Stephen Johnson Photography News
August 2023
Lightning and Clouds over Southern Illinois flying home from my East Coast Sojourn. 2023.
Welcome to the August 2023 Edition of the Stephen Johnson Photography Newsletter
Greetings to my guests and subscribers. Thanks for visiting my August newsletter.
This month's View From Here column draws from a recent trip to the east coast, including rural New York, Maryland, and Washington, DC.
For the first time since 2019, I’m offering Photoshop Selections, Adjustment Layers, Tone and Color class August 26–27 for those who need Adobe Photoshop help—there’s one space left.
The Point Lobos, Carmel and Big Sur class is coming up Sep 9–11, and I’m offering a Seeing Beauty in Photography seminar on September 23.
My next Black and White Vision and Printing workshop is October 21–22, with the Masterful Fine-Art Printing hands-on workshop being offered November 4–7.
— Steve
As these newsletters can cover many subjects, let me know of topics you would like to see addressed.
FEATURED PRINT August 2023
Lava. Volcanoes National Park. HI. 1996.
Lava. Volcanoes National Park. HI. 1996.
My 1996 explorations of Hawaii and Maui were great experiences. My good friend Bill Schwegler came along to help out on the journey and together we shaped the adventure. Bill was an early encourager of my digital photography work, and pioneer in the field of reading machines for the blind Bill and I made a great time of our trips to these two islands. We wandered the islands for 15 days and were blessed with some great views.
This one of new earth, a fresh lava flow, remains high on my list of favorite photography from With a New Eye, my digital national parks project. I clearly remember the crunch of glass beneath my feet as we walked across this recent lava flow. The refractive qualities of the glassy lava flow was remarkable.
I’m offering a 14-inch-wide print of this photograph for $195, matted to 16”x20”. This print at this price is offered through August 31. I'll be taking orders until then, and shipping them out by September 15.
Maui Fire Relief added as print Purchase Option. Unmatted 14 inch wide print for $165. Full price goes to relief.
I’m also pleased to report my ongoing Donate to Ukrainian Relief Featured Print option has yielded funds to help victims of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In one case, my notice of completing the donation prompted the print buyer to donate additional funds.
NEW PHOTOGRAPH August 2023
Middle Falls. Genesee River. Letchworth State Park. NY. 2023.
Middle Falls, Genesee River. NY. 2023.
Letchworth State Park in New York treated us to some dramatic views. This one was among the most visually interesting, where the Genesee River cuts through the limestone, with successive layers of sediment layed down by water eons ago, now breaking off and creating a tiered falls.
LATEST NEWS:
Photo Chats
Most every Tuesday morning since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, I have been doing weekly virtual Photo Chats on Zoom with groups of photo friends. They are casual, virtual get-togethers, and have created a little community, with regular sharing, guests presentations, demos, and photo feedback. Let me know if you would like to join us.
New Prints in the Gallery
There are new prints available to see in the gallery, from the spring Super Bloom to the Golden Gate Park Project and the evolving Animal Series.
Current Exhibitions
The current exhibitions in the gallery include 50 Years of Space Photography and Life Form—a collection I call Other Worldly.
Visiting the Gallery
My galleries and studio are generally open 10am–5pm. Write to inquire or call 650 355-7507 to schedule an appointment. Masks required.
Subscribe to my Blog
As I’ve mentioned in my last few newsletters, I’ve renewed more frequent postings on my blog derived from my newsletters and Facebook posts. I’m gradually moving other blog forums no longer supported to this one central place. You can view or subscribe at: https://sjohnsonphoto.wordpress.com
Virtual Classes
My virtual classes program, launched in 2020, has allowed me to reach students around the world. I remain committed to offering great courses whether in person or virtually. See what satisfying experiences students have had on my workshops by exploring Workshop Testimonials.
Photo Chat on Stereo Photography.
Stephen Johnson Photography Blog.
Upcoming Events & Workshops
View From Here
Erie Canal. Pittsford, NY. 2023.
THE VIEW FROM HERE
by Stephen Johnson
Moving Around the East Coast
I’ve been traveling to the east coast about three times a year lately. On my July 2023 trip, I had three destinations in mind: Washington, DC, the eastern shore of the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland, and Rochester, NY.
In my travels, I stayed mostly off the interstates, leaning more toward country roads, driving through hills and farms from Maryland through Pennsylvania to New York and back again. I had packed a full itinerary, so time was a little tight, not quite the wander I love, but a good journey.
Setting Sun, Monroe Avenue Bridge Over the Erie Canal. Pittsford, NY. 2023.
On the Road. St. Route 20A near Honeoye, NY. 2023.
Grain Elevators. Cordova, MD. 2023.
Washington, DC
My trip began and ended in Washington, DC, which I always enjoy exploring. I like to go down the National Mall and just walk. This trip I took on a ride on the C&O Canal (going through a lock which was interesting), had a great time at the International Spy Museum, the Lincoln Memorial, the National Gallery of Art, and the National Portrait Gallery. With all of this over a few days, my mind was spinning.
