J Johnson Photography

06/16/2026

Something about Bristlecone Pines and the Milky Way that just seem to go together perfect. Some of these specimens are over 4700 years old. On this trip I was in search of the perfect tree to catch alongside the Milky Way. I had my eyes set on this particular grove of trees that sit at about 11,300 feet elevation and requires driving 13 miles on 4x4 road to get to. At this elevation I was constantly short of breath and battling migraines but the skies were dark and stars were bright so I hung in there. When I came across this tree I knew it was special. I sat there and watched the Milky Way rise perfectly next to it and knew I found my shot.

*This shot was taken back during the Covid pandemic, and I recently found out that shortly after they closed the area to night photography which is unfortunate. The area is closed from Sunset-Sunrise do be advised.

06/15/2026

This is a fun geyser to shoot at night in Yellowstone National Park. This was another location where a Griz was spotted earlier in the day before I went out. It was incredibly dark, a new Moon, and was a decent ways away from the parking lot. Anyone who has wandered around in Griz country at night knows every little sound freaks you out. Just another night shot where I started questioning my decisions 😆

06/10/2026

An old shot from years ago catching the Milky Way rising over some ancient Bristlecone Pines in the White Mountains near Bishop, California.
I love the combination of the Milky Way with these twisted ancient tree's. Some of these trees can live over 4,700 years, making them older than the pyramids. Its definitely worth the stop if your traveling down 395 through the Eastern Sierra. The area is apparently closed now between 10pm-6am and I’m not sure if you can get a permit to shoot at night.

06/08/2026

Sitting at over 2000 feet above the Colorado river in Utah lies Dead Horse Point. Famous for its sweeping canyon views and close resemblance to the Grand Canyon. Next time your visiting Moab, swing up to Dead Horse Point State Park.

06/08/2026

I don’t always do the “Hey look at this print I Just did” posts, but I just got this print finished for a client in Georgia and it turned out beautiful. It's a 24x36 metal print. I always recommend spending just a little more for a metal print over canvas or photo paper; it makes the print really pop. It really is the way I want my images displayed. I don’t say that because I’m a salesman either, haha. I can’t wait to see this displayed in their home.

06/05/2026

Milky Way over Oregon's rugged coastline.

06/05/2026

Tonight you might be able to see the Aurora again. Go out after dark and face North/North East. Although it isn't projected to be as big and we might not see much in Northern California, I always advise to go out anyways.
A few years ago I had an incredible night catching the Aurora Borealis over Crater Lake. The Aurora was so strong that night it caused the sky to glow in a bright maroon hue visible to the naked eye. The white pillars danced across the sky endlessly. I had a nearly half full Moon rising directly behind me illuminating the foreground. I was pretty bummed about the Moon at first, but it actually ended up enhancing the foreground and didn't take too much away from the Aurora.

06/04/2026