A happy family sharing a joyful moment together while sitting and smiling in a sunlit room.
Winston-Salem, NC Family and Brand Photographer


showcasing the

joy, love, and beauty

in your everyday moments

Elle May

Photography

A couple relaxes on a white couch near a bright window while holding their sleeping newborn baby.
Winston-Salem, NC Family and Brand Photographer


showcasing the

joy, love, and beauty

in your everyday moments

Elle May

Photography

Flatlay workspace with open notebook, laptop, and pencil casting dramatic shadows on white desk surface.
Winston-Salem, NC Family and Brand Photographer


showcasing the

joy, love, and beauty

in your everyday moments

Elle May

Photography

Relaxed person in cozy beige sweater and white pants sitting on brown leather mid-century modern sofa with textured pillow.
Hi, Friend!


I'm Lauren May

Winston-Salem Family and Brand Photographer


I’m here to tell your unique story—capturing the joy, love, and beauty found in your everyday moments that mean the most.  Whether it’s the quiet snuggles of newborn days, the playful chaos of family life, or the heart behind your brand, I create timeless images that feel real, true, and uniquely you.


When I'm not behind the camera, you’ll find me traveling to new and exciting places with my husband, chasing my kids outside, or soaking up the sunlight like a cat on a cold winter day (any other sun-seekers out there?!).

Professional photographer in beige cardigan and white jeans holding camera while standing by window in natural light.

upcoming Events this fall...

Follow me on Instagram

@ellemayphotos
A family and their small white dog share a tender moment together in a sun-lit room with a white display cabinet and curtains.
A couple lounges on a white couch in bright natural light while holding their newborn baby.
Lifestyle Family Photography

Winston-Salem Family Photographer


I believe the most beautiful photos come from authentic moments, not forced poses. I’m not here to make you be something you aren’t—instead, I want to tell your unique story in a way that feels real and effortless. Through thoughtful questionnaires and getting to know you before our session, I create a space where you can simply be yourselves. Together, we’ll capture the magic in your everyday, turning fleeting moments into timeless images that reflect the true beauty of your life.

Professional makeup artist in black sweater showing eyeshadow palette to client during beauty consultation.
A person sits on hardwood floor showing off comfortable flats and slip-on shoes next to white built-in closets.
Personal Brand Photography

Winston-Salem Brand Photographer


Your brand is more than just a product or service—it’s a story, and I’m here to help you tell it in a way that truly connects. Through a deep dive into the heart of your brand, I uncover the message that sets you apart, ensuring your images speak directly to your ideal clients. When people can see the real you, they begin to know, like, and trust you, creating meaningful connections that fuel the growth of your business. Let’s capture the essence of your brand so you can stand out, connect authentically, and build for the future.

A young child in a denim dress twirls joyfully barefoot against a white wall with soft shadows.
A framed photograph mounted on a white wall with natural sunlight casting dramatic diagonal shadows across it.
Black and white photo in an elegant frame tied with delicate pink ribbon bow on white surface.
A framed photo displayed on white surface with pink roses and ranunculus flowers decorating the edges.
Full Service Photographer

Winston-Salem FAmily Photographer


I am a full-service photographer, guiding you through every step of the process—from the moment you inquire to the day you hold your finished images in your hands. Together, we’ll plan your session with care, ensuring a relaxed and meaningful experience. After your gallery is delivered, I help you bring your memories to life with heirloom-quality prints and products, so your images don’t just sit on a hard drive—they fill your home with love and nostalgia. This is more than just a photoshoot; it’s an experience from start to finish, resulting in magical images that transport you back to this moment in your life.

Lifestyle Family Photography


Joy.  Love.  Legacy.

Through window bars, people clean floor together in sunlit room with colorful rug.

Your photos are more than just memories—they are a living legacy for your children. Each image tells the story of their childhood, an open book of what it felt like to grow up in your home, surrounded by love, laughter, and the warmth of family. One day, they’ll look back at these photos and see the way you held them, the way you looked at them with endless love, the little moments that made up their world. When these images live on your walls instead of a screen, they become daily reminders of the unbreakable bond you share—a gift that will be cherished for generations to come.

