Conversations with Justine Johnson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Justine Johnson. 

Hi Justine, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’m a recent MSU Denver graduate with a degree in social documentary. Through still photos, and videos my passion is to illuminate the human condition. Usually, that would otherwise go overlooked. I started photography about four years ago after buying my first camera a Canon T6i and the passion grew from there. I’m a recovering addict and a perpetual lover of house plants and animals of all kind. I believe in making mistakes and learning everything you can from the process. I can be rather shy at first, certainly more on the introverted side of life. I love to watch life happen, and make pictures of what I see along the way, just a fly on the wall. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It’s never a smooth road, there are always rocks and pot-holes along the way. I’ve realized that photography and videography is what I want to purse in life. Nothing that means that much to me will ever be easy. I work as a barista now along with trying to find more stable work in videography. Spending my time doing something I don’t have a passion for can be super disheartening. 

My recovery will always be a non-linear process. Going to concerts can be triggering with everyone drinking around me. The reason I became alcohol-free in the first place was to be comfortable with my authentic self. To understand that I don’t need substances for people to like me. My goofball self is enough. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My passion is to illuminate the human condition through photos and videos. I can be a fly on the wall and make photos of the everyday instances that just go unnoticed. I specialize in concert and band photography. Portraits are my bread and butter though. A person’s story is told through their eyes, so I always try to photograph both of them. Being blessed with privilege means lifting up others’ voices that have been oppressed. I try to use my platform to raise up BIPOC creatives and musicians. The work I am most proud of is the photos that evoke emotion. I don’t have a favorite photo or piece of work because they are all part of this eternal strive to be better. To do better. With every photo, I take there is always something I could have done differently. 

Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I, myself I’m not the biggest risk-taker. I like to have some sort of idea of what I’m getting myself into. The last risk I took was my solo trip to McCarthy, Alaska and even that had a good amount of planning beforehand. I think taking risks are important to growth, however with a backup plan just in case things go south. In my experience, Murphy’s law always seems to present itself. So, I try to be prepared. But one can’t be prepared for everything, sometimes I just have to wait and see how the situation unfolds. 

Pricing:

• For 20-25 photos it’s about $175 – 200 depending on duration of set / how many bands
• Videos are generally $500 I can do promos, recaps, in-depth storytelling, and more.
• Family photos / portraits / engagement shoots $500.

Contact Info:

• Email: justinej078@gmail.com
• Website: https://justinesuzannejohnson.myportfolio.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justinebeanphotos/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justinebeanphotos
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGot-sHUBe2JGrloo_0UkkA

Image Credits:
Kimberly Ann
Sara Hertwig