Life & Work with Vaughn Johnson of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Vaughn Johnson

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I have always been an artist and a creator of multiple disciplines. Photography, however, has received an increased amount of my attention over the years. I had very casual interest and involvement in the world of photography while growing up. A few driving forces, though, compelled me to dive much deeper. To begin with, I noticed how photography took more of the “focus” off of myself (pun intended). I also appreciated that it allowed me to help other people pursue their dreams. In addition to that, photography can be an unavoidably collaborative process, yet sometimes it requires absolute solitude. All of these reasons (plus a few more) sparked a tremendous interest and desire to start taking photography more seriously. So, with that, I started what seems like an endless journey of light.

Today’s culture makes it very difficult to keep the ego under control. Virtually all of us have our pride raging against any shred of humility we may have left to resist it all. Photography helps me to practice humility. I primarily stay behind the camera as a photographer. A common part of art (although, not always necessary) is having people appreciate it or respond to it. To be honest, I do feel a little ego-boost whenever I discover that somebody appreciates my work. I do believe, however, that I can more readily keep my human character flaws under control when I am not the center of attention. Most of the people who see my work, will never see me personally. We may never meet at all. It becomes less about me and more about the subject in the frame of the picture. It becomes more about the final product and the viewing experiences of those that see the completed work.

Photography is a creative process that calls for seemingly countless hours of solitude. Research, experimenting, commuting, setting up equipment, culling photos, and working on the edits are usually done completely alone for many arduous hours. There is, however, the process of capturing the images that often forces some kind of human interaction to take place. I like the process of helping people to become relaxed enough to get the right expression or pose. Sometimes, as a photographer, I must help people to step outside of their comfort zone to get results that they are truly comfortable with in the end. Other times, I must work with the staff of a printing facility. Frequent discussions with clients often take place to iron out the details of final output possibilities. It can be a truly rewarding “team-experience” for everyone involved. If I am doing wildlife or landscape photography, I often encounter other people along the way. As a result, discussions inevitably take place. I am fond of the genuine connections that are frequently made in such scenarios. Photography may often be a lonesome experience, but it often becomes a very social collaborative process with all of the aforementioned examples taken into consideration. I like the balance of both.

Photography appeals to me in many ways – even beyond what I have mentioned thus far. After realizing all that the world of photography has to offer, I started to take it more seriously. I suppose that is how it all “started”.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has never been a completely smooth road for me. I may see a quarter mile of a relatively smooth patch of pavement from time to time, but it is usually a very rocky off-road experience. I think many artists face unique struggles, but I am always a bit surprised when I hear of other artists who openly claim to have had it easy. At times, I may briefly question my approach and personal resilience. Then, I remind myself, that my path, pace, experiences, and pretty much everything else is just different. I am just different… I have experienced financial hardships, past traumas, near-death experiences, and more. I have a lot of crazy stories to tell, but I’ll try to stay on topic here. In a unique way, I can be thankful for my struggles. The obstacles that I have faced, helped to mold me into what I am today. I will spare most of the finer details, but I am very blessed to be where I am right now. I am blessed to be alive. Period. I risk a lot to reach my goals. Sometimes, I fall. Sometimes, I experience pain. Eventually, I stand up again. The trek continues. I have literal and figurative scars that remind me of where I came from. Thankfully, my general trajectory is upwards. I learn from every experience. I get stronger. I get better. Overall, I get closer to where I want to be…

I had very limited, primitive, and outdated equipment in the beginning. Even “cheap” camera equipment can be very expensive. I did not always have the extra cash to invest into the latest and greatest “kit”. Sometimes what initially looks like a curse, is actually a hidden blessing. These “limiting factors” helped me to develop my own style. My past struggles also help to fuel my (hopefully) riveting visual stories through the lens. I don’t just take pictures. I aim to produce stories that evoke deeper thoughts. I photograph with the intent of conjuring up complex feelings that we so often suppress in perpetuity.

I have been gifted with unique abilities, tools, interests, and opportunities. I want to continue to let these blessings flow through me to serve others. Whether I photograph people or nature, I get to capture the beauty of the Lord’s creations. I take photographs of other artists and creative individuals that contributes to their successes. My creative work hangs on the walls of peoples’ houses and helps their living spaces become more like homes. I capture once in a lifetime moments for people to relive whenever they view an image that I have captured through the lens. I consider all of this an honor and a privilege. My work is bigger than my name and very few people know what I even look like. I have included photographs of my creative work for this interview, but no photo of myself. I usually keep quiet about my journey, but I share some of these details as part of my testimony for the sake of this interview. Having said that, I am open to change my entire “concealed” approach in the future, if I sense that it is the right thing to do.

