Stephen Johnson Photography News
December 2022
Afternoon Sky, Sea and Shore. Point Lobos. 2022.
Upcoming Workshops:
Yosemite in Winter
February 2023
Fine Art Digital Printing Hands-on in Studio
March 2023
Welcome to the December 2022 Edition of the Stephen Johnson Photography Newsletter.
Workshops are back! With my successful Mono Lake and Point lobos Workshops now complete, I am confident I have found ways of conducting the workshops with good virus cautions and still great field work. I’m excited to once again make these classes a central part of my work. A trip back east and down to Carmel supplied most of the photographs in this month’s newsletter.
I am so grateful for the wonders I've seen and photographed this year, and have created a special gallery and print sale from the work. I've selected a set of 2022 photographs which are available over 60% off through December. (see below)
My Fine Art Printing hands-on workshop January 2023 is full and I am offering another session March 25-28, 2023 at Stephen Johnson Photography. My popular Death Valley in Winter Workshop is coming in January and Yosemite in Winter in February..
— Steve
This month's View From Here column explores my Point Lobos Workshop and recent photographs. The next virtual Workshop is From Raw to Photoshop Image Editing Feb. 25, 2023. My field workshop offerings continue with my return to Death Valley in January and Yosemite in Winter during February to start 2023.
As I mentioned in the last few Newsletters, a few big framed original finished prints have become available.
I hope you find the column interesting and will consider sending me some comments. As these Newsletters can cover many subjects, let me know of topics you would like to see addressed.
Workshops are currently balanced between virtual classes and field workshops. All workshops currently scheduled are subject to necessary corona virus spread prevention logistics.
FEATURED PRINT December 2022
Snowy Egret on Tidal Rocks. Point Lobos. CA. 2022.
Snowy Egret on Rocks. Point Lobos, CA. 2022
Our Point Lobos workshop was entranced by the rocks and waves when this beautiful Snowy Egret landed. It’s glowing white body made for a wonderful contrast with the dark rock and subdued water reflections. It was one of those totally unexpected sights..
I’m offering an 11x14 inch print of this photograph for $195, matted to 16x20. This print at this price is offered through December 31. I'll be taking orders until then, and shipping them out by January 15.
NEW PHOTOGRAPH December 2022
Reflection and Stone. Point Lobos. CA. 2022.
Tidal Pool and Stone. Point Lobos State Reserve, CA. 2022
Wandering the rock formations of Point Lobos is a study in abstraction, sensuality and wild natural form. When tidal pools and late afternoon reflections get added to the scene, it can actually look mysterious.
LATEST NEWS:
I’m spending more and more time back working at the studio and generally open the galleries when I’m there. People are visiting more and more, still masked of course. Please set up a time to come by and we can walk through the galleries together.
Gallery Appointments
The gallery is now open to masked/distanced appointments. Please come visit us!. Write to inquire or call 650 355-7507 about a time for a virus cautious appointment.
Subscribe to my Blog
As I have mentioned in my last few Newsletters, I have renewed more frequent postings on my Blog derived from my Newsletters and Facebook posts. I am gradually moving other blog forums no longer supported to this one central place. You can view or subscribe at: https://sjohnsonphoto.wordpress.com
Stephen Johnson Photography Blog.
Virtual Classes
During the virus, I naturally shifted most of my education programs to online experiences. This was frustrating and rewarding. The virtual experiences certainly stretched out my geographical reach. I have been very pleased by our Virtual Classes Program, the next being my From Raw to Photoshop Image Editing on Feb. 25.
My 2023 Workshop Schedule is evolving to accommodate virus precautions and cautious options for gathering indoors. Now that the vaccine is so available it is a prerequisite for any in-person class.
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.
Workshop Recap
The 2023 Workshop Schedule is evolving with my Death Valley in Winter workshop January 26-29, 2023. My January 2023 Fine Art Digital Printing class is now full and I’ve added a second session March 25-28, 2023. This is a masked workshop with vaccination required. Other workshops continue with my return to Death Valley in January and Yosemite in Winter during February.
See what a great experience students have had on Steve's Workshops by exploring Workshop Testimonials.
Current Exhibitions
Other Worldly is the name I’ve given to the two current exhibitions, 50 Years of Space Photography Exhibit and Life Form. Now that we are open for visits by appointment (socially distanced, and masked) please set up a time to come by. I hope to be able to open the galleries to general visitation in the not too distant future so you can see what is on display at Stephen Johnson Photography.
Upcoming Events & Workshops
View From Here
Cypress Point, Point Lobos. CA. 2022. Canon R5 three image stitched panorama.
THE VIEW FROM HERE
by Stephen Johnson
On the Sea
Living on the sea, seeing it everyday, walking along beach-side cliffs, I think I know it. But spending a few days a hundred miles south did something quite different to my perceptions. I became immersed.
Photo journeys and workshops put us in a very different place than just being somewhere casually. The point is to see, to stay out, to look hard, look carefully and look with a full heart. That is what I found happening to me earlier this month at Point Lobos. I was there for the light, for the unique geography, for the experience of studying their interaction.
