Alissa Saylor
Remember A childhood
sprinkled in wonder
Natural, connection-focused childhood portraits for babies and kids across West Michigan — including Manistee, Ludington, Holland, and Grand Rapids.
giggles and stardust
Capturing magic that's tucked into the everyday moments.
Childhood Photography in West Michigan
As a West Michigan photographer based in Manistee, I’ve spent the last 16 years documenting childhood in all its wonder — from chubby baby rolls to missing front teeth and wobbly cartwheels in the grass. Whether your child is just learning to sit or suddenly looking way too grown up, these chapters are fleeting — and worth remembering. My childhood sessions are relaxed, playful, and connection-focused. We’ll keep things simple and sweet, allowing your child’s personality to shine.
If you’ve ever wished you could freeze time... just for a moment... you’re in the right place.
Golden light. Bare feet. Pure joy.
Simple. Classic. No distractions.
Childhood Beach Sessions
Childhood Studio Sessions
If your child feels most at ease in a quiet space — or if you’d rather skip the unpredictability of outdoor weather — an in-studio childhood session might be just right. My natural light studio in Manistee offers a simple, neutral backdrop designed to let your little one’s personality shine.
Sessions are relaxed and child-led, with minimal props and a focus on connection and play.
Some of my favorite childhood sessions are the ones where kids get to just be kids — whether that’s splashing at the beach, exploring a wooded trail, or giggling through a game of tag. The in-between moments, the crooked smiles, the way their whole face lights up when they’re having fun — that’s the good stuff.
These sessions are perfect for families who want to freeze a chapter of their child’s life just as it is — joyful, curious, and full of movement. Sessions can take place outdoors or in my natural light studio in Manistee. Many families travel from Grand Rapids, Holland, and surrounding West Michigan areas to meet me at favorite spots near Ludington or along the lakeshore.
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 children across West Michigan — including Holland, Ludington, Grand Rapids, and Traverse City. However, many families also prefer the studio for its minimalistic setting and the way it allows us to focus on sweet expressions and little details without distractions.
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 young 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.
Most childhood sessions take place in the studio, so weather rarely causes issues. But if we’ve planned an outdoor session, we’ll keep an eye on the forecast together. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, I’ll do my best to reschedule. And if we can’t find a new date, your non-refundable portion can be applied toward a future session within one year. The studio is always a backup option if you’d prefer to move indoors.
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
The portrait
Style guide
Displaying photos at home
Read Post
TIPS FOR THE BEST GOLDEN HOUR PHOTOS
