Charles Ellis Johnson

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Charles Ellis Johnson ca 1885

Charles Ellis Johnson (1857–1926) was a prominent American photographer, known for his work in both portrait photography and stereoscopic views. His career spanned the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a period that saw significant changes in the field of photography. Johnson's work is notable for its diversity, including portraits of prominent figures, documentation of the Latter-day Saint community, and a wide range of stereographic images that captured the American West's landscapes and daily life.

Early Life and Education

Charles Ellis Johnson was born in 1857, in St. Louis, Missouri, and moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, with his family at a young age. Details about his early education are sparse, but it is known that he developed an interest in photography during his youth. Johnson was largely self-taught, learning the intricacies of photography through experimentation and practice.

Career

Johnson's career in photography began in earnest in the 1880s. He opened his first studio in Salt Lake City, where he quickly established himself as a skilled portrait photographer. His portraits of Brigham Young and other leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are among his most recognized works from this period.

In addition to his portrait work, Johnson was fascinated by the burgeoning technology of stereoscopic photography. He produced a vast array of stereographs, which were two nearly identical photographs mounted side by side, that could be viewed through a stereoscope to give a three-dimensional effect. These images covered a wide range of subjects, from the majestic landscapes of the American West to scenes of everyday life, including the burgeoning towns and cities of the region.

Johnson's work also extended to documenting the activities and people of the Latter-day Saint community in Utah. His photographs provide a valuable historical record of this period, capturing both the ordinary and the extraordinary aspects of life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Legacy

Charles Ellis Johnson's contribution to the field of photography is significant. His portraits offer a glimpse into the personalities and figures of his time, while his stereographs and other images provide a vivid picture of the American West and its inhabitants. His work is preserved in several institutions, including the University of Utah's Marriott Library and the Church History Library of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Johnson's ability to capture the essence of his subjects and his innovative use of stereoscopic photography have earned him a place among the notable photographers of his era. His photographs not only serve as historical documents but also as works of art, reflecting the skill and vision of their creator.

Death

Charles Ellis Johnson passed away in 1926, leaving behind a legacy that continues to be appreciated by historians, photographers, and art enthusiasts alike.