ABOUT

professional portrait of woman in black shirt and cowboy hat

My name is Leni Johnston and I am a professional photographer based in Toronto and the surrounding areas. 

I believe…

I believe we need to be judged by our wealth of experience not our age.

I believe life experiences feed the work we do there needs to be a balance between the two.

I believe in supporting those who are daring to be different and who are charting a path for a sustainable future.

professional branding portrait of woman in photo studio looking at laptop

About Leni Johnston

I’m a photographer, an artist at heart, and a lifelong creator.

I’ve always been drawn to beauty in its quiet forms — a line of light, a texture in the garden, the way someone’s expression changes when they feel seen. Creating isn’t a choice for me; it’s how I make sense of the world.

Lately, I’ve felt especially connected to people who are starting over in midlife — rebuilding, redefining, or finally stepping into what’s always been waiting for them. The world moves fast and often forgets that wisdom doesn’t fade; it deepens. Especially for women, staying visible and valued can feel like an act of rebellion. I understand that deeply — because I’m living it too.

As a woman in my fifties, I know how disorienting it can be when the mirror doesn’t match the way we feel inside. But I also know how powerful it is to be truly seen again — to see yourself again. Photography, for me, is a way to help people remember who they are.

When I’m not behind the camera, you’ll usually find me in the garden — tending to plants, soil, and the small miracles that come from paying attention. I’m passionate about the environment, and I try to bring that same care into my creative work: intentional, sustainable, and rooted in respect for the world around us.

If your story involves new beginnings, grounded purpose, or creating something that matters, we’ll get along beautifully.

Let’s create images that tell the truth of who you are — and what you’re building next.

I ALSO DO…

PET PHOTOGRAPHY

Pet portraits are a new adventure for me and already I am loving it! It is the perfect combination of the two things I absolutely love - photography and animals. From puppy hood to their senior years, our pets are members of the family and equally precious. It's so important to capture each stage of their lives so we can treasure them forever. My dog is getting older and I am so aware of preserving each moment. I would love to do the same for you.

Pet Portrait Gallery

FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY

My art is an expression of my passion for the world that sustains us. I have a variety of images that can be custom printed to suit your environment.

Learn More

Living sustainably is a part of my daily life and a portion of my income is regularly donated to environmental, social and animal support charities.

RECOGNITION

  • Recognized For:

    Creative Art for Dancing Smoke

  • Recognized For:

    Creative Art for Washed Up series

  • Recognized For:

    Abstract, Still Life, Americana, Nature, and Architecture

    2010-2018

  • Recognized For:

    Abstract, Still Life, and Architecture

    2010-2018

PUBLICATIONS

  • Photographer for style at home magazine

    Style At Home

    Photographer for many Style at Home magazine editions.

  • Photography of Jan Brown Designs featured in this coffee table book of luxury Toronto home.

    Spectacular Homes of Toronto Book

    Photography of Jan Brown Designs featured in this coffee table book of luxury Toronto home.

  • Smoke images featured in the 2009 edition of Silvershotz Art Magazine.

    Silvershotz Art Magazine

    Smoke images featured in the 2009 edition.

Taking pictures is savouring life intensely, every hundredth of a second.

MARK RIBOUD