“The Morning Ritual All Day Long”

How many truly memorable still life photographs have you seen that both tell a story and inspire you to deeper thoughts about your own identity?

My goal as a still life photographer is to take pictures that inspire people to tune in to their own beauty, which will in turn give them a greater understanding of their dharma (the Sanskrit term for “life’s purpose”) and compel them to love who they actually are.

“The Morning Ritual All Day Long”
It was almost 5 a.m. when the bells started ringing. I was in one of the most intense places on the planet… Varanasi, India, aka Benares, or Kashi. The temperature was hot, around 85 degrees Fahrenheit, only to rise to over 100 degrees by 9 a.m. This morning—like every morning for thousands of years—the prayers had begun on the banks of the river Ganges. The jet lag and excitement of this journey I was on was an apparent contributor to the morning haze I was experiencing. I stood up, threw on my camera bag, and then headed towards the river just about 500 feet from my door. As I made my way to the chai stand I would bear witness to the discarded souls of this neighborhood and street vendors making their way to the opening of a new day. I found my place in line for what was the best cup of chai I had yet to drink in all of my travels thus far.

A pile of loosely formed bricks with a metal grate held the fire that heated this delicious indulgence. I could hardly wait for my cup. The chai wallah (or barista, very loosely translated) spoke to me with a huge grin—“Namaste, sir!” and handed me my cup. My fingers gripped the clay cup with excitement. I remember thinking how great and “green” this was: to have a cup made of the earth that would be given back to the earth when I was finished with it.

I sat down on the steps leading into the river and meditated inside the sunrise, hardly believing how beautiful it was. I had never seen colors like this. Then my skepticism kicked in and I thought maybe it was the pollution painting this scene with colors so subtle, yet vibrant and inlaid with a silvery tone. I must have died because I am in heaven. I thought. There isn’t another thing I will ever need as long as I live on this planet. This is perfection! and I sipped my tea until it was gone and I was rooted deeply into myself. I would have one more refill before I left that spot and paid the wallah with a few rupees and a smile.

This is one of many experiences that have enamored me with contentment over a cup of tea though out my life. I am looking forward to enjoying a nice cup of this experience together in the studio! See you soon…

In all conscience,
Derek

“Rive Gauche” Fall 2014

BONNIE ROBBINS - MICHELE WATCHES

“Rive Gauche”—which translates to “Left Bank” —is a style trend that has resurfaced over the years and holds a timeless place in every season. The inspiration for the trend comes from a neighborhood in Paris, France, next to the Seine River. The Left Bank inhabitants were historically eclectic, bohemian artisans that attracted some of the trends from the Right Bank, which had a more of a 5th Avenue, uptown-feel style. Yves St. Laurent first introduced the Rive Gauche aesthetic with his design of ready-to-wear masculine suits for women. In his own words: “Chanel freed women, and I empowered them.”
In my life I have literally experienced this aesthetic and currently live it today in the USA. I am rooted in the aesthetic of Rive Gauche with a modern twist. Coming from Detroit, I mentored many fine artists and eventually found myself becoming one. After art school I moved to New York and began my apprenticeship with Pace MacGill gallery and lived in an artist-run neighborhood called “DUMBO,” in an industrial area of Brooklyn located down beneath the Manhattan and Brooklyn overpasses. It was not uncommon there to peer out my window and see someone painting in the loft across the street or go to a studio party with new models and other personalities working their way into the art/fashion industry. And I loved a good party! New York was a place I was inspired to always look my best when I left the house. Immersed in this scene, how could I not find myself following some seasonal trends and of course taking trips to Paris to experience firsthand the old-world life of the artist? I recall staying at a friend’s house near Gare du Nord, which was a short jaunt from the Left Bank. The streets were lined with fashion boutiques, cafés and studios. I was in awe. I felt as if I had come home. It was here that I understood what the inspiration was behind all the things I was living back home in the USA. Photography was invented in France, and the creation of art was considered an important and legitimate job in Europe.  And of course the creation/collision of fashion in the bohemian neighborhood of Rive Gauche is what I had been embracing all those years.

INSTAGRAM ME! #DJPCONTEST DEADLINE OCT. 1ST

Hey Gang!

In my career, I have had the opportunity to critique many photographs from all over the world in photo festivals and classroom environments. I am excited to announce my first ever Instagram photo contest. Nothing makes me happier than looking at images and sharing them. The social platform has perfected this ability for all of us and hosting a contest is my way of diving in head first. I am one of three judges and the other judges will be announced in September.

