“Cameras have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I have always been known to have a camera in hand,” stated Lisa Johnson of Oakland, NE.
She has owned her own photography business, Lisa Johnson Photography, for the past 11 years. “I didn’t take college courses on photography. I took courses throughout high school, which helped develop my passion even deeper,” Lisa said. “I learned all of the basics of 35mm cameras and manual settings, developing black and white images in a darkroom.”
The birth of her oldest daughter, Devyn in 1992, inspired her passion for photography even further. “I was propping her up on pillows and blankets, taking her portraits. It is a part of me and who I am,” Lisa stated. “With many seminars, online training and dvd training and lots of practice, I am proud to admit that I am a self taught digital era photographer.”
Her daughter became her subject, and focus of practice, capturing as much of her as possible through the lens. “I took pictures from her toes to her nose, using baskets and headbands all perfectly set up in my living room,” Lisa said.
Her living room became her studio, with many babies and families being photographed in her home over the years. “I put a white or black blanket over my entertainment center for my sessions,” Lisa stated.
Two families have been on her journey since the beginning, becoming her practice models. “The Mockenhaupt’s of Oakland and the Pierce family, who moved to Kansas City, have been my biggest cheerleaders over the years,” Lisa said. “I have watched their children grow up through the lens of my camera.”
Her work has expanded to include many families. “My favorite of all is newborns. They are my favorite subjects. I am always wrapping them up with silly hats, snapping pictures of them on blankets under bright sunny windows,” Lisa stated. “I cherish this gift of capturing memories. My clients have trusted me with their life and it brings my heart great joy to share this with families and see my work up on their walls.”
Her living room isn’t the only place Lisa works her “magic” in. She also has a portable studio that gives her the ability to travel to homes, setting it up for photography sessions. “The most popular is a portrait party where I can set up a studio or have an outdoor location and photograph up to ten families during the day or evening and reward the party hostess with free portraits,” Lisa said. “My favorite studio space is being outside with all the amazing spaces the outdoors offers all around.”
Lisa has been fortunate to develop relationships with companies whom have showcased her work, bringing her photography business to further heights. “I have developed a friendship and partnership with an online baby hat company called Melondipity. They fell in love with one of my images and wanted me to photography more of their products on my new babies. My moms loved this opportunity,” Lisa stated. “My newborn babies have modeled for them for years, allowing my work to be showcased on their website as well as a few other vendors on Etsy.”
Her work has also been displayed on Zulily, where many of her newborns were featured were on the web store cover page. “I am also proud to have a newborn session of mine shown off on the Pender Hospital billboard on north highway 77 by the Rosalie turn,” Lisa said.
She has advice for those contemplating a career in photography. “Immerse yourself in learning all of the basics of shutter speeds, f/stops and ISO settings. Learn the art of photography and your camera inside and out. Turn off your flash and use those settings to take advantage of the natural light that surrounds us,” Lisa stated. “The ability to manipulate light is right at your fingertips when you learn how to do it.”
Lisa’s family is very supportive of her, assisting her photography career along the way. “My family has always been willing to help. My daughter Devyn has gone on many sessions as my assistant outdoor and for newborn studio,” Lisa said. “My husband Dane is my web guy. He uploads all of my galleries to private linked websites for clients to view. I love taking the pictures and the web is his thing.”
Lisa and Dane have six children, Devyn 21, Kyle 18, Karah 11, Korene 9, Caulin 7 and Laityn 4. “Each of them are unique in their own ways and bring so much to our family with their sweet personalities,” Lisa stated.
Lisa Johnson Photography can be reached by calling 402-685-6139. She also has a website at lisajohsonphotography.com and a Facebook page, Lisa Johnson Photography.
Paisley Peterson kissing her newborn sister Hadley. Photo Credit/Lisa Johnson.
Lisa and Dane Johnson with their children, Devyn, Kyle, Karah, Korene, Caulin and Laityn. Photo courtesy of Lisa Johnson.
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