Brad & Kate

Stream “Next Year” here:

Apple music

Spotify

Jef + Lexi

Northern Rockies

Ireland - Travel Photography Recap

I don't feel qualified to write anything about photographing Ireland. We were only there for a week and saw such a small portion of it, but alas - here are some photos and some thoughts.

Here's where we stayed along our route:

Dublin

Kinsale

Kenmare (just south of Killarney National Park)

Ventry (near Dingle)

Dublin

-Neal

First of all, you’re gonna need a car.

This is Sharon, she was very kind to us and deserves all of our thanks for helping us learn how to drive on the left side of the road.

Be sure to have a credit card with a huuuuuge limit though - the morning we left for the trip I franticly called our provider and asked if they could change it (totally didn’t work, I ended up having to pay an extra $300 bucks or so for better insurance)

I’ve heard of people taking buses to the bigger tourist spots, but it seems like that is the only viable option for public transit - we didn’t see a single train while we were there, but maybe weren’t looking hard enough.

Sony a7rii | 35mm 2.8 | f11 | 30 sec | ISO 50 | Lee Big Stopper, Circular Polarizing Filter

The Rock of Cashel was first constructed in 1100 and they let you walk around inside (8 Euro entrance fee if I remember correctly). Full of tourist though, even with a 30 second exposure I had to take out some humans with Photoshop.

It’s was not too far off the road we took from Dublin to Cork area (M8 motorway)

Sony a7rii | 55mm 1.8 | f11 | .25 sec | ISO 50 | Lee Circular Polarizing Filter

Killarney National Park is probably a 2-3 day size of park that we did in 1.

There is some good history (Ross Castle), insane gardens, and obviously great views.

This is Torc Waterfall. It was a 5 minute walk up to here, but there’s a loop that you can continue on for anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Sony a7rii | 35mm 2.8 | f10 | 4 | ISO 50 | Lee Circular Polarizing Filter

Sony a7rii | 55mm 1.8 | f11 | 1/80 sec | ISO 50 | Lee Circular Polarizing Filter

The Southern side of the park was full of crazy vistas and a few sheep on the road.

This image is available for print, click here to order.

Sony a7rii | 35mm 2.8 | f11 | 175 sec | ISO 50 | Lee Big Stopper, Circular Polarizing Filter

This is a composite image, one of the water and sky from the frame using the Big Stopper, and the other from one without for the land portions.

I was super excited about this composition and location (Lough Leane, accessed by car park in the Southern portion of the park) but the light just didn’t come through the way that I had hoped

Sony a7rii | 35mm 2.8 | f11 | 1.6 sec | ISO 50 | Lee Circular Polarizing Filter

Dunquin Harbour

This image is available for print, click here to order.

Sony a7rii | 35mm 2.8 | f11 | .8 sec | ISO 50 | Lee Circular Polarizing Filter

This image is available for print here.

Sony a7rii | 400mm 5.6 | f6.3 | 1/80 sec | ISO 200

From Dingle onward the weather was almost entirely rainy and windy, so even though there were a lot of good opportunities for compressed landscapes with the 400mm, they weren’t an option because of shake.

Here’s one of the few that wasn’t blurry near Dingle.

Sony a7rii | 85mm 1.8 | f11 | .4 sec | ISO 50 | Sony Smooth Reflections App

Western Coast of the Dingle Peninsula

Sony a7rii | 55mm 1.8 | f13 | 1/30 sec | ISO 50 | Circular Polarizing Filter

Taken from a beach near Cloghane on the Northern coast, looking South towards Conner Pass.

Sony a7rii | 55mm 1.8 | f11 | .6 sec | ISO 50 | Circular Polarizing Filter

This image was taken from the car at a lookout point on Conner Pass, as the wind was coming up over the crest of the mountain way too fast for a tripod.

Sony a7rii | 85mm 1.8| f4 | 1/125 sec | ISO 50

Dingle Harbour at (misty) sunrise.