My approach towards photography is that of an artist BEFORE that of a business person. Furthermore, my approach is also that of an artist who wants to maintain creative integrity. All of us artists have different levels of this that influence the creative methodologies we apply to our work. Modern hardware, software, and technology tempt many photographers to sacrifice the integrity of the creative process for the sake of saving time, increasing work output, meeting modern expectations, and/or generating higher profits. I tend to gravitate towards many creative methods that were developed way before my time. I prefer quality over quantity. This is quite a challenge in today’s world as many photography clients expect lightning-quick results that are essentially flawless. Those are not my clients (at least not presently). As impractical as it may be, I always seem to want to make every photograph a work of fine art. In my humble opinion, a creative process that maintains artistic integrity is a requirement with regards to the “fine art” title. We all draw the line somewhere. For example, there is just a small handful of photographers who exclusively capture images with film today. I have a lot of respect and admiration for them. I currently work with both film and digital cameras. I strive to master the tools and methods of the past. Similarly, if I use any of the modern methods/tools, I want to master those as well. I want to be at a level where I am pushing the creative limits of what can be accomplished with such modern advancements. There may be some methods that I never employ, though – I have my personal preferences, limits, and tolerances. If it becomes too easy, or automated, then it is just not for me… It just feels like everything is so artificial these days, and I want to be at least a little more organic and involved with what I do. Once again, this is very challenging in today’s world. I just try to do what I can.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am primarily a fine art portrait photographer. That is my specialty… as of now. I also incorporate other types of photography to creatively influence my work. I often use various lighting techniques to accomplish dramatic results. If I need or want to, then I work in other areas of photography like: headshots, fashion photography, creative portraits for musicians, event photography, automotive, dance, beauty, fitness, sports, landscape, wildlife, photo campaigns for businesses, editorial, commercial, “pop art”, and more. Sometimes, I just go where the work opportunities are, but I also go where I have personal creative interests…

Work opportunities can change from month to month and year to year in this field. It can be very seasonal or cyclical in nature. Regarding personal creative interests, however, I can get bored of doing the same thing everyday. Therefore, I do what I do – when I can do it – as I need or want to do it. Sometimes it all aligns quite nicely, and other times it does not. Focus in one particular area, without deviation, is often prescribed as the way to success. I have tried that (exclusively for extended periods of time). I certainly have my own plans, but sometimes the Lord’s plans differ from my own. I don’t always have as much control over everything in my life as I think (or want to). Metaphorically speaking – I may be a driver, a passenger, or someone looking for a ride at any moment in time. Isn’t that everyone’s life to one degree or another? I just try to embrace it now.

What’s next?
With regards to my future plans, I want to continue to grow. I have a long way to go with my art and my faith. The two are inseparable, by the way. I want those two areas of my life to have more cohesion and consistency. When I think of all of the great photographers of the past and present, I know that I am far from where I want to be. “Good enough” is usually not “good enough” for me when it comes to this. Similarly, I have a long list of improvements that I want to make as a man who follows Christ. Admittedly, I am not always a stellar example, but we’ll see what the future holds. I look back on my life, and I am grateful for grace… I am thankful for forgiveness… This is a journey and a process. I always want my faith to guide my creative expression, and I seek effective ways to achieve this as I move forward.

I noticed the section of the interview that asked about my pricing details… I charge an appropriate amount for what I do. Prices change. Today’s price is not necessarily yesterday’s price. Likewise, tomorrow’s price is subject to change from today’s price. Economically speaking, this is almost always the case when it comes to anything that we pay for in life (food, clothes, gas, rent, necessities, luxuries, and more). Potential clients are instructed to communicate their needs, wants, and general expectations. I hope to offer a fair quote that works well for everyone after having those details.

Money is important, but I do not worship money. I do not love money. I may not always have what I want, but I am always divinely provided for with whatever I NEED. As a result of this, I can turn down a bad deal. I can also turn down a gig that conflicts with my beliefs. Sometimes I take time away from photography altogether if it starts to feel more like business than art (perhaps a “reckless” approach for some people, but advantageous for me). I can also choose to take time to help other photographers (or those in need of photography services) along the way (whenever I am in a position to do so). Consequently, I am not always the easiest individual to reach, but I encourage those who are in genuine need of help to reach out to me. I hope to offer some kind of assistance if I can.

I am thankful for the opportunity to share some of my story. I hope that somebody finds inspiration from it. I also look forward to whatever opportunities may arise after the fact. Photography is literally impossible without the presence of some form of light. Interestingly, my faith calls for me to be “light” in “dark” places… Therefore, in more ways than one, I am on a journey of light. Was that last part clever or utterly platitudinous? I don’t know… Sometimes I take myself too seriously. Who knows? I’ll leave it in anyway. Cue the “mic drop” and cut to a dramatic walk into the sunset. Roll the credits!

GOD BLESS YOU ALL. Thank you!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.VaughnJohnsonPhoto.com

Image Credits
Vaughn Johnson