Steve Teaching at the University of Kentucky. 2009.

In 2006 Canon named Steve as one of their Explorers of Light. As a Canon Explorer, Canon will sponsor Stephen's appearances a photo gatherings around the country including universities and colleges, professional groups or conventions, camera clubs and other more ad-hoc groups where photography is the shared interest.

Steve is widely known for his communication skills and passion as a photographic educator, and has since given talks all over the country with EOL sponsorship, bringing unique educational experiences to thousands of photographic enthusiasts. Where 100 to 200 people can be gathered, Canon will likely sponsor the event. Be in touch directly with Stephen Johnson Photography to check for availability and initiate the process.

Steve Teaching in Death Valley 2010.

Canon Explorers of Light

The Explorers of Light concept came out of Canon USA in the mid-1990's as a broad-ranging initiative for photographic education and inspiration. Today, the group is comprised of 62 of the most influential photographers in the world, each a master of their own respective creative specialty. The Explorers share their photographic passions and technical expertise with eager audiences of photo professionals, hobbyists and enthusiasts in a variety of personal appearances, seminars and gallery showings throughout the United States.

A look through the Explorer ranks reveals a broad range of photographic talent. Represented are photographers from disciplines as varied as photojournalism, aviation, fashion, sports, wedding, nature, advertising, portraiture, food and travel photography.

"Steve's visit to the University at Buffalo inspired us on many levels. He graciously spoke to a classroom full of photo students and technicians about the importance of color management. He explained it so well, that after almost 20 years of avoiding the issue, I got out an X-rite kit and calibrated my monitor and printer. Within half an hour, for the first time ever, what came out of my printer looked like it did on screen."

Thank you for the outstanding seminar you presented last night. Right up to the end, you had everyone captured by the brilliance of your work, the depth of your knowledge and your passion for photography. I know that everyone walked away inspired to take more creative photos! What was particularly intriguing to a number of us was the affiliations you have had with some of the "pioneers" of digital photography. Once again, thanks for a great evening!

Ray Laser
Workshop Coordinator Thousand Oaks Photo Group

I wish to thank you for an inspiring talk to a group of tech-savvy MIT students. They were fascinated by the story of the transition from analog to digital photography, the blending of art and sophisticated technology, and by how your own path as a foremost landscape photographer was interwoven with this transition. We learned a lot from your talk that we will remember it for a long time.

Dimitri Bertsekas
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

I wanted to pass on our delight with your visit to our university. There are few people who have the extensive and groundbreaking knowledge of digital imaging that you do. Your willingness to share and spur discussion is vital for our students, staff, and faculty. We were especially interested in the discourse of the myth of landscape photography (as created by exaggerated, over-­-saturated, and manipulated color) versus the linear capture made possible by modern digital cameras. “Accuracy” in photography is a controversial topic, and it was great to hear your point of view. We hope to host a return visit from you in the not-­-so-­-distant future. Thank you for your expertise, passion, and critical eye.

Harris Fogel,
The University of the Arts, Philadelphia, PA

We were thrilled to have Steve Johnson join us for a lecture. Steve's talk on his national parks project drew one of the largest crowds we've seen in the series and I continue to hear praise from attendees about how pleased they were with the balance of art and technology, the glimpse into the early days of digital photography, and Steve's stunning images. It was a treat to hear the story of the project and we're now all eager to purchase the book once it's published.

Eliza Benington Kozlowski
Director of Communications & Visitor Engagement
George Eastman House International Museum of Photography & Film

Steve,

I attended a short lecture you gave for Rutgers University back in '08 in Haddonfield, NJ. I must tell you that one tidbit you emphasized has been the singular most influential bit of knowledge that has led me out of the dark ages within my own digital photography evolution. You emphasized the use of the "Raw" file emphatically, which I will tell you has made an unbelievable impact on what I can now do.

It has changed my entire photographic universe and allows me to do things I never thought possible. I had one particular image that I took in Peru, hurried and not able to get my flash to cooperate (past dusk), I came away with a grossly underexposed image. It wasn't until months later (after your presentation) where I came back to that image and was able to bring it to life for the first time. It has become one of my favorite images from that trip and is clearly the result of your teaching about the importance of the "Raw" file!! Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us (the masses).

Regards,
Gerry Mann. 2014