In the meantime, I wanted to share an article I wrote for Zero Motorcycles. A little different than my usual share, but I think you guys will enjoy it, at least you'll enjoy the photos if you don't like dirt biking. You can also watch the YouTube video I made about the race here.

Thank you for all your support. – Isaac.

RACING THE GRINDING STONE HARD ENDURO ON THE ZERO XE

I’ve never met these riders before, but I cruised over to chat with a husband and wife riding two-stroke 300 enduro bikes. I was hoping I’d find a sympathetic ear because I was scared. It was my first time out on the sandstone hills around Page, Arizona, a couple of days before the Grinding Stone Hard Enduro race.

I had agreed, somewhat last minute, to jump on a Zero XE and ride what is widely considered the highest-consequence enduro motorcycle race in the world. This race is terrifying, and even top pros like Trystan Hart and Cody Webb will admit to that. If you mess up a line here, both you and your bike will be tumbling to the bottom of a hill made of rock textured like sandpaper. There is no forgiveness.

“How are you both feeling about the hills?” I tentatively asked the couple. I was really hoping they’d say, “Oh, we don’t ride this stuff, and you won’t see this in the race,” but the woman replied, “They’re really scary, and this is nothing. There are much harder ones in the race.”

I was not comforted. But staring at the massive hill in front of me, I decided it was safer to send it right now, right here, in front of somebody who could phone emergency services if I didn’t make it. I set the power on the XE to sport mode and pinned it. Halfway up, my front wheel lifted, but I knew I couldn’t let off or I’d never reach the summit. I wheelied for a good 40 feet off the top and was pretty sure I was going to loop out, but I made it over to the sound of encouraging shouts from below. When I got back down, the man said, “I wasn’t sure you were going to make it there for a second.” This was just my first hill of the first day of training. Grinding Stone had many more tricks waiting for me and the XE.

THE XE IS A BIKE THAT MAKES YOU FEEL INSTANTLY COMFORTABLE.

Coming off a gas 300 two-stroke, having no gears and no foot brake or shifter is an adjustment. But after just a few minutes, you get used to the left-hand rear brake and the fact that you never have to shift—you’re always in the right power band. Within half an hour of riding, I was ripping faster turns in the sand than I ever had. But on the big, scary hill climbs, I just wasn’t comfortable yet. With only a couple of hours on the bike, I had my doubts and kept thinking I might have overcommitted by choosing such a burly race for my first real ride on the XE.

A few weeks earlier, the bike had shown up in a box at my house in Montana during a snowstorm. I quickly got to work making modifications to maximize grip for Grinding Stone’s technical terrain. I added mousse balls in the rear tire and an IRC JX8 gummy tire to ensure traction when sand covered the rocks. I threw on a longer chain to fit that rear tire, moving the chain adjusters all the way back. I stapled on a brand-new #1 Gripper seat cover (honestly, so much better than every other gripper seat cover out there; I’ll never go back), and finally added some red grip donuts to keep my thumb knuckles from blistering.

The bike Zero sent came equipped with a prototype Sirris suspension kit front and rear, KKE aluminum pegs, and the headlight removed in favor of a sweet racing plate featuring custom graphics with my name. Honestly, it was already pretty well set up. Any additional tweaks would have to wait; thanks to the snow, I couldn’t really test the bike, and I didn’t have much time before the race anyway.

RACE DAY.

OF COURSE, I DIDN’T GET MUCH SLEEP THE NIGHT BEFORE.

I’d like to say the giant sandstone hills didn’t bother me, but I kept wondering if I was going to make a fool of myself and absolutely wreck the Zero, tossing it down a cliff. That’s not the look you’re going for when you’re making a film for a motorcycle brand. So, even though I had no pressure to race fast, I felt the weight of it.

I started in the very last row with the other media folks. I watched as 288 racers launched row by row in front of me to conquer the track. I tried breathing exercises, warm-ups, stretching, and positive self-talk—really anything to take my mind off the fact that I’d soon be ripping around an unfamiliar course on a bike I barely knew. I really didn’t want to crash.

It turns out the start gate is eerily quiet when you’re in the last row. There are no revving engines waiting for the flag to drop. And since a dead-engine start on an electric bike just means twisting the throttle, I obviously got the holeshot.

I think only one other guy was even trying for it, so it wasn’t a monumental achievement, but I’ll take it as a victory. I shot out of the gate and launched into my first lap as fast as I could possibly go. Within 30 seconds, I had caught up to the row in front of me, then the row in front of that, passing 20 people. This was fun. If the race kept going like this, it would make a very good video.

Only one problem: It was so hot that after sitting in the sun for over 30 minutes waiting for my turn, my GoPro overheated. I didn’t even know that was a thing. I couldn’t get it to work before we took off, so I have zero footage of that first lap. Not only was the camera overheating, but I was too. Sweat poured into my eyes as I tried my best to keep the bike on two wheels.

In my hurry to get things ready for the race, I hadn’t adjusted the suspension for my weight—I’m coming in at about 230 pounds with all my moto gear and water. I’d later find out the bike was sprung for a 160-pound rider. But right now, I was facing a mile-long straight of thigh-high sand whoops. I was abusing the bike and my body, going as fast as I could through the sand. If I had just slowed down a little, I would’ve saved my energy for the upcoming technical bits. But as an amateur racer, pacing is always a challenge.

I arrived at the next mesa, and the hills were getting harder. I was making more mistakes but still making the climbs. Finally, after some more mesa action and a desert crossing back to where we started, I arrived at the final big hill before the finish line and the end of Lap 1: Two Step. It starts with a simple ramp out of the sand up onto a near-vertical face, then a mellow section, followed by another vertical face.

Full of confidence, I pinned it through the sand, made it almost to the top, but didn’t quite carry the momentum. I fell backward, watching as my bike cartwheeled down the rock and struck another racer in the side. I felt terrible as he shouted out in pain. I felt even worse when I picked my bike up and saw the handlebars were bent down like a dog ear and the rear fender was shattered. My right peg was bent up, but otherwise, the bike seemed functional. I apologized profusely and checked on the rider. His protective gear had taken the brunt of the hit, and he assured me he’d be fine. I mostly pushed to the top of the hill, and rode the last mile gingerly to the pits. Lap 1: complete.

At this point, I wanted to give up. I had completely worn myself out riding above my ability level at an unsustainable pace. I sat down in a haze, almost forgetting to film my reaction. Tony took the bike, did his best to bend the handlebars back straight, and swapped the battery. I was so exhausted I didn’t even notice when he was finished. After some deep breaths and positive self-talk, I got back on the bike, taking it a little slower this time.

I headed back out, still passing people, but not as many as before. As always happens in hard enduro, I was now sitting down instead of standing and driving the bike. The bike was halfway driving me. My strategy was just to keep moving and hope for a second wind. I was slower in the whoops and slower on the technical sections too. At the end of my second lap, I arrived at Two Step again. This time, I’d learned my lesson. I took the early exit halfway up the hill, which put me in a bottleneck of riders waiting to bypass the technical section. I didn’t care; I was grateful for the break. I knew I could make the hill, but I was happy to swallow my pride, take the easy way out, and avoid tossing my bike into anyone else.

“YOU WERE ABOUT 10 MINUTES FASTER THIS LAP”

...Tony said. I couldn’t believe it. Even though I’d relaxed and ridden with worse form, my time improved. I felt encouraged and knew exactly what I had to do for Lap 3. Tony swapped my battery again, and in under a minute—filming time included—I was back on course.

If I have one skill as a rider, it’s the ability to suffer. It’s why I love hard enduro. The foundation of the sport is whether you can embrace the suffering while executing the nuance required to pilot a motorcycle through nearly unrideable terrain. You aren’t just racing other people; you are racing to conquer the course. It builds a camaraderie unlike any other motorsport I’ve experienced. We all want to test ourselves against the track and see if we can keep going when it stops being fun. Laps 1 and 2 were pure suffering. But now that I knew I was close to being done, I finally caught my second wind. It was all fun.

I cruised through Lap 3, enjoying it more than the others. I felt like I knew what I was doing at every obstacle. I knew the lines, what worked, and what didn’t. At Two Step, I took the same early exit, but this time there was barely a line, and I cruised right up.

AS I CROSSED THE FINISH LINE,

a part of me wished I could keep going. I felt like I had conquered my fears, and the XE I’d treated so poorly had become a loyal companion. Even after cartwheeling down a hill, running wide-open through deep sand in 95° heat, and smashing into miles of thigh-high whoops, the bike just kept ticking.

The results spoke for themselves. I started 293rd and ended up 122nd overall. The XE and I had passed 171 riders—more than half the field. More importantly, we logged the fastest time of all the electric bikes on the course. Me and a mostly stock XE just kept going.

BATTERY LOGISTICS IN THE DESERT

A big question with electric motos in hard enduro is range. I did three brutal laps, and every lap I was coming back around with about 50% battery left. We wanted to play it safe and avoid running low out on the course, so we swapped batteries every single lap.

Swapping the 50-pound battery takes maybe 30 seconds. You pop the key, pull two clips, yank it out, and place the new one in. Tony had it down to an absolute science. Honestly, swapping batteries was way faster than the time it took me to take a breather, get water, and fix my gear. I was the bottleneck, not the bike.

This month

The collab you have all been waiting for and chasing pumas in Patagonia.

Be stoked,
Isaac

The Morocco Retreat

Alex Strohl and I have worked on over 50 projects together — from making films in Croatia, Patagonia, Hawaii, and France to producing campaigns for Land Rover, Canon, Airbnb, and Dior. We like working together. As they say, iron sharpens iron.

Next month, we’re doing something special: hosting a retreat in Morocco.

Join us as we explore Morocco and shoot a client project. You’ll learn how we execute creative work as a team, everything from pre-production to delivery. We’ll teach you everything we know about collaboration and help you build partnerships of your own.

If you’ve ever wanted to become a creative freelancer or level up your current freelance career, this retreat is for you.

There isn’t much time left and only a few spots remain, so don’t wait.

👉 Sign up here

Here’s a list of what you can expect

New Work

This month, I finally get to share a project I filmed with Alex in Patagonia for Dior.
The short film focuses on WWF’s conservation of pumas in the ranchlands next to Torres del Paine National Park.

We were lucky, we saw seven different pumas in three days. What a place to make a film.
Watch the film here.

Gear and Tools

Victorian Back Brace (cheap hook vest)

As my cameras have gotten bigger and heavier, my back has gotten angrier.
Earlier this spring, I did a two-week shoot with a 15-pound camera. Seventeen-hour days had my back cramping so badly I had to lie down mid-shoot.

I knew I needed a hook vest, something to take the weight off while still letting me shoot handheld. After looking at $1,400 options, I found this vest for under $300 (though it’s gone up a bit since).

It works great. It doesn’t have the same stability as the pricier vests, but with my camera already stabilized, that’s no issue. My back feels great now, and my clients say it looks like I’m wearing a Victorian back brace. Anything for the shot. =)

Photo/Video Technique

ChatGPT Preset Trick

1. Find a reference photo with a color grade or edit you love.

2. Upload a screenshot of that photo into ChatGPT and ask it to build a Lightroom preset that matches the look.

3. Apply it to your photo and tweak as needed.

It won’t get you 100% there, but it can get you close — without hours of trial and error..

Watch

My YouTube Channel is primarily motorcycle focused, but I think it’s a fun watch for almost anybody. This one is a fun collaboration with my friend and editor Dylan Parr. I’d love to know what you think.

And if you’ve skipped over this next film because it’s about birdwatching, don’t.
It’s better than anything on Netflix right now and might be my favorite film of the year.

Listen

YouTube Music

I’m a YouTube Premium guy. I hate ads, and it’s my favorite subscription.
It also includes YouTube Music, which I hadn’t really tried until last week.

With Spotify’s algorithms missing the mark more often lately, I decided to give YouTube Music a go. The interface takes some getting used to, but I’m finding songs I haven’t heard in years, plus new ones I love. Best of all, it doesn’t cost an extra subscription.

I’ll give it a month or two to see if it can fully replace Spotify.

Reads

Sherlock Holmes: The Hound of the Baskervilles

I’m a big believer that reading or listening to fiction gives your brain rest and fuels creativity.
Lately, I’ve been listening to Stephen Fry narrate Sherlock Holmes. It’s engaging, smart, and perfect for washing dishes or driving.

You can listen to it free on Audible.

Parting thought.

Many of you have probably dreamed of a creative career. Maybe you’ve already started photographing or filming with some success.

But if you’re like most people, you’ve realized how many questions you have and how few real answers there are. Without mentors or people who’ve walked this path before you, it’s tough to know where to go next.

This Morocco workshop is your chance to ask those questions, get real-time feedback, and shape your creative journey. At the very least, it’ll be an insanely fun time and it just might change your life.

Be stoked and have a great month,

Isaac

This newsletter, my photography, and my videos are all free but not cheap. If you want to help me continue to make things, you can subscribe to this newsletter.

Subscribe now

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This month

Medium Format film of the tropics, a cinema camera review and a song to power the rest of May.

Be stoked,
Isaac

Photo Set

Medium Format Commercial Work

I was lucky enough to have a client request film photos for a recent architectural shoot. I could not have found better locations to shoot. Access to these types of houses is next to impossible, and the opportunity to shoot the format film on a commercial job is also slim. The photos turned out great, and I'm sure I'll be pinching myself years from now that I was able to shoot, medium format, film commercially.

I can't show the full set just yet, but here are some of the B-Sides.

Gear and Tools

DJI 4D

Maybe the most useful piece of gear I’ve ever used.

This camera solves so many of the problems I have with video in one package.

Stabilization + a remote monitor + speed.

I can’t stress how efficient this makes a video shoot. Less time is wasted on multiple takes because of a bumpy camera move. Less time is wasted having a client review footage over your shoulder since they can watch it in real time. One minute gimbal balancing, easy lens changes, lidar autofocus, and a factory-built modular system keep things simple.

Recently, the camera has been used on the hit Netflix show Adolescence, on a movie Mel Gibson made, and on the new Brad Pitt F1 movie. It is legit.

Gear needs to be out of the way so creative concepts can come to life.

This camera does that better than any I’ve ever used. I wasn’t sure I’d like it, and now I can’t imagine a shoot without it.

Photo/Video Technique

Stolen Photo Sales Technique

The client I have worked with the longest stole my images.

I have read the Huckberry email newsletter since around 2014. Imagine my surprise when, in 2017, I noticed they had featured several of my images without permission or credit.

I could have been mad, asked them to take it down, and told them they owed me money. Instead, I didn’t ascribe malice where ignorance was most likely.

“I noticed you featured my images in your newsletter. I am happy you share the same taste in creative work that I do! Thanks for sharing. Is there a way we can work together that more fairly benefits both of us going forward?”

I am praising their taste and setting up a strong boundary that they will know they’ve crossed. It’s a soft way of guilting them into working with me. And it works. They have worked with me since. It was the opening I needed to get to know them.
I have used this technique with too many clients and taught my students to use it as well. It’s 10x more successful than a cold email.

Don’t think of your photo as stolen; think of it as a free sample. Get ‘em hooked on your supply.

Watch

I have followed Logan Patrick Nelson for years on IG as an MTB photographer. Turns out he should have been making YouTube videos because this video is amazing. He edits perfectly and has a personality that suits YouTube. Hopefully, he can make it a thing because I want to watch more of this.

PS, his second video in the series is also amazing

Listen

I stumbled upon this jam recently. I don’t usually spend much time with Rap, but after having a bit of a Mura Masa kick, this song was the next step. I think you will like it.

Reads

The Emerald Mile

Meg recommended this book after reading it nonstop. She said she was tense for days and that it reads like a Hollywood Blockbuster. I’m starting it this week.

Parting thought.

We all know that good habits are what create productivity. Sometimes we forget that good habits start with believing the habits will help.

Choose to believe you will be successful, and your habits and activities will reflect that belief. The other side is to let doubt and criticism lead, and we intrinsically know it’s impossible to be successful if we don’t believe we will be.

Be stoked and have a great month,

Isaac

This newsletter, my photography, and my videos are all free but not cheap. If you want to help me continue to make things, you can subscribe to this newsletter.

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Share Isaac Johnston's Stoke-Ness

This month

Get ready to watch some banger videos and a lens I wanted to love.

Be stoked,
Isaac

Watch

I have been saving videos I’ve wanted to share and found that I have more than I can fit in my newsletter. Why not share a handful and call it the video issue?

#1

Last month I shared my friend Llewelwyn’s film about our trip across Morocco on vintage bikes. This is the video I made from my perspective. Folks say it’s fun to watch both videos and see the ride from different angles.

#2

A reminder that there is always something to do in the winter. Beautiful and the song is top notch.

#3

A full film for free on youtube. It is a quirky, slapstick comedy with a story that caught me watching the whole thing. Something different and new, the internet loved it and you will too.


#4

A short doc about a duster pilot that is interesting, beautiful and a step back in time. Another odd fact, the pilot is the son of Walmart Founder Sam Walton.

#5

This might only be for the moto head among us, but my latest video is a fun romp through the Hawaii’n jungle while having type 2 fun.

Gear and Tools

Canon RF 24-105mm f4

Looking back on my past gear reviews, they are almost always positive. It's not that I try to do that. It's just that I do my research ahead of time and usually only pick gear to use that I'm confident I’ll like.

In this case, I rented the Canon RF 24-105mm F4 lens for a week to try it out. I had a video project lined up and was excited to have one lens that could do the close-ups and shoot a Moto Rider at a distance without having to swap lenses.

I was also shooting some stills, but this was primarily a video project. Since I shoot most of my video at 24fps and 1/50 shutter speed, the F4 aperture shouldn't have been a problem. I usually use a variable ND filter to make the image darker. I was excited about the stabilization on the lens and the compact size. It’s relatively cheap too at $1,299.

I found myself loving the lens, but the F4 is a dealbreaker for me. When the light got low and I was shooting stills, I wanted more light. When shooting 1/800 or above to freeze motion the lens was too dark. It wasn’t flexible enough for my style of shooting.

I'm glad I rented it instead of buying it. I'd give it a 6/10.

Listen

Get excited for warmer weather and longer days with this short but sweet jam Meg shared with me.

Parting thought.

Your energy attracts similar energy. If you want people to be enthusiastic about what you create, you need to be enthusiastic about what you create. No one will cheer you on better than you can yourself. Choose to project the energy you want to receive.

Be stoked and have a great month,

Isaac

This newsletter, my photography, and my videos are all free but not cheap. If you want to help me continue to make things you can buy my Pitch Deck Kit HERE or

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This month

The newest DJI Drone, not settling, and a book so good I am reading it slowly to make it last longer.

Be stoked,
Isaac

Watch

In November, I went to Morocco with my friend Llewelyn Pavey to ride the original Paris to Dakar race route on a 1979 XT 500 Motorcycle. It was a dream project and the video Llewellyn made is such a fun, well-crafted story. Even if you're not into dirt bikes, you will like this one. I premiered it to my entire extended family on New Year’s and even in mixed company it was a hit.

I wrote an article for VAHNA Magazine about the trip, look for it in the spring.

Photo Set

This was the first wedding I have ever shot. My friends Chantz and Timi asked if I would join them hiking into the Napali Coast of Kauai with a group of friends. I am grateful they asked me. amateur

Gear and Tools

DJI Air 3s

Don’t bring your drone to Morocco. I wish I’d known that or cared to look up the rules but I didn’t even think about it. My drone was confiscated when the airport security scanned my bags on the way out of the country. It was about three years old, so I figured it had served its time and I was nearly due for a new drone anyway.

To replace it I've just purchased the DJI Air 3s and wasn't expecting much. Drones are pretty good and I didn't think they could get much better.

I've only flown it a couple of times and my first impressions are that the camera is much better. The addition of a zoom lens is great, if only for scouting. I'll see what the quality of that lens looks like once I dig in further. So far, all the features are familiar but slightly better. The better reception and battery life are convenient.

I debated getting the higher end Mavic 3 Pro. I ended up going this way because I enjoy having a lightweight drone to just throw in my pack and hike or ride without too much weight. So far it looks like I made the right choice.

Photo/Video Technique

I’ve worked with many filmers/DOP’s at this point in my career (I include myself in this rank). My favorite are the ones who follow these simple rules:

Hold the camera still for most shots. Move the camera less when you do choose to move it. Commit to the framing you choose and hold the shot for at least 10 seconds.

When the video clips I work with follow these rules, they are so much more beautiful, usable, and engaging. But when filmers try fancy moves or can't decide what they want to shoot it is frustrating. Great shots can be ruined by indecision and shaky camera movements.

It sounds easy, but almost nobody does it this way. Level up your filmmaking and give it a try.

Listen

Sam Fender

I stumbled upon Sam Fender again last week, and was reminded that I like his music a lot. It's like an updated Bruce Springsteen vibe.

Reads

Hot Springs by Greta Rhybus

I've been a fan of Greta's for years. I think I've even recommended her as a follow on this newsletter. She recently released her book, Hot Springs, and being a lover of hot water and her work I had to read it. I was pretty excited when I received it as a Christmas gift. I've slowly been going through it reveling in every beautiful photo and enjoying the way that Greta writes.

Parting thought.

Are you accepting less than you deserve? There is a time to take a second place, when you are learning. But it’s never to early to ask for your full share. Don’t settle.

Be stoked and have a great month,

Isaac

This newsletter, my photography, and my videos are all free but not cheap. If you want to help me continue to make things you can buy my Pitch Deck Kit HERE or

Subscribe now

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Share Isaac Johnston's Stoke-Ness

This month

Start the year with the world’s best chocolate, a new habit to replace your phone scrolling and the most powerful photo editing technique I’ve ever found.

Be stoked,
Isaac

Watch

My newest video is my attempt to explain why Snowbiking is the best winter recreation and justify my newest obsession =) Even if you are not into motorsports I think you will like this one.

Photo Set

Recently a client, Terrazas De Los Andes, asked me to tell a story about my creative journey. I made a short video with my friend Etienne Surrette. The film featured a constant subject of my work, Lookouts. Here are some of those photos and the film.

Gear and Tools

Good Chocolate

This isn’t a piece of gear but it might as well be. A few years ago (I just looked and it was eight years ago, dang), I read a post by Seth Godin about why I should be interested in good chocolate. Besides having all of the hallmarks of a world-class experience, it was interesting and exploratory.

My friend Alex Strohl turned the experience into a ritual with tea or coffee and I copied him.

I buy my chocolate at Caputo's in Salt Lake City where they have a massive selection of the best chocolate. Meg gifted me an assortment from Caputos and surprisingly my favorite has been the black fig from Dick Taylor. I usually do not like other ingredients in my chocolate besides chocolate, but this one is perfect with an evening tea. I only wish I had several more bars.

Give good chocolate, a try and you might never go back.

Photo/Video Technique

I recently had a set of medium-format, film scans come back and they were not great. Of course, I called my favorite film expert, Forrest Mankins. Forrest said to give this technique a try and shared a YouTube video. The difference between the scans and what I was able to make them was incredible. Thanks, Forrest for saving the day.

Listen

Sunset Rollercoaster

This song will float you through at least a month of 2025. A gorgeous, lush, and full experience from a Taiwanese band I instantly fell in love with. Start the song at 2:30 your first time though and turn it up. Don’t miss this one.

Discovery credit to Gee Derick, who you should follow on IG.

Reads

Inside Then Out journal

Last year I completed a prompted journal from these folks and the clarity and focus it gave me was powerful. This year I am doing it again with the second version.

If you are to grow and detach from your phone, I believe we need to replace the phone habit with a new one. Journaling every morning with coffee is a powerful way to start.

Parting thought.

Questions from my Coach, Benji for the new year:

What did you learn, what do you want to take with you, what do you want to leave behind?

Be stoked and have a great month,

Isaac

This newsletter, my photography, and my videos are all free but not cheap. If you want to help me continue to make things you can buy my Pitch Deck Kit HERE or

Subscribe now

Don't have the funds to buy support me at the moment? Then sharing this newsletter with someone you think would like it is the next best thing. Thanks!

Share Isaac Johnston's Stoke-Ness

I set out for six months to find out.

Be stoked,
Isaac

Subscribe now

Share Isaac Johnston's Stoke-Ness

This month

iPhone photos of Morocco, the importance of a life coach, and a list of gifts your family will actually like.

Be stoked,
Isaac

Photo Set

I’ve always enjoyed photographers like Dan Tom and Forrest Mankins's ability to create compelling images with only iPhones. Last week, during a motorcycle trip in Morocco, I used my iPhone and made a set that I think may be the best phone images I’ve ever captured.

Gear and Tools

My annual Christmas gift list

I am starting with a 10% off code ISAACSJOHNSTON for my friends at Buscadero Motorcycles. I love their gear and bikes so it’s only natural I add them to my list.

The BSX140 Get the model with a manual clutch and big wheels. It’s big enough to take it on long rides and the manual clutch will be more fun as you become a better rider.

This hat

This helmet with this visor

Screamin’ Eagle T-shirt

This Keychain

Moto Gloves

Finally, you can gift a month of my mentorship for $500 to help someone you love pursue their freelance dreams. Email me isaac@isaacjohnston.co

Photo/Video Technique

The importance of (life) coaching cannot be overstated. Someone to guide you in life and business. To support you when you need it most. It’s maybe life’s biggest boost.

My only regret with coaching is that I wish I had started sooner.

I have a coach, Benji Poffenroth. He helps me stay accountable and expands my thinking to larger goals and ideas.

My friend Alex Strohl works with Chase Jarvis in his eight-week coaching course.

I offer mentorships (coaching) focused on starting a financially stable freelancing career.

Find yourself a coach and the resources you spend will return to you multiple times.

Who I am Following

Dina Litovsky

Dina’s newsletter, In the Flash, is a great read with insight into photography that comes from her lifelong experience as a journalist.

Read it here

Listen

Gong by Kinnship

The drum beat will get stuck in your head. The feel of this song is like the first time I heard Bon Iver. Beautiful and resonate + in my head for months.

Watch

Casey Niestat by Jon Youshaei

You know by now that I am a big fan of Casey Niestat and Jon’s questions are insightful and give a peek behind the curtain that every creative will appreciate.

Reads

Ship It Journal by Seth Godin

I’ve used this journal to create several projects and it is essential.

It allows you to “thrash” the decisions a big project needs before you are in the thick of things, making success much more likely.

If you are dreaming of a big project (or know someone who is) this journal is the best thing for it.

Get a physical copy here (which I recommended)

Or a free PDF version here

Parting thought.

I spent all of October on a media fast, only looking at social media at specific times and only to post, not to consume. I was happier, more productive, and more bored but in a creative way. Most of all it was the break my brain and soul needed to feel present again. I recommend you give it a try.

Be stoked and have a great month,

Isaac

This newsletter, my photography, and my videos are all free but not cheap. If you want to help me continue to make things you can buy my Pitch Deck Kit HERE or

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This month

A new take on photos from the vault, what hard drives I use to protect my work, and a writer/runner you should discover.

But first, let me take a moment to tell you what my mentorship program can do for you.

A student who worked with me for the summer and fall sessions booked $3700 of work in October and secured an ongoing retainer for $3k per month. In less than six months he went from dreaming of a freelance photographer career to freelancing as his career. He is just getting started!

If you want to become a freelance photographer or filmmaker, I’ll show you everything I know. Shoot me an email to learn more. isaac@isaajohnston.co

Be stoked,
Isaac

Photo Set

Old photos made new with refreshed edits. I am having a bit of a renaissance with editing lately and these are a few older photos I have given new life. It’s been great to dig through the archives.

Gear and Tools

Samsung T7

I used to use other brands, but after a few failures and slow upload speeds, I switched to Samsung T7 drives for all my working drives. I now own eight or ten of them and even the drives from 7 years ago work flawlessly. They are drop-proof and are so small you can always have one with you on any job.

I set alerts for sales and grab them when they come up. 2 TB for photos and 4TB for video.

Photo/Video Technique

Add Grain to make an image naturally sharp

I found this video looking for ways to make my image files larger for printing a few years back and have come back to it since several times. The video is now unlisted (the creator is now a cycling YouTuber) so I am glad I saved it.

I now think it is essential to learn how to resize but also sharpen your photos naturally. Spoiler alert, adding grain makes your photo sharper and more natural.

Who I am Following

Semi Rad AKA Brandon Leonard

I’ve recently subscribed to him on Substack. One of my favorite writers and runners.

Listen

Acquired podcast the Hermes episode

A fascinating story of an old luxury company and what they do to make their products more valuable than the sum of the materials.

Listen here

Watch

YTCH.XYZ

This TV emulator makes channels out of YouTube and is a fun way to discover new videos the algorithm would never show you.

https://ytch.xyz

Reads

I took a break from reading self-improvement and non-fiction to read a book my 13 year old daughter loved. It’s a good way to connect with her and a palette cleanser for my brain before jumping back into learning.

Reading fiction, I believe is a great way to learn how to tell great stories yourself.

Percy Jackson is a fun book with lots of twists and turns.

Find it here.

Parting thought.

Even if you are not great at self-talk, you can start by saying encouraging words to yourself about your hobbies and art. “I think it looks great” and  “I learned and it was fun” are two phrases I’ve been saying to myself for years. They have shaped my work. It’s almost like they give me shelter from self-judgment and allow me to protect my curiosity about art. You have nothing to lose by trying it.

Be stoked and have a great month,

Isaac

This newsletter, my photography, and my videos are all free but not cheap. If you want to help me continue to make things you can buy my Pitch Deck Kit HERE or

Subscribe now

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This month

It’s all(most) about video. I am sharing techniques from famous YouTubers and films I helped make.

Be stoked,
Isaac

New Work

New DOP work with @alexstrohl on his film SEATREKKING.

A film about artist and long distance swimmer @bernhardwache was incredible to be a part of. We camped out on a remote Croatian island and filmed his artistic process and sea treks.

Directed by @alexstrohl & @rjbruni
D.o.p @isaacsjohnston
Original soundtrack @thomasbarrandon
Underwater camera OP @paullavoine
Post production @inmist
Sound design & mastering @un.studios
Color @mikegamble
Motion design @julian_pircher

Gear and Tools

Sports Salts and Tissue Rejuvenator

I have been holding out on everyone, but not by intention. I honestly don’t think about fitness much but instead, find what works and then use it.

I have found two supplements that change my runs, hikes, workouts, and especially my hard enduro moto rides.

Pure Planet Sports Salts

I was using a drink supplement called Noom to get electrolytes in my water so that I could run further while sweating and not cramp or bonk. It’s important stuff, but I found that I kept leaving it in my hydration pack and it was molding. Yuck.

I switched to these Salt Pills (with magnesium and potassium) 30 min before the activity and during the activity if needed. I only put water in my pack now and haven’t had mold since.

Hammer Tissue rejuvenator

This stuff is essential for me. It reduces inflammation and helps reduce soreness after hard activities. I take it after every hard ride or run and it keeps me ready to go for the next one.

Photo/Video Technique

Mr. Beast Leaked Memo

I recently found this leaked internal memo from Mr Beast about how he wants his team to make YouTube videos. I am not a big fan of Mr Beasts’ videos, but you cannot deny his success and expertise.

The memo is a masterclass on how to make videos people want to watch and worth the read.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Zw14ukKSlkUiL1RlOUPInoHvln8T9dPR/view?pli=1

Who I am Following

Dave Trumphore

He is criminally underrated. I love his eye for highlights and framing in action sports.

See his work here

Listen

Using AI as a thought partner

If you have used AI recently you are probably disappointed with how unreliable the answers or visuals are. Most of what comes out of the magic box is unusable at best. That was my experience until I listened to this podcast by Prof G.

Give it a listen if you want to be ahead of the AI curve.

Videos, Movies, and TV

Beau Miles on his Filmmaking

In keeping with the video theme on this issue, this episode of Digital Spaghetti interviews Beau Miles about his unique approach to making films on YouTube. Beau is my favorite filmmaker on YouTube and I learned so much from this deep dive into his process.

Reads

VAHNA Mag

I am recommending you get a print magazine this month. Specifically the newest issue of VAHNA magazine. It features stories and photos by my friends Alex Souza, Ben Guese, and Tyler Ravelle. It is the best one they have ever made and they make them good every time.

Get it here

Parting Thought: 

You can fake it until you make it, but you better be building the skills at the same time. “Making it” is something you have to prove every day, every project. If you achieve success with only luck, your luck can stop as fast as it arrives. When you build skills, you create an anchor to your success.

If you want to level up your skills as a creative freelancer, consider joining my mentorship program. My students will tell you it is a big step forward in the path to success. Send me a message at isaac@isaacjohnston.co

Be stoked and have a great month,

Isaac

This newsletter, my photography, and my videos are all free but not cheap. If you want to help me continue to make things you can buy my Pitch Deck Kit HERE or

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This month

I’m sharing the Croatia No One Sees video. We spent hundreds of hours crafting this one and I am thrilled it’s finally gone live.

Come for the video, stay for the lightest backpacking stove and running the most gnarly part of the US/Canada border.

Be stoked,
Isaac

Watch

The Croatia No One Sees

Here it is. I’m a proud Papa about this creation with Alex Strohl. We hope you love it.

Photo Set

My wife has good ideas. Meg finds epic adventures and plans them for me and I get to come along and enjoy them. She found the Akimina Ridge trail in Canada and decided we should run it. It’s a 13-mile loop that straddles an alpine ridge on the US/Canada border. It’s maybe the most fun run I’ve ever done and the views of glaciers and mid-run swims in alpine lakes made it even better. See the full set Here

Gear and Tools

BRS 3000-T Backpacking Stove

This stove was just recommended to me as the most affordable ultra-light piece of kit for backpacking. It’s getting rave reviews and at $20 it’s a no-brainer to pick it up. Here is a full review and link to buy it.

Who I am Following

Kohjiro Kinno

His coverage of the Paris Olympics is remarkable and brings art to the events I haven’t seen before. Inspiring.

His Instagram

Listen

Afterglow by Asgeir

If you’ve heard it before you will love the reminder and if you haven't it might be your new favorite song.

Listen Here

Reads

The War of Art by Steven Pressfield

I recommended this book to several people last month and I am re-reading it myself. It’s a must-read for anyone wanting to create something.

Get it here

Parting thought.

If you live in the northern hemisphere then this is your last bit of summer. It’s hard to not dread the change. Instead, I intentionally spend time outside and notice each day’s changes. Stress comes from not living in the present, and September is a hell of a “present” to live in.

Be stoked and have a great month,

Isaac

This newsletter, my photography, and my videos are all free but not cheap. If you want to help me continue to make things you can buy my Pitch Deck Kit HERE or

Subscribe now

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This month

I’m sharing Scotland on point and shoot, the presets I edited with, and full-length albums to discover.

This newsletter started 5 years ago because I am a constant sharer of things. I’ve made it an extension of what I already send to my friends in text messages, emails, and enthusiastically tell them about in conversation. This might be the most authentic thing I create, because if I didn’t write this I would still be sharing, just with a smaller group. So here it is and to the new folks here, thanks for lining up to be fed my diet of cool discoveries.

Be stoked,
Isaac

Photo Set

I just got back from a short trip to Scotland for a wedding and of course, I had to get out and shoot some photos. On this trip, I planned to pack light but instead brought three film cameras and my Ricoh GRiiiX digital point-and-shoot. While I wait for the film scans to come back, here are a few of my favorite digitals from the trip

Gear and Tools

Maps Apps

My favorite mapping app, FatMaps is dead. They were bought by Strava and are now being shuttered. Who is the king now?

Though I have nine different map apps on my phone (I really like maps), I limit myself to just one paid app. Right now I am testing out three apps to replace FatMaps.

They need to be able to track and plan my runs, hikes, MTB rides, moto rides, and backcountry skiing. That is a bit of a challenge it seems, and I have not settled on one yet Here are the apps I’m testing:

Strava

OnX offroad

Gaia

If you have a recommendation I’d love to hear it.

Photo/Video Technique

Alex Strohl Presets

I used to love LightRoom photo presets but in the last several years I have mostly been editing my photos from scratch.

This month my friend Alex Strohl released his AS1 presets. I tried them and the look and feel are incredible. These are not your usual presets that only work on the seller’s example photos. They have worked on so many of my recent photos on multiple different cameras.

I’ll be using these going forward to make my editing less of a chore.

Give em a look Here

Who I am Following

Cameron Strand

His photos have great composition and interesting edits that remind me of late 80’s print ads. It’s fun to see his take on familiar subjects.

His Instagram

Listen

Listening to a full album is a lost art. It’s rewarding and transports you to a new and new headspace designed by the artist. Much like reading a book, your imagination fills the blank spaces and the album becomes your unique experience. A single song of the summer can never do that.

Here are three albums I am exploring:

DK the Drummer, Temporal

Childish Gambino, Bando Stone and The New World

Chris Isaak, Baja Sessions (classic)

Videos, Movies, and TV

Hawaii NOS (the government mandated re-edit version)

I didn’t love the edit anyway, so we remastered it, and here is the new version. Watch it if you haven’t seen it and watch it again if you have.

Reads

The Johnstown flood by David McCullough

A nail-biter from beginning to end.

A review of my mentorship: 

Working with Isaac is a constant inspiration. In short, he’s helped me find my ability to go out and do. In the past, I had constant feelings of being lost and uncertainty with the direction of my career. Whether it’s about communicating with brands, sharing your work, or just creating the work you want to do, his enthusiasm and knowledge in this field really provides a backbone of support and serves as an invaluable resource for someone wanting to further their career in photography/videography.

Being able to ask questions about the production of some of Isaac’s larger shoots and get an understanding of what that truly looks like before, during, and after really helped shine a light on many things I had questions about. I have a significantly better understanding of where my time and energy should be geared towards, and even better, the confidence and inspiration to do it. - Daniel Sabljak (see his Instagram here)

There is one more spot for the summer session. I believe it can change your life. Shoot me an email at isaac@isaacjohnston.co if you want to join.

Be stoked and have a great month,

Isaac

This newsletter, my photography, and my videos are all free but not cheap. If you want to help me continue to make things you can buy my Pitch Deck Kit HERE or

Share Isaac Johnston's Stoke-Ness

Alex Strohl and I have decided to go all in on making a series of YouTube videos we are calling “No One Sees”. It started with the video we made last year called The France No One Sees. It seems you all really liked it and we really liked making it together.

So we made another and are making several more.

I present to you our latest labor of love, The Hawaii No One Sees.

Mentorships

If you are struggling to become a creative freelancer and want some help, motivation, excitement and a clearer path, consider joining my mentorship program.

Here is what my mentor Daniel Sabljak said about it:

'“Working with Isaac is a constant inspiration. In short, he’s helped me find my ability to go out and do. In the past, I had constant feelings of being lost and uncertainty with the direction of my career. Whether it’s about communicating with brands, sharing your work, or just creating the work you want to do, his enthusiasm and knowledge in this field really provides a backbone of support and serves as an invaluable resource for someone wanting to further their career in photography/videography.

Being able to ask questions about the production of some of Isaac’s larger shoots and get an understanding of what that truly looks like before, during, and after really helped shine a light on many things I had questions about. I have a significantly better understanding of where my time and energy should be geared towards, and even better, the confidence and inspiration to do it.”

It’s a financial commitment of $500 a month, but if it leads to only one paying job you will have made your money back and you keep what you learn for a lifetime.

Be stoked,

Isaac

This newsletter, my photography, and my videos are all free but not cheap. If you want to help me continue to make things you can buy my all new Pitch Deck Kit HERE or

Subscribe now

This month

I’m sharing some favorite B-side photos from summer’s past, a book you need to read if you are a Creative, and a review from Matthias Marklin about my mentorship program.

“Having Isaac as a mentor has been a rewarding and inspirational experience, going far beyond any workshop I’ve taken in the past. For the first time, I’m seeing the potential to turn my passion into a career, and the one-on-one meetings define my personal roadmap. Isaac’s genuine enthusiasm fuels my growth, turning my artistic vision into a tangible, exciting future.“

There are limited spots for the summer session and we are nearly full. Shoot me an email at isaac@isaacjohnston.co if you want to join.

Be stoked,
Isaac

Photo Set

I often consume my photos, looking at them once after they are created and then stuffing them away on DropBox rarely to be seen again. The joy of looking at some of my favorite images is real and I am sharing a few from summers past this month in no real order. Enjoy.

Gear and Tools

Instant Coffee, the good kind

I travel a lot and often the places I visit have coffee that tastes like tar, used motor oil, or an olive straight from the tree (ask me how I accidentally know what that tastes like).

Yes, I could travel with a grinder, beans of my choice + plus a camp stove for hot water. That is just what I did for years. Now that I often travel with a cinema camera and my stills camera gear, the amount of bags I have has become overwhelming. There isn’t space.

Third-wave coffee makers have started offering their version of instant. It’s good. Honestly, it's better than most coffee and so easy to travel with that I have switched completely while on the road. Good coffee at the airport, on a boat, or a remote island beach in Croatia. Dialed.

My favorites are Coava Coffee, Black Coffee, and Uptown Hearth Coffee

Your local place might have it too.

Photo/Video Technique

Pro-Mist Filter

I have just returned from shooting the newest episode of “No One Sees” with Alex Strohl in Croatia. While we were there, we also shot a short film of an artist and Seatrekker who lives for months at a time on a remote Island.

For both projects, I shot video with a Pro-Mist filter. I used both the standard 1/8th Pro-Mist filter and the Peter Mckinnon VND + Mist filter (the diffusion level is 1/4 in that filter).

The mist gives a nice softening of the image that removes the digital look, softens the shadows, and makes any camera look more like a Cinema camera. I find it ideal to make beautiful videos. Peter Mckinnom tattoed fingers not required =)

ProMist

Peter Mckinnon VND + Mist

Who I am Following

Filson

No one brand captures the outdoor heritage vibe while simultaneously pushing a new visual style like Filson. I look forward to their posts and that’s not something I say about many brands.

Listen

Jeanie by Jim-E Stack feat. Bon Iver

Make a quirky song with a good beat + add Bon Iver = a song I listen to on repeat.

Listen here

Videos, Movies, and TV

Erzberg Rodeo

This is the only live sporting event I watch and honestly, it is a nail-biter every year. While you could watch the entire 4-hour replay, I am sharing the 20-minute recap.

If you recently got into F1 because of Netflix, then the tension and drama at this moto race will suck you in.

Reads

The Creative Act

A friend sent me this book for my birthday and told me not to read more than a few short chapters daily. It is best to let it soak in. I am about halfway through the book and it is giving me a new perspective on observing and creating.

Like all the best books, it gives words to explain what you already knew but couldn’t articulate.

Parting Thought: 

I read this six months ago and it has been with me daily since.

“Don’t be overheard complaining, not even to yourself” Marcus Aurelius. The Stoics believed that every time you complain, even in solitude, you reinforce a narrative of helplessness and weakness. It is as if you are telling yourself “I’m at the mercy of my circumstances”  and with every repetition, that story becomes more deeply imprinted into your identity. And so, the Stoics tell us that there is more power in self-discipline and choosing not to voice every frustration. Because when you refrain from complaint you’re shaping how you see yourself. You’re reinforcing an empowering perception of your strength and resilience.

Be stoked and have a great month,

Isaac

This newsletter, my photography, and my videos are all free but not cheap. If you want to help me continue to make things you can buy my all new Pitch Deck Kit HERE or buy me a virtual coffee.

Buy Isaac a Coffee

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This month

I’m sharing a photo technique for shooting in harsh light, goggles you need for summer, and a Bourdain episode you might have missed.

Be stoked,
Isaac

Subscribe now

New Photo Set

Hawaii

I’ve spent the last 3 weeks on Oahu shooting a new episode of “No One Sees” with Alex Strohl. It’s been a visual refresher, new scene colors and activities to shoot everywhere I look. Here are some of my favorites.

Gear and Tools

Snorkeling Goggles

I had forgotten how much I love swimming with goggles. It makes your average swim a flight through another world. Here in Hawaii, the water is perfect for it, but even at home in Montana, the water is colder but still worth exploring.

A good set is key. My friend and diving expert Dan Worden recently gave me this set, which is so much better than the Walmart special I used before. It seals the water better and is comfortable enough to wear for hours.

The goggle and snorkel were what I was using today the I swam with Spinner Dolphins.

Summer is coming, Get a set here

Photo/Video Technique

Shooting for highlights

I recently shot a photo of a fisherman named Joe and his son at the beach that I had a few questions about how I shot it. It was just before sunset and the difference between the lightest and darkest part of the scene was extreme. Rather than let some of the highlights blow out I decided to shoot how some of the National Geographic film photographers used to back in the day.

Expose for the highlights.

This means the image will be dark, and I will lose some detail in the darkest parts, but it will create drama and interest.

I don’t shoot like this every time, but on this image, it worked well.

Give it a go next time you shoot in less-than-ideal light. It’s a fun experiment that can create powerful images.

Who I am Following

Rich Larson

I was chatting with a friend about how I progress in skills riding a dirt bike for Hard Enduro. I mainly said riding a lot but also watching Rich Larson tutorials.

Since I don’t have a pro rider friend to constantly push me and teach me what skills I should know, I have found watching Rich has given me so much to work on. I watch one almost every other day and when I go out riding I have his techniques in my head to practice.

If you are into riding dirt bikes, then I recommend his channel to help you level up.

Follow him here

Listen

It’s Not Enough by Benny Sings

I was reminded of this jam a few days ago and it is re-stuck in my head now. Give it a listen and it will be stuck in yours too.

Videos, Movies, and TV

No Reservations Hawaii

It’s no surprise that Anthony Bourdain had a knack for uncovering the culture that lies beneath so many tourist hotspots.

In this episode about Hawaii, he talks with artists, chefs, and community leaders about what it means to be Hawaiian and who gets to be Hawaiian. It’s an empathetic look at the Islands we all love.

Reads

Killers of the Flower Moon

I recently jumped on the bandwagon and read this book. I understand now why it caught everyone’s attention and was recently made into a movie with Leonardo DiCaprio. It will have you guessing who done it and your jaw dropping at how so many people can be so evil.

Parting Thought

Everyone says it, scheduled exercise is good for you in everyway.

I think what really makes it valuable is training your brain to do something hard and uncomfortable regardless of the circumstances or how you feel day to day. If you don’t schedule your exercise, give it a go for 30 days, and mentally and physically it will change your life.

Be stoked and have a great month,

Isaac

This newsletter, my photography, and my videos are all free but not cheap. If you want to help me continue to make things you can buy my all new Pitch Deck Kit HERE or

Share Isaac Johnston's Stoke-Ness

My calendar is filling up with mentorships in creative freelancing. I have tried to make the mentorships as valuable as possible for the best possible rate. They are cheaper than a class at your community college, so I think they are a bang for your buck. If you want to grow as an artist and get more work as a professional creative, shoot me an email at isaac@isaacjohnston.co

Be stoked,
Isaac

Subscribe now

New Photo Set

Photographer Taylor Burk Cyanotype set.

A couple of weeks back I saw my friend Taylor Burk share some stories where he was making prints on the beach, using cyanotype paper. I never heard anything about it, but the blue and white contrasting prints he made using nothing but the sun and things found on the beach were magnetic. I thought they'd be a perfect set to share with you all. Read below, where I go into the techniques he shared with me on how to make them.

Gear and Tools

Sherco 300SE

If you've been watching my stories, you know that I have decided to register for my first Hard Enduro motorcycle race. I've been wanting to try forever, and now I'm finally getting around to it.

Of course, if I'm going to race a Hard Enduro race, I should probably have the right bike.

Sherco makes some of the best bikes around and I bought a 300 SE two-stroke. It rides so much lighter than all of my other dirt bikes, has power for days (actually too much power for me), and makes riding the technical stuff so much easier. The look, of course, is not my style, but the new 2024 gray plastics are less Power Rangers than most new bikes. I’ll be picking up a new set and having some custom graphics made to make the bike look more visually tame.

I recently completed a 1.5-hour endurance race on the Sherco. I have never had so much fun on a dirtbike and I've had a fair share of it in the past. It amazes me how much better new technology makes motorcycles ride.

If you're seriously considering getting into trail riding or Hard Enduro you can't go wrong with a Sherco 300 SE.

Photo/Video Technique

Cyanotype beach prints

After being mesmerized by the photos I shared above, I set up a time to talk to Taylor Burk and learn all about his process of creating prints using nothing but the sun.

“I was wandering through a hobby shop and saw this cyanotype paper,” Taylor said. “I'd heard about it before and seen some prints from a friend of mine and decided to give it a try. That was about a year ago and a couple of weeks back I finally got the chance to use it.”

Here's the process.

Buy Cyanotype paper.

You can make this if you are inclined, Taylor bought a 10-pack of premade paper/cloth sheets.

Mock up your design before you expose your paper.

“I have been documenting the herring spawn and used some dead herring and other things found on the beach to create a composition I liked. Keep in mind what you place on the paper will create a shadow, and the shadow will turn out white while the rest of the print exposed to the sun will turn out blue.”

Place your paper in the sun and quickly add the designs to the paper (Taylor added Herring here).

Wait 10 minutes or so for the sun to expose the paper and chemicals.

Keep in mind that the sun will move during that time creating softer edges to the shadows. If you want sharp edges to your shadows, use an indoor light source that does not move.

Douse the print in water to stop the development.

After about ten minutes it is time to stop the exposure. Now your print is permanently locked in.

Thanks for sharing Taylor! I'm going to give this a try. Give Taylor a follow @taylormichaelburk

Who I am Following

Jeremy Koreski

Keeping this a (mostly) Taylor Burke issue this month, I’ll let him share who he thinks you should follow.

“Since moving to British Columbia in 2016 I’ve been super inspired by Jeremy Koreski’s work and how he captures the West Coast. It seems so effortless.”

I agree and have followed Jeremy myself for years.

Follow him here

Listen

Nightshade (Hushed) by Andrew Belle

If you have heard of Andrew Belle then you might have heard how he re-records his albums Hushed. It’s a lot like an acoustic version but so much better.

His latest hushed album is Nightshade (Hushed) and is an album worth listening to end to end.

Listen to it here

Videos, Movies, and TV

Doctor Who, the Matt Smith series

About 10 to 15 years ago I watched Doctor Who after hearing a coworker talk about it all the time. Back then it didn't exist on streaming services, streaming services didn't exist. I had to borrow DVDs from my work friend. I started with the Matt Smith series and still think it is the best version of the show. It's a goosebumps mixed with Star Wars mixed with eclectic British drama. Perfect for watching with my kids or when I want something less serious but still catchy. Be warned it is an acquired taste.

You can watch it on Max.

Reads

The North American Indian. the Complete Portfolios by Edward S. Curtis

A couple of months ago I wrote about Short Nights of the Shadow Catcher, the story of legendary early 1900’s photographer, Edward S. Curtis, and his 30-year mission to preserve the history of North American Indian tribes.

This is the book of the images he captured and they are hauntingly beautiful. The way he shaped light for his portraits is something I plan to emulate and the context of his work makes the images captivating. This is a must-read if you are into photography or American history. My only regret is that I can’t afford the wildly expensive full-size book, but at $20 this smaller version is attainable.

Get it here.

Parting Thought: 

I heard that grief is our brain rewriting what we had planned for our future after we learn it won’t be what we expected. The last 4 years have changed a lot of people’s dreams for the future, financially and emotionally. It will take time to rewrite your expectations, but just like grief from loss, if you are gentle with yourself you will come through it.

Be stoked and have a great month,

Isaac

This newsletter, my photography, and my videos are all free but not cheap. If you want to help me continue to make things you can buy my all new Pitch Deck Kit HERE or subscribe to this substack.

Subscribe now

Don't have the funds to subscribe at the moment? Then sharing this newsletter with someone you think would like it is the next best thing. Thanks!

This month

I am opening up my calendar for portfolio reviews and mentorships in creative freelancing. If that interests you, then shoot me an email at isaac@isaacjohnston.co

Read to the end to see how you can win a $250 waterproof shell jacket.

Be stoked,
Isaac

New Photo Set

I shot a roll of Tri X black and white film with my Canon Elan and Canon 50mm lens and made a set around my house in -20 weather (plus some other scenes). I love how the film handles the highlights and makes every composition look artistic in a way that color film or digital can’t. I find it perfect for capturing memories you want to see 30 years down the road.

Click the “read in app” button on the top of the post to see the photos in full size.

Gear and Tools

How to get started shooting B & W film photos.

If you want to try shooting black and white film, it’s not hard, but learning what camera, what film, and how to develop it can be confusing.  Here is what I recommend:

Buy a film camera.

If you want a pocket camera, the Olympus Muji II is an excellent quality point-and-shoot camera.

You will want a DSLR for even better images, and then you will get great results with the Canon Elan 7 and the 50mm lens. Both cameras will run you about $200 each. That's less than a GoPro.

Buy some B&W film.

There are a few different types of black-and-white films. I like Kodak Tri X and Ilford HP5. You can buy those here.

Shoot Photos

Now that you have your gear, load up your film into your camera, and you are ready to shoot. The best way to learn how to load and shoot your new film camera is, of course, YouTube. There are several tutorial videos for this, depending on your chosen camera.

I’d recommend shooting in auto mode because black-and-white film has a greater latitude to change exposure after you shoot. If you buy the Muji II, it only has auto, so you are covered.

Develop the film

When you get through your roll of film you can send it off to a Film Development Lab. I have recently used The FIND Lab in Salt Lake City, Utah. I also like State Film Lab in Kentucky. They will develop and scan your film and send you back a digital scan of your images. It is honestly the best email when you get your scans back. You can also have them send you 4x6 prints. It’s even more fun to see your work in real life.

P.S. While researching for this section, I found this Kodak Tri X disposable camera. The easiest way to get started!

I hope I have inspired you to start shooting black and white!

Photo/Video Technique

J cut L cut

If you make videos with any editing software, then a J and L cut are the two techniques you must know to make your videos feel better in every way. I learned about the J and L cuts from the hiking YouTuber Kraig Adams in 2019. His videos have a seamless way of storytelling, and he said that a big part of that was fading the sound from each clip into the next. I am surprised by how many videos I see that don’t seem to use this technique. I could write a couple of paragraphs to explain it here, but as usual, a YouTube video will do it better.

Here is one I thought was informative.

Give it a try and see how much better your videos can be.

Who I am Following

The Best Made newsletter

The company Best Made is coming back, and the newsletter that founder Peter Buchanan-Smith is sharing about the process and things he finds is some of the best reading on the internet right now.

It is filled with gems and little-known products. Give it a subscription here.

Listen

Bodies Tycho Remix

This Tycho remix has me singing at the top of my lungs in the car and a little quieter around other people =)

Listen to it here

Videos, Movies, and TV

Magnum P.I.

If you need a pick me up from the March blues, then take a vacation to Hawaii with Tom Selleck. These episodes have so much nostalgia but hold up and are fun to watch. The Office is what most people are always in the mood for. Magnum P.I. is like that for me.

Give it a watch on Amazon Prime.

Reads

Sherlock Holmes, read by Steven Fry.

I love a good crime novel now and again. I feel it’s an excellent way to hear stories being told and learn storytelling while mixing it up from the usual nonfiction bio or business book.

Sherlock Holmes is near the top of fiction books on my list, and you can listen to all the books read by the entertaining Steven Fry for free on Audible even if you don’t have a subscription.

Parting Thought: 

Sometimes I find myself waiting for the stars to align for a project or an opportunity. Not every time, but maybe more often than you think it’s best to just brute force it. Start without lining things up, start with the belief that it will all work out. You will be surprised how many times problems will get out of your way.

Be stoked and have a great month,

Isaac

GIVEAWAY INFO:

Want to win a Men’s size large Salomon Bonnati Pro waterproof jacket of you or someone you like/love? Restock and like this post on Substack. I’ll pick a random winner and ship it to you. (shipping to the continental USA only sorry).

This newsletter, my photography, and my videos are all free but not cheap. If you want to help me continue to make things you can buy my all new Pitch Deck Kit HERE or share this newsletter with someone you think would like it is the next best thing.

This month

The game-changing backcountry access vehicle, a new photo set I am proud to share, and my choice for video editing software.

Be stoked,
Isaac

New Photo Set

Cake X Amundsen

In October, I met up with my friend Joel Hypponen in France. He is also a professional photographer, and my favorite way to work is collaborating with other talented creatives. We shot this Cake X Amundsen set together with Joel as talent and me behind the camera. Shoot me an email if you have isaac@isaacjohnston.co

Gear and Tools

Snow Bike

Alright, I know this one is unlikely to be a recommendation you all run out and buy, but this newsletter has always been about sharing my stoke on what I am using and doing, so here is this month’s gear recco:

I recently installed a snow bike kit on my dirt bike and holy heck, it is great. I had been using older snowmobiles for forest road access to the mountains in the winter for backcountry snowboarding. It was okay, but taking them off the trail guaranteed to get them stuck and having at least 30 min of digging and lifting while wondering why I thought I could ride in deep snow.

New snowmobiles are insanely capable but are $15-20k. I wasn’t going to be buying one anytime soon. A snow bike can be as cheap as $3500, but you get nearly the same access in the deep snow as a new snowmobile. That’s bang for your buck.

If you have ever tried a snowmobile, you will have learned that it takes skill. A snow bike is so much easier. I am blown away. On my first day out, I was climbing hills and weaving between trees and never got stuck. Find me in the mountains for the rest of the winter. I even built a snowboard rack to bring my snowboard to ride lines I haven’t reached before. Stoke is at an all-time high.

Photo/Video Technique

What video editing Software?

Nowadays, everyone edits video, with the ability to edit inside Instagram, Tik-Tok, and apps like InShot. If you find yourself wanting to step up to editing video with a more powerful tool or even looking for a more efficient way to edit than tapping your phone screen like a maniac, here are a few options:

Final Cut Pro. This is the software I use and have for the last 5 years. It’s made by Apple and costs $300 for a lifetime license. In my opinion, it is the easiest and fastest to create stories with. It lacks a built-in plug-in for motion and color grading, but there are aftermarket plug-ins for most everything. Finally, it’s optimized for Mac, so it is much faster to load than every other software.

DaVinci Resolve. It seemed like everyone switched from Adobe Premier to Davinci Resolve in the last couple of years. For good reason: it has the best color grading suite and is free to use the basic software with a $295 one-time cost to use the full software. While not as fast for story assembly as Final Cut, it is much better than other software. I haven’t switched, but wish for the color grading power. If you want to make beautiful videos, this is the software for you.

Adobe Premier. This was the software of choice a few years ago. It made sense with most folks using Adobe Lightroom and adding this to your monthly subscription for only another $20. I learned how to edit on Premier, and it was hard going. It’s not very reliable or fast, and the controls are clunky. Most everyone I know has made a switch, but I know and work with professional editors who still use it and swear by it.

Pick your favorite, and know that you will have a years-long learning curve ahead of you. In the end, it is worth it: the literacy of our modern era.

Who I am Following

Paul Johnson

Besides having a last name that is only one letter from being great, I love Paul’s IG. He shares things that are unique to what he does, and he does really unique things. From exploring the Midwest in arctic conditions to pack rafting unseen canyons in the desert, I find whatever he posts surprising and delightful. It's different than the trends, same old jokes, and thirst traps of IG today.

Give him a follow

Listen

Tired? Distracted? Burned-Out? by The Ezra Klien Show

I have felt one or all of these in the last couple of years, and this podcast episode dives deep into what is happening and how you can regain your focus. It is one of those bits of knowledge you knew already but didn’t have the words to explain.

Listen to it here

Videos, Movies, and TV

The Spain No One Sees by Alex Strohl

Alex has continued the “No One Sees” series, this time in Spain with his friend Steve Booker. I edited the film and wish I had been along for the ride.

Reads

Fire Weather

I just finished this book about the historic Fort MacMurray fire and the increasing frequency of large wildfires. I am a big fan of John Vaillant’s books The Tiger and The Golden Spruce. This book is different than my usual read and brought me into a discussion about climate change I had never heard. Honestly, it’s not a book I would have started had I known how heavy it would be, but it might be one of the most important books I have read.

If you feel up to the task of learning about our future climate while being told the story of a historic wildfire, this might be the book for you.

Read it here

Parting Thought: 

Too often, I find myself feeling committed to a path or choice because, in the past, I made a decision and now don’t want to look foolish for doubling back. Life is one big experiment, and framing most choices, like careers or places you choose to live, as experiments based on results gives me the air cover to adjust without feeling the shame of being a flaky person for changing my mind. Give yourself room to craft the life you really want.

Be stoked and have a great month,

Isaac

This newsletter, my photography, and my videos are all free but not cheap. If you want to help me continue to make things you can buy my all new Pitch Deck Kit HERE or buy me a virtual coffee.

Buy Isaac a Coffee

Don't have the funds to buy a coffee at the moment? Then sharing this newsletter with someone you think would like it is the next best thing. Thanks!

This month

The most comfortable (and cheap) camping pad, a video that will have you wanting to quit your phone, and my foolproof strategy to get amazing photo sets.

Be stoked,
Isaac

New Photo Set

Recently, I was invited by @vahna.moto to shoot and write an article about my Montana heritage. It was a dream assignment. I rode motos with my friends, dipped in hot springs, and had an experience as vivid as the story I wrote. I am excited to share it here.

Heritage In Montana

Photographer & Writer: @isaacsjohnston
Riders: @maven_coffee_works @samvitek @elibclark
Vahana Creative Director: @bengiese

If you want to read the article and see the images in beautiful print, you can buy the magazine here.

Gear and Tools

Comfortable backpacking pad

I have spent hundreds of nights on lightweight camp pads, sometimes comfortable, but for the most part, wishing there was a better pad that was still relatively lightweight. After searching and trying several different pads and even carrying two ultra-lightweight pads, one on top of the other, I believe I have found the best two options. One is expensive, one is cheap.

The cheap option is this pad from Amazon (on sale for $20 right now. I’ve used it for 10+ nights so far. It is robust and super comfortable, and the built-in pillow is a bonus. The cons of this pad are that it takes a bit to air up and is a little larger than the ultra-light options. It's still worth trying, in my opinion.

The second option is the Big Agnes Boundary deluxe insulated. I have not used it, but I have friends who use it and love it. It’s a trusted brand but also comes in at a steep $179.

Photo/Video Technique

Shooting Coverage, Wide/Medium/Close

Let’s say you just booked your first paid shoot. The client wants great photos but hasn’t given you a shot list or an idea of what you should shoot. You know what you want to shoot but are not sure it will cover everything they might need, and you are concerned they might come back and ask about a certain angle or shot you didn’t take.

That is why I shoot “coverage”. This is a blanket term for multiple angles and styles of shots to make sure you are covered should the client need something they didn’t think to ask for.

My strategy is simple: Wide, medium, close. I shoot the entire scene with location context, a medium scene that shows most of the subject, and a close-up of the product or person. Working through these three shot types, I find inspiration and unique angles to focus on. It gives me a safety net to focus on getting creative and seeing the best images without forgetting something.

Once back in the edit, I can choose which of the set works best together, knowing that if needed, I can add some of the shots I didn’t deliver if the client needs them. Give it a try on your shoots, commercial or not.

Who I am Following

Snowboarders

It’s snowboarding season, and I love watching riders who make it look attainable and fun. Here are two I love to follow:

SoulBoarder

Gaku

For the skiers

Sammy Carlson

Listen

It Takes A Lot To Try by Aviram

I saw this fella sing this song live on video and loved the raw Fleetwood Mack/ Simon and Garfunkel feel. It's not my usual jam on here, but it felt right and a light way to start the new year.

Listen to it here

Videos, Movies, and TV

No SmartPhone For A Year

If you are like me, then you have a hate/little bit of love relationship with your smartphone. I often think about ditching it to be a better steward of my time, thoughts, and focus. I haven't entirely pulled the trigger, but I am getting close. Where there is smoke, there is fire, as they say. I expect to go all in and say goodbye to my iPhone soon.

This video is a clear-headed experiment of the pros and cons of not having a smartphone. Plus, Craig is guaranteed to make you laugh in the process.

Reads

Letting Go: The Pathway of Surrender by Dr. David Hawkins M.D. Ph.D

I stumbled on a talk by Dr. David Hawkins that resonated with me, and then, after looking more at who he was, I found his book. I know that I have much to learn to be an effective, fulfilled person and the best version of myself.

Since this is not my usual book recommendation, I am having trouble finding the words to explain how life-changing this book has been for me. I’ll say it will be in the rare few books I revisit yearly. If you want a deeper understanding of how to live a life unencumbered by your struggles of the past, this book is a good place to start.

Read it here

Or listen on Audible

Parting Thought: 

It’s a New Year, and setting goals and steps and tying your future self to a regimented plan can be overwhelming. Instead, I like to take a hot shower or a long walk and let my mind wander to things I really enjoy. I’ll write those things down as my starting points for what I want to pursue this year. Then, with that list, I’ll start with what I am naturally curious about and build the steps from there. My curiosity will help me achieve the steps, and because I’m curious not only about the outcome but also about the process, it seems to require less effort to make it all happen.

Be stoked and have a great month,

Isaac

This newsletter, my photography, and my videos are all free but not cheap. If you want to help me continue to make things you can buy my all new Pitch Deck Kit HERE or become a paid subscriber to my Substack.

Don't have the funds to supoort me at the moment? Then, sharing this newsletter with someone you think would like it is the next best thing. Thanks!

I’m sharing a “why” you don’t need to buy photo presets, a song for the winter weather and two videos you need to see.

Be stoked,
Isaac

New Photo Set

Last Spring I had the chance to photograph and direct a film for a wine brand called Terazzas De Los Andes. They are known for being the first to plant vineyards in the high Andean foothills near Mendoza, Argentina. I went there with my friend/filmmaker RJ Bruni, and FPV Pilot Jonny Andrew to create a new branding campaign for them. I am excited to share the images and video with you.

Terazzas De Los Andes

Watch the film here

Photographer & Director: @isaacsjohnston
DOP: @rjbruni
FPV pilot: @_blastr
Creative Director: @paulgruber
Client: @terrazas_andes
Agency @mazarinegroup
Production @emilius.gm

Gear and Tools

Lowepro Whistler 450 camera backpack

A few years back I was given a used Lowepro Whistler 450 camera backpack. It was well used and beat up, but I needed a bag that could carry my full camera kit + outdoor gear in the mountains and anywhere I traveled. I have since traveled the world with it and can confidently say it is the most capable camera bag I have used. It’s tough as nails, holds the gear I need to be outside in extreme conditions + is infinitely adjustable to make sure whatever camera kit I carry is protected.

I was going to recommended here, but it is an astronomical price of $549. Instead, I think getting used backpack like I did is the best choice. Like a Toyota, it won’t matter if it’s used or new, it will work perfect either way. I found this one on eBay for $200.

Photo/Video Technique

Compare reference photo edit and Make your own presets

There is one technique I use that has progressed my ability to edit more than any other. It is using a reference photo and then doing my best to match the edit. I’ll move sliders and curves to tweak every aspect of my target photo while having an inspiration photo right next to it.

The inspriration photo can be your own film photo, an image from a photogrpaher you love, or an image of a painting with colors you love.

It works best when you match the lighting type on your inspiration photo to the image you are editing.

Change to “reference view” in Lightroom to display your image and your reference image back to back, then start tweaking to see what looks similar. With a little patience and experimentation you will have a close match. Then save your edit as a User Preset. Now you have your own preset that looks like a preset you would have had to pay for. As a bonus you will learn how to achieve a look without reference photos in the future. It is a win/win.

Give it a try on your next edit session.

Who I am Following

Annual Unfollow

It is time for an end of year cleanse. Do you really want to follow that pants brand you did once for a coupon? Is your sister’s friend’s brother you met at a bbq making your feed annoying? I know there is a social pressure to not unfollow because people might notice and feel bad, but mostly they don’t.

Curate your space. It’s like a Marie Kando for your digital space. Make sure it sparks joy.

Listen

Northern Attitude by Noah Kahan

I have This song with Hozier. It’s just the right amount of hopeful and nostalgic catchiness for this season.

Videos, Movies, and TV

This month I have two recommendations:

A video I made for my friend Alex Strohl’s channel.

A film about Gore-Tex by FortNine.

I always wondered how much better it was, I swore it was. But, it sounds like it was just a placebo.

Reads

Short Nights of the Shadow Catcher

My friend Benji recommended this book to me and it was spot on. The story of Legendary early 1900’s photographer and his 30 year mission to preserve the history of North American Indian tribes. It is a monumental story that makes me inspired.

Read it here

Or listen on Audible

Parting Thought: 

It’s worth seeking closure. Often we don’t see the progress we want in our lives because mentally and emotionally we get in our own way. Pursue growth through therapy, books and conversations with friends you trust. It will be your biggest source of fulfillment. As the year ends it is a great time to start.

Be stoked and have a great month,

Isaac

This newsletter, my photography and my videos are all free, but not cheap. If you want to help me continue to make things you can buy my all new Pitch Deck Kit HERE or buy me virtual coffee.

Buy Isaac a Coffee

Don't have the funds to buy a coffee at the moment? Then sharing this newsletter with someone you think would like it is the next best thing. Thanks!