the

JOURNAL

RECENT WORK AND MUSINGS

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 […]

arrow
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.

arrow

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!

arrow

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.

arrow

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 […]

arrow

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 […]

arrow

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

arrow

West Michigan Photographer

Michigan senior photographer |Lauren J.

We had a blast during this senior session in the Manistee studio.

arrow

West Michigan Photographer

Lake Michigan Beach Session with the Martz Family

I love photographing large families! I ask my clients if there is anything that I need to know about their family before their session. This momma got me with her response. “I just want to hold my babies”😭  Our families look very similar with young children and a set of twins. I often lament over […]

arrow

West Michigan Photographer

Grand Rapids newborn photographer | Baby Madison

Sweet newborn session with Alissa Saylor Photography in the Manistee studio.

arrow

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.

free download

STEAL            WEDDING DAY GUIDE

this

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nullam sollicitudin sapien, sit amet sodales.

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

Design by Tonic

|