My Point Lobos, Carmel and Big Sur workshop last weekend was a visually seductive and often hypnotic experience. The place, the rolling sea, crash of wave on rock took me in, humbled me, and made me fall in love all over again.
The Workshop
We had to cope with a fair amount rain on one day of the class, but that is of course part of photography’s rewards, you may be out in some weather, but everything looks different. Old fashioned umbrellas did their job. Thanks to my students for braving the rain, all said it was worth it.
It is a shame, but a number of students developed really bad colds and couldn’t attend the workshop.
Printing Class in January now Full, March Session Added
My love of fine-art photographic prints and exhibitions with beautiful prints is why my first in-studio class, since the pandemic began, is a printing class, Masterful Fine Art Digital Printing Hands-on Workshop January 23-26. As that session is now full, I’ve added a second session March 25-28, 2023.
My Introduction to the Point Lobos Workshop 12/22. Thanks to Lawrence Shapiro for the video.
Layers of Surf, Rock and Hill. Point Lobos. CA. 2022.
Lacy Lichen on the Cypress Point Trail. Point Lobos, CA 2022.
Eroded Sandstone and Granite. Point Lobos. CA. 2022.. Fuji GFX 100s.
Surf and Rocks. Big Sur. 2022. Fuji GFX100s.
Student Gallery: Graham Creasey
The i360 images have many viewing options. On the upper right the Fisheye, Normal, Planet and Ball views can be selected. Clicking and moving your mouse right or left will rotate around the view, dragging up or down will lead in those directions.
2022 Highlights Print Sale
Grateful for wonders I've seen and photographed this year, I've made a special print sale selecting a set of 2022 photographs now over 60% off through December.
11x14 signed, unmated pigment inkjet prints $290 each.
To the East Coast and Back
Pumpkin in Hand. 2022. This simple gesture holding dearly to a little gift pumpkin was one of the most memorable images.
A trip east to see my precious twin grandsons brought many magical moments.
The flight over America is familiar, but different every time. The flight started with a way too close take off right next to another jet.
Too Close for Comfort. SFO. 2022.
I love to wander Washington DC, as usual, this trip brought many visual experiences, including visits to Smithsonian Museums. The Castle brought such old world motifs to the day, while the Museum of Natural History and the Air and Space Museum were plunges into modern exhibition experiences.
From The Castle. Smithsonian. Washington DC. 2022.
Apollo 11 Command Module Columbia in new display. Air and Space Museum.
Mind Blowing from Afar
These may not be mine, but I am blown away by them.
Our last flight to the moon, Apollo 17 was 50 years ago this week. One of the more famous photographs from the lunar surface was made 50 years ago today (December 13, 2022) made by Astronaut Eugene Cernan who took these photographs of astronaut/geologist Harrison Schmitt working next to a large boulder and the Lunar Rover. From Wiki: The third moonwalk, the last of the Apollo program, began at 5:25 p.m. EST on December 13. Cernan and Schmitt rode the rover northeast of the landing site, exploring the base of the North Massif and the Sculptured Hills. Stopping at station 6, they examined a house-sized split boulder dubbed Tracy's Rock (or Split Rock).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollo_17#Lunar_landing
https://www.nasa.gov/feature/50-years-ago-apollo-17-lands-at-taurus-littrow
Artemis/Orion at apogee of Lunar Orbit (268,563 miles) with Moon and Earth. November 28, 2022. NASA.
Recently at Stephen Johnson Photography
On the Cliffs
Wavy Sun-Rainbow. Pacifica, CA. 2022.
Mars slipping behind the Moon on December 7th. Mars at 51 million miles, Moon at about 250,000 miles. Mars: 4,222 miles in diameter, Moon: 2159 miles. The International Space Station flew above us just minutes before, arcing across the western sky. A meteor streaked down just below it while we were watching. Quite a space evening. Canon R5 RF800mm lens.
Parking Violation. Pacifica, CA. 2022.
Collector Framed Prints Available
Trees, Fitzgerald Reserve. 1994.
Trees, Fitzgerald Reserve. 1994. 40x50 inch pigment inkjet print in 53x62 inch maple frame. Original price $5900. Make offer.
Framed Prints Available
Steve with 50 inch Fitzgerald Reserve print in his Gallery. 2018.
A collector is downsizing and is trading in a few very large framed prints for smaller versions. This means I suddenly have an inventory of a few very custom prints available for sale. The prints are all framed in beautiful solid maple with a sturdy back brace constructed by San Francisco Art Framing Services.
Alluvial Sweep. Haleakala National Park.. 1996
Alluvial Sweep. Haleakala National Park. 1996. From With a New Eye: The Digital National Parks Project. 27x34 inch pigment inkjet print in 39x47 inch frame. Original price $4200. Make offer.
Drying Staghorn Fern. 2013. From the Life Form Project.
Drying Staghorn Fern. 2013. From the Life Form Project. 27x34 inch pigment inkjet print in 39x47 inch frame. Original price $4200. Make offer.
Virtual Educational Experiences
Steve in his Life Form Gallery. April 2021.
Virtual Classes and Lectures have now become a regular part of my workshop program. Critiques are now virtual. In fact, as you might imagine, most all teaching is virtual at the moment. To flush that out, here is a list of the virtual educational opportunities we are offering.
Virtual Classes and Lectures. A series of new online live classes on various topics with limited space and Q&A sessions.
From Raw to Photoshop Image Editing February 25, 2023.
Photo Chats
I’ve been doing weekly virtual Photo Chats with groups of photo friends to keep everyone encouraged to keep working, creates 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)
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.
Although the gallery is not open to regular visits with the corona virus regulations, limited visitation can be arranged by appointment.
Come see the shows when you can. Space and awesome life! A dive into cosmic extremes.
The 50 Years of Space Photography Gallery with the five extra Apollo 11 prints.
Class Visits
Post-virus, we will again welcome teachers to bring their classes by, from kids to college students. The kid’s reactions have been inspiring to me, both for the space exhibition and Life Form.
In front of the Apollo 14 Panoramic, 3rd. Graders from Ocean Shore School in Pacifica visiting the Space Exhibit. 2019. Photo by Sheila Gamble.
Links to custom reproductions Steve has created because of his love of the work, with the skills to make beautiful copies, and to let more people enjoy these beautiful photographs and maps.
Life Form Exhibition
Life Form opened in the Main Gallery at Stephen Johnson Photography in July 2018. The show has been extended into 2021. We have had many visitors come by the gallery since the opening. Many have then joined workshops and certainly helped build community. Please come see the show, by appointment (masked), or after the virus. Pass the word.
Seeking Good Venues for Life Form
We are seeking good venues to show the Life Form Series. The series is now available for museum and gallery exhibition.
Life Form Announcement. 2018
Don't forget to Check out our next workshops
Next Field Workshop
Next Virtual Seminar
The Studio, Scholarships, Mentoring and Tutorials
As part of our ongoing commitment to photographic education, there is one student scholarship spot in many of our classes. Please pass the word along.
For discounted time studying with Steve, keep in mind our 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. We want to remind you of our Virtual Online Consulting Program. This service allows all of you out there around the globe to consult online live with Steve on technical, aesthetic and workflow issues using Skype and your webcam.
Our Essays and Tutorials from the past couple of years can now be found on our Newsletter Archive and some on my neglected Blog.
We hope you can come by the gallery after the virus 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. We invite you to join us on a workshop, rent lab space, or just say hello and let us know what you are up to photographically and what you might like to see us offer. We 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, I am starting a Print Mentoring Program that 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 $475
Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM Lens $425
Canon RF 600mm f/11 IS STM Lens $625
Gift Certificates Available for Prints and Workshops!
New Space Photography Products
Apollo 11 Collectors Portfolio examples.
Apollo 11 Collectors Portfolio
A suite of photographs from Apollo 11 including twelve pigment inkjet prints on letter-sized paper selected, edited and printed by photographer Stephen Johnson, in a portfolio box. The set includes a Mission Summary book, original US Postal Stamp commemorating the Mission, the Mission patch and a schematic of the Lunar Module. $250
50 Years of Space Photography Exhibition Catalog
The Exhibtion catalog featuring photograhs from Planetary probes, the Hublle Space Telescope, Lunar explorations, the Apollo program and Space Shuttle/Space Station images. Includes an exploration of the imaging technologies emplyed by the spacecraft.
68 pages, 8.5x11 inches
Other Worldly Exhibition Catalog.
Apollo 11 Photography Book
A 96 page 8.5x11 inch collection of Apollo 11 photographs from launch to recovery including contact sheets for every surface Hasselblad photograph.
It’s the collection I wish I could have bought, so I made it.
-96 pages
-7 sections, Lunar Photo Equipment, Preparation, On the Way, Lunar Orbit, Tranquility Base, Heading Home, Relics
-Film Magazine proofs
Life Form Folio
The Life Form Folio
When we 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 wire bound book, 5 years of work from 2013 to 2018 exploring these magnificent lives.
Photographs from 2013-2018
36 pages
11x17 wire-bound book
$40
Exquisite Earth Exhibition Catalog
page 13
Page 41
The Exquisite Earth Exhibition Catalog
As I've been on a roll on fixing bodies of work into POD books, I decided before the Exquisite Earth show could come down for new upcoming show, I wanted to create a printed record. So, now available is the 56 page 11x17 wire bound book, 5 years of work from 2005 to 2010 traveling this wondrous planet.
Photographs from 2005-2010
56 pages
11x17 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. Include a trail map.
74 pages
11x17 wire-bound book for full lay-flat opening and enjoyment
Pacifica Trail Map
32 years in Pacifica
10 years of calendars
$50
Pacifica Trail Map by Pease Maps special to the Pacifica Land Trust.
11" x 17" folded
$10 (free shipping) proceeds go the Pacifica Land Trust a non-profit 501c3.
Gift Certificates for Prints and Workshops!
Emailed or shipped with beautiful gift note card.
Life Form Note cards
5x7 inches (sold-out, on backorder)
$25
12 image Note card set with envelopes featuring photographs from Steve's new Life Form work.
Printed by Steve in his studio in very limited numbers on a color laser digital press
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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.