Daily Inspiration: Meet Jeff Johnson

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

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I grew up in the photography world. My parents, Tom & June Johnson began a family portrait studio in Rockford, IL in 1961. I’ve been around photography all of my life. In my early 20’s my dad asked if I wanted to come to work and sweep the floors of his studio to see if I liked photography. I did! Not too long after I put down the broom I could see this was what spoke to me, creating unique and heartfelt imagery.

I worked for the family business for about 15 years then I moved to Colorado. I quickly landed a job at a local, well-established portrait studio where I furthered my craft. After 20-plus years as a portrait and wedding photographer, I realized I wanted to photograph things that didn’t run away from the camera like kids and didn’t cry all the time like brides! Haha! Mountains, waterfalls, clouds, and flowers were the answers for me.

I’ve enjoyed the photographing landscape and fine art imagery now since about 1995. Many of my photo buddies would ask if they could join me for a trip to the high country to photograph. I soon realized there might be an opportunity in this. I started Soul Road Trips in 2008, leading photography expeditions for 3, 5, and even 10-day trips. What a blast! I’ve traveled all over the US, Cuba, Norway, The Faroe Islands, and much more to come.

Throughout the years I have attended many seminars and workshops. I have attained the degrees of Master Photographer and Photographic Craftsman from the Professional Photographers of America, I’ve served on the Board of Directors of both the IL and CO professional associations, serving two terms as president of the PPColorado group in the early 2000s.

My company not only provides exciting locations to photograph at but for all levels of photography knowledge and experience. I also offer one-on-one mentoring, private and small group workshops, and more. My most enjoyed passion is selling my art to folks to enjoy on the walls of their homes, offices, and more.

SoulRoadTrips.com and JeffJohnsonFineArt.com.

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?
There have been many hardships and challenges along the way. Learning photography was probably the easiest part of my journey, though.

I’ve photographed over 1500 weddings, 30,000 high school seniors, and who knows how many families and executives. Not to mention the countless family pets, cattle, models, catalog items, births, operations, auto accidents, and autopsies. Yes, I worked for the University of Illinois as a medical photographer for a few years, as well. A job I will not ever be able to remove from my memory.

Having said all of that, I wouldn’t swap out any of these experiences, no matter how difficult or challenging, or gross they may have been. Right next to these challenges, there have been ten times as many exciting, pleasing, and rewarding experiences.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My creative landscape and fine art styles are purposefully set apart because of my creative eye and point of view. As I wander the US and all of its glorious scenery and history, I am determined to photograph something different than the last photographer. I want to tell my own stories of the locations and scenery that reach out to me and pull me in.

Standing in the last photographer’s footsteps is not challenging. It tells me that you’ve probably already seen that view. I want to create something that the average traveler has not seen or experienced. I photograph the scenes and items that most people walk right by every day. This way the viewers of my art can inject their own thoughts, dreams, beliefs, and stories into my imagery.

Networking and finding a mentor can have a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Being a member of a camera club or photography organization is a must from my point of view. If you can remember that there is always someone who might know more than you or a different technique, you can’t possibly go wrong.

Keeping an open mind and staying eager to learn something new is a must. Forty-five plus years in the business and I still learn new techniques and ideas every day, seriously.

Contact Info:

• Website: SoulRoadTrips.com and JeffJohnsonFineArt.com
• Instagram: @soulroadtrips
• Facebook: JeffJohnsonFineArt
• Linkedin: Jeff Johnson
• Twitter: @soulroadtrips
• Youtube: The Creative Edge with Jeff Johnson

Image Credits
Jeff Johnson Fine Art Photography