the

JOURNAL

RECENT WORK AND MUSINGS

West Michigan Families

Meaningful Activities To Do With Your Kids – Random Acts Of Kindness

Last year my kids and I made these Salted Brownie Crinkle Cookies from Beyond The Butter around Christmas time. The process… went about how you would expect with littles 😬, but the kids ABSOLUTELY LOVED doing it and apparently this recipe was a huge win because they haven’t stopped talking about them all year! I’ll […]

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family photo session at lake michigan

Motherhood Musings

When Motherhood Feels Messy… Why These Moments Matter Most

Family life is a whirlwind of joy, tears, laughter, and of course, chaos. But within that chaos is the writing of a beautiful family story. The spilled milk, the muddy footprints, and the bedtime shenanigans
 you know, all the things that can leave you wanting to pull all your hair out. That is where your […]

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little boy with curly hair smiles while sitting on a french style chair in the studio

Session Planning

3 Reasons A Photographer Who Grows With Your Family Matters

When it comes to capturing the precious moments of your family’s journey, finding a photographer who will grow with you is more than just a luxury… it’s a true investment in preserving memories. Here is why choosing a photographer who is dedicated to growing alongside your family can make all the difference: Comfort and Connection […]

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Photo Tips For Parents

Preserve Childhood Magic | Candid Photography Tips for Parents

In this beautifully chaotic journey of parenthood, it’s often the unplanned moments with our children that become our most treasured memories. These reminders of everyday life, with all its laughter and tears, hold the essence of childhood and the connection between us and our little ones. Capturing these moments, however, requires a willingness to embrace […]

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Families like to go with the flow during family photo sessions. They often play in the water during beach sessions.

Motherhood Musings

Creating Balance Between Work And Family Life

Feeling like your work and family life is off balance? Here are some tangible things that could help! I’ve started implementing these ideas in order to feel like I have more quality time with my kids and husband.

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Session Planning

5 ways to prepare for your family photoshoot with young children

Guarantee you get great photos during your family session! Learn how to prepare your kids and get them excited!

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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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West Michigan Families

Maternity Photographer in West Michigan

I recently had the privilege of capturing this beautiful maternity session on the shores of Lake Michigan in Manistee. The setting was simply stunning, with the golden sand and calming waves creating an intimate and moody backdrop for such special moments to be captured. What I love about maternity sessions is the ability to capture […]

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West Michigan Families

The best gift for grandparents are photos that last a lifetime.

I’ve officially reached the point in my motherhood journey when all I want is a way to keep ALL my memories with my little ones. I want pictures of EVERYTHING… and I want to be seen in them as well. Proof that I am fun

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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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