Lisa Johnson

Lisa Johnson is a professional photographer whose work celebrates the artistry and history of guitars and the musicians who play them. After beginning her career with Eastman Kodak, Lisa’s path took an unexpected turn when a friend who owned a vintage guitar shop in Nashville asked her to photograph his collection and the instruments he had for sale. That project sparked a deep interest in documenting guitars and the culture surrounding them. Her career took a major step forward when she met the legendary guitarist and innovator Les Paul. Their friendship opened many doors and introduced her to a wide network of artists and industry figures. Les was so supportive of Lisa’s work that he wrote the foreword to her book, and after his passing she honored his legacy by donating ten percent of the book’s profits to the Les Paul Foundation. Lisa later expanded her photography to include bass guitars and the musicians who play them. Since 2012 she has exhibited at the NAMM Show, where her booth has become a welcoming gathering place for artists, industry friends and fans. Rather than selling instruments, she uses the space to share her books, celebrate the stories behind the instruments, and connect with the many musicians she has photographed throughout her career.