QUARTERLY SPECIALS
Stay tuned for seasonal mini-session and headshot specials by joining my email list. I only send out 4 emails per year.
"Monica is the best! We go to her year after year for our family photos. I think it all started with a professional headshot."
- Danielle Cole, Client since 2017
"Monica was an excellent choice as she is a great team player and has many wonderful ideas. Her creative skills, organization and attention to detail enable her to excel at a variety of positions." - Carlene Murray, School Principal
Photography by Marco
BACKGROUND
Growing up in Germany, I studied Communication Design there, as well as in France.
In addition to photographing and designing layouts for all kinds of clients, I managed marketing campaigns at companies and as a freelance, which I continued when moving to the United States.
In 2018, the food company Coconut Secret hired me as design director, where I developed and managed all of their social media accounts for the following 4 years. This position allowed me to create campaigns and advance in food and product photography, a skillset which has led me to a variety of companies that I work with now.
STUDIES
Communication Design*: These multimedia studies cover numerous forms of visual story telling from graphic to web design, photography to advertisement. My MA is in photography, branding and social marketing campaign development.
If you seek product photography, have a look at my product portfolio!
DESIRE TO INSPIRE STUDIOS (2017 - Present)
I am part of this creative group of photographers and artists in Marin who support the community by helping non-profit organizations .
Feel free to contact me if you are a non-profit and would like to connect to Desire To Inspire Studios.
GERMAN LANGUAGE SCHOOL NORTH BAY (2021 - Present)
As a member of the School Board, I provide a variety of my skills for fundraising. I support the non-profit organization by photographing events, managing their social media outlets and doing their graphic design.
Want to learn German or become part of the local German community? Email me so I can connect you!
STYLE GUIDE
In addition to my other credentials, I’ve worked as a model and have experience in the fashion industry. Putting this background to use, I educate my clients to get authentic, natural results. I have also designed a style and posing guide to prepare them before the session and give them inspiration.
CHILDOOD EDUCATION
I love to work with children!
After moving to the United States, I studied childhood education to improve my English skills, which resulted in me working with children and parents in private and school settings. With this extra skillset I can help children feel comfortable and have them enjoy their special moment in front of the camera.
I love to connect with people and present all the wonderful qualities that make them who they are through my photography.
It all started with my first full frame Nikon camera when I was 15 years old. This passion led to me focusing on photography and design in my studies. I worked for magazines, graphic and ad agencies. Since 2016, I’ve been working full time as a photographer.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Lifestyle / Business / Portraits Sessions are available throughout the year, indoors and outdoors!
Holiday Sessions and Client Events have become an annual tradition, beginning late August I start photographing sessions around San Francisco’s landmarks and the beautiful countryside in Marin and the Bay Area.
Contact me to find out about dates and locations!
Copyright © Monica May DESIGN. All rights reserved.
Meet Marco
KIDDO! MILL VALLEY (2016 - 2020)
For four years I volunteered at Kiddo, a nonprofit organization that works to support funding of the arts in Mill Valley School District schools. This included event photography, photography session donations for fundraisers and designing their annual newsletter.
SAN RAFAEL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (2018 - 2020)
As part of the SRCC’s Ambassador team I supported women in local businesses by photographing events and designing event flyers.
It’s been a wonderful experience and I would love to work for more organizations like this. If you’re working with or are part of a group that would like to collaborate, reach out to me!
SECOND SHOOTER / ASSISTANT
My son Marco assists me as a second shooter at Client Photo Events. A talented, hardworking teen, he is a magnificent photographer and plays a crucial, creative role during many of my sessions.
Marco is offering senior and lifestyle sessions for middle and high schoolers at an affordable price. He confidently leads the photography, while we edit the gallery as a team, ensuring your full satisfaction.
In addition to his other roles, Marco creates social media content in the form of videos and storytelling photography.