For those of us lucky enough to know Neil Johnson, he was more than just a photographer. He was an artist with the rare ability to capture the essence of a moment, a personality, and a place. As we celebrate his work through the upcoming exhibition, Photographs of the People of Shreveport/Bossier City at the Turn of the Millennium, we are reminded of the lasting impact of his vision and his unique way of connecting with people.
Neil, who passed away in 2023, was known for his warmth, his talent, and his commitment to documenting life as it unfolded around him. This exhibition—an extensive collection of 2,000 portraits he took around the turn of the millennium—serves as a powerful testament to both Neil’s skills as a photographer and his deep love for this community. Through these portraits, Neil invited us to see our neighbors, friends, and strangers in a new light: not just as images frozen in time, but as people connected to each other through shared experiences, struggles, and triumphs.
I had the pleasure of working with Neil many years ago when he took a photograph of me for Maccentric’s ad campaign. In typical Neil fashion, he made me feel completely at ease in front of the camera. I remember joking around, being a little silly, and the result was a picture that I will always treasure. That was the beauty of Neil’s approach—he made you feel comfortable and confident, and through that, he captured something real.
Now, many years later, we get the opportunity to experience Neil’s vision through this exhibition at Artspace, which runs until March 21, 2025. It’s a rare glimpse into our past, a collection that reflects the diversity and resilience of the people of Shreveport and Bossier City, as seen through Neil’s eyes. Each photograph represents more than just a moment in time; it speaks to the ongoing evolution of our identities and our shared sense of community.
Neil’s dedication to his craft and his community is truly something to admire. As we look through his lens and witness the faces he captured, we can reflect not only on how much has changed but also on what has remained constant: our connection to each other. This exhibit is a reminder of the power of photography to preserve memories and document the stories that make us who we are.
I encourage everyone to explore this beautiful collection. It’s a tribute to a man who saw the world with incredible clarity and who used his gifts to showcase the humanity in each of us.
Neil’s legacy lives on in his photographs, and through this exhibit, his work will continue to inspire us for many years to come.
To Neil—thank you for capturing the people of our community and for sharing your gift with us. You are missed.
David A. Specht Jr. is publisher and editor of BIZ. and President of Specht Newspapers, Inc.
