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. 

>>>><<<< Garrett + Savannah Savannah + I go WAY back to our college days… Rock Valley College first, followed by Northern Illinois University. I love this girl. She is such a sweetheart! I remember our chats over Chipotle while attending NIU in DeKalb, IL… good memories, lady!! When Savannah asked me to be her wedding […]

Garrett + Savannah | Rockford, Illinois Wedding Photographer

September Minocqua, Wisconsin, elegant northwoods wedding with an outdoor ceremony and reception at The Waters of Minocqua, photographed by Rockford, Illinois wedding photographer Sara Anne Johnson

September 29, 2016

Sooooo this is going to be a little longer post than usual! I PHOTOGRAPHED TWINS! (high school senior twins, that is!) Madi + Drew are seniors at Byron High School, (you might remember Whitney’s senior photos…that’s their older sister!) and let me tell you…these two are pretty fabulous. Not only are they fashionably inclined, they’re […]

Madi + Drew | Rockford, Illinois Senior Portrait Photographer

January 20, 2016

This girl is incredible; her name is Carly and she is a survivor. I won’t make this whole post about her journey, however, I do want to start with it. The first photo that you will see once you scroll down after the blog is a special photo to Carly…one of her best friends, Emily, […]

Carly | Rockford, Illinois Senior Portrait Photographer

Stillman Valley High School senior portrait photographer Rockford, Ilinois

January 7, 2016

Does this gorgeous girl remind you of someone? Maybe…a past bride named Deisy (who’s wedding was featured on Refinery29 because she’s THAT cool!)…ring a bell? Well if so, behold her stunningly rad sister, Jacqui! These two lovely ladies are two of my favorite people in the whole world. Deisy has been there for me (and […]

Jacqui | Rockford, Illinois Senior Portrait Photographer

December 19, 2015

If you want to see the definition of natural beauty, you’re looking at her! Kaeli, a Beloit, WI high school senior, is an absolute stunner! This girl is beyond genuine and a total sweetheart…she’s one of the sweetest people I have ever met. Kaeli is one of my most dedicated fans; she contacted me over […]

Kaeli | Rockford, Illinois Senior Portrait Photographer

Beliot high school senior portrait photographer | Rockford, Illinois Sara Johnson Photography

December 15, 2015

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

Samira has a charm about her that is truly captivating. She’s always smiling and joking around. There was literally never a dull moment during her shoot. She’s a riot! Her sense of humor and laidback style really shine through in her images…AND we can not forget about her love for Target and Starbucks (scroll down […]

Samira | Rockford, Illinois Senior Portrait Photographer

December 1, 2015