Meet Johanna Justo | Wedding & Portrait Photographer

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

Hi Johanna, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor behind the success of my brand has been connection, both with my couples and the stories they trust me to tell. I’ve built my business on intentional relationships, where every couple feels seen, heard, and genuinely celebrated. I don’t just show up with a camera, I show up as a friend, a calming presence, and someone who deeply cares about capturing the in-between moments that often go unnoticed.

I believe people don’t just hire a photographer for pretty pictures but instead they want someone who can make them feel comfortable, who understands what matters most to them, and who can preserve those memories with heart. That’s what I focus on. My success has grown from showing up authentically, building trust, and creating an experience that feels fun, stress-free, and completely personal to each couple.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a wedding and lifestyle photographer who believes in capturing the kind of photos that feel just like you. Joyful, honest, and full of connection is what I’m all about. My approach is all about capturing the real stuff: the uncontrollable laughs, the teary-eyed vows, the shy little giggles your kids let out. If it feels like you, that’s what I’m here to document.

What makes my work different? I think it’s the way I make people feel. I’m not about stiff poses or cookie-cutter shots. I create a space where you can fully relax, be yourself, and actually enjoy the moment. That way, the photos tell your story exactly how it felt, not just how it looked.

Getting here wasn’t always smooth sailing. I’m most proud of the way I’ve grown this business with intention and heart. It hasn’t always been easy. I’ve had to balance building a brand with raising a family, learning the ropes of business on the fly, and navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. But every challenge shaped me and reminded me why I started in the first place: to connect with people and give them something real to hold onto.

If there’s one thing I want people to know about me and my work, it’s this: I pour my heart into what I do. You’re not just another client or checkbox on a calendar. You’re part of a story I genuinely care about, and I feel so lucky to be the one capturing it.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was flying in for the week, we’d be doing Colorado right. I’d want to show them a little bit of everything, the mountains, my favorite local gems, good food, and all the laid-back Colorado magic I love so much.

We’d start in Colorado Springs, of course. We’d wake up early (coffee in hand) and head to Garden of the Gods for sunrise – catching that golden light hitting the rocks and maybe spotting some bighorn sheep if we’re lucky. Then we’d grab breakfast at one of my go-to spots before heading up through Cheyenne Cañon for a hike and catch some epic views of Pikes Peak from up there.

After that, it’s road trip time. We’d make our way down to southern Colorado, stopping at the Great Sand Dunes for some wild, sandy adventures (and probably laughing the whole time as sand gets everywhere). Then off to Telluride where we’d squeeze in some off-roading and unwind in the hot springs. On the way back up north, we’d swing through Crested Butte, because it’s basically a postcard that comes to life and you have to stop there.

The whole trip would be filled with unreal views, lots of belly laughs, all my favorite eats, and the perfect mix of adventure and slow, cozy moments. Honestly, just good vibes all around.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
A huge shoutout to my closest friends and family, the real MVPs behind the scenes. Their constant support, encouragement, and belief in me (even on the hard days) has meant everything. Whether it’s hyping me up before a big shoot, watching my son so I can chase my dreams, or simply reminding me that I’m capable, they’re always in my corner. I truly wouldn’t be where I am without them.

Website: https://www.trailsoftales.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/trails.of.tales

Facebook: https://facebook.com/trailsoftalesphotography