Today we’d like to introduce you to Deanna Johnson.
Hi Deanna, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
As far back as I can remember, I always had an interest in taking photos. I was the friend that brought a disposable camera to every event. I grew up with my mom begging me to please put someone in the frame and don’t just take a picture of the building or the mountain. I kept an after school job to earn enough money to pay for developing film. In college, I took a black-and-white film class to decide if I wanted to pursue a major in Photography. I ultimately chose a different major and thought I would just keep Photography in my back pocket as a hobby. But the universe opened a perfect path for me and I started a Photography business six months after graduating college. I was born and raised in the mountains of Idaho, but in 2011 an opportunity presented itself and my family and I moved to Kansas City. I started rebuilding my Photography business here and it wasn’t too long before I’d fallen completely in love with both the city and the incredible creative community that exists here.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’m not sure anyone would ever describe being a solo creative entrepreneur as a smooth road. There are always ebs and flows both in life and in business. Moving my business across the country was just the first of many challenges. Unfortunately, the connections and reputation that you build in one city don’t automatically transfer to the next. It takes time to rebuild a referral network and I will forever be grateful for the early friendships I made within the industry. At the same time, I was trying to rebuild my business. I was also building my family. Juggling childcare, planning pregnancies around wedding season, and trying every possible tip on how to balance work and family life definitely kept things interesting. But with each season of life I figured out what needed to be done and kept pushing through.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’ve been a full-time professional photographer for 17 years. I specialize in timeless documentary-style imagery and work to capture authentic emotions and genuine connections. Weddings are my primary focus but I love the challenge of bringing this same approach to event photography, branding photos, and family and newborn photography.
On a wedding day I prefer to work from a candid, unobtrusive approach in order to let the story of the day unfold naturally.
This year I was recognized by the Masters of Wedding Photography as a top 10 wedding photographer in the US, Canada, and Mexico. I’m most proud of this award as it has required me to hone my craft to create cohesive, emotionally rich visual narratives within a single frame.
As much as I love fading into the background I also recognize the need for clear direction and I’m happy to be equal parts cheerleader and calming presence. I want to ensure my couples know they will have their must-have shots and the freedom to simply be present and enjoy the day they’ve dreamed of.
Regardless of whether I’m photographing a wedding, a family, a brand, or a special event my approach blends an intuitive eye for unfolding moments with deliberate technical precision — anticipating interactions, working across varied lighting conditions, and seamlessly transitioning between photojournalistic and portrait-driven coverage.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I wouldn’t really consider myself a risk-taker but in hindsight nothing about owning your business is without risk. Starting a solo creative entrepreneur directly out of college was a huge risk. Moving a business across the country is a risk. Each choice though was calculated and accommodations were made to make that a good choice. I began my business under the name A Day to Adore Photography. The name served me well for many years but in 2024 I decided it was time to release that name and reclaim my own name for both myself as an artist and as a business. At the time the change felt like a huge risk to take but I know that it was the right choice to make for the long term.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://deannajohnsonphotography.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/deannajohnsonphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deannajohnsonphotography/
