Meet Heather Johnson | Landscape Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Heather Johnson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Heather, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
This question really hits home for me. I first got into photography because I enjoyed being outdoors, and most of the time, I was alone. Capturing images gave me something to focus on, and a new perspective on places I already loved. It quickly became a hobby, and I was hooked. I would take my camera everywhere, it pretty much lived in my car. After a while, I started to feel burnt out, especially after Instagram became popular. I loved following photographers but in a way, felt like I wasn’t good enough to post my photos compared to their work. They traveled more, they had nicer gear, their work was viewed almost twice as much as mine. I took a break from it, I let the hobby go for a while, and my camera no longer lived in my car. I would take photos here and there but the passion just wasn’t the same. Once I started traveling again, eventually relocating from Upstate New York to Lake Tahoe, CA, seeing new sights really sparked my photography interest again. I picked up a drone and the bird eye perspective kept me intrigued. I connected with other photographer during my travels, I joined Facebook groups for landscape photography and overtime my Instagram page grew but I realized that didn’t matter, I enjoyed my own photos, creating different compositions on how I view the world. There will always be days when you feel like giving up a hobby or interest but you have to remember why you choose it in the first place. Why do you enjoy it? At the end of the day, other peoples opinions don’t matter, but your own happiness does. No matter what your hobby or dream is, chase it for yourself, and keep going!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Photography is great, but like any creative community, there are a plethora of different ways to create. Your own perspective is what sets photographers apart, no one views the same landscape the same way. I think the hardest challenge to overcome was to appreciate my own viewpoint and stop comparing my photo composition to others. When I now view another persons photo, I look at how they incorporated the elements and principles of composition. I ask myself what am I missing in my photo, and this helps to improve my own perspective. I’ve learned to trust my own eye, to capture the photo the way I want and not be afraid to share my perspective, no matter how different it is. I just recently submitted my photos to be displayed in a local gallery, among pieces that differ quite a bit from mine, but I am so excited to see them hanging, and how the community views them. I want my photography to inspire others, to inspire those just picking up a camera for the first time, I want them to know it’s okay to go out and capture whatever they think is beautiful!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Gardnerville is a hidden gem, we have so many exciting places! First, and foremost, they would have to visit Genoa, there is so much history! Breakfast at Harriett’s Cafe, lunch at the Genoa grill, explore the River Fork Ranch, take a wildlife tour to see the wild horses, golf, fishing, a private plane ride over the desert. There is so much to do, you name it and we have it! Beautiful Lake Tahoe is only 30 minutes away with plenty of hiking, skiing, fine dinning and beaches. Finish the week of adventure off at the Genoa Bar, the oldest bar in Nevada! If you’re visiting during the winter, they offer live music around the fire pit every Friday night. Activities vary depending on the time of year, but it’s safe to say you wouldn’t get bored in the Carson Valley area!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would have to shoutout fellow landscape photographers, their work keeps me inspired, and their tips have helped improved my own work. You can find these groups on Facebook, anywhere in the world!

Website: https://hjanephotography.wixsite.com/home

Instagram: Heaathaaa