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

Hi Grace, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
When starting my business, I wanted to focus on not only growing as a person, but as an artist. I am constantly working to find new lighting techniques and ways to work with each subject to create successful images. I love working with people, and being a freelance photographer has allowed me to meet people from all different walks of life. Photographing people is very fulfilling to me, and I enjoy instilling confidence within my subjects which radiates through the images.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a portrait photographer, I work not only commercially, but conceptually with projects. I worked with the Oregon State Women’s Basketball team for two years and traveled with them to games, practices and weights. I grew very close to the women on the team, as well as the staff. As a former athlete, I grew up in a similar highly physical and competitive environment, so watching these strong women fight for success every day, on and off the court was very inspiring to me. I decided to create a photographic project called “Diaries of Strength”, which illustrates the interplay between the femininity of being a woman while practicing a subjectively masculine, contact sport. Getting to where I am today required many hours of trial and error, time solely spent on improving my photographic eye, as well as feeling comfortable in all different scenarios while photographing. Especially when photographing basketball games, many different components go into running a smooth system during games. The photos are taken in-game, uploaded, sorted through, edited, sent off and posted all while the game is proceeding. Moments like these have allowed me to stay calm during high-pressure shooting situations.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m currently living in Corvallis, which is the college town of Oregon State University. There are many hole in the wall restaurants that are delicious, but I mainly enjoy spending time in the parks in Corvallis, when it’s sunny. I love Avery Park because it allows me to decompress and feel peace. I am moving to Portland in early August, so I’m excited to experience working and living in the city.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d love to give a shoutout to my parents and best friend Anna. My Mom is extremely supportive and is always giving me ideas regarding new material and different groups of people to work with. My Dad constantly hypes my work up and makes me feel empowered in a cutthroat industry. My best friend Anna is a huge reason for many of the concepts behind my work. We love to brainstorm ideas that turn into visions, which turn into successful images and projects. She always offers to model for me, and her intelligence and confidence radiates.

Website: https://www.gracejohnson.photography/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/graceannajohnson/

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.