Today we’d like to introduce you to Jana Johnston.
Jana, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am Jana Johnston, I am a mother of 5, and the owner of Jana Johnston Photography. I am an artist, a manipulator of light, a composer of fascination, an observer of the universe, a spellbinder, a time stopper, a storyteller… I am an award-winning photographer. I am enchanted by the splendor of a cloudy sky, captivated by the allure of tiny baby feet, mesmerized by an exquisite smile, and delight in the grace of love.
I have always had a love for nature and for Art in all of its forms. I still remember playing with my mom’s little Brownie Camera when I was very young, and being fascinated by it.
My husband, Braden, has been my biggest supporter and fan, always encouraging me to push my boundaries, and follow my dreams; he also puts up with the many late nights that editing and writing require. We have a shared love for adventure, art, history, cultures, and geology. He always plans grand adventures to stunning locations across the west for me to photograph.
Photography is a magical adventure spent capturing the beauty of life. As a published artist, my images have been showcased in flyers, newsletters, front page newspaper articles and shared around the world through the internet.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The biggest challenge I have faced is overcoming fear and self-doubt, which seemed to cloud my every effort at being perfectly creative and balanced.
Professional photographers are often encouraged to create their own brand identity, one that sets them apart from everyone else. We are told that our “style” is defined by the pictures we want people to recognize us for – for example- Moody, artistic, minimalistic, or vibrant, demonstrating a photographic style and unique visual sensibility.
I’ve never wanted to settle for one style, one look, or one genre. I questioned my ability to be a successful photographer without a consistent portfolio. I am primarily a Wedding Photographer, but I also shoot other genres like Nature Photography, Family Photography, Concert Photography, Event Photography, and even Real-estate and personal branding photography.
Rather than succumbing to the demands of society, I made the difficult decision to put my personal desires to create before societal expectations and endure the possible rejection of people who may not follow my work because it can be unpredictable.
By following my heart and ignoring the “standard model” I’ve found overwhelming success and enjoyment, as well as pursued my personal projects instead of transforming my creative photography into a “job”. Art is truly in the eye of the beholder. Creation should never be limited.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My experience and portfolio are vast. My love for art and photography has enabled me to create lasting memories for families, professional images for businesses and individuals and to share the beauty of our natural world. With the camera, my main goal is to capture stories, and photographs of family life, capture the feelings of love at a wedding, show the energy of a large event, or capturing a beautiful sunset on a hike in Southwest Utah.
Through my photography, I encourage the protection of wild spaces and help to educate people about the regions in the west.
Photography has also given me a voice to bring awareness to numerous organizations and important causes by showcasing events that I’m personally close to. My most recent project includes a social platform and website, www.gaslightabuse.com, where I am working hard to bring awareness to issues created by narcissists who gaslight, the destructive harm it does to their victims, and raise awareness for suicide prevention. It is a place to help victims identify the abuse, find resources, and share their stories.
I am a 5x winner of the renowned WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards®. I have been named the “Official Photographer of the prestigious KAHI studios,” and “Official Photographer of the MoonShine Crazy Band” Previously, I have held the title of “Official Photographer of The Placer County Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk,” one of the largest suicide prevention walks in Northern California.
My additional charity work includes being the “Official Photographer” for “Santa’s Village”, sponsored by the Colfax Friends of the Library and the “Salute to Veterans” for VFW post-2003.
I am a diverse artist, photographing the Monster Energy Aftershock festival, collaborating with James Villa of On Tour Monthly, the amazingly talented Red Voodoo Band, and the legendary Billy Bob Thornton, as well as supporting and photographing many local artists and venues.
In addition to my photography business, my love of poetry, writing and creative work has led me to new adventures in creating a marketing and media platform with my Son Austin Davis, and dear friend and media specialist Kathryn Holt, www.ADYOtech.com. It’s dedicated to providing radiant value for artists/musicians and the people who love them. Kathryn’s support has been pivotal in my success.
The one thing that all of my ventures share is my creative ability aside from an authentic drive to give back.
What does success mean to you?
When people think of success, they tend to focus on money and power. That’s not my definition of success. As an artist, my definition is more holistic. It includes finding meaning in what you do.
It is about bringing families together, creating memories, bringing smiles and wonder to my followers, building a better community, empowering women and those struggling with mental health, supporting other artists and business owners and truly loving what I do.
The best businesses are built on love for what you do — not chasing money or approval. It’s about defining success for yourself; it’s about living your ideal life with full intentionality.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.janajohnstonphotography.com | www.gaslightabuse.com www.adyotech.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janajohnstonphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jana.johnston.photographs/
- Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/janajohnstonart
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=UUI8yxWeFA1n5xU7YTCtPJJg
- Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/jana-johnston-photography-colfax
- Other: https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/1-jana-johnston
Image Credits
Jana Johnston Photography