This image is available for print, click here to order.

Sony a7rii | 55mm 1.8 | f10 | 1/13 sec | ISO 50 | Lee Circular Polarizing Filter

The Cliffs of Moher are definitely a thing. The road there is tiny and far from straight, and it was almost 10 Euros per person to park (apparently you can make a 2 hour walk and get in free though)

Sadly we missed prime Puffin time.

Moo boye.

I have very few things to say about Dublin.

1. My food related recommendations happen very rarely, so this is a big deal for me to type - Brother Hubbard is somewhere you should consume food into your body. 13/10 recommended.

2. Trinity Library is worth the moneys.

3. I have zero photography recommendations, whoops.

---

Michael + Megan

Celebrating with Megan + Michael allowed us to come back to the place we said "I do!" almost three years ago and it was thee best of days. I could spend a lot of time trying to accurately describe this day, but I don't think there are enough words! Just this morning we ran into this groom's parents, and I tried to explain how much joy I had while editing this day! The beautiful community of family and friends that surrounded these two was an incredible thing to witness. Along with that the tip-of-your-toes kind of joy that consumed Megan + Michael thee entire day was thee absolute best to capture. Plus, these two were ushered into marriage with thee best sunset Iowa has to offer. It was magic. We are so thankful we were able to witness these two become Mr. + Mrs. Bowden- we'll be cheering them on for years to come! 

Moab - Travel Photography Recap

Courtney Susan and I went to Moab with some pals for spring break this year.

I hadn't been to any desert regions of the US since before I was taking photos, so it was cool to get to experience it with a camera this time.

There's 2 National Parks in the Moab area:

1. Arches - Well known and well attended, if you wait too long into the day the entrance line really got big. It was about 30 minutes of driving one way to get to the farthest trailheads or landmark spots. 
2. Canyonlands - Split up into 3 sections with 3 separate entrances, this one sees less than half the traffic of Arches per year but is amazing in a completely different way (and we only were there for a day and just saw the uppermost section called Island in the Sky, the other sections apparently are different kind of landscapes all-together)

Cool. Let's look at some photos.

-Neal

Sony a7rii | 15mm 4.5 | f10 | .5 sec | ISO 50 | Smooth Reflection Sony App

Double Arch. One of the well known arches (pretty much all that we saw were), only a 5 minute walk from the parking lot. It would be a cool location for astrophotographers.

Sony a7rii | 15mm 4.5 | f10 | 1/30 sec | ISO 25

This scene was on the way back from Double Arch. I am bummed I didn't set up and take a proper photo, because it's one of my favorite compositions from the trip but I took it handheld at f/4.5 so the background is a bit out of focus. Life is hard. 

Sony a7rii | 85mm 1.8 | f2.8 | 1/320 sec | ISO 250

Sony a7rii | 35mm 2.8 | f11 | 1/13 sec | ISO 50

Turret Arch, on the other side of the parking lot as Double Arch.

Sony a7rii | 55mm 1.8 | f11 | 8 sec | ISO 50 | Sony Smooth Reflections App

Ta-da, it's sunrise now. In about an hour this rock formation gets lit up by the sun and is the subject of many a photo.

Sony a7rii | 35mm 2.8 | f7.1 | 30 sec | ISO 400 | 5 image stitched panoramic

This is looking the opposite direction than the last photo of turret arch. The rock face at the very left is where you climb up to to get the next image's viewpoint (but you'll most likely have to get lucky or Photoshop out some tourists + photographers who are standing where I am) 

Sony a7rii | 35mm 2.8 | f14 | 1/6 sec | ISO 50 | 5 image stitched panoramic

While I was up here I heard a lady yell at someone on the other side "it's just rocks, like everything else we've seen this week", so that's a thing.

Sony a7rii | 15mm 4.5 | f13 | 1/10 sec | ISO 50 | Composite of 2 images for sky/foreground + humans are Photoshopped out

Be warned that if you are hoping to get this angle at sunset you may get yelled at by angry photographers on the opposite side of the bowl. Also, be warned if you're an angry landscape photographer that it seems like an unhappy way to enjoy a view.

