the

JOURNAL

RECENT WORK AND MUSINGS

Session Planning

Why do I encourage play during your photoshoot?

As parents, we tend to get caught up in wanting everything to be perfect – the outfits, the smiles, the poses. But sometimes, the most perfect moments are the ones that are unplanned and spontaneous. When we let go of our expectations and simply enjoy playing with our kids, magic happens.

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West Michigan Families

Newborn Photography session in my cozy Studio in Manistee!

I adore when I get the opportunity to capture a couple’s journey from maternity to newborn! My time with this sweet couple started when I photographed their maternity pictures on the stunning beach of Lake Michigan. It was fun to see how full of joy they were as they eagerly awaited the arrival of their […]

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BEHIND THE LENS

ABOUT Alissa

At home in a small Michigan town near the lake — raising four beautiful, wild-hearted kids and holding close to the fleeting moments that matter most.

Life around here is a little loud, a little messy, and with a lot of love — and that’s exactly what draws me to photography. I’ve spent over 16 years capturing connection, chaos, calm, and everything in between… Because it’s not the big milestones we ache for — it’s the quiet, constant things woven into them.

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STEAL            WEDDING DAY GUIDE

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What's Your
Memory-Keeping

Are you the “78,838 photos on your phone, 3 bins of artwork under the bed” type? The mom with a full shelf of color-coded yearly photo books? (Go you!!) Or maybe you’re just out here saving baby socks and popsicle stick superheroes like it’s your job. Turns out, memory-keeping is a personality.

no judgement — just fun!

Personality?

MORE RESOURCES

The portrait
Style guide

Displaying photos at home

TIPS FOR THE BEST GOLDEN HOUR PHOTOS

LET'S mAKE

TOGETHER

Something Beautiful

Whether you're soaking in the sweetness of new motherhood, wrangling toddlers with wild hearts, or documenting the beautiful rhythm of your family just as it is — I'm here to help you preserve it all.

© Alissa Saylor Photography

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