Say goodbye to stiff smiles and hello to Simply School — a unique approach to school portraits that celebrates each child’s natural personality. Elle May Photography's sessions capture authentic expressions, letting students simply be themselves without forced poses or pressure to smile. I believe school photos should be a genuine reflection of each child, creating memories that families will treasure and making school picture day a fun, relaxed experience for everyone involved. Simply School offers two types of portrait sessions to choose from. Read below to find out more!

A toddler stands on a wooden playhouse structure with a green slide, wearing a light colored romper.
A happy toddler wearing a colorful rainbow romper with yellow bows smiles at the camera.

Outdoor School Photography


These take place outdoors with natural light, capturing each student in a relaxed setting. Kids are encouraged to be themselves, be playful, and are not forced to smile if they don't want to (but they'll be having fun, so chances are, they will!).

Modern School Portraits


With a modern white backdrop and natural light, these sessions let each child's unique personality shine, creating fresh, minimalist portraits that celebrate their individuality. No forced smiles - kids can be serious or silly, resulting in authentic portraits that reflect who they truly are.

Child wearing pink top and patterned pants sitting on light wooden floor against white wall.

Why Schools Love It

A simple hand-drawn black heart outline on a white background.

No cost to schools

Yes, this is free to schools.  I want to provide kids with a positive school photo experience.

A minimalist black shopping bag icon on white background.

A la carte purchasing

Parents pay for photos after viewing them and are never required to purchase.

Modern laptop computer with blank white screen display isolated on white background.

ONLINE delivery

Delivered in a modern online gallery for each student with 5-10 images to choose from in digital or print.

Great For...


  • Montessori Schools
  • Small Preschools
  • Homeschool Co-ops
Small child in gray sweater and blue pants standing on fallen leaves in sunlit forest.

Simply School

Natural School Portraits in Winston-Salem, NC

Baby wearing floral outfit and bow headband sitting on wooden floor against white wall.
Young child in a smart blue suit jacket and white dress shirt sits and smiles against a light gray background.
A toddler wearing a white bow and pastel striped dress poses against a light background.
Side profile of a child with blonde hair wearing a light blue dress against a white background.
Two young children share a joyful moment together among fall leaves.
Close up portrait wearing a colorful rainbow dress with yellow bow straps.
A young figure in a sleeveless black dress sits casually on a wooden stool against a white background.
Playful peek around a corner outdoors with blooming cherry trees in the background.
Portrait against white background wearing a cream colored dress with tied shoulders.
Small child in grey hoodie and blue pants walking outdoors in autumn forest.
Two children sitting together on a wooden bench against a white wall.
A happy toddler sits among fallen autumn leaves wearing a blue striped shirt.
Child in denim dress sitting and laughing on wooden floor against white wall.
An upward view of a smiling child against a bright blue sky with tree branches.
Child wearing light turquoise t-shirt sits against white background in casual portrait pose.
Toddler in light blue ruffled dress with white bow accessory leans playfully on wooden chair against neutral backdrop.
A person in a navy blue suit and baseball cap sits smiling against a white wall.
Toddler in white t-shirt and khaki pants sits on wooden stool against light background.
Small child sitting cross-legged on wooden deck examining something in hands.
Baby in floral romper and white bow headband crawling on wooden floor.
Behind the camera

Hi,

I'm Lauren!

Winston-Salem family photographer casually poses for her brand photo.

Your simply school

Photographer

As a former Kindergarten teacher, I have a passion for working with kids.  But more importantly, I love to see and honor the true character of each child I work with.  My main priority is connection, and I aim to tell each child's unique story through the portraits I create.

A joyful outdoor portrait against a bright blue sky with tree branches.

Reach out to coordinate

Fall 2025 dates available

Let's Work Together