The hike up is not necessarily difficult, but if you are bringing photo gear up know that it isn't the easiest of hikes.

This image is available as a print, click here to order.

Sony a7rii | 400mm 5.6 | f9 | 1/1250 sec | ISO 1000

This area is prime time for telephoto abstract lines and shapes (notice the bikers on the first curve) 

Sony a7rii | 85mm 1.8 | f11 | 1/60 sec | ISO 400

Green River Overlook. This is another super accessible vista, not very far from the entrance of Canyonlands NP. 

Sony a7rii | 55mm 1.8 | f11 | .5 sec | ISO 1000 | 10 image stitched panoramic

This is the biggest pano that I've ever stitched, and the computer hated everything about it.

The storm in the distance was pushing in some crazy strong wind, and the tripod wouldn't stand up very well on it's own so I had to handhold these, resulting in a higher ISO.

This image is available as a print, click here to order.

---

Thanks for reading/looking with your eyeballs! If you enjoyed this format and think it would be helpful for other people wanting to get images in Moab, sharing it on the interwebs and social media is always encouraged.

Austria - Travel Photography Recap

I've been wanting to make more photography-centric blog posts for a while now, specifically when it comes to travel and landscape. The motive is relatively simple: there's some resources for location scouting before a photo trip (Location Scout is an example), and there's waaaaay too many blog posts vying for every tourists ad revenue for just about every place imaginable (which is the majority of sites that come up with a simple search such as "travel photography Salzburg Austria"), but there's not a whole lot of sites that get straight to the point.

So I'm going to try to create blog posts of what I would want to see when researching a place. These are my tentative requirements:

• Nothing too wordy. Not necessarily because humans have lost the ability to read for more than 5 seconds, but more because I'm concerned with the story of the images and how they were shot rather than writing a novel about it.
• A bit technical. I'm going to try to put the camera settings below each image that was thought out and planned. Some images are simply going to make the blog because it pertains to the location or I like it a lot, but that may change in the future.
• Location heavy. When I search a potential location, it's great to come across someone who describes the location in some detail. Is it a 5 minute walk from the car lot or an hour hike in the woods, etc.

-Neal

---

AUSTRIA 2018

The Dean and I went to Austria on a whim in March. Because there was essentially zero planning, we tried to fit in some classic locations but did a lot of wandering around as well. We were there for about 4 days, spending 3 in Salzburg and 1 in Hallstadt.

Sony a7rii | 35mm 2.8 | f11 | 8 sec | ISO 100 | Streetlights composited in to sunset photograph

The Salzach runs right through the Old Town, and there are several pedestrian only bridges that cross. This is looking NW from the Makartseg bridge.

Much thanks to my wonderful mother for hanging out in a grocery store while I was taking this photo in the cold.

This image is available for print, click here to visit our store.

Sony a7rii | 55mm 1.8 | f14 | 1/13 sec | ISO 50 | 5 image stitched panorama

This location is about a 10 minute walk West of the Museum Der Moderne Salzburg. I am a bit bummed because the composition is so great but the trees look sad and the melted snow isn't my favorite, so it's on my list of spots to return to in the fall or snowy times.

Sony a7rii | 35mm 2.8 | f18 | 13 sec | ISO 50 | 5 image stitched panoramic

This is a pretty classic view of Salzburg from Museum Der Moderne Salzburg. You can walk here from the Fortress on a few different trails, or take a lift up the mountain for a few euros.

Sony a7rii | 85mm 1.8 | f13 | 1/25 sec | ISO 50

I used the Sony Smooth Reflections App to smooth out the water in this one. The bridge pictured here is the one I was standing on in the first image.

Sony a7rii | 85mm 1.8 | f10 | 1/320 | ISO 100

This is Hohensalzburg Castle, which is touristy inside but is pretty neat (although overpriced). Photo wise I couldn't find any great compositions, but google images tells me that they are out there...

