Meet Sara
Hello! I'm Sara, the photographer.
My name is Sara Baillies (pronounced bail-less). I have always had a love for photographing people, and it's so exciting that I get to be part of so many precious moments. Ever since my very first wedding in 2016, I immediately fell in love and haven’t looked back. I absolutely adore everything about weddings, but especially being surrounded by love and happiness day in and day out. Weddings are such unique, fun, and collaborative events. They are truly the most special day of your life, and after it’s all said and done, you’ll have the photographs forever. That's why you can count on me to be there, start to finish, capturing it all and telling your story in a timeless way. I am honored and excited to say I was named "Best of Zola" for the past 3 years in a row.
WORKING WITH ME
When you book me, I’m there to support you every step of the way. Whether it’s planning a fun experience for your engagement session that’s unique to your love story, or assisting with a day-of photo plan for your wedding day to best suit your needs, I am happy to help and offer my experience. I offer suggestions if you need them, and enthusiastically support any of your ideas and preferences. I’m always an advocate for you as a couple, and what you want.
My mission is to capture you + your loved ones in the best light. I want you to feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera. Getting photographed is not something people tend to do very often, especially for extended periods of time. It can be nerve-wracking! During sessions, I offer guidance on posing and prompts that help you to forget you’re in front of a camera. I promise, none of the people you see in my portfolio are models!
On a wedding day, I step back and let the moments unfold with minimal interruption and distraction wherever possible. I carefully capture all events, candid moments, and stunning details of your day. During portrait time, I work efficiently while gathering and guiding people as needed. And on the dancefloor, I always join in on the dancing!
After the day is over, I carefully back up, curate, and edit the photos, delivering images that are true to life, vivid, and timeless. I offer a sneak preview of galleries, because I know how exciting it is to get to see the first glimpse at the best moments of your life and share them with family + friends. The rest comes shortly after!
INCLUSIVITY
I am a big advocate for inclusivity and diversity. All couples and families are welcome at Sara Baillies Photography.
Photo 1+3 taken by Erik Weiss Photography.
Photo 2 taken by Cara Ann Photography.
^ Photo by Cara Ann Photography.
MY BACKGROUND
Since childhood I have been an art creater and a photo taker. I used to fill up my dresser drawers with drawings and computer hard-drives with photos of flowers and frogs. By the time I was in high school, I got my hands on a DSLR camera and was always convincing my friends to "model". That's when I started the first part of my business: taking senior portraits.
I spent time in college as a school picture day + sports photographer and doing various freelance photography jobs. While at University of Wisconsin – Madison, I studied the perfect major for me: Communication Arts. I learned the art of telling stories, so naturally I found my niche as an artist telling love stories.
I still live in the Madison area, and I absolutely love this city. I have always been drawn to its people, food, markets, music, and bike paths. As much as I love Madison, I’m always down to travel and try something new.
OUTSIDE OF PHOTOGRAPHY
When I’m not taking pictures, I enjoy spending time with my partner, Dakota, and our pup, Phoebe. You can find me cooking/baking/making messes in the kitchen, watching movies + television (our current obsession is Survivor... and I play along in a fantasy league), playing board games + bingo, dancing at concerts (I'm a huge Swiftie), and endlessly planning trips… some of which I actually go on!
Sara Baillies Photography is an inclusive photographer based in Madison, Wisconsin, and a proud supporter of the LGBTQ+ community.