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.
For over 16 years, I’ve had the privilege of documenting the strength and beauty of motherhood in bloom. Whether this is your first pregnancy or your fourth, this season carries a unique kind of magic. My maternity sessions are relaxed, intentional, and centered on connection.
Beach and outdoor maternity sessions lean into movement, light, and open space along the Lake Michigan shoreline and throughout West Michigan. If you’re unsure where to go, I’m happy to guide you toward a location that fits the feel you’re hoping for.
Professional hand-editing
Fully guided session
Curated online preview gallery
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 maternity sessions are slower and deeply personal, rooted in the rhythms you’re already living. There’s space to move at your pace and capture the quiet moments that define this season.
If you’d like a deeper look at how in-home sessions unfold, you can read more here.
Professional hand-editing
Fully guided session
Curated online preview gallery
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.
You’ll receive a style and prep guide after booking, along with support throughout the planning process. I’m always happy to help with outfit decisions and can guide you toward pieces that photograph beautifully and feel natural on your changing body. You’re also welcome to select from pieces in my studio wardrobe if you’d like something simple and effortless. The goal is softness, comfort, and movement.
Maternity sessions can take place in your home or outdoors. I photograph expectant mothers throughout Grand Rapids and along the Lake Michigan shoreline, where many choose to meet for beach sessions.
I have a few favorite lakeshore locations and will help guide you toward a setting that fits 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.
Most moms book their maternity session between 28–34 weeks of pregnancy.
This is typically when your bump is beautifully defined, but you’re still feeling comfortable enough to move with ease.
I recommend reaching out early in your second trimester to reserve your date.
You’ll receive a style and prep guide after booking, along with support throughout the planning process. I’m always happy to help with outfit decisions and can guide you toward pieces that photograph beautifully and feel natural on your changing body.
The goal is comfort, softness, and movement — nothing stiff or overly styled.
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.
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© Alissa Saylor Photography