Alissa Saylor
Tiny fingers. Slow breaths
a season that slips in softly…
Timeless newborn portraits with a focus on connection — available in Manistee, Ludington, Holland, and Grand Rapids.
the early days deserve to be remembered
West Michigan Newborn Photographer
As a West Michigan newborn photographer based in Manistee, I’ve spent over 16 years documenting the earliest chapters of family life — from the tiny curled-up toes to the bleary-eyed snuggles and everything tender in between. These moments are fleeting, but they hold so much meaning.
My newborn sessions are gentle, baby-led, and focused on connection. Whether we’re in my natural light studio or the comfort of your home, the goal is always the same: to preserve this sacred season in a way that feels natural, calm, and deeply personal.
If you’re already dreaming of the little details you never want to forget — this is the perfect place to start.
Fuzzy heads. Slow mornings. Deep love.
Simple. Classic. No distractions.
In-Home Newborn Session
Studio Newborn Session
If you’re looking for a relaxed environment without the stress of weather or travel, a studio newborn session might be just what you need. My natural light studio in Manistee is quiet, neutral, and thoughtfully designed to keep the focus on what matters most — your baby and the connection you share.
Studio sessions are especially ideal for newborns and young siblings, offering a calm, distraction-free space where we can capture all the little details without rushing.
Some of my favorite newborn sessions take place right in the comfort of your own home. There’s something so meaningful about documenting this season where it’s actually unfolding — in the nursery you carefully prepared, on the couch where you’ve spent sleepless nights, in the arms of family who already love this baby beyond words. These sessions are peaceful, personal, and beautifully unscripted.
In-home sessions are a wonderful option if you’re hoping for a relaxed pace, natural interactions, and a cozy environment that doesn’t require packing up baby. I travel throughout West Michigan — including Grand Rapids, Holland, Ludington, and surrounding areas — to capture these early moments just as they are.
view Session details
view Session details
If you live anywhere near her — run to her. She’s good!
that
— krys, L
Her subtle turned into and artistic images.
coaching
phenomenal
— Carly, B
Yes — it’s for returning clients only. It simplifies scheduling and includes extra perks. If you are a returning family, reach out for details!
FAQs
When Should I Book?
Do You Travel?
What should we wear?
How Many Images Will We Get?
What's Your Turnaround Time?
How Do We Book?
What If We Have Bad Weather?
Do You Offer A Membership?
Sessions fill quickly in spring, summer, and fall. I shoot Monday–Friday, with evenings being the best for beach sessions. Weekend dates are reserved for exclusively for members.
Yes! I photograph families across West Michigan — including Holland, Ludington, Grand Rapids, and Traverse City. Most families come to me in Manistee or meet me at one of my favorite lakeshore spots.
You’ll get a full styling guide after booking, and I’m happy to help you pull outfits together. Think soft colors, textures, and outfits that feel like you. I also have a curated client wardrobe available for women and children
Each collection includes a set number of high-resolution digital images and a print credit for artwork. After your session, you'll receive a gallery of around 40 hand-edited images to choose from. You'll pick your favorites based on the collection that works best for you.
You’ll receive your slideshow and full gallery access within 4–5 weeks of your session. The gallery will be open for 30 days, giving you time to download your selected images and use your print credit. Upgrades to your collection can be made during that time if you choose.
Start by reaching out through the [contact form] — I’ll send over a full session and booking guide. From there, you’ll choose your collection, select a date, sign the agreement, and make your payment — all in one place. A $300 non-refundable portion is included in the total collection price (not an additional fee). Once you're booked, I’ll send the next steps to help you feel fully prepared.
We’ll keep an eye on the forecast together. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, I’ll do my best to reschedule. If we can’t find a new date, your non-refundable portion can be applied toward a future session within one year. My natural light studio is also an option if you’d prefer to move indoors. You can read more here about how I handle weather decisions.
behind the lens
MEET AlissA
I’m a motherhood, family, and baby photographer with a big sappy heart for capturing the beauty in the everyday—whether in my cozy natural light studio or along the sandy shores of Lake Michigan.
As a mom of four, I get how fast it all goes. My work is full of presence, connection, and the kind of honest storytelling that helps you remember what it felt like to be right there in the moment.
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
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Style guide
Displaying photos at home
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