Lars May is a high-volume family and institutional photographer specializing in schools, kindergartens, and sports teams. Together with his team, he has developed a scalable photography model focused on accessibility without compromising quality. In this interview, Lars shares how he built a zero-risk business model, how AI enables extreme efficiency at scale, and why challenging industry norms can unlock new opportunities.

Photo: Lars May

What kind of photography do you do and how did you get to where you are today?

My team and I specialize in high-volume family and institutional photography, including schools, kindergartens, sports teams, and mini family sessions. From the beginning, we wanted to make professional photography accessible to every family, not just those who can afford upfront session fees.

At the same time, we refused to devalue our work. That is why we built a zero-risk model: no session fees, and clients only pay for the images they truly love through a proof shop.

This approach only works if we can shoot efficiently, deliver consistent quality, and provide real variety at a scale most photographers would consider impossible.

Photo: Lars May

How have you optimized your workflow in recent years?

We have optimized everything around one core principle: speed without compromising quality. Our sessions are short and efficient, but clients still receive a wide selection of images. Pupils receive around 20 edited photos, families get more than 60 images, and sports clients receive up to 30 high-quality composites per athlete.

The scale can be intense, with up to 30 family sessions per photographer per day or 50 to 100 pupils in a single school shoot. Without Neurapix and its AI-driven workflow, this would simply not be possible. It does not just save time, it enables our entire business model.

Photo: Lars May

What general tips do you have for other photographers?

Figure out what you truly stand for and build your business around it. For us, it was making professional photography accessible to every family while maintaining quality.

Do not be afraid to challenge industry norms. Many people told us that free sessions would devalue photography, but our zero-risk model allowed us to reach entirely new clients.

Sometimes giving something away strategically can lead to greater long-term success. Test, measure, and pivot when needed. Do not get stuck in rigid ideas about how things should be done. Growth comes from adapting and learning continuously.

Photo: Lars May