This was from a lookout spot that seemed pretty popular between the Fortress and the museum.

Sony a7rii | 35mm 2.8 | f9 | 1/100 | ISO 50 | 3 image stitched panoramic

Petersfriedhof Salzburg. Once again, this would be a way more eye-catching composition if it was just after a snowfall.

Sony a7rii | 35mm 2.8 | f2.8 | 1/800 | ISO 50

Inside the Catacombs. It provides some neat photo opportunities looking down at the city, but it is a pretty short adventure for 2 euros.

Sony a7rii | 35mm 2.8 | f10 | .6 sec | ISO 50 | 3 image stitched panoramic

This image is available for print, click here to visit our store.

So I had seen some images of Hallstadt in the past, it's a regular on a lot of Instagram feeds, but we did almost no research before taking a day trip out there from Salzburg. A pertinent piece of information is that developers in China built a replica of the city, so loads of tour buses of site seers (spelling?) go there to see the real thing. It was super touristy, and we were definitely not there during peak time.

It takes 2 trains and a ferry to get there from Salzburg. If you plan on arriving for sunrise, note that the earliest train-ferry combo that could get us there (at least during March) left Salzburg at 4am and put us there right as the sun was rising around 7:30, so during the summer sunrise may not be an option.

This church is obviously the well known location, but taking the Furnicular or hiking up to the scenic view is super cool.

Sony a7rii | 35mm 2.8 | f19 | 1/250 sec | ISO 100 | Smooth Reflections Sony App

Sony a7rii | 55mm 1.8 | f15 | 1/4000 sec | ISO 125

There were loads of burd friends.

Thanks for reading/looking with your eyeballs! If you enjoyed this format and/or think it would be  helpful for other people wanting to get images in Salzburg and Hallstadt, sharing it on the interwebs and social media is always encouraged.

Sam + Katie

1. We are huge fans of Sam & Katie. I’m thankful Neal was able to meet them  & understand why I’m so thankful that our paths crossed back at the good ‘ol LMHS. 

2. They wanted us to re-create their first photo together. One that was randomly snapped in 2010 on a high school choir trip to Disneyworld. So much foreshadowing!!!!

3. They're ridiculously fun & wise & hilarious together. We can’t wait to capture their first day as husband and wife!

-Courtney

Michael + Megan

Iowa Octobers hold a beauty that can't be beat. So running around town on a crisp & golden October night with these two was thee best. 

Megan and Michael are seven months away from being husband and wife and what a joy it was to capture them in a season of sweet anticipation. Their giddiness and thankfulness for one another was easy to capture and so refreshing. They don't take themselves too seriously and were up for all our crazy ideas. Our time was filled with a little bit of dodging bikes & dogs, a whole lot of dancing to The Lumineers, hearing all about their story, & maybe accidentally trespassing on an abandon greenhouse....

We are so excited for the future Bowdens!!!! Here is some joy for your eyeballs. Feel free to share using thee icons above!

-Courtney

Jay + Sarah

We spent part of our Saturday hiding in the trees as the sky poured down buckets on buckets of rain. It was THEE greatest. Never have I been so happy to be soaked by the rain and while hiding a camera under an umbrella.

We were able to capture one of thee most joy filled humans kneel down under an umbrella & ask his favorite human to be his forever. And as the rain fell harder and harder, we watched a confident, grateful, & joyous yes be said. We celebrated from afar with them as we snapped their first moments as future Mr. & Mrs. & thanked Jesus for providing them such a gift in one another.

It wasn’t too long until Jay pointed us out and we were able to run over and  give them a big celebratory squeeze. The rain continued to fall and we caught an oh so happy Sarah and Jay continue to stand in awe of what just happened.

We won’t ever get over the gift it is to enter into stories like these!! We hope the images from that day give you a little glimpse of the joy and tears and the “I really get to marry this human?!” gasps that filled this moment.

