Richard Johnson
Website: http://www.richardjohnsonphoto.com
Instagram: @richjohnsonphoto
Richard Johnson was born and raised in Cape Town but now calls London home. He is driven by a desire to create authentic and emotional images, regardless of the subject matter. Whether he is shooting athletes, models, complete strangers or close friends he captures people with honesty and visual flair. He has worked with brands including Apple, Oakley, Adidas, Vice, Red Bull and Sony and his photography has appeared in publications including Huck, Marie Claire and Stab. He regularly collaborates with individual sportsmen and women, often returning to his first passion, surfing, for personal projects. He is a committed surfer, part-time snowboarder and a self confessed terrible skateboarder.
What is your idea of perfect happiness? I'll tell you when I find it.
Which living person do you most admire? I can't think of one person but, at the moment I'm working on a project about Luvo Manyonga, a South African long jumper who overcame poverty and drug addiction to win gold at the World Championships in August. His story is inspiring.
What is your greatest extravagance? Bicycles and cameras.
What do you consider the most overrated virtue? Optimism.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse? Hey.
Which talent would you most like to have? The ability to play a musical instrument.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? Procrastination.
What do you consider your greatest achievement? Getting paid to do the job I love and my son, although I confess my part in his creation was pretty small.
If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be? George, my parents' dog.
What is your most treasured possession? My health.
What is your favorite occupation? The one I do.
What is your most marked characteristic? Skinny legs.
What do you most value in your friends? Humour and kindness.
Who is your hero of fiction? Rocky Balboa.
Who are your heroes in real life? Nelson Mandela. Perhaps it's cliched but his contribution to South Africa was profound. Also, people who are committed to protecting the environment, the writers of Hey Duggee for keeping me and my son entertained, and my wife - she gave birth and there are few things more heroic than that.
What is it that you most dislike? Rude drivers and bad coffee.
What is your greatest regret? I regret not having more confidence when I was younger.