Hey Friends!

Welcome to the blog!

I'm Sara Johnson, a free-spirited, travel seeking, Birkenstock wearing Wedding and Senior Portrait Photographer based in Rockford, IL! I'm also addicted to Mid Century Modern design, the host of the Living For It Podcast  and am a strong believer in creating something bigger than myself. 

I can’t believe it’s happening. My dear friend, Alicia, whom I have known for over 10 years now (woah!) is GETTING MARRIED to her knight in shining armor, Blake!! I couldn’t be happier for these two. Their personalities are perfect together, and the way Blake looks at her, SIGH! Adorable! You can tell A LOT […]

Alicia + Blake | Rockford, Illinois Engagement Photographer

Alicia + Blake | Sara Johnson Photography | Rockford, IL | Downtown Galena, IL Winter Lovebird Engagement Session

February 16, 2016

I met Amanda at Northern Illinois University where we both graduated with our Bachelors in Fine Art – Photography. We’ve been friends since 2010, and since we met at NIU, it was only natural for Amanda to want to shoot her engagement photos on the campus. Jeff, who is also an NIU alumni, LOVES hockey […]

Amanda + Jeff | Rockford, Illinois Engagement Photographer

NIU couple fall engagement session in Northern Illinois, DeKalb, Illinois

December 13, 2015

It’s really all in the family with these two. Taylor’s parents have known my parents forever, so that practically makes us related! So when she asked me to shoot their engagement session (and their wedding, eeeckk!!) I was ecstatic! Umm, YES! Of course! I would love to! Taylor + Chas’ wedding date is hidden in […]

Taylor + Chas | Rockford, Illinois Engagement Photographer

December 11, 2015

Let me tell you…it is one of the hardest (if not THE HARDEST) things in the world to tell your bride that you already have her date booked with someone else. And let me tell you another thing…it never gets any easier. Nicole was referred to me by yet another amazing gal pal of mine, […]

Nicole + Brad | Rockford, Illinois Engagement Photographer

Anderson Japanese Gardens fall engagement session, Rockford, Illinois Sara Johnson Photography

December 9, 2015

Where to begin with these two… Well let’s see, I’ve known Courtney for YEARS, I worked with her at the Rockford Park District at the Carlson Ice Arena. She was into hockey, and I figure skated, so when she asked me to shoot her engagement photos, I was instantly like “ummmm YES!” Courtney + Michael […]

Courtney + Michael | Rockford, Illinois Engagement Photographer

McEachran Homestead Winery fall engagement session, Rockford, Illinois Sara Johnson Photography

December 5, 2015

Aly + Ryan…these two are totally adorable! When Aly asked me to photograph her engagement and wedding photos, I was completely flattered. I worked with her and the other art students from Stillman Valley’s graduating class of 2014 over the past year, and have gotten to know them very well. Aly is into art and […]

Aly + Ryan | Rockford, Illinois Engagement Photographer

Rock Cut State Park, Rockford, Illinois Fall Engagement Photography | Sara Anne Johnson

December 8, 2014

Liz was one of my very first friends waaayyy back in third grade. I had moved to a new school district and Liz was in my class. We immediately became friends. It’s always a joy seeing my friends happy, and photographing Liz + Josh’s engagement photos (and next year, their wedding!) was and will be […]

Liz + Josh | Rockford, Illinois Engagement Photographer

Downtown Rockford, Illinois fall engagement photography | Sara Anne Johnson

November 12, 2014

We had QUITE the adventure while shooting Delaney and Pat’s engagement session. There’s nothing better than exploring abandoned places with two very willing and adventurous people and their adorable puppy love, Mira! We started the day off at an abandoned farm…Mira was in HEAVEN! As we continued to scout around, we kept stumbling upon more […]

Delaney + Pat | Rockford, Illinois Engagement Photographer

Rockford, Illinois Engagement photography | Sara Anne Johnson

September 24, 2014

A few weeks ago, Sara and Trevor invited me out to the family farm where Trevor’s father lives, to take their engagement photos. The day was perfect. Not too hot, and not too sunny. My favorite four-legged subject was there as well, Pickles! It didn’t take him long to jump in the stream and completely […]

Sara + Trevor | Rockford, Illinois Engagement Photographer

Rockford, Illinois Engagement photographer Sara Anne Johnson

August 27, 2014