KYLE DESEAN JOHNSON

A graphic designer with a knack for taking pictures 

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My assortment of Minolta lenses. I have always loved them. They were affordable for me when I began photography and to this day I still live by them. The design and construction are something to be admired in the vast sea of manual focus lenses.

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CCD sensor magic.

[kyledeseanjohnson]

This is my desk—my studio, really. I once thought about renting a dedicated office space, but dropping a thousand a month on rent and utilities just didn’t appeal to me. Besides, I’d probably have the same square footage if I worked at a design firm. Space isn’t an issue; it’s the vibe that matters. My corner has its own mood, much different from my wife’s neat desk right next to mine. Here, I’m surrounded by books, magazines, vintage lenses, manuals, boxes, paper samples, action figures, lighting gear, an extra pair of socks, and even an air fryer just out of frame. It's convenience within arm's length.

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Spring blossoms from last spring.

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My Mamiya 645 Pro.

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Yellow 1968 Chevy Camaro.

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📷 JOIN US! Our third meetup and photo walk is happening Saturday January 25 at 3pm at Retro Row (4th Street) in Long Beach. We meet at the corner of 4th and Cherry. Digital, Film, Mirrorless or DSLR. All photo enthusiasts are invited! 

[kyledeseanjohnson]

Grainy AF....and I love it! Shot with a Minolta Maxxum 9xi with the 50mm F/1.7 on Fujifilm Superia 400 film.

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Escaping light’s reach. Redondo Beach Pier. 

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Two Boots Pizza, Downtown Los Angeles.

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This past Sunday I had a chance to visit the Long Beach Antique Market. I’ve been dozens of times before but I found yesterday’s trip really impressive. Not because of the the awesome finds that excites us but for the outfits! Everybody and their momma was dressed in their best clothing. I wish that I took portraits but I looked so basic myself and didn’t have the confidence. But next month though…I am definitely going to dress up! I’ll even bring my Mamiya or Bronica camera and ask to take pictures. I’m excited for next month’s excursion. In the meantime here are some images of object that I found interesting for their graphic or industrial design aesthetic.

[kyledeseanjohnson]

A few years ago “wanderlust” was such a big hashtag. I imagine it now to be “normallust”. I haven’t been back to Japan since 2016. My wife and I were settling into our new life and then our daughter was born shortly after. It all happened so fast and before I knew it 2020 came. Two years later the sentiment is like “okay we can travel but do they even want us to come over?” 

#travelthoughts #japan #gettingbacktonormal #takeflight #overseastravel

[kyledeseanjohnson]

Days end.

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Renewance.

[kyledeseanjohnson]

Unless it’s overcast, I’ve decided to stay indoors and only venture outside close to sun down, which happens to be currently around 7:30pm~ish. Outdoor colors are amazing and I can still get contrast shadows. Add in the Southbay breeze and I am in my element. Hmm, I actually do own a Honda Element. But I meant walking.

[kyledeseanjohnson]

My last post for the year is best represented by an image that I shot years ago. Around this time of the year I tend to do a lot of self-reflecting and I concentrate on setting my intentions for the upcoming year. It always revolves around letting go of my ego and being content on where I currently stand in life. 2020 was a hard and horrible year for everyone but with the bad, some good did come. I end this year with a strong sense of purpose and a happy outlook on life. I hope you do the same. My recommendation? Watch Disney Pixar’s ‘Soul’.

[kyledeseanjohnson]

It is greener on the other side.