Alissa Saylor
the most beautiful stories
are the ones you're
living now
Natural, connection-focused family photographers in grand rapids mi
Serving West Michigan including Grand Rapids, Manistee, Traverse City, and beyond.
Because they’re only this little once… and every season deserves to be remembered.
Family Photographer in Grand Rapids
As family photographer serving Grand Rapids, MI based in Manistee, I’ve spent over 16 years capturing families in all their realness — the big belly laughs, the quiet cuddles, the sand-between-the-toes moments that slip by faster than we realize. Whether your family is full of high-energy littles or leaning into the teen years, I believe every season is worthy of being preserved.
I specialize in family sessions that feel like you. My approach is warm, relaxed, and rooted in connection — creating timeless portraits that feel genuine, not posed or stiff.
If you’ve ever looked at your children and wondered, “How are they already this big?” — you’re in the right place.
Golden light. Bare feet. Pure joy.
Simple. Classic. No distractions.
Beach Family Sessions
Studio Family Sessions
If you prefer a calmer pace or want to avoid the unpredictability of outdoor weather, an in-studio family session might be the perfect fit. My natural light studio in Manistee offers a cozy, neutral space designed for timeless portraits — especially for families with young children who thrive in familiar, distraction-free environments.
We’ll keep things simple and connected — no elaborate setups, just your family as they are.
Worried about the crowds? I’ve scouted quiet locations and know how to guide your family into natural poses that look effortless and emotive.
Some of my favorite family sessions take place right along the shores of Lake Michigan. The soft light of golden hour, the sound of waves in the background, and kids running free — it’s magic every time. These sessions are ideal for families who want a playful, organic feel. You’ll laugh. You’ll snuggle. You might get a little sandy. But more than anything, you’ll leave with a gallery that feels like summer.
Beach sessions are typically scheduled in the evening (about 60–90 minutes before sunset) for the best light. Many of my families travel in from Grand Rapids, Holland, and surrounding areas to meet me at my favorite beach spots near Ludington and Manistee.
grand rapids family photographer Sessions
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. Book me as your Grand Rapids family photographer today.
Yes! I photograph families across West Michigan — including Holland, Ludington, Grand Rapids, and Traverse City. Most families come to me in Manistee or meet me at one of my favorite lakeshore spots.
You’ll get a full styling guide after booking your family session, 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 women and children
Each collection includes a set number of high-resolution digital images and a print credit for artwork. After your family 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 booking me as your Grand Rapids family photographer 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.
We’ll keep an eye on the forecast together. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, I’ll do my best to reschedule. If we can’t find a new date, your non-refundable portion can be applied toward a future session within one year. My natural light studio is also an option if you’d prefer to move indoors. You can read more here about how I handle weather decisions.
Work with a family photographer in Grand Rapids
behind the lens
MEET AlissA
I’m a motherhood, family, and baby photographer in Grand Rapids 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
