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. 

>>>><<<< Kaitlyn + Lucas Where to begin with these two! Kaitlyn + Lucas came all the way from NORTH CAROLINA for their engagement session and we had A BLAST! A “cold” blast, but a blast nonetheless. I am looking forward to their wedding so much… these two have an incredible love in their eyes for […]

Kaitlyn + Lucas | Rockford, Illinois Engagement Session

Winter engagement session at Carlyle Brewing Company Downtown Rockford, IL by Sara Anne Johnson

March 22, 2018

>>>><<<< Natalie One word. F I E R C E. Natalie, my dear, you are such a sweet soul… you’re beautiful inside and out… AND GIRL YOU SHOULD GO INTO MODELING! Our session together was one that I will never forget; you absolutely rocked! (I know, I know, I say that all the time, but […]

Natalie | Rockford, Illinois Senior Portrait Photographer

Modern boho luxe inspired high school senior portrait session in downtown Rockford, IL

December 9, 2017

>>>><<<< Haley This lady right here did a PHENOMENAL job modeling for her Senior photos! Dress: adorable. Smile: perfect. Laugh: CONTAGIOUS! There’s just something spontaneously freeing about scheduling a session less than 24 hours before shooting it, and that’s exactly what Haley and I did. We had such a blast running around downtown, Rockford and […]

Haley | Rockford, Illinois Senior Portrait Photographer

Christian Life High School urban and floral inspired senior portrait session photographed downtown Rockford, Illinois by Sara Anne Johnson

May 24, 2017

>>>><<<< Carley + Matthew Matthew wanted snow. He made that very clear during our pre-shoot email sessions. He wanted two things, he wanted snow and he wanted Carley to say yes! Matthew emailed me a few weeks back about photographing his surprise proposal to his girlfriend, Carley. Of course, the second I read his email […]

Carley + Matthew | Rockford, Illinois Engagement Photographer

Northern Illinois surprise winter wonderland proposal session photographed by Sara Anne Johnson - Sara Johnson Photography

December 13, 2016

  >>>><<<< Drew + Megan There’s just something about Fall weddings. The chill in the air, the lovely color palettes, the promise of perfectly overcast days… I’m not sure which part I like the best! Aside from fall weddings, there’s just something about Drew + Megan as well. Their love for one another is so, […]

Drew + Megan | Rockford, Illinois Wedding Photographer

Jewel toned, October wedding with airy, greens and roses bouquets photographed at Barn on the Hill in Leaf River, Illinois by Sara Anne Johnson.

October 5, 2016

  >>>><<<< Krista KRISTA! This lady right here did a PHENOMENAL job modeling for her Senior photos! Way to go, girl! Krista’s warm smile and giving heart impressed me so much; when we were approached by a few people in need, she didn’t hesitate to head back to her car to grab some money to […]

Krista | Rockford, Illinois Senior Portrait Photographer

Byron High School urban senior portrait session photographed downtown Rockford, Illinois by Sara Anne Johnson

September 30, 2016

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