REMEMBER WHAT IT felt LIKE...

to be in the

thick of it

Sticky hands, belly laughs, a blur of bedtime stories and sun-drenched chaos.

These are the days you’ll look back on — let’s preserve them with intention and heart.

THE EXPERIENCE

HERE'S WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

From the very first message to the moment you’re holding your images in your hands, my goal is to make the process feel calm, clear, and meaningful. Together, we’ll create a session that reflects your family, your rhythm, and the season you’re in — without stress, pressure, or the need for perfection.

Every part of the experience is designed to help you feel supported and at ease, so what shines through in your photos is what matters most: love, connection, and the beautiful realness of right now.

“Her presence makes you feel at ease — even our toddler engaged with her!”

Choosing Alissa for our maternity pictures was the best decision — she captured moments that I will cherish forever. Her photography is pure artistry. The session itself was actually relaxing. Her presence makes you feel at ease, and our toddler even engaged with her. Communication with her before and after the shoot was easy. I cannot recommend Alissa enough.

— Hannah, H

"Her gift for storytelling is unlike anything I could have hoped for.”

There truly is no one like Alissa. Her vision, ability to trust the process in natural settings, and her gift for storytelling through even just one photo is unlike anything I could have hoped for. I will continue to trust Alissa with capturing the most precious moments in my life for years to come.

— Emily, M

“Her subtle coaching brought out the most honest and beautiful version of our family.”

Working with Alissa takes the pressure and anxiety out of taking photos. In a magical way, she makes you feel so comfortable and captures you and your loved ones in your purest form. She provides subtle coaching that turns into phenomenal and artistic photographs. Never regret working with this photographer.

— Carly, B

My PROCESS

Inquire

Reach out through the contact form and receive session details and pricing right away. I’ll follow up soon to answer questions and guide you from there.

Book Online

 Everything from selecting your date and collection to signing the agreement and submitting payment can be done right through the pricing guide.

Make Magic

Your session will be relaxed and connection-focused. I’ll guide you through every step so you can simply show up and love on your people.

My VALUES

A seamless experience, START TO FINISH 

Every part of your experience — from our first message to your final images — is handled with care. As a mom myself, I know how valuable your time and energy are. That’s why I’ve created a process that’s simple, supportive, and rooted in connection — so you can feel at ease and truly present with the ones you love.

learn more

RECENT BLOGS

adores her!

our baby boy adores her!

She is wonderful with children — our baby boy                     

She is wonderful with children — 

— Teresa, C

I CAPTURE

The way It

felt.

Frequently
asked questions

What if we have bad weather?

Because $300 portion of your session is used as the retainer and is non-refundable, I offer two options in case we need to reschedule.
If the weather is not cooperating you can opt to hold your session in my studio located in Manistee, MI or we will attempt to reschedule for the next available date that works for both of us.
In the unlikely event that we are not able to find a suitable date for rescheduling you will be able to use the money paid towards a future session with me. This session will need to be booked within 12 months of the original session date.

Do I need to be local to book a session?

Not at all! Many of my clients travel from places like Grand Rapids, Holland, Kalamazoo, Traverse City, and beyond to experience a session here in Manistee. The coastal charm and peaceful pace create a beautiful backdrop for slowing down and truly connecting. If you're planning a visit, take a peek at my blog for tips on making the most of your time here.

How many pictures will I receive & what's the cost?

Collections begin at $1,200 and include a set number of high-resolution digital images, along with a print credit to use in your gallery shop. Most families walk away with 40–50 images to choose from and typically invest between $1,200–$2,500, depending on the collection and heirloom keepsakes they choose.
Having something you can hold, frame, and pass down is a core part of what I believe in—so every collection includes a generous print credit to ensure you walk away with something tangible and meaningful, not just digital files.
There’s no one-size-fits-all here. I’ve intentionally built flexibility into the process so you can choose what fits you—without being boxed into a pre-made package. If you’re new to printed keepsakes and not sure where to start, I’ll guide you every step of the way.

What’s the difference between a Signature Family Session and an Extended Family Session?

Signature sessions are designed for one immediate family unit. This allows us to settle in, focus on connection, and capture a wide variety of images with room to breathe.
Extended family sessions include multiple family units—grandparents, siblings, cousins, etc.—and are structured a little differently. The goal with these is to get the essential groupings and some sweet moments, but the flow moves quickly and doesn’t allow for the same level of individual attention as a Signature session.
If you’re hoping for in-depth coverage of each individual family (like you’d receive in a Signature session), it’s best to schedule separate sessions—or we can chat about customizing your session time to allow for more.



What if my kids don’t cooperate?

You’re definitely not the first to worry about this—and let me assure you, I’ve seen it all. With over 16 years of experience working with little ones, I approach every session with patience, flexibility, and a calm presence that kids naturally respond to.
I’m not here to force stiff poses or perfect smiles. I’ll gently guide when it’s helpful, but I’m just as happy to follow their lead. Some of the most meaningful images come from the in-between moments—the ones that unfold when we let go of expectations.
So take a deep breath. You don’t need to do anything special. Just show up, love on your people, and trust that I’ve got the rest handled. Your kids are going to do just fine.


Still have questions?

I’m just a message away—don’t hesitate to reach out. I’d love to chat!

get in touch

READY TO GET STARTED?

the

      EXPERIENCE
BEGINS HERE

Let’s create something meaningful — an experience that feels effortless and imagery that feels like you. I’ll walk you through every step.

© Alissa Saylor Photography

Design by Tonic

|