Journey Through the Lens: The World of Shirley Johnson Photography

In the heart of Perth, a city known for its stunning landscapes, Shirley Johnson embarked on a journey to capture the world through her lens. What began as a passion project has blossomed into Shirley Johnson Photography, where she specialises in fine art landscapes that showcase the breathtaking beauty of Western Australia and beyond.

Shirley's love for photography was ignited by her fascination with light, textures, and patterns. These elements became the foundation of her unique style, pushing her to explore new boundaries and create images that tell a story. Her work is not just about capturing a moment; it's about evoking a feeling, a sense of wonder that invites viewers to see the world as she does.

We sat down with Shirley to discuss her journey, and what customers can expect at Perth Upmarket.

Crafting Stunning Imagery

Armed with a Nikon camera and a Mavic drone, Shirley set out to capture the raw beauty of her surroundings. But as her skills evolved, so did her equipment. Today, she uses a Sony mirrorless camera, a testament to her commitment to excellence. Every photograph is printed on fine art Ilford paper or high-quality canvas, chosen carefully to enhance the image's impact. With the ability to print up to 1.5 metres wide, her artwork transforms spaces, making bold statements that resonate with viewers.

Each piece is a labour of love, reflecting her deep connection to the land she photographs.

Celebrating Success

Shirley's dedication has not gone unnoticed. Her talent and hard work have earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious title of Australian Photographer of the Year in the 360 Degrees Photo Awards 2022.

In 2023, she was among the Top 20 in the Australian Photographer of the Year for Aerial and Single Shot categories. Her images have graced exhibitions at Central Park and garnered recognition from Pro Photography WA, where she won the People's Choice Awards in 2022. Most recently, she received two Highly Commended Awards in the 2024 Australian Landscape Awards.

These achievements are milestones on Shirley's journey, each one a testament to her growth as an artist and her unwavering passion for photography.

Balancing Passion with Reality

For now, Shirley Johnson Photography remains a side project, but it's one that brings immense joy and fulfilment. Weekends and holidays are spent exploring new landscapes, often with friends who share her love for camping and the great outdoors. These adventures are not just opportunities to capture stunning images but also to connect with nature and recharge her creative spirit.

Shirley's ultimate dream is to turn her passion into a full-time career. She envisions a life where she can travel across Australia, camera in hand, capturing the diverse beauty of the continent and sharing it with others. It's a dream she's working tirelessly to achieve, driven by her love for photography and the desire to inspire others through her work.

Overcoming Challenges

Every small business faces its challenges, and for Shirley, standing out in a crowded market is one of the biggest. Australia is home to many talented photographers, and gaining recognition requires not just skill but also time and effort in promotion.

Balancing her photography with the demands of daily life can be tough, but Shirley's passion keeps her pushing forward, determined to make her mark.

A Vision for the Future

Shirley's goals are clear: to retire from her current job and devote herself entirely to photography. She dreams of travelling more extensively, capturing the diverse landscapes of Australia, and bringing her unique vision to a wider audience. It's a future she's excited about, and one that she is steadily working towards.

Say Hello at Perth Upmarket

Shirley is thrilled to announce her presence at the upcoming Perth Upmarket on Sunday, June 16th, 2024, at UWA from 10 am to 4 pm. This is a fantastic opportunity to view her stunning work in person, to experience the beauty of her landscapes firsthand.

For those who can't make it, Shirley is offering a special promotion: enjoy 15% off any print when you order from her website using the promo code SJP_Upmarket, valid until June 23rd, 2024.

Learn More

To learn more about Shirley Johnson Photography and to explore her portfolio, visit her website.

You can follow the Shirley on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated on her journey as she captures the beauty of Western Australia and beyond, one breathtaking image at a time.