Our children are growing and time isn’t slowing down, but that doesn’t have to feel heavy. Sessions with me are a chance to pause, laugh, and soak in the goodness of right now.

Yes, I’ll capture the classic family portrait, but the images I think you'll treasure the most are the in-between ones, the moments that you otherwise might miss: the way your newborn’s fingers curl around yours, how your toddler clings to your leg, or the way your older child loves to explore and collect rocks by the lake. 

 When you invest in me, you’re not just booking a photo session—you’re creating keepsakes that will remind you, decades from now, of the love, growth, and togetherness that defined your family in this season.

Preserving this season with intention and heart.

From heirloom albums to standard and specialty prints, your photographs can live in your home and be passed down for generations.

Preserve Your Memories

Within two weeks, you'll receive a beautifully curated gallery from our time together. You can choose your images, if applicable, and I'll deliver them to you without the watermark ready to download, print, and share.

gallery delivery

Sessions are thoughtfully guided while still leaving room for natural connection and genuine moments.

Full sessions are calm and unhurried, giving us time to settle in and capture your family naturally.

Shorter sessions are more focused and efficient, designed to make the most of our time while still creating beautiful, meaningful images.

your session

After you inquire, we’ll chat about your vision, timing, and location for your Traverse City session. I’ll guide you through everything from wardrobe to preparing your little ones so your session feels effortless.

reach out

the process

HOW IT WORKS

*Studio Option
Sessions can take place in a local studio rental space for a timeless look regardless of weather.

*Hair & Makeup
If you’d like to feel extra pampered, I can connect you with trusted local artists for professional hair and makeup before your session.

*Heirloom Artwork
From fine art prints to custom albums, my trusted professional labs allow your photos to live in your home and be preserved for generations.

optional add-ons

Each session includes professionally edited, high-resolution images ready for printing, sharing, and preserving.

Hand-Edited Digital Images

A curated collection of timeless dresses and children’s pieces that photograph beautifully, so styling feels simple and stress-free.

Client Closet Access

A detailed guide to help you feel confident and prepared, covering wardrobe, locations, and what to expect so your session feels relaxed and effortless.

Personalized Prep Guide

the details

What Is Included

canvas backdrop

For a simple, artistic touch, I offer an optional professionally hand-painted canvas backdrop that feels like a timeless studio portrait with a hint of fine art.


The Keepsake Collection

A thoughtfully curated collection designed to document your family’s earliest seasons over 18 months. These pre-paid collections are ideal for families wanting a cohesive, heartfelt approach to documenting their baby’s first year while simplifying the planning process along the way. Choose between a:

Three Session Experience - One Standard, one Full, and one Petite session to be used toward whichever three milestones matter most to your family.

Four Session Experience - One Standard, one Full, and two petite sessions, typically used as: Petite Maternity, Full Newborn, Petite 6 Month, and Standard 1 Year.

Collections include preferred bundled pricing and a $100 artwork credit that can be applied toward heirloom albums, a personalized baby board book, keepsake box, or fine art prints, helping you bring your images off your screen and into your home.

 View Print & Product Offerings Here

$1850 / $2200

book your session

*Most Popular* 
 
Perfect for newborns and families (up to 10 included). Typically lasting 1-2 hours, this package allows for more relaxed, authentic moments and more diverse images.

Includes the full gallery of 60+ carefully edited images, ready for downloading, printing, and preserving this season for years to come.

$850

Full Session

Lasting about an hour, this session is perfect for immediate family (up to 6), maternity, and motherhood sessions. Let’s document and celebrate this stage of life.

This package includes 20 carefully edited digital images, perfect for sharing, displaying, and cherishing for years to come.

$650

Standard Session

PACKAGES & PRICING

A short and sweet option for up to 6 people. These sessions are typically about 30 minutes and are designed to capture a handful of beautiful, meaningful moments.

Includes 10 edited digital images of your choosing, ready for downloading and printing. Sessions take place in Traverse City.

