Abigail Johnston
Abigail Johnston
Photographer
Vermont / New York, NY / Boston, MA
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I work to document compelling stories through photography for creative individuals, brands and companies.”
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I’ve always been captivated by stories and photography was a wonderful way to stay curious in an artful way. I studied studio art and community development in college focusing on urban development through photography. I graduated and worked in the wedding industry while grabbing at any opportunity to step into the editorial world and here I am, still working to grow my editorial client list but absolutely loving it all.
How do you stand out in your field?
I have a curious and innovative perspective to the work I’m doing. I stay true to who I am by sticking to my unique style while still putting people first. I really try to give value to anyone I’m working with, we all come with a unique story and getting ahead by doing the most is never worth sacrificing authenticity. So, I always try to remember to look people in the eye and take a breath, it always produces the most soulful story and keeps us all soft.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
I’ve been working with some local mixed-media Vermont artists to photograph their studios and tell their stories on my website.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
Aesthetically, I’d say my style is one that seeks to draw out the deep colors, sharp light and high contrast. I am drawn to clean lines, dramatic light and visual stories that make you want to ask more questions.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
I’d love to focus on travel stories and stories of female small business owners.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
I feel sometimes a bit paralized coming from the wedding industry where people are always getting married and marketing is a bit more emotional. In the editorial world, marketing oneself is a bit more tricky and yes, I’d probably say frustration.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
I actually really enjoy emails and the admin side of work, so I think this is a bit more unrealistic but I’d probably say I’d hire a project manager to tell me what I needed to do, help me think through new projects and kick me into gear.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
Be patient. I’d go back in time to tell myself that last week and the same thing five years ago, be patient. Keep at it, stay consistent and be patient.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
Lighting! I’m always seeking to learn more about studio work and it just all fascinates me.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
I’m interested in working with brands interested in a creative perspective on lifestyle photography. This could include portraits, travel photography, highlighting stories, and studio photography.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
An example of a dream client/job/collaboration: In the spring of 2019, out of the blue a magazine I had 0 contacts with reached out about a job they had for me. Two weeks later I was flying out to New Mexico to conduct a travel story all on my own. I mean, completely solo. I was in charge of contacting the list of around 20 hotels, stores, restaurants, locations and executing the shoot in 3 days. It was a dream trip because apart from traveling to New Mexico and meeting some of the coolest people, the client fully trusted me to execute, represent their brand with integrity and produce beautiful images in a timely manner. Also they respected my work and time by fully paying my daily rate and travel and communicating clearly with me throughout the whole process. But, my dream is to work with Garden and Gun Magazine. I’ve loved them ever since I was a little girl living in Charlotte, NC.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
Email, for sure. As much as I love a good DM slide in, I lose track of DM’s and emails help me distinguish between the fun and the serious biz. I wouldn’t want you to get lost in the multitude of meme sharing going on in my DMs.
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Sitting outside, nostalgic music, and writing.
This member profile was originally published in August 2020.