A few ways to work with me...

A couple shares a tender moment with their newborn baby dressed in a floral outfit near a bright window.

Newborn Photography

The Mangili Family

Happy family laughing and playing together on blue cushion seating near bright window at home.

At-Home Family Photography

The Sparks Family

Newborn baby peacefully sleeping in hospital bassinet wrapped in white and blue striped blanket.

Fresh 48 Photography

The Berwager Family

Two young baseball players wearing pinstripe uniforms run together on a sunny grass field during fall.

Family Adventure Photography

The McGlothin Family

Winston-Salem Family Photography Reviews

Don't just take it from me...

Crystal
Katie
Danielle
Courtney
Two young children in matching beige dresses dance while someone holds a baby in a light white studio space.

"I absolutely loved my Motherhood session with Lauren! My youngest was not in the best mood for photos and Lauren was quick to pivot her plans to accommodate him! She was patient and kind, while still keeping on schedule - AND when we got our photos back, I was SHOCKED at how beautifully she captured my kiddos. I had not met Lauren prior to this session, so I was a bit nervous about how she would jive with my kids. But, her personality matches the studio - warm and inviting! It took no time at all for the whole family to feel relaxed. I will definitely be booking Lauren and Elle May Photography for future family sessions!!!  Thank you for the beautiful photos we will treasure for a lifetime!"

Testimonials
Crystal
Katie
Danielle
Courtney
Family playing together on a light-filled floor with toys and a natural woven basket in a bright white room.

"Lauren was wonderful to work with! Everything was so clearly communicated and she did an amazing job capturing the details of our lives that we will want to look back on and remember. My kids felt so at ease with her and our motherhood documentary session felt easy and genuine. We also did modern kid portraits in the studio with her and they had so much fun! It's easy to see Lauren's passion for capturing special and also everyday moments in the lives of families, and we will treasure these photos for years to come."

Testimonials
Crystal
Katie
Danielle
Courtney
Two people tenderly hold and gaze at their newborn baby swaddled in white blanket and blue hat.

"Lauren is a joy to work with! We had a fresh 48 session at Wake Forest Baptist Health hospital and it was amazing from start to finish! Lauren was so flexible, professional and made us feel comfortable instantly! Beforehand, I was hesitant to feel ready / up for photos so short after giving birth. However, I am so glad we did them because the photos turned beautiful from every angle. We couldn’t be happier with our experience and highly recommend to anyone looking for photos to cherish!"

Testimonials
Crystal
Katie
Danielle
Courtney
Close-up portrait of a loving family sharing a tender moment together against a light background.

"Our family did a studio mini session at The Ginger Birdie this fall and we were blown away by the whole process. Booking was easy, we were given clear expectations of what to expect, the session itself was a breeze, and the photos were amazing. Lauren has such a talent for capturing genuine moments, nothing cheesy with her. Also, Lauren is very good with kids -- she knew how to get our 4 year old to have her photos taken and enjoy it in the process! This was the first time our family has had professional photos taken and we could not have asked for a better experience, we highly recommend Lauren."

Testimonials
Crystal
Katie
Danielle
Courtney

You’re in the Right Place If…


✔️ You want authentic, storytelling photography that captures real moments—not stiff, forced poses.

✔️ You believe in finding joy, love, and beauty in the ordinary and want photos that reflect that.

✔️ You want a full-service experience, from pre-session planning to heirloom-quality artwork for your home.

✔️ You value photos as a legacy, giving your children a way to look back and feel the love that surrounded them.

✔️ You’re a business owner who wants brand photos that truly connect, helping you stand out and grow.

Relaxed casual style with white tank top and light wash jeans while lounging on white couch by bright window.

Don't Wait Any Longer

Let's Turn your life into magical images to cherish forever


Chat with Lauren
Mother and baby share a tender moment by a bright window in matching cream outfits.

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