$450

petite Session

EMILY b.

We sat with our son before bed looking through our gallery together, and we were all smiling so big the entire time. These photos captured our family so beautifully, and your work is truly worth every penny.

"Worth every penny!"

let's create something beautiful

get in touch

Frequently Asked Questions

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How do I book?

Booking your session is simple! Start by filling out the inquiry form on my contact page. Once we confirm availability and choose a date, a signed session agreement and a $50 non-refundable retainer will officially reserve your spot on my calendar. The retainer is applied toward your total session balance.

After booking, you’ll receive a detailed preparation guide to help with styling, location ideas, and everything you need to feel relaxed and ready for your session.

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What is a family session like?

Every family session is a little different, but my goal is always the same: to create a relaxed and enjoyable experience where you feel comfortable being yourselves. I love capturing the natural moments—playful laughter, genuine interactions, and the connection you share as a family.

While candid moments are my favorite, I’ll also guide you into a few timeless portraits where everyone is looking at the camera. Throughout the session, I follow your children’s cues and allow space for them to explore and be themselves. When needed, I’ll gently guide you so the experience feels effortless and you walk away with a collection of images that feel both authentic and beautifully elevated.

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Can I add more family members to the full session?

Absolutely! The Full Session includes up to 10 people, with additional family members welcome for $25 per person. Whether you’re capturing a multi-generational family or including extended relatives, I’m happy to accommodate your needs and ensure everyone feels included in the experience.

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What is a newborn session like?

Newborn sessions are calm and intimate, designed to capture the first days with your baby in a natural and relaxed way. I recommend scheduling your session within the first 5–14 days after birth to preserve those early, fleeting moments.

Sessions are slow-paced and baby-led, allowing plenty of time for feeding, soothing, and snuggles. Whether in the comfort of your home, a softly lit studio space, or occasionally outdoors, my approach is simple and minimal—focusing on natural poses and the connection between you and your baby.

The result is a collection of images that feel authentic, timeless, and full of the quiet love that defines these first days together.

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What should I wear?

Wardrobe plays a big role in the overall look and feel of your photos. After booking, you’ll receive a session preparation guide with styling tips and recommendations for what photographs best.

I typically recommend light, neutral tones and soft, flowing fabrics that create a timeless, elevated look while keeping the focus on the connection within your family. Coordinating colors and simple textures photograph beautifully and help create the soft, film-inspired style you see throughout my work.

I also offer a curated client closet with beautiful dresses available for moms to borrow for your session. Choosing the right wardrobe makes all the difference in creating images that feel effortless, natural, and timeless.

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Should I get my hair and makeup done?

Professional hair and makeup are never required, but many clients choose to have it done because it helps them feel confident, relaxed, and ready to enjoy their session. A professional artist can enhance your natural features and create a polished, camera-ready look that photographs beautifully.

Many moms also appreciate not having to worry about getting ready themselves before the session—it can make the whole experience feel a little more special. If you’re interested, I’m happy to share recommendations for talented local hair and makeup artists.

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How long will it take to receive my photos?

Your digital gallery will be ready within approximately two weeks. Depending on your package, you’ll have the opportunity to select your favorite images, which will then be fully edited and delivered without watermarks—ready for printing, sharing, and cherishing for years to come.

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Can I purchase prints and albums?

Yes! Professional prints, frames, canvases, and albums can be ordered directly through your online gallery and are produced through high-quality professional labs to ensure beautiful color and lasting quality.

You are also welcome to print your images elsewhere using the print release included with your gallery.

For families who would like something more elevated, I also offer custom-designed heirloom albums and fine art prints ordered directly through me. These include museum-quality archival papers such as deckled edge, bamboo, and museum etching for a timeless, handcrafted feel. If you’re interested in creating something special for your home, I’d be happy to help design the perfect piece for you.

TRAVERSE CITY NEWBORN AND MOTHERHOOD photography

@laurenalyssaphotos