Photographer Sherri Johnson

est Los Angeles 2008

I am a Los Angeles photographer specializing in portrait photography, wedding photography, event photography, and real estate photography. Over the past decade, I have photographed 220+ weddings and 4000+ properties in the Southern California area.

Similar to other lifelong photographers, I was given an old film camera in high school and I learned how to develop my own black and white pictures in a dark room. What happened next in my story is very different from everyone else, but I'm sure you will still find we have some things in common.

At the young age of 17, my first job was working at a children's portrait studio in the mall. I quickly learned about posing, how to get kids to smile without saying "cheese," and how to win national awards like the best children's portrait for ages 1-3. While attending Northern Illinois University, I photographed assignments for my school's newspaper. A press pass allowed me to skip long lines and get the best seat in the house. It was an incredible feeling to do something fun and getting paid at the same time (it still holds true to this day). After a year of horseback riding, art classes, and teaching English in China for a summer, I graduated with honors and Bachelor's degree.

After college, I started working as a full-time photo retoucher for a real estate marketing company. I've always love seeing all of the nicely styled homes and dreaming of what it would be like to live there (still do). On the weekends, I photographed Chicago's nightlife and was soon recruited to photograph weddings.

Fun facts: Amy Schumer, Kim Kardashian, and Meghan Markle are all about the same age as me. I am also a Scorpio but not the jealous kind.

Height: 5'10"

Ethnicity: Half Korean & Half American mix (I've been told mostly English & Irish).

If I wasn't a lifelong shutterbug, I'd consider a career as a matchmaker, hair stylist, interior designer, or architect. Actually, if you're single and would like some help with your online dating profile pictures, contact me today! I can help get you better pictures, to get you more clicks, and a greater chance of meeting someone special.

The letter "J" in my business name could represent my middle name "Jane" or last name "Johnson". I wanted to keep the option open in case I ever got married and changed my name... which actually did happen, but we're back at Johnson again. Even though I like the name Sherri Jane, most people just call me Sherri... like the fortified wine, but spelled with an "i" not a "y." If you contact me and call me Sherri Jane, I'll know you read this part of my story and you will receive a prize.

My logo includes 3 colors I associate with California weddings. Blush is one of the most popular colors for wedding flowers. Lime green reminds me of the lush landscape in the spring time. Brown is for nature and represents the outdoors. I also think hummingbirds are super cool creatures. Did you know hummingbirds are the smallest bird, they're the only bird that can fly backwards, and a flock of hummingbirds can be referred to as a bouquet? (facts)

In my rare free time I enjoy hiking, baking, and traveling. This past year, I've visited New Orleans, Monterey, Houston, Oklahoma, Mammoth, and Chicago. You can check out my BLOG to view some of my personal adventures.

Above on the left is a recent picture of me before a marriage proposal at Venice Beach pier. I'm trying to blend in with my long 70-200mm 2.8L lens.On my "What's in the Bag?" webpage, you will find a more extensive list about my cameras, lenses, lighting, and accessories. The picture on the right is a scan of the oldest picture of me working as a photographer at the mall. You may notice in a lot of my group selfies, I am usually at the end. That is because, I pose everyone and jump in last.

Accomplishments

Associate Photographer for ZenHouse Collective 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020

FAA Certified Drone Pilot 2019, 2020

Official photographer Sony's Destination Playstation

• Costa Rica 2011
• Cabo 2013, 2014
• Santa Monica 2013
• Arizona 2014

Wedding & Portrait Photographer International 2011, 2012, 2013, 2017

Associate Photographer for The Long Beach Museum of Art 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020

Associate Photographer for Orange County Beach Weddings 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017

Partnership with David's Bridal 2015

Best of The Knot 2011, 2012, 2013

Bride’s Choice Award Wedding Wire 2012

Click HERE to view a more comprehensive list of Publications and Clients I've had the privilege of working with.

Favorite Books

1. Portraits by Mario Testino, a beautiful photo book of celebrities. I used to rip the pages out and hang them on my walls. My style of photography is greatly inspired by his work with vibrant colors and a strong connection to subjects.
   
2. The Four Agreements. I love the concept of "Be impeccable with your word. Don't take anything personally. Don't make assumptions. Always do your best."
3. Things I Wish My Mother Told Me: A Guide to Living with Impeccable Grace and Style by Lucia van der Post. She has some great tips on domestic life, like places to visit while traveling in Europe, how to decorate your home, what to pack for a picnic, what to splurge on, what to be frugal about, etc.
4. Everything Dan Brown, he is the author of The DaVinci Code, Angels & Demons, Deception Point, Digital Fortress, etc.
5. The Mysteries of Harris Burdick, by Chris Van Allsburg. It's a children's book with curious illustrations and very little text. Readers are encouraged to come up with their own stories using their imagination. Chris Van Allsburg is also the creator or Polar Express (my nephew Lucas' favorite movie), Jumanji, and Zathura.

Currently Reading: I Think You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb

Favorite TV Shows

1. Six Feet Under
2. Man Seeking Woman
3. Black Mirror
4. Schitt's Creek
5. Judge Judy
6. Shark Tank

Favorite Movies

1. Pulp Fiction
2. Titanic
3. Family Man
4. What Dreams May Come
5. You've Got Mail
6. Big Lebowski
7. Minority Report
8. Wall-E

Favorite Games

1. Spades
2. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
3. Candy Crush, level 1030s
4. Neopets, since college
5. Super Mario Brothers 3

• Sherri J
• Selfies
• What's in the Bag?
• Publications
• Reviews