003: Being Featured on Paulie B's Walkie Talkie Series

Being Featured on Paulie B's Walkie Talkie Series

Shot on: Leica M5, Kodak Tri-X 400, 35mm Film

Paulie B's Walkie Talkie series. This wasn’t just a regular feature—it was a moment that made me stop and say, “WTF.” Being the first person from Atlanta on the series added a layer of pride and significance that’s hard to put into words.

Paulie B’s Walkie Talkie is not your typical interview series. It’s a platform where real stories are told, creativity is celebrated, and artists are given the space to reflect on their journeys. Walking through the city with him as he recorded me photographing and asked questions felt less like an interview and more like a meaningful conversation with someone genuinely interested in my perspective.

This opportunity pushed me to reflect on why I do what I do. Why do I pick up my camera? What draws me to document the world through my lens? How does my identity as a Black artist shape the way I create? These questions are always with me, but this experience gave me the space to express them in ways I hadn’t before.

This wasn’t just about being featured; it was about being part of a bigger story. It’s about showing up authentically, honoring the creatives who came before me, and making space for the next generation. It’s about documenting life as it is—the beautiful, the complicated, the mundane—and making it matter.

The episode, which you can watch here, was a moment of pause in the hustle of everyday life. Paulie’s thoughtful approach made me dig deep, and I’m grateful for the chance to share a part of my journey with a wider audience.

If you haven’t tuned into Walkie Talkie, do yourself a favor. Paulie has a way of pulling stories out of people that stay with you long after the conversation ends. His lineup of artists is nothing short of inspiring, and I’m honored to be a part of it.

Take a moment to watch the episode, and let me know what you think. As always, I appreciate your support—it means everything. I’m excited to keep documenting, creating, and sharing the stories that matter most.

A day with Atlanta Photographer Stan Johnson | Walkie Talkie Around the U.S. Ep. 10

002: Between the Covers: Book Review of Last Day in Lagos

Between the Covers: Book Review of Last Day in Lagos

If you’ve ever found yourself mesmerized by the power of a single photograph—how it can transport you, make you feel, or even spark a bit of cultural pride—then Marilyn Nance’s Last Day in Lagos is about to become your new favorite book.

Let’s talk about FESTAC ’77. Now, I’m not saying I’d survive a month-long festival in Lagos, Nigeria, back in 1977 (Atlanta summers are humid enough for me), but this was more than just a party. FESTAC ’77 brought together over 15,000 artists, thinkers, and performers from across the Black diaspora. It was like the ultimate family reunion—but with drums, poetry, dance, and fashion on a level that would make even today’s TikTok trends seem tame.

And who better to document it all than Marilyn Nance? She was out there with her camera, capturing moments that weren’t just pretty but historic. As the official photographer for the U.S. delegation, she photographed over 1,500 images, and Last Day in Lagos finally gives us a look at that treasure chest. Flipping through these pages feels like stepping into a time machine where every frame is dripping with culture, artistry, and a rawness that only film photography can deliver.

For my fellow film nerds out there, let me just say this: the texture, the tones, the shadows—it’s everything. There’s something magical about the way Nance’s lens translates not just the event but the energy of the people. This isn’t just about what happened; it’s about how it felt to be there.

The book also includes essays and interviews that give context to the festival and its significance. Shoutout to Oluremi C. Onabanjo for the thoughtful editing and Julie Mehretu for a foreword that sets the tone perfectly. These aren’t just words on a page; they’re layers of meaning that enrich the visuals.

What really struck me, though, was how much this book feels like a call to action. It’s a reminder of what’s possible when we come together as a people to celebrate our creativity, resilience, and shared history. It’s the type of inspiration I need when I’m out creating images on Atlanta’s streets, trying to document those moments that speak to the everyday beauty of Black life.

As for the cameras and film stock Marilyn Nance used to create the incredible images in Last Day in Lagos, the specifics aren't widely documented. However, her work from the 1970s and 1980s predominantly features black-and-white imagery, suggesting she likely used 35mm film cameras popular among photojournalists of that era. To gain deeper insights, reaching out to Nance through her official website may provide further details.

So, if you’re looking for something that’ll inspire you, teach you, and maybe even make you a little emotional (because yes, I had a moment… or three), grab yourself a copy of Last Day in Lagos. It’s available through the Studio Museum’s store, and trust me, this is one for the culture—literally.

While you're at it, check out my book, also available through my online shop. Trust me—there’s enough inspiration to go around.

Until next time, stay inspired and keep finding the beauty in the ordinary.

With Love,

Stan