-Courtney 

Brooke Burnett

This girl is near & dear to us. We have been able to get to know her over the past year & boy are we glad. As sad as we are that it is her last year at Cedar Falls, we areso excited to cheer her on as she takes on a new adventure after her senior year. Plus her sweet mama already booked us for her future wedding. Groom & date to be determined.

This session had to be rescheduled due to rain, and I'm so thankful it was! We got to run around Cedar Falls on thee prettiest of days with this girl. Plus, her sweet family was able to jump in for a few! They are too much fun. 

We love this family & this shoot was a reminder of how much we love getting to be apart of people's stories.

Ryan + Robin

June 30th, 2017 | Colorado 

A wedding that involves family AND mountains?! That's hard to beat. We were so grateful not only to witness Ryan & Robin's wedding, but also capture it! I'm pretty sure I tried to take a picture of literally every detail- it was all so beautiful & reflective of the bride & groom.

Robin is Neal's cousin & we were so happy to welcome Ryan into our family. They are both teachers with the biggest of hearts. They are so fun, down to earth, and full of life. Their day was definitely a testament to that. From Robin hemming her dress with scissors just before the wedding to their favorite pizza being served to their guests via food truck, their day was a beautiful picture of them as a couple.

We had so much fun capturing them saying "I do!" to forever. We hope & pray their lives continue to impact others in a way that makes them remember this life is a gift to be celebrated! Here's a glimpse of their first day as husband & wife! Enjoy! 

-Courtney

Malawi // Camp Chisomo

For more information, or to watch the mini-doc "Chisomo Pa Chisomo", go to www.CampChisomo.com

Gear used:

Sony a7s, Sony a6000

Canon FD 50mm 1.8, Canon FD 135mm 2.5, Rokinon 14mm 2.8, Sony/Zeiss 35mm 2.8

Edited in Lightroom CC, with VSCO presets.

The Burnett Family

Goodness, this was fun. This sweet family is spilling over with joy. Their lighthearted energy and the way they laughed together as they wandered around their home had such a charm about it. A charm that makes you excited about and thankful for the gift of family. A gift that takes work, time, and lots of grace.  

We felt real lucky to get to capture the Burnett family in THIS season of their family's life. A season of a son heading back to college, a sweet daughter finishing up her last couple years of high school, celebrating a brand new junior higher, and oh so proud parents who's love is still so evident. 

We loved getting to grab these moments & hope they are reminders of this season & all it's goodness. 

-Courtney

To see more blog posts like this, click here.

Johnsons Creative

Hi guys! Courtney Johnson here- excited to share that this girl is officially joining the Neal Johnson Creative team! 

This August we not only celebrate our first whole year of marriage, but also a year of Neal Johnson Creative. It has been a big 'ol gift watching Neal say yes to the talents & passions he's been given and run with it. The Lord has opened many a doors for Neal to use his camera to share the stories of many couples, companies, churches, and even children in the beautiful countries of Jamaica & Malawi. 

The Lord hasn't just been opening doors for Neal, but for me as well. I never ever would have thought my involvement in Neal's work would pass the assistant side of things. I was content and happy with cheering him on and handing over a lens when needed. However, things didn't stay that way for long. If you know Neal, you know he is real patient. And with that patience he taught this girl the ins and outs of a camera. Teaching me included lots of walks around our neighborhood with a camera in toe, lots of questions be asked multiple times, and lots of Neal quizzing Court. Throughout those months of learning I found myself not only understanding how a camera works, but wanting to use it alongside Neal to capture important moments and tell some stories.

After this summer I have found that I love getting to help Neal tell those stories. I love getting to serve those we are working for. And most of all, I love getting to remind people that their story is worth being captured. 

We are real excited and thankful for all the Lord has allowed us to do this past year. Here's to lots more questions being asked, lots more adventures, and lots more beautiful stories being told. Hooray for year two of Neal & Court Johnson and year one for Johnsons Creative!

-Courtney Johnson