On the last full day of my trip, the cumulus clouds were so fluffy that they almost demanded to be photographed. Sometimes, even such iconic places as the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument were irresistible.
Street Light, Cranes, and Washington Monument. Washington, DC. 2023.
Abe and His Visitors. Lincoln Memorial. Washington, DC. 2023.
WWI German PigeonCam Spy Camera. International Spy Museum. Washington, DC. 2023.
Washington Monument and Reflecting Pool. Washington, DC. 2023.
Rural New York
Upper Falls and Genesee Arch Bridge. Norfolk Southern Railroad. Letchworth State Park. NY. 2023.
My drive up Maryland though Pennsylvania and into New York State took took me along the edges of a few cities and through one, but the drive was mostly a country experience. That was on purpose. I see so much less from the interstates and big highways. I was still too goal-oriented, not leaving enough time in my plans for any real wander.
My friend Pete Sucy planned an outing for us to wander southwest of Rochester, and that we did. We spent some time in Letchworth State Park, sometimes referred to as the Grand Canyon of the East. The Genesee River has cut a 500-foot-deep canyon through the limestone and sandstone hills, making for a very dramatic setting.
Genesee River and Canyon. Letchworth State Park. NY. 2023.
More Animals
Orangutan. National Zoo. Washington, DC. 2023.
Orangutan on Cage Wire. National Zoo. Washington, DC. 2023.
Last year, I visited the National Zoo for the first time in many years. Unsurprisingly, I was deeply saddened by the Great Ape House with gorillas and orangutans.
My camera battery happened to be dead on that last visit, so I did stroll back through the zoo this trip and made a point of spending some time, painfully being yet another human witness to our fellow primates captivity.
These animals are trapped. They do have access to an outside area. But to me, anthropomorphism aside, their misery was evident. Even being witness felt like I was contributing to their imprisonment and public display. I was no better than any other visitor, but walked away in deep sadness.
I don’t know these animals stories, how they came to be here. I'm going to explore the Zoo’s site on the subject..
I don’t mean to put these particular animals in a privileged place among all kept at the zoo, but their closeness to us makes it even easier to see the wrong of it.
I was not there to make portraits of these beautiful humanoids. I was there to bear witness.
Orangutan and Cage. National Zoo. Washington, DC. 2023.
Visitors and Orangutan. National Zoo. Washington, DC. 2023.
Interpretive Sign. Great Ape House. National Zoo. Washington, DC. 2023.
Another Visit to the Eastman Museum
Large Format (7" x 9.4”) Autochrome Plate. Heinrich Kühn. 1908. Courtesy of the George Eastman Museum.
Washington Bridge, Harlem River On the New York Central and Hudson River Railroad. William Henry Jackson. 1890. 18x38 inch contact print blended from two negatives. Courtesy of the George Eastman Museum.
In July, I visited the George Eastman House (now called the George Eastman Museum) for the third time. My friends Tim Smith and Pete Sucy came along (both children of Kodak career fathers and both former Kodak employees). As always, the museum was fascinating, I felt privileged at the access, and was it great to share with a few friends.
I had arranged to see some photographs from the collection. Specifically I asked to see some work by Julia Margaret Cameron, William Henry Jackson, and some Autochrome plate. Thanks to curator Stephanie Hofner, who made my visit once again deeply appreciate this collection.
The Vault, technology collection. George Eastman Museum. Rochester, NY. 2023.
Holding the first Kodak loaded film camera 1888. George Eastman Museum. Rochester, NY. 2023.
Todd Gustavson, Technology Curator, with Kodak Film Emulsion mixing vat. George Eastman Museum. Rochester, NY. 2023.
The Kiss of Peace. Julia Margaret Cameron. 1869. Courtesy of the George Eastman Museum.
Early Kodak Film box. c1892. George Eastman Museum.
Digital Film Insert. c2000. George Eastman Museum. Rochester, NY. 2023.
Silver coated Kodak film emulsion mixing vat. George Eastman Museum. Rochester, NY. 2023.
Out and About
Being out and about this month meant San Francisco to a cross-country flight, 800 miles on the road, and extended times in a few places.
Aerial Work
Flying for me is always a photographic adventure. In addition to the lightning photograph at the top of the newsletter, here are a few others from the trip.
Clouds over Book Cliffs, Utah. 2023.
Clouds and Fields near Colby, Kansas. 2023.
Canyonlands North of Green River, Utah. 2023.
Corpse Flower Blooms
Corpse Flower. Conservatory of Flowers. Golden Gate Park.
https://conservatoryofflowers.org
Although I featured a photograph of the flower last month, this one has been worked on more. It was assembled from multiple images, repaired a bit, and the people were blended from multiple hand-held exposures.
Recently at Stephen Johnson Photography
Teaching Again in My Digital Lab
In January 2023, I restarted my in-studio workshop program after the Covid-19 pandemic shutdown. It was a deeply liberating experience to have people back in. Although I am requiring vaccinations and we wear masks inside, the printing and editing classes have gone very well.
It’s so rewarding to run these classes again. It’s a chance for me to really make a difference for student’s photography. I love making concepts clear that have seemed confusing or vague to people. I love helping people so they can avoid having to make all of the mistakes I’ve made along the way, smoothing out and speeding up that learning curve.
For me, teaching is a sacred exercise.
From my June Black-and-White Printing class. 2023.
Virtual Educational Experiences
Steve in his Life Form Gallery. February 2021.
Virtual Classes and Lectures, online live classes on various topics with limited space and Q&A sessions, are now a regular part of my workshop program. Critiques are now virtual.
Photo Chats
I’ve been doing weekly virtual Photo Chats with groups of photo friends to keep everyone encouraged to keep working, creating a forum to share and problem-solve. I’ve now built a webpage on the chats. Let me know if you would like to join us.
Come Visit the Exhibitions (masked visits by appointment)
The 50 Years of Space Photography Gallery with the five extra Apollo 11 prints.
Check out my 50 years of Space Photography Exhibition joining with my Life Form Exhibition as Other Worldly for a mind-blowing journey from the living world close-up to the depths of space. Space and awesome life! A dive into cosmic extremes. Email to book an appointment.
In front of the Apollo 14 Panoramic, 3rd Graders from Ocean Shore School in Pacifica visiting the Space Exhibit. 2019. Photo by Sheila Gamble.
Life Form Exhibition
Life Form Announcement. 2018
Life Form opened in the Main Gallery at Stephen Johnson Photography in July 2018. I’ve had many visitors come by the gallery since the opening. Many have then joined workshops and certainly helped build community. Come see the show by appointment.
Seeking Good Venues for Life Form
I’m seeking good venues to show the Life Form Series. The series is now available for museum and gallery exhibition.
The Studio, Scholarships, Mentoring and Tutorials
As part of my ongoing commitment to photographic education, there is one student scholarship spot in many of my classes. Please pass the word along.
For discounted time studying with me, keep in mind my Mentoring Program.
With all of our busy schedules and limited budgets, destination workshops or classes become a challenge, but many of you still have questions you need answered, or feedback on some new work. I want to remind you of my Virtual Online Consulting Program. This service allows all of you out there around the globe to consult online live on technical, aesthetic and workflow issues.
My Essays and Tutorials from the past couple of years can now be found on my Newsletter Archive.
I hope you can come by the gallery and see the original prints in the new Life Form Gallery and its new Life Form Portfolio, the Exquisite Earth exhibition with its accompanying very special Exquisite Earth Portfolio 1. I invite you to join me on a workshop, rent lab space, or just say hello and let me know what you are up to photographically and what you might like to see me offer. I value your input.
Print Mentor Program
Many of my mentoring students have wanted help with their printing, often to make sure they can produce a specific print. Consequently, my Print Mentoring Program sets up a 2-hour time slot and the production of a finished print, all with the tutorial video of how we did it together. Prints can be up to 16x20 and on either Hahnemühle Museum Etching or Photo Rag Pearl paper. Fee is $500. Email for more information and to set up times.
Free and For Sale
Free Stuff (a few items still left)
I have been printing out nice copies of the Constitution and Bill of Rights on rich cotton paper. You are welcome to a copy when you can come by the gallery.
Additionally, I rescued a few Beseler Enlargers, a 23c and 4x5, hoping to find good homes for them. Free to anyone who will use them.
Equipment for Sale
Previously owned, but pristine, visually unused.
Canon Lenses
Canon EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM lens $400
Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM Lens $375
Canon RF 600mm f/11 IS STM Lens $550
Gift Certificates Available for Prints and Workshops!
Water book cover.
Water: A Photographic Portrait
My new book Water: A Photographic Portrait, now available to order.
88 pages of color and black and white photographs
11x17 inches
Wire bound for completely flat enjoyment
Life Form Folio
The Life Form Folio
When I premiered the Life Form Exhibition, I wanted to have a collectible item and record of the show prior to the full book I plan. So, now available is the 36-page, 11x17-inch, wire-bound book, featuring five years of work from 2013 to 2018 exploring these magnificent lives.
Photographs from 2013–2018
36 pages
11x17-inch wire-bound book
$40
Pacifica: A Photographic Portrait of Land and Sea
Page 7
Page 27
A collection of photographs in and around Pacifica, California. Includes a trail map.
74 pages
11x17-inch, wire-bound book for full lay-flat opening and enjoyment
Pacifica Trail Map
32 years in Pacifica
10 years of calendars
$50
Gift Certificates for Prints and Workshops!
Emailed or shipped with beautiful gift note card.
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After a few years of working intensely on my Urban Eden Golden Gate Park project, I am excited to offer a two-day photographic workshop in this complex and beautiful landscape. Now 150 years old, this park symbolizes parkland engineering and the earth itself taking its own course of life and fecundity. The park will be explored over two days with a blend of photographic opportunity, assistance, and my growing knowledge of its own back woods. This springtime weekday workshop will avoid some of the weekend crowds.