I’m on the same journey, and that’s why I photograph with empathy and intention — to help you hold on to the moments that matter most.
Photography that is calm, encouraging, and full of heart.
About Alabaster
At Alabaster Photos, I serve growing families who value authenticity over perfection. My mission is simple: to help you slow down and see the beauty in your everyday. From glowing mamas to new parents and joyful, messy toddlers, I create images that hold emotion, warmth, and truth. I believe your story deserves to be remembered beautifully — not just for what it looked like, but for how it felt.
For families who want more than photos — they want connection, calm, and memories that feel like home.
For the Mamas Who Want It All Remembered
Hi, I’m Mandie Schug, the heart behind Alabaster Photos. I’m a mama, storyteller, and business-builder based in Emerald, Wisconsin, serving families and photographers who want to see beauty in the everyday and purpose in their creative work.
Honoring your story from bump to baby and beyond — with timeless images and heartfelt connection.
Photographer, Educator & Creative Storyteller
Meet Mandie,
My photography journey began the same way many of your stories do — with a longing to capture the fleeting moments that make life beautiful.
As a mom, I saw how quickly those moments changed. As a creative, I realized how deeply they deserved to be preserved.
What started as a passion for photographing my own children grew into Alabaster Photos, a boutique studio specializing in maternity, newborn, and family sessions that honor your story from bump to baby to beyond.
Over time, that same passion evolved into mentoring other photographers — teaching them how to build sustainable, heart-led businesses through newborn photography, strong branding, and simple, intentional systems.
With over a decade of experience in portrait photography, a background in marketing, branding, and creative business strategy, and years spent building community-based programs and training teams, I’ve learned how to blend artistry with structure — so creativity doesn’t have to come at the cost of balance or profit.
Whether I’m photographing your newborn’s first yawn or helping a fellow photographer launch their business, my mission is the same:
to create something meaningful, lasting, and beautifully human.
What Qualifies Me to Help You
I love Scotland and spent a semester there in college.
I grew up in an air force family moving several time to big bigger cities.
I’m married to a farm kid and never thought I’d live in his childhood home in the country.
I have two crazy beautiful girls who keep me running and laughing and pulling my hair out.
I love reading fantasy novels, think Dragons and Fae. I am always adding to my TBR list if you have suggestions.
about Mandie
Fun Facts
