Local photographer winning national recognition for her work

By Katie Bergstrom

Wedding photo by Jana Johnston Photography

Northern California – Jana Johnston Photography has been quietly sweeping photography awards categories across the Nation. Recently, she was named the “Official Photographer of the prestigious KAHI studios," and of "The 3rd Annual All American Rib Cookoff.” Previously, she has held the title of “Official Photographer of The Placer County Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk,” one of the largest suicide prevention walks in Northern California. Jana’s additional charity work includes being the “Official Photographer” for “Santa's Village”, sponsored by the Colfax Friends of the Library and the "Salute to Veterans" for VFW post 2003.  A diverse artist, Jana has also photographed the Monster Energy Aftershock festival, collaborating with James Villa of On Tour Monthly, as well as supporting and photographing many local artists and venues. 

Grass Valley, Ca The Union Foothill Weekly Wednesday July 31, 2019

This multi-talented wedding and lifestyle photographer has been cruising under the radar, perfecting her craft while embracing her passion and gaining momentum with various forms of recognition.  Her professional reputation as one of the most successful photography businesses in Northern California has superseded all industry norms.  Located out of her headquarters in Colfax, this photography professional has been experiencing unprecedented growth all while cultivating, coaching, and inspiring a highly trained team.

“I am an artist first, a manipulator of light, a composer of fascination, an observer of the universe, a spellbinder, a time stopper, a storyteller... I am a photographer” said the reserved Jana Johnston.   “I am enchanted by the splendor of a cloudy sky, captivated by the allure of tiny baby feet, mesmerized by an exquisite smile, and delight in the grace of love. For me, photography is a magical adventure spent capturing the beauty of life.”

Jana Johnston Photography was announced a winner of the renowned WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards® in Colfax for the fourth year running. WeddingWire is a leading global online wedding marketplace. Each year, the specialty firm celebrates the top wedding professionals in more than 20 categories, from venues and caterers, to florists and photographers. These distinguished vendors exhibit superior professionalism, responsiveness, service, and quality when interacting with the five million monthly consumers who need help to easing the wedding planning process. Jana Johnston Photography received this esteemed award based on their outstanding experience working with real newlyweds. WeddingWire features more than three million reviews, and these notable vendors all received prompt, reliable, and quality feedback.

Couples' Choice Award, Jana Johnston Potography

 "We are celebrating our 11th annual Couples’ Choice Awards, where we honor our vendors who help make millions of couples’ big day one to remember," said Timothy Chi, CEO, WeddingWire. "Not only are these hardworking and distinguished wedding professionals, such as Jana Johnston Photography, a fundamental part of the wedding planning process for engaged couples, but they help make WeddingWire a trusted source for wedding planning. We congratulate everyone on this well-deserved achievement. Jana Johnston Photography was so honored to be one of the top wedding businesses in Northern California.”

Jana Johnston Photography is a distinguished member of Professional Photographers of America and has won many prestigious awards, from local County and State Fairs, to Pixoto, The Knot, Amador Ledger Dispatch and ViewBug; she is also mentioned as Top Photographer for WeddingWire's Couples' Choice Awards, Pixoto – top 10% this year, and 2016 “Pick of the Knot Best of Weddings.”

 “Jana Johnston Photography is the absolute best at truly capturing the very essence of her clientele,” said Kathryn Holt, marketing professional.   “I have enjoyed every shoot she shares to social media, the artistic quality and way she sees or captures the world. It is very different and truly refreshing!  Having personally worked with her to try to get a perfect updated business headshot has allowed for a unique insight on what it takes to get the perfect shot.  Anyone can take a picture.  It takes a visionary to capture an individual’s personality, to showcase or highlight something deeper within that person. Imagine being able to look at a picture and know beyond a shadow of doubt that the individual you are seeing has a personality and is spontaneous, yet professional.  It’s difficult to describe but once you see a Jana Johnston photo shoot, you realize that her technique and style is incredible. To capture depth, dimension, and reflect a personality on a still moment speaks volumes to her character, specific to her craft or creativity.  She is phenomenal at what she does, how she portrays her work and the presentation of the result.” Upon arrival to any photo shoot, the Johnston photographers immediately acknowledge that it is completely normal for an individual to be nervous.  Relaxing can be hard when the pressure is on to smile and get great pictures forever memorializing the moment in time. The pressure for both the photographer and client is “on.”  However, the real talent is when a photographer can help with relaxing by transitioning from a work scenario to being bonded beyond the normal scope of photography through calming words and encouragement.  When a photography professional can assist a client in feeling pretty, photogenic, and more importantly, confident, the session takes on a whole different flow.  If a client leaves the studio and feels as if a bond has been established building into a friendship, that is the difference between a photo shoot and getting professional quality photos because barriers are broken.  The world becomes a magical looking glass, ready to photo document, the place where everyone and everything has beauty.

“We hired Jana Johnston Photography for our engagement and wedding pictures,” said Ann Marie Martin.   “She is an amazing photographer and person. She took the time to make both of us feel special. We did our engagement session at Big Trees State Park. She was amazing and showed up with a notebook full of sketches and locations. The pictures were beautiful and arrived in a cute box. She really cares about her clients and it's obvious she is passionate about her art.”

For more information, please visit  www.janajohnstonphotography.com, Facebook: Jana Johnston Photography or to book direct, call (209)304-9235.  If you have question, comments and/or concerns please email:  jana.johnston.usps@gmail.com

Article published in The Union Foothill Weekly, Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Jana Johnston Photography Services the Greater Sacramento and Sierra Foothills areas including Amador, El Dorado, Placer, and Nevada Counties and more specifically Grass Valley, Nevada City, Auburn, Loomis, Rocklin, Placerville and Jackson.