Brian Johnson grew up in Le Sueur, Minnesota, and picked up a camera with no real plan, but it became something deeper, taking root around the same time he began his journey of sobriety. That outlet grew into a love of landscape photography that’s carried him from Minnesota’s North Shore to Iceland, Norway, Indonesia, and Argentina, often with his blue-eyed cat (and unofficial co-pilot) Azure by his side. His work is featured throughout Above & Across Twin Cities, including the cover image. Read more below about Brian's story, his work, and the adventures that inspire it.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got into photography.
I was born and raised by my wonderful parents in Le Sueur, Minnesota. I didn’t get into photography until my mid-20s, and it happened completely by accident. I originally bought a camera with no real expectations, mainly to improve the video content I was creating at the time. Since I had no idea how to properly use the camera, I went out around Minneapolis simply to teach myself and experiment.
The moment I took my first photo, I was hooked. Photography immediately grabbed my attention in a way I never expected. Ironically, I never ended up using the camera for video because the photography side completely captured me.
Around that same time, I began my journey of sobriety, and photography quickly developed into something much deeper than just a hobby. It gave me a new outlet, a new purpose, and a new way to connect with both the world and myself. Over the years, that passion has not only kept me grounded but has also pushed me to see the world through an entirely different lens, both literally and personally.
Above Lake Harriet. Image taken by Brian Johnson.
You shared this image above Theodore Wirth Park. What’s the story behind it?
Above Birch Pond. Image taken by Brian Johnson.
Birch Pond at Theodore Wirth Park. I still remember the first time I sent my drone up over the trees and discovered this little hidden pond. It felt like uncovering a secret tucked away in the middle of Minneapolis. Not long after I shared my first image from this spot, it quickly became a favorite location for drone photographers chasing unique views of the Minneapolis skyline.
I started returning here often, but this morning felt completely different.
It was early fall, and I had only gone out to check the progress of the changing colors around the city. The sky was fully overcast, so I wasn’t expecting much. But the moment the drone climbed above the trees, I stopped in my tracks. Massive low clouds swallowed the skyline, creating a moody atmosphere that transformed Minneapolis into something almost cinematic. Pockets of yellow scattered through the forest below, adding just enough color to make the scene come alive. Suddenly, an ordinary scouting trip turned into one of my favorite drone images I’ve ever captured.
The ponds hidden throughout Theodore Wirth Park have since become my favorite place for drone photography in Minneapolis.
What is your favorite season/time of year to shoot in the Twin Cities area?
I always go back and forth between fall and winter. Fall colors are incredibly short-lived, which almost turns photography into a game of timing and exploration. Different areas around the Twin Cities peak at different times, so it becomes a bit of a race to discover the best compositions before the colors disappear. I love searching for hidden pockets of color and finding ways to combine them with lakes, skyline views, or interesting foreground elements.
Above Theodore Wirth Golf Course. Image taken by Brian Johnson.
Winter, though, might be my favorite season overall. Most people call me crazy, but the extreme subzero temperatures are some of my favorite times to get out and shoot. Harsh weather creates unique and constantly changing conditions that can completely transform familiar locations. Frozen rivers develop incredible textures, ice formations grow along shorelines, and cold mornings can produce sea smoke drifting across the water. Every winter day feels different, and that unpredictability is what makes it so exciting to photograph.
Above Lowry Avenue Bridge. Image taken by Brian Johnson.
What type of cameras/drones do you use?
I primarily shoot with the Nikon D850 and use a DJI Mavic Air 2 for aerial photography. I’ve always loved the D850 for its incredible detail, dynamic range, and reliability in harsh conditions. The drone allows me to explore perspectives and compositions that simply wouldn’t be possible from the ground, adding another creative layer to my work.
Tell us about your creative process or what you look for when you’re out shooting.
Foreground is one of the biggest things I look for when composing an image. I think a strong foreground adds depth and helps pull the viewer into the scene, making them feel like they are standing there with you. Whether it’s a unique tree, reflections in a pond, textured rocks, or leading lines in the landscape, those elements can completely transform a photo from flat to immersive.
Even when flying my drone, I rarely like shooting from extremely high up. I prefer keeping it lower around trees, cliffs, or other natural elements to create layers and dimension within the frame. I’m always searching for compositions that feel cinematic and alive rather than just documenting a location.
Lighting and atmosphere also play a huge role in my process. Some of my favorite images come from unexpected moments, when fog rolls in, dramatic clouds form, or soft light briefly breaks through a storm. I love chasing those conditions because they can turn an ordinary landscape into something emotional and unforgettable.
Above the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. Image taken by Brian Johnson.
Do you have any advice for new photographers who are just getting started?
Don’t get discouraged comparing yourself to photographers who have been doing it for years. The biggest thing is simply getting out consistently and shooting as much as possible.
A lot of people focus too much on camera gear in the beginning, but learning light, composition, weather, and timing matters far more than having the newest equipment. I've seen some of the best photos taken with entry level gear!
And don’t be afraid to develop your own style. The photographers people remember are usually the ones whose work feels personal and recognizable.
Above Huntington Bank Stadium, University of Minnesota. Image taken by Brian Johnson.