Kattariya May surrounded by pastel floral arrangements during a personal branding shoot – Kattariya May Photography
Kattariya May holding camera and smiling in front of white columns – branding portrait
Soft branding headshots of Kattariya May, DC photographer – editorial style

MEET MAY!

FINE ART FAMILY & WEDDING

PHOTOGRAPHER

Serving Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia

Hi, I’m May — the heart behind Kattariya May Photography. I’m a fine art family and wedding photographer passionate about capturing meaningful, light-filled moments that reflect the beauty of real connection.

Originally from Thailand, I moved to the U.S. in 2018 through a cultural exchange program and spent several years caring for children — from tiny newborns to energetic pre-teens. That experience gave me a deep understanding of families and how to photograph them in a way that feels natural and joyful.

Before starting my business, I worked as a tour guide and was part of the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition team (Thai Teaw Thai). Around that time, I also helped a close friend run a newborn studio in Bangkok — and that’s when I truly fell in love with photography.

Since moving here, I’ve lived all across the DMV — from Maryland to D.C. to Arlington, and now back in Maryland again. So if you’re not sure where to have your session, don’t worry — just tell me where you live or what vibe you’re going for, and I’ll find the perfect spot for you.

While I started out photographing families and little ones (and still love doing that!), I’m stepping into a new chapter at the end of 2025 — the wedding world! I’ll be expanding into wedding photography while continuing to offer family sessions, though my availability will be more limited starting in 2026.

No matter what kind of session I’m photographing — a sweet maternity shoot, an extended family gathering, or a heartfelt micro wedding — I bring the same calm energy, creativity, and care to every single one. My goal is always the same: to make you feel comfortable and to capture the story that’s unfolding in front of me, just as it is.

5+

Years in photography business

300+

Happy customers

250+

Family and Wedding photographed

100%

Loved what I do

Soft branding headshots of Kattariya May, DC photographer – editorial style

The most beautiful photos are the ones that feel real

and never go out of style.

Whether you’re celebrating a growing family, a new baby, or a once-in-a-lifetime love story, I’m here to capture it in a way that feels natural, honest, and full of warmth. With a blend of gentle guidance and documentary storytelling, I focus on real connection and emotion, creating light-filled images you’ll treasure for years to come.

My approach to photography blends documentary storytelling with an artistic touch, all wrapped in a soft, light, and airy edit. Whether I’m capturing a wedding or a family session, my goal is always the same: to document real, meaningful moments as they naturally unfold — without stiff poses or pressure.

I want you to feel relaxed and present, knowing I’ll gently guide you with simple prompts and natural movement. The result? Images that feel like you — full of connection, personality, and warmth.

I’m especially drawn to those in-between moments: a glance, a laugh, the way you hold each other close. I use natural light and surroundings as inspiration, creating timeless portraits that celebrate both the big emotions and the quiet beauty in between.

Ultimately, I want your photos to feel like memories — the kind you’ll come back to year after year, reliving all the love, joy, and heart of that moment in time.

Favorites & fun facts

WORK INSPIRATION

Impressionism

DREAM TRIP

Jaipur, India

PASSIONATE ABOUT

Mandala painting and crafting paper

CAN´T LIVE WITHOUT

My family

HIDDEN SKILL

Playing Petanque

FAVORITE ARTIST

Auguste Renoir

FAVORITE DRINK

Aperol Spritz

BEACH VS MOUNTAINS

Beach, no brainer!

YOUR DAY, YOUR WAY — BEAUTIFULLY CAPTURED

With a calm presence and natural approach, I’ll document your photo session with care and intention.

MY JOURNEY SO FAR

WHERE IT ALL BEGAN AND HOW IT’S GOING NOW

Kattariya May holding camera and smiling in front of white columns – branding portrait

2015: The year that changed everything

While helping a close friend run a newborn studio in Bangkok, I fell in love with photography. Watching families connect through the lens sparked something in me, and that spark never left.

Soft branding headshots of Kattariya May, DC photographer – editorial style

2018: A New Beginning in the U.S.

I moved to the U.S. through a cultural exchange program and spent several years caring for children of all ages. That experience shaped how I work today — with patience, empathy, and a natural feel for documenting family connection.

Kattariya May holding camera and smiling in front of white columns – branding portrait

2021: The Official Beginning

After receiving my first film camera in 2020 as a gift from my host family, I began capturing the world more intentionally. In 2021, they gifted me my first professional camera, and I photographed my very first client shortly after. That moment marked the official beginning of Kattariya May Photography.

Kattariya May surrounded by pastel floral arrangements during a personal branding shoot – Kattariya May Photography

2022: Building My Business

I launched my photography business in the DMV area, offering family, maternity, and newborn sessions. Each session helped me grow — not just in skill, but in the confidence to build something of my own.

Soft branding headshots of Kattariya May, DC photographer – editorial style

2025: Stepping Into Weddings

After years of capturing heartfelt family stories, I’m now expanding into wedding photography. I’ll continue serving families, but with limited availability starting in 2026 as I enter this exciting new chapter.

2021 & BEYOND