Born in 1985 in Götene, Sweden, Erik Johansson began his photography journey at 15, teaching himself digital techniques before turning professional in 2011. Now based in Prague, he’s renowned for surreal works like Full Moon Service, gaining recognition through TED talks and global exhibitions. His images fuse hyper-real detail with impossible scenarios, using earthy tones like greens and blues, and textures such as cracked earth to create dreamlike yet believable scenes.
- Primary Genres: Fine Art Photography, Conceptual
- Primary Photography Style: Surrealism (manipulated, imaginative compositions blending the absurd with reality), Conceptual (realistic visuals with witty, narrative-driven ideas)
- Key Message: Johansson crafts realistic images of impossible scenes, challenging viewers’ perceptions and sparking curiosity through meticulous planning and digital mastery.
Johansson’s photography transforms everyday subjects—landscapes, architecture, and objects—into surreal narratives. Twisting houses, floating roads, or fish swimming in air dominate his portfolio, rendered in a hyper-real style that defies logic. His aesthetic hinges on earthy colours—greens, blues, greys—paired with tactile textures like split seas or cracked ground, adding depth to his fantastical visions.
He shoots each element—sky, props, or ground—separately with a Hasselblad H6D-50c medium format camera under natural light, favouring soft sunlight or overcast skies for consistent illumination. In Adobe Photoshop, he composites 20–50 shots, aligning shadows and tones over hours or weeks for seamless realism, using only his own photographs—no stock or AI-generated images. His work shines in large gallery prints, where fine details pop, though it’s also accessible online via his website and Instagram.
For intermediate learners, Johansson’s style offers a deep dive into digital manipulation and conceptual storytelling. His use of high-resolution medium format cameras highlights the advantage of detailed files for editing, unlike film’s fixed output. Pre-shoot sketches guide his vision, a habit worth adopting to clarify intent before shooting. His Photoshop process—matching lighting across multiple shots—teaches precision in composites, akin to the zone system’s tonal control but digitised. Learners can explore surrealism by blending real shots into imaginative narratives, focusing on lighting consistency and detail.
Johansson’s influence inspires beyond technique. His TED talk, “Impossible photography,” and YouTube behind-the-scenes videos break down his process, encouraging photographers to push boundaries. Producing just 6–8 personal works yearly, his slow pace prioritises quality, each piece a crafted story. Collaborations with Adobe and exhibitions at Fotografiska show his commercial and artistic reach, proving surrealism’s broad appeal.
- Accolades:
- Featured in Creative Review (2018)
- Shortlisted for Cannes Lions (2016)
- TED Talk speaker (2011)
- Hasselblad Ambassador
- Trivia:
- Built a darkroom at 16, showing early passion for photography
- Draws from optical illusions to fuel his surreal style
- Crafts or sources his own props for authenticity
- Self-taught in photography and retouching through relentless practice
Lessons from this Photographer:
Johansson’s work proves photography can bend reality with imagination as the only limit. His meticulous planning—sketching concepts first—teaches the power of a clear vision, while his high-resolution gear underscores quality for editing flexibility. Photographers can mimic his Photoshop precision, blending shots with matched lighting, or adopt his storytelling focus to create compelling narratives. His approach inspires experimentation, urging shooters to transform ordinary scenes into extraordinary tales through creativity and problem-solving.
Website and Instagram:
- Website: https://www.erikjo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erik.joh
YouTube References:
- TED Talk: “Impossible photography” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mc0vhSseGk4
Citations:
- Erik Johansson’s official website: https://www.erikjo.com
- All About Photo biography: https://www.all-about-photo.com/photographers/photographer/404/erik-johansson
- Wikipedia artist page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erik_Johansson_(artist)
- Nobel Peace Center feature: https://www.nobelpeacecenter.org/en/erik-johansson
- Hasselblad ambassador page: https://www.hasselblad.com/inspiration/ambassadors/erik-johansson/
- Shotkit camera bag insight: https://shotkit.com/erik-johansson/
