Nina Johnson: Photography

Recent work, projects, and other photos by ninaleejohnson.com

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The beginning of the collegiate school year is such a special time: the mix of ceremony and celebration. The welcoming of new students to campuses via official speeches and student activities. And I get to witness it all, capturing it for your future memories and stories you’ll tell each other. It’s an honor to be there for you.

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Summer went by in the blink of an eye this year. A few flower photos that I did as a favor for a friend.

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A few images from a recent senior portrait session. My first (but definitely not last) equine photo session!

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2017 was a year of celebrations. I celebrated with employees of Learning.com at their annual employee appreciation party and I celebrated with a little cat who was enjoying her new custom made banquette by Paul Johnson Carpentry. From celebrating another year with a little brother to celebrating 125 years of the Portland Art Museum. From a surprise wedding on Mt Tabor to a heartfelt celebration remembering the music and friendship of Elliott Smith. Private birthdays and giant bacchanals. Front row photos and backstage access. I was privileged and honored to be there for all of it, and I have you all to thank for such a wonderful year of images. I look forward to seeing for you again in 2018.

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2017 was a year filled with art. Dance and comedy. Music and Viewmasters. Tango and Vogue. I was there to capture the moment so the artists could share with others who couldn’t be there to see it in person. I strive to make my work invisible so that all you see is the performer or the artist, as if you were in the room, in that decisive moment. 

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2017 was a year of educational excellence. Reedies teaching science to local elementary school kids. Lewis & Clark Pioneers helping new students move into their dorm rooms. PSU CUPA graduates bringing an entire room to tears with their passion for change & possibilities. University of Oregon Wayne Morse Scholars visiting the Capitol in Salem and meeting with Gov. Brown and Attorney General Rosenblum. Meeting these young adults, talking with them about their hopes and fears, hearing the determination in their voices to make this world a better place, has kept my spirits buoyed through this year. I got to photograph so many of these intelligent, compassionate, empathetic and ethical young people, and I hope I get to photograph them all again as they put their marks on this world.

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2017 was year full of giving. I worked with numerous non-profits throughout Portland to capture their events and show the generous spirit of our community. Amazing performances at the annual Ethos gala and PHAME gala. Homeowners opening their doors for the Architectural Heritage Center’s home tours. Artists donating their skills at the Portland Art Museum’s annual Monster Drawing Rally. Environmentalists & fly-fishers coming together to support the vital work of Water Watch of Oregon. Patagonia donating their space to a benefit for Wild Aid and the Misool Eco Resort. Terramai opening their space for home-grown Business for a Better Portland (BBPDX)’s event to brainstorm solutions for the Portland housing crisis. Oregon Walks giving out their annual Weston Awards to Oregonians who have gone above and beyond to work towards Vision Zero and pedestrian safety. At every one of these events, and so many more not pictured here, I was continually inspired by the enthusiasm and support of each and every supporter that took the time to come out and open their checkbooks to help fill the need gap that exists. Thank you to each one of you!

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2017 was full of music. I photographed rock concerts, world-class tango performances, piano recitals, jazz musicians clowning around, and promo shots for local bands. From children just beginning their musical journey to master musicians who travel all over the world to play, I got to meet these fellow artists and craft the visuals needed for them convey the experience of listening to the music they play with such joy.

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Summer 2017 has been very exciting and busy for me. Here’s a sneak peek at a handful of the exciting moments I’ve captured for my clients since June. I can’t wait to show you more!

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A meeting of some of the most boundary pushing people who are quietly working to advance their fields, as well as coming together to find solutions to issues that plague our society. Here’s to creative thinking, intelligence, and collaboration!

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There are art shows and there are art shows. The Portland Art Museum’s show of John Yeon’s work is one of the most surprising and inspiring shows I’ve seen in quite a while. The scope of the work, the various ways of taking the viewer through the creative process and then immersing you in the finished product is so stimulating. Hats off to the numerous architectural firms, agencies, creatives, and curators that had the vision and tenacity to bring about this show that celebrates one of our hometown heroes.

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Spring in Oregon means a lot of greens. Today’s photoshoot was part of a series of behind-the-scenes looks at the work of fine art photographer Leslie Hickey. Collaborating with other artists, like this, is one of my favorite ways to photograph people because it helps me see familiar places through a new lens. Visiting the Columbia Gorge with another photographer, especially in the springtime, was a real treat and led me to notice shapes and patterns that I hadn’t seen before. 

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I spent the day at Reed College photographing current students so they would have professional looking headshots, in order to start networking within their desired fields. Getting to talk to these bright young people, learning about the fields they are studying and the jobs they are excited about entering into, was truly an inspiration and delight. I’m looking forward to seeing these folks at alumni events throughout the years and finding out what they’ve been up to!

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 These are some quick picks from a recent session with The Craftsmen, a Portland band that sings primarily covers of obscure 60s soul & R&B. This was one of my favorite photo sessions, possibly ever. All of the band members were fully on board with the proposed images, which were designed to capture the feel of old album covers and posed publicity shots for fan magazines. In order to keep costs down, the band members were in charge of their own outfits, hair and make-up. I think they nailed it completely. And the band’s enthusiasm for the session came through in the final photos. 

Can’t wait for my next chance to work with The Craftsmen!

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Saturday night, I had the pleasure of photographing Jad Abumrad, known for Radiolab podcast, at Reed College. He was a delight, both charming and serious on stage, and engaging and sincere while talking to students at the reception. One of those people who is even nicer in real life than you imagine. Thanks to the Gray Fund for sponsoring this event and giving me the opportunity to share in the fun!

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A packed house at Holocene made the Ethos Rockband Winter Showcase into quite the party to end 2016. It was also the final performance for one of the bands, which was bittersweet for a number of us. Here’s looking towards a bright future for these talented kids!

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It’s the highest honor as a photographer to be asked to capture special occasions like weddings, birthdays, and coming of age ceremonies. This was one of those special moments. The celebration of a wedding between two amazing people that is now finally recognized by the federal government. This intimate party was full of so many long time friends, so much laughter and love, that it was hard to keep shooting because I was laughing and crying at the same time. 

Congratulations, Jedidiah and Eric, for making honest men out of each other!