Tell us your vibe
Home, countryside, woodland, river, mountains, coast, city – and whether it’s family, couple, or a gift.
- Step 2: Pick a date and the best light
We’ll help you choose the best time of day for your location.
- Step 3: We photograph it like real life
No awkward posing. Just gentle guidance and lots of real moments.
- Step 4: Choose your favourites and print them
These photos deserve to live on walls, not disappear into a phone camera roll.
FAQs: family lifestyle photography
Do you photograph all kinds of families and couples?
Yes. Every family looks different. Every couple looks different. That’s the point. We photograph real life, not a stereotype.
What if my kids don’t sit still?
That’s normal. We build the session around movement and play. The best photos come from action, not stillness.
Do you do newborn sessions?
Yes, lifestyle newborn sessions at home are beautiful. Calm, cosy, and very real.
Can we bring our dog?
Yes. Dogs are always welcome.
What if the weather is awful?
We’ll plan a simple Plan A/B/C. If it’s unsafe, we reschedule.
Wrap up
If you want family photos that feel like your life – honest, warm, and properly you – we’d love to photograph your story. Next step: get in touch and tell us what you’re planning (family / couple / gift), where you are, and the vibe you love.
Read next (local): Herefordshire family lifestyle photography
Read next (gift): A beautiful framed print (Mother’s Day gift idea)
Read next (wedding bridge): Beautiful mother-daughter moments at weddings
Read next (after-wedding): Rock My Frock / anniversary shoots