The theme “Show me Your Stuff” is about still life photography that tells your story. Images of things you own like jewelry, childhood keepsakes, mementos, good luck charms or even your favorite coffee mug can tell a story when placed in an environment you are known to dwell in like your vanity, kitchen, front porch or maybe even your favorite tea shop. Take some time to find a few things that are all about you and capture them in a good light with fun compositions. The judges will be looking for an artistically composed image that tell a story about you.

HOW TO ENTER:
    •    Put away your wallet because there is no entrance fee
    •    Sign up for an Instagram account on your smart phone or tablet
    •    Follow me @derekjohnsonphotos
    •    Take pictures to “Show Me Your Stuff”
    •    Remember to be creative, pick good subjects and content to the photograph, then post as many images as you want
    •    Tag all the pictures with #djpcontest to be entered into the contest
    •    Check this link on October 15th for the winner http://instagr.am/tags/djpcontest/feed/recent.rss

CONTEST PRIZES:
    •    1st place - $100 cash
    •    2nd place - fun t-shirt plus additional art print from Derek’s Etsy Store
    •    3rd place - O-nama Tea’s fine tea sampler with teapot and cups for 2 plus art print from Derek’s Etsy Store
    •    4th place - O-nama Tea’s tea samples

***WARNING: if we are not friends on Instagram or your account is set as Priviate, I will not be able to see your pictures. SO you will have to email them to me or link to me so i can review your images in order to enter you in the contest. Make sure you find me and follow me @derekjohnsonphoto!

Happy shooting!! :)
Derek

REALIZE SUCCESS!

Over 20 years ago I had the idea that I could just move to New York City and become a fashion photographer. I had been working really hard assisting Detroit car photographers and learning my craft, but I didn't really want to shoot cars. So off to NYC I went and soon found myself shooting fashion products using my old Kodak 4x5 land camera and my table lamp for a light source. I was really pushing the envelope with no lighting equipment and cheap product. As least I thought I was—until I met Lucille Buckalter.

While prop shopping for a shoot, I ended up at 127 West 26th Street at one of the best secondhand stores in the city. “Lucille’s Antique Emporium” was a score! But the true treasure there for me was Lucille herself. I remember the first day I set foot in there. I greeted this fairly intense, yet humbly kind woman. She could read people, and fast. As we greeted, she was blurting out directions to her helpers, who were scurrying around the shop. I asked her for help finding some nice accessories to shoot. She immediately knew what to grab. I began sourcing many of my props from her shop over the next few months.
 
On one of my last visits there, I remember going in feeling frustrated that I had not landed my big assignment yet, and I was working so hard to create an amazing portfolio. Lucille knew what was up. She looked right into my eyes/heart and said, “Don’t worry, kid. One day you will have 6 people or more working under you.“ She knew the struggle and the sacrifices I was making (she was a friend of Robert Mapplethorpe, who also used to shop there). It helped so much to be understood. My perseverance became boundless after that, and still is to this day.

Let’s fast-forward about 20 years. I just finished my biggest assignment to date with a really awesome client. Yes, fashion products. Artful and joyous images, and guess what—there were 6 people working with me. Wow! What a wonderful realization. We were all there doing what we loved and really enjoyed our time together. I didn't get here by myself. Thanks to my friends and family for all their support. And a big Thank You to you, Lucille! I know you’ve since moved on to your next journey in life. I am forever grateful.

I'd love to hear from you-- your feedback, and your success story, too.

In all conscience,

Derek

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Luxury is...making people feel like they are shining from the inside. In my photographs, whether they depict individuals or objects, I try to capture a certain shimmer or glow--one that evokes in viewers a spark, a feeling of connection with the images they see. I enjoy sharing the unexpected connections I discover in my photography: the juxtaposition of classic and modern, beauty and purpose, form and function. Exploring these connections, and taking photography to a deeper level, is my reality---and a perfect reason to work with me.

I am excited to share with you a major update to my portfolio. It has been a wonderful year so far. The layout above is an alternate version of my spread in Nordstrom's March 2014 catalog. Keep an eye out for the September book to see more great work from me.

I'd love to keep you up to date. Please sign up for my newsletter! I look forward to seeing you on a shoot soon!!