A photographer with an interesting eye for narrative whilst still creating stunning photographs, Sarah Louise Johnson was an equally compelling person to interview, offering up wisdom one can only achieve with experience in the industry and truly knowing oneself...
Why were you drawn to fashion photography?
I actually have no idea, I have always been creative but was persuaded to go down a more academic route early on; I went to Lancaster University to study English Literature and German but I was just miserable. Although I enjoyed creative writing it wasn't the same, I think I am a very visual person and I really missed art. I switched courses to Graphic Design as some kind of middle ground compromise but I still wasn't really happy. I stuck it out but in my final year borrowed one of the cameras (it was an all in one canon compact) and I used to drive all over the countryside around the Uni taking pictures and editing them in Photoshop, it consumed most of my time by the end of my final year. I started mostly with flowers, water and landscapes and then moved on to self portraits. A year after university, I moved to London and it just went from there really. I had no idea what I was doing, I just felt I was going to become a photographer at the time. I did modelling and promotions to get by and worked on my portfolio as much as I could. I genuinely had no idea how to make it happen, it was just something inside that knew it would. I don't think you can fight your calling.
Did you experiment with other art forms before photography or was it always a dream?
I wasn't into photography at all until I was around 24. I used to paint though, and draw. Anything creative.
What is the inspiration behind your photography? For instance, on your website it says you have "an eye for the small and intricate detail to create the big impact." What certain things catch your eye and interest you?
I get my inspiration mostly from non-photography sources: art, nature, literature, legends, stories and spirituality. I create in the moment and I am happy to shoot anything, anywhere. I like the challenge of working with nature and working with what is there and making it work rather than controlling the environment to suit my needs.
Have there been any other photographers who have influenced your work or who have inspired you?
Not really, there are some great photographers but I don't really look at individuals. I just take note of things I love. I do like Tim walker a lot though.
You've had the pleasure of photographing the Prince of Wales, Charles. What would you say has been your biggest achievement so far?
That was really quite amazing, I am not the kind of person to get blown away by famous people, I treat everyone the same, but there was a certain aura about him that felt really special. He was a really nice person and it was a great achievement for me. I think achievement is so relative, as you do better each thing becomes your biggest, i.e your first cover, first editorial etc, you just keep moving forwards. As long as I am creating I am happy, as they say:
"Happiness is a journey. It is also a choice that you make.
You can marvel at the diamonds along the way
or you can keep running through all your days,
chasing that elusive pot of gold at the end of the rainbow
that ultimately reveals itself to be empty.
Enjoy the special moments that every day offers because today, this day; is all you have"
- Robin S Sharma, Author of The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari
Lastly, what are you currently working on?
I am working on a video (it's my first) with some footage I took in LA and then I am planning some really exciting shoots for Hunger TV, with another photographer Daniel Lehenbauer - so look out for those.
Ruby
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