Steve Johnson began his love for photos during the 1980's. Being drawn to different aspects of the world and the natural beauty they presented, Johnson spent his time taking photographs and providing viewers a unique and introspective perspective look into the world from a lens.
"I had taken photographs for awhile before falling out of it," says Johnson. "My wife and I had galleries from the UK to the Middle east and even close by in Miller Beach."
Johnson, originally a UK native moved to the United States after meeting his future wife through an online art forum in 1999. After spending a long period of time speaking to her, Johnson finally had the opportunity to visit the United States and meet her in person where soon afterwards they got married and moved to Miller Beach before finally making a move to the Valparaiso area.
"My wife worked at Valparaiso University so Valparaiso was a familiar area to her," says Johnson, "We moved here 10 years ago and it's a fantastic place to live, it's incredible what they have done to keep making the city a better place to live."
It was during this time that Johnson had begun painting on the side, fostering a growing interest that would eventually overtake his main outlet of photography, but only briefly. As the rise of popularity with digital photography presented him with the opportunity to discover his initial passion and fall in love again.
"The whole process of digital photography was attractive to me," says Johnson. "The cost was low, there was no need for a dark room and it was a more accessible and enjoyable experience than before."
Johnson spent the remainder of his time developing his skills in digital photography while also teaching visual arts classes at Gary Artworks. This time gained him more attention from the photography community both locally and abroad, eventually drawing the attention photography publishers Rocky Nook, who approached Johnson to help assemble an education book for photographers.
"I found I had lots of followers on my social media networks which eventually led them to find me," says Johnson. "They asked me to put in a proposal to make a book for beginner to medium level photographers."
The Minimalist Photographer by Steve Johnson was completed within 15 months and went on to be sold in a variety of formats and provided a guide for new photographers to discover the essentials and develop a love for the craft just as Johnson had years prior.
For Johnson, photography or more specifically art has been a craft that has taken him across the world, functioned as a love, job and way to find love. As with any evolving craft, his days as an artist are far from over and still carry the same ambition and adventurous spirit as his first entry into the arts.
"I want to get back to working on the side along with what I am currently doing," says Johnson. "I want to set up more of a general photographer as well as building my portfolio. I enjoy working freelance."
As for his stay within the Valparaiso community, Johnson sees himself remaining a permanent resident for the time being. Despite his native home being miles away, Valpo is home.
"It's interesting, but after spending so much time here it's the small differences that get to you," says Johnson. There are these tiny things that still get me even 14 years later, but it's the people here that have made the transition and living experience a pleasant and easy one."
To see more of Steve's work, please visit his website www.stephenanthonyphotography.com.