Kremer | Johnson

Bio

**Kremer/Johnson: Redefining Commercial Photography through Collaboration and Creativity** *By Eric Minton* Neil Kremer and Cory Johnson, the dynamic duo behind Kremer Johnson Photography, have transformed their midlife transitions into a thriving commercial photography business based in Los Angeles. Their journey began in their forties, with Kremer, originally from Rochester, New York, picking up a camera for the first time in 2011 after a professional setback. Inspired by his uncle’s fine art photography collection, Kremer found himself captivated by the challenge of mastering a new skill, stating, “I had to read the manual two or three times just to understand how to use the camera.” Meanwhile, Johnson, hailing from Keokuk, Iowa, was navigating his own crossroads in the film industry. After experiencing the collapse of his production company, he borrowed Kremer's camera and quickly fell in love with photography after witnessing the power of a single still image to encapsulate an entire narrative on set. “After three days of playing with the camera, I knew I had to get my own,” he recalls. **From Barroom Buddies to Business Partners** What began as casual camaraderie over drinks evolved into a formidable partnership. “We found ourselves suddenly without companies at the same time,” Johnson explains, prompting their transition from barflies to business partners. With a shared passion for photography and a sense of adventure, they embraced the challenge of developing their craft. “It was a business born out of boredom and a lot of interest,” Kremer adds. Their commitment to mastering photography was relentless. Embracing the tenets of the 10,000-hour rule, they immersed themselves in their new passion, experimenting with lighting and composition while capturing everything from urban landscapes to portraits. This dedication paid off when a major in-flight magazine commissioned them to recreate the iconic album cover of the Eagles’ *Hotel California*. Standing on a scissor lift 40 feet above Sunset Boulevard, they realized, “I guess this is a job. Do you want to try to make this our job?” Johnson reflects. **Strategically Crafting Success** While their rise may seem serendipitous, both Kremer and Johnson brought a wealth of business acumen to their new venture. Kremer emphasizes the advantage of their life experience, saying, “Coming at it as a 40-year-old who understands business is very different from a kid just getting out of college.” They sought mentorship from established photographers, learning the nuances of commercial photography and the importance of specialization. “You have to have an elevator pitch. At the end of the day, it really comes down to the work,” Kremer asserts. Their portfolio, rich with vibrant imagery and narrative depth, showcases their unique approach to visual storytelling. Each photograph serves as a single-frame narrative, marked by character, expression, and a keen color palette. Johnson notes, “Creatives see the personal work, and it resonates on a deeper level than other commercial projects do. That’s our heart on the page, and that’s why they call us.” A standout project, “Angelinos,” exemplifies their innovative spirit. During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kremer set out to capture dynamic outdoor portraits, resulting in a series of 49 compelling images that reflect the diverse personalities of Los Angeles residents, all while adhering to social distancing guidelines. **Personal Projects with Purpose** For Kremer and Johnson, personal projects are not mere creative outlets; they are strategic investments in their business. “We do make personal work that we want to see, but it’s not cheap to make personal work,” Kremer explains. Their acclaimed project “Craigslist Encounters,” exhibited at the International Center of Photography, involved photographing everyday people in their own environments, showcasing the beauty of authenticity. The duo believes that their collaborative process enhances their creativity. “There has to be a yin and yang; there has to be give and take,” Kremer states. Johnson adds, “There’s a fair share of bickering that happens, which also gets us to where we need to be.” Their open dialogue fosters a creative chemistry that elevates their work, ensuring that their individual perspectives contribute to a richer artistic outcome. In a world where creative partnerships often falter, Kremer and Johnson have found a balance that not only embraces their artistic differences but also fuels their continued success. “The truth is, if we agreed on everything, our work would be terrible,” Kremer concludes, echoing the sentiment that their collaborative spirit is at the core of their artistic journey. Together, they are redefining the landscape of commercial photography, one striking image at a time.