CRAIG WILLIAM JOHNSTON STUDIO

Creating soul-level experiences that reveal who you truly are.

BOSTON’S PREMIER PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY EXPERIENCE

Portrait 1 Portrait 2 Portrait 3
Portrait mobile

“I recently did a photo shoot that went far beyond just beautiful portrait photography. It was a deep experience not only because Craig William Johnston is talented, but because he truly sees you. If you are ready to meet yourself—really see yourself—then go to him. You will find something honest, raw, and real—I did”

— Viktorina Kapitonova, Principal Dancer, Boston Ballet

Begin Your Boston Portrait Experience

Most people have never truly been seen.

At Craig William Johnston Studio, we create a safe space where you can feel truly seen.

It’s not just a Portrait—it’s a transformative portrait experience.

And in that stillness, the real you arrives—unforced, unfiltered, undeniable.

Beyond beautiful portraits, it’s about connection—

Honest. Raw. Real.

There’s no performance here.

No projection.

No need to “warm up” or get it right.

You don’t have to earn this moment.

You are the moment.

And we’re here to witness it.

The session is gentle. The atmosphere is calm.

But the result?

Unmistakable.

You walk away changed—

Not just with beautiful Portraits,

but with visual proof of your return.

Our Love to Admire

(A Boston Portrait Photography Gallery)

Portrait of a woman with brown hair pulled back, wearing a black ribbed long-sleeve shirt, against a dark grey background.
KALIN_BWPORTRAIT1.jpg
Alicia. Legacy Portrait , Truth and Spirit
A senior woman with glasses and gray hair seated at a table, looking to her left in a dimly lit setting.
Black and white close-up portrait of a young woman with curly hair, freckles, and earrings.
Carlos Dengler, Founding member of Indie Post Punk rock band Interpol. How about?
Boston Music Scene Legend Rick Berlin undeniably real.
Portrait of a man with dark hair, beard, and mustache, wearing a black shirt, sitting against a dark background, resting his chin on his hand.
Close-up portrait of a young man with glasses, styled hair, wearing a patterned jacket, illuminated by warm lighting.
A young, shirtless man with short hair and a goatee sits on a painted stool against a dark backdrop, wearing ripped black jeans.
Black and white portrait of a man with glasses and a beard, wearing a light-colored button-up shirt, sitting with arms crossed on a wooden chair, against a plain background.
Black and white portrait of a man with a serious expression, wearing a leather jacket and a patterned scarf around his neck.
A portrait of a woman with curly dark hair, wearing a black off-the-shoulder top, looking directly at the camera against a muted brown background.
An elderly woman with long white hair wearing a dark blazer over a white shirt, sitting on a chair, looking at the camera with a serious expression, in black and white.
A black and white close-up portrait of a woman with slicked-back hair, gazing thoughtfully with her hand resting on her chin.
Black and white close-up portrait of a young woman with a contemplative expression, resting her head on her hand, wearing a dark, textured sweater.
A man sitting on a wooden box, wearing a pink button-up shirt, beige pants, and brown shoes, with glasses and a beard, against a green background.
A young man with dark skin, styled black hair, wearing a gray suit jacket with a pocket square, a watch, and a necklace, sitting at a reflective black table with a contemplative expression, looking down with his arms crossed over his chest against a
A woman with short black hair wearing a teal dress with thin straps, sitting against a dark background.
Boston Music Legend Rick Berlin sincerity personified
A young man in a colorful, patterned blazer, black shirt, and bright blue tie, sitting against a plain background.
Portrait of a woman with dark brown hair, light-colored eyes, and wearing a dark headscarf and clothing, against a dark background.
Black and white portrait of a young woman with short curly hair, gazing into the camera with a calm expression, resting her head on her hand, wearing a light-colored blazer.
Black and white portrait of an elderly woman with deep wrinkles, wrapped in a large textured scarf, looking directly at the camera.
Black and white portrait of a young woman with wavy hair, wearing a slip top and a striped jacket, sitting with her arms crossed, looking directly at the camera.
A woman with brown hair pulled back, wearing a black ribbed long-sleeve shirt, posing against a plain, neutral background.

Testimonials

I had an incredible time during this photoshoot, a moment where I felt completely free open and real grateful to Craig William Johnston for creating such a natural, safe space where nothing had to be forced just me in this moment -

Viktorina Kapitonova, Principal Dancer,

Boston Ballet

Black and white editorial portrait of Carlos Dangler, former interpole bassist, photographed in his New York City apartmentawesome,.

"Craig takes such profoundly human and intimate portraits, He has a real intuition for this medium, it's actually kind of startling." - Founding member of the band Interpol - Carlos Dengler

Legacy portrait of local Boston musician Rick berlin holding his hat

Much of a successful photoshoot is what sort of ‘bedside manner’ the photographer has. Invasive? Easy? Gear prepared? As an especially gifted Portrait Photographer, Craig William Johnston is terrific on everything that counts. I consider him Rembrandt with a Camera. His work speaks for itself. With countless subjects he continually achieves superb results. Much of this has as much to do with his skill behind the lens as it does with the relaxed atmosphere he provides in the studio. I can’t recommend Craig highly enough.

- Musician Rick Berlin

Legacy portrait of cici photographed at Craig, William Johnston studio in Boston, wearing a teal dress against a painterly aqua-marine backdrop

You want an amazing portrait? Craig William Johnston Studio is the place to go. I had my portrait taken by him and it came out beautifully. He inspired me to always shine. Craig is very understanding and patient. If you are looking for an experience that delivers, This is the place to go. I will definitely be returning.

-Cici

Black and white branding portrait of a businesswoman seated in a tailored suit, Photographer, Craig, William Johnston studio with a textured painterly backdrop

My session with Craig was enlightening. He made me feel comfortable and he is very personable also has a sense of humor which is always a plus. He showed me some of the portraits he had taken. Remarkable! He is a master of his profession. His style is unique and captures the beauty with in. His eye sees your soul through his lenses. Making my experience both intimate and captivating. My photos are breathtaking. Thank you Craig.

- Patricia R.

Here’s what to expect

BEFORE THE SHOOT

Before booking a portrait photoshoot I always do a phone consultation to learn more about you, what kind of portraits or headshots you might be wanting, and to discuss other aspects like wardrobe and cost.

I will guide you in what outfits to bring and hair and makeup.

Hair and makeup are always available but not required, at an additional cost.

THE DAY OF YOUR SHOOT

On the day of the shoot, you’ll arrive with your selected clothes and we’ll take a moment just to gett to know each other a little more. We’ll hang up the clothes on a rack and take a look through them.

The shoot itself lasts about 2 hours.

DURING THE SHOOT

During the shoot, it will be more relaxed than any other portrait or headshot photoshoot experience you might have had. I want to capture you so I do everything I can to make sure you feel safe and able to be yourself. I will guide you through the entire process, there’s nothing you have to “do” except trust me.

I guarantee we will get stunning images that you will love.

AFTER THE SHOOT

After the shoot, we will schedule a photo ordering appointment that will take place a couple of days later over a Zoom session. During these 2 days, I will hand-pick the absolute best images from your shoot and you’ll have the opportunity to view the beautiful selection of images and decide which ones you would like to purchase.

Once you’ve made your decision, I will then retouch your purchased images (and have them printed if you ordered prints) and have them ready for you within 2 weeks