Stories By Dalton

07/06/2025

You don't have to be the best photographer to become a professional photographer...

When I first started out in 2016, I thought being good with a camera was all that mattered. Maybe, you might think the most successful photographers are the ones who are the best at composition, have a big following on social media, master lighting, etc.

I hate to say it, but we are both wrong.

Today, the most financially success photographers are the ones who are kind, work well in a team, well organized, are easy to contact, great at marketing, strong communication skills, and are enjoyable to work with through the full process of a photo shoot.

Why is that?

There are so many good creatives out there today that companies and agencies could pick almost anyone to photograph the job. But, not everyone can run a team, let alone manage a schedule. So, when getting hired, you need personal skills to relate to the person hiring you.

This comes from my ebook The Adventure Photographer's Playbook. It costs $10 and is helping new to mid level photographers go from nothing to getting booked in an 18 month process:
https://dalton-johnson.com/prints/the-adventure-photographers-playbook

07/04/2025

As a kid, my dream was to see the world. My oldest core memories come from road trips with my family growing, which is why I think I love them so much still to this day.

Every year, I try to take at least 3 or 4 "big" road trips to new places. However, whenever I can return to a location that blew my mind, I get very happy. And, I must say Monument Valley is one of those locations.

On my second trip to Monument Valley, the flowers were blooming, wild horses were grazing, and I was with the love of my life. Sharing a place as magical as this was a treat I hope I can share with my kids one day. But, what made it special?

From the 10,000 foot level Monument Valley is just a desert with some towers. But, that isn't how this place feels.

When my feet landed in the sand and my face was warmed by the sun, I couldn't help but feel something special about this place. A sense of calm. A sense of belonging. A sense of struggle. A sense of perseverance.

The towers made me feel small and the dryness of the desert made me feel the ephemerality of life.

A few of these images are available as prints, check them out in my store:
https://dalton-johnson.com/prints/monument-valley

If you are planning a road trip to Monument Valley, I've got you covered, read all about the area:
https://dalton-johnson.com/adventure/tag/Monument+Valley

03/19/2025

Well it is official, my first book is live!!!

If you want to support my work, there are two ways:
1) Grab yourself a copy of the book at the link below and leave me a review
2) Share this with your friends (this one is the most helpful)

Thank you everyone!

You can grab your copy at the link below:

is Dalton Johnson's first book of poetry. These 51 poems are his critique of American hustle culture told from the perspective of a young man returning to the world after years of living off the grid on less than $500 a month. These poems capture the internal battle of consumerism, American gr...

02/17/2025

It's official!

The final episode in the series "Visiting Sedona in Winter" has just gone live. This one is all about the best photo spots to visit in Sedona.

Check it out:

Wandering through the red dirt landscape of Sedona, AZ hunting for the best photo spots.In this video we check out:0:00 - 2:43 Seven Sacred Pools2:58 - 4:05 ...

02/05/2025

https://dalton-johnson.com/adventure/free-work-is-never-free

Photograher and writer, Dalton Johnson, shares his insights on working for free to break into an industry and move markets. This approach of building a portfolio has fueled Dalton's career since 2016.

01/29/2025

Epic sunrises, whale watching, hiking, chocolate clams, dolphins... it's no wonder Loreto, BCS is growing in popularity for travelers who love getting outside.

Read more about Loreto, BCS:

Discover the top things to do in Loreto, Baja California Sur. Explore Loreto Bay National Marine Park, visit historic missions, enjoy world-class whale watching, hike the Sierra de la Giganta, and savor fresh Baja cuisine in this charming seaside town.

01/29/2025

Loreto, BCS might just be Baja's best-kept secret, but it's time the world knows about where Jacque Cousteau dubbed "The Aquarium of the World"

Read about Loreto, BCS:

Loreto is Baja California Sur's hidden gem. From pristine islands in the Sea of Cortez to historic missions and unforgettable wildlife encounters, explore why this tranquil town offers the perfect blend of adventure, culture, and slow travel.

01/28/2025

POV: You're at home on your couch, dreaming of an epic summer road trip, then you see this photo from the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska and say to yourself "I want to go there this summer."

Well, we have you covered:

If you are going to road trip Alaska, you need to know these eight tips. For anyone road tripping Alaska for their first time, these 8 tips will help you accomplish your goals along the long road to and home from Alaska.

12/30/2024

Exploring the backcountry of Joshua Tree National Park is an experience unlike any other. For some, the vast, barren desert might seem uninviting or even intimidating. But for me, it’s a place of serenity, creativity, and unmatched beauty. It may sound strange to some, but I genuinely love spending time in Joshua Tree’s backcountry, especially when I go solo. There’s something about being out there, surrounded by desert silence, that keeps calling me back.

Read the full story:

Wandering into the desert to sleep under the stars may seem weird to most, but I love it. Especially when it is in the backcountry of Joshua Tree National Park. There is nothing like waking up to the warm sun on your face after you have been staring up at the night sky while cowboy camping in Joshua