Hi, I'm Amy

This is where I share inspiration, behind-the-lens stories, and expert tips to help you feel confident in front of the camera. Whether you’re planning a proposal, senior portraits, or a luxury boudoir session, you’ll find ideas and insights to make your experience unforgettable.


MORE ABOUT me

Elsewhere

When you choose Galena for your proposal, engagement session, or family portraits, you’re choosing a place that feels like it stepped out of a storybook. The rolling hills, historic brick, quiet overlooks, and charming Main Street create a backdrop that’s as unforgettable as the moments you’re here to celebrate.

Your experience deserves to be captured with intention and artistry—not rushed, not guessed at, not left to chance. That’s where I come in. As Galena’s trusted professional portrait photographer, I blend years of technical expertise with the heart of a local who knows this town on an intimate level. I’m not just here to photograph your moments; I’m here to help you plan them, feel them, and remember them.

Galena Wedding Couple posing downtown for a photo by Amy May Photography

A Local Photographer Knows Galena in a Way No One Else Can

Galena is special, and understanding how to photograph it beautifully takes more than just a camera. It takes familiarity, experience, and a real connection to the landscape.

I know where the light touches Main Street just right at sunset.
I know which vineyards glow during golden hour.
I know where to find quiet, private spots for proposals and emotional family portraits.

This knowledge isn’t something you can Google. It comes from living here, working here, and photographing hundreds of sessions in every season, every weather pattern, and every pocket of this Driftless Region.


Access to Hidden Gems You Won’t Find on a Map

Some of the most stunning photographs in Galena happen in places most visitors never see. Over the years, I’ve built strong relationships with local businesses, private property owners, and community partners. That means I can often take you to spaces that aren’t available to the public—quiet overlooks, private gardens, stunning interiors, and breathtaking landscapes.

Those connections help me create experiences that feel unique, personal, and seamless for you.

Galena hillside overlook glowing at sunset, popular photography location recommended by local Galena photographer

Where Technical Mastery Meets Artistic Vision

Beautiful portraits don’t just happen; they’re crafted with intention.

As a Certified Professional Photographer, I’ve trained extensively in lighting, composition, and technical control. I know how to create stunning images in any lighting environment—bright sunlight, deep shade, candle-lit rooms, or overcast skies. This gives you confidence that no matter where your session takes us, your images will be polished, luminous, and full of emotion.

But beyond the technical side, I’m also an artist.
I see stories in the way two people hold hands.
I see beauty in the curve of a smile, the flicker of nerves before a proposal, the laughter of a family exploring Galena together.
I blend skill with intuition so your portraits feel like art—art that carries your heartbeat.

Engaged couple posing at Chestnut Mountain Resort in Galena, IL during golden hour, photographed by Certified Professional Photographer Amy May Laskye

Guidance for Every Milestone You’re Celebrating

Proposals

I help you choose the perfect spot—quiet, scenic, meaningful—and make sure everything unfolds naturally. I coordinate the plan, anticipate lighting, and give you confidence before the moment even begins.

Engagement Sessions

We design your session around your energy and personality. Whether you want romantic, playful, adventurous, or timeless, I know exactly where to take you.

Family Sessions

Galena tends to bring out the best in families. I work with multigenerational groups, littles, teens, and everything in between. I’m patient, warm, and flexible—creating a space where everyone can relax and just be themselves.

Multigenerational family portrait in Galena, IL with scenic Driftless Region hills, captured by local family photographer Amy May Photography.

Flexibility and the Ability to Pivot Gracefully

Life happens.
Weather shifts.
Kids melt down.
Timelines change.

As a local photographer, I know how to pivot quickly—whether that means moving locations, adjusting for weather, switching lighting approaches, or shifting the flow of your session entirely. You’ll never feel rushed or stressed. I adapt so you can stay in the moment and enjoy the experience.


A Full-Service Experience, Every Step of the Way

You never walk this process alone. I guide you through:

  • Planning
  • Styling
  • Location selection
  • Session design
  • The experience in the studio or on location
  • Your view & order appointment
  • Selecting heirloom artwork for your home

I’m here to help you create something meaningful and lasting—not just files, but legacy.


You’re Not Just Clients — You Become Part of Our Family

The families, couples, and individuals who work with me become part of something bigger. You become part of our studio family. I’m honored when people return year after year, milestone after milestone. That trust is everything to me.

I want you to feel seen, celebrated, and understood. I want you to leave your session not just with beautiful images, but with a deeper appreciation for yourself and the people you love.


See the Difference Yourself

Explore our gallery.
Read our referrals.
Feel the stories in the images.

When you’re ready, I’ll be right here—ready to help you plan your perfect Galena session, whether it’s a proposal, engagement, or a family moment you want to treasure forever.

I can’t wait to welcome you into our family and capture your story with the care it deserves.

Comments +

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *