the

JOURNAL

RECENT WORK AND MUSINGS

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

West Michigan Photographer

Studio newborn photographer in West Michigan | Baby Deaglan

This newborn session was so special. I felt connected to the new parents’ story as they welcomed baby boy into their family through adoption after the uncertainty of whether growing a family was even a possibility. I could feel how deep their love was already and the emotions ran high during our time together. It’s […]

arrow
mom and baby during moody studio session

Motherhood Musings

What no one told me about a large family.

I’ve always been someone who thrives on connection…someone who celebrates little things and cherishes intentional time. I dreamt of being a mother for so long. When Emelia was born, I memorized every single detail of her.​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​

arrow

Motherhood Musings

Be seen in the photographs they have from their childhood.

When I was pregnant with the twins and my daughters were only 4 months old and 1 year old. I was told by other parents who had multiples that once the boys were born I wouldn’t remember the next 2-3 years.

arrow
Lake Michigan maternity session

West Michigan Photographer

A secret proposal & maternity session on the stunning coast of Lake Michigan!

This Lake Michigan maternity session was magical. Plus dad had a little something extra planned for our session together! 😉

arrow

West Michigan Photographer

Baby photographer in West Michigan | Preserve these milestones now!

Milestone sessions are a wonderful way to capture the changes during your little one’s first year! I loved having this baby girl in again for her 3 month session. I had mom hop in for a few to showcase their growing relationship as well. Petite 30 min sessions are perfect for getting quick updated images of […]

arrow
Snuggly baby in mom's hands. Newborn Photographer Alissa Saylor

West Michigan Families

Donations to lighthouse pregnancy care center

From Black Friday to December 30th 50% of session fees purchased will go to Lighthouse Pregnancy Care Center.

arrow

West Michigan Photographer

2022 Motherhood Event was a success! West Michigan luxury photographer.

Thank you to all the mommas that came out to the 2022 Motherhood Photography Event!

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.

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

|