Alissa Saylor
The most beautiful stories are the ones you're living now
Family sessions are centered around connection, presence, and allowing moments to unfold naturally — the kind you don’t realize you’ll miss until they’ve passed.
They’re only this little once…
Beach and outdoor sessions lean into movement, light, and room to explore. These sessions are often playful and energetic, with space for kids to roam, climb, and interact.
I photograph families along the Lake Michigan shoreline and at outdoor locations throughout West Michigan. I have a few favorite spots I return to often. If you’re drawn to the water but unsure where to go, I’ll help guide you toward a location that fits your family.
$350 session fee
A Digital Collection is chosen after you receive your gallery
Professional hand-editing
Fully guided session
Curated online preview gallery
- Collections begin at $600
- Include high-res (print ready) digital images
Beach/Outdoor Sessions
If your family has a special place in mind, I’m always happy to meet you there.
That might look like a vacation home, a u-pick farm, a favorite coffee shop, a trail you walk often, a downtown street you love, or somewhere that simply feels like yours.
And if you’re unsure what kind of setting makes the most sense, we can talk it through together and choose what best reflects this season.
In-home sessions are slower and deeply personal, rooted in the rhythms you’re already living. There’s space to move at your family’s pace and capture the everyday moments that define this season — morning light through the windows, kids curled up on the couch, life as it actually looks.
If you’d like a deeper look at how in-home sessions unfold, you can read more here.
$350 session fee
A Digital Collection is chosen after you receive your gallery
Professional hand-editing
Fully guided session
Curated online preview gallery
- Collections begin at $600
- Include high-res (print ready) digital images
In-Home Sessions
If your family has a special place in mind, I’m always happy to meet you there.
That might look like a vacation home, a u-pick farm, a favorite coffee shop, a trail you walk often, a downtown street you love, or somewhere that simply feels like yours.
And if you’re unsure what kind of setting makes the most sense, we can talk it through together and choose what best reflects this season.
$350 session fee to reserve your date
Total investment: $1,450
Professional hand-editing
Fully guided session
All final images delivered via online gallery
Extended Family
Extended family sessions are a little different than single-family sessions — simply because there are more people to care for.
These sessions are guided more intentionally and move at a steadier pace to allow time for groupings, combinations, and making sure everyone is included. Because of this, there’s typically less time to settle into quieter, intimate moments with each individual family than there is during a single-family session.
That said, the experience is still relaxed and well supported. When younger kids are involved, I always make space for playful interaction and natural connection within the flow of the session.
The focus is on creating a thoughtful balance — honoring the bigger picture of everyone together while still capturing moments that feel genuine and connected.
The remaining $1,100 balance is due the week of your session.
If your family has a special place in mind, I’m always happy to meet you there.
That might look like a vacation home, a u-pick farm, a favorite coffee shop, a trail you walk often, a downtown street you love, or somewhere that simply feels like yours.
And if you’re unsure what kind of setting makes the most sense, we can talk it through together and choose what best reflects this season.
Get in touch!
Frequently asked Questions
Where do family photo sessions take place?
What happens if it rains on the day of our family session?
Do you photograph extended or multi-generational family sessions?
What should we wear for our family photos?
Family photo sessions can take place in your home or outdoors. I photograph families in the Grand Rapids area as well as along the Lake Michigan shoreline, where many Grand Rapids families choose to meet for beach sessions.
I have a few favorite beach locations throughout the Lake Michigan shoreline and will help guide you toward a spot that fits your family and the feel you’re hoping for.
We’ll keep an eye on the forecast together. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, I’ll do my best to reschedule. If we aren’t able to find a new date, your non-refundable portion can be applied toward a future session within one year. Moving indoors is also an option, including an in-home session or my natural light studio.
Yes. I photograph extended and multi-generational family sessions in and around Grand Rapids.
Because these sessions involve multiple families and groupings, they’re guided more intentionally and move at a quicker pace than single-family sessions. This means there isn’t always the same amount of time to settle into quieter, intimate moments with each individual family. That said, when younger kids are involved, I always make space for playful connection and natural interaction within the flow of the session.
You’ll receive a style prep guide after booking, along with support throughout the planning process. I’m always happy to help with outfit decisions, and you’ll have access to my curated studio wardrobe or guidance in choosing pieces that photograph beautifully together.
Hello, I'm Alissa.
I’m a mom and photographer with a big, sappy heart for capturing the beauty in the everyday.
As a lifestyle family photographer and mom of four, I know how fast it all goes. My work is rooted in presence, connection, and honest storytelling — the kind that helps you remember what it felt like to be right there in the moment.
Whether in your home, outdoors, or along the sandy shores of Lake Michigan, I photograph families in a way that feels honest and easy, creating natural, candid family photos you’ll come back to again and again.
Let's be inbox besties
I send little notes to your inbox that feel like a warm chat with your best mom friend. You’ll get memory-keeping tips, real mom talk... oh, and maybe not-so-subtle reminders to get in the dang photos.
Not quite ready to book? That’s okay. This is a nice way to stay connected until the timing’s right.
© Alissa